Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP

In the dynamic and often complex landscape of California’s employment laws, employers frequently face significant challenges ranging from intricate compliance issues to high-stakes litigation. Navigating these legal waters requires specialized expertise, strategic counsel, and a deep understanding of both state and federal regulations. For businesses and organizations throughout California, particularly in the San Diego region, Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP has long been recognized as a premier destination for management-side labor and employment law. This article will provide a detailed overview of this distinguished firm, highlighting their specialized services, their strategic location, and what makes them a top choice for employers seeking robust legal representation.

Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP, founded in San Diego in 1998 by its four esteemed partners—Richard Paul, Fred Plevin, Michael Sullivan, and Joe Connaughton—has consistently emphasized practical, real-world solutions over theoretical approaches. The firm has carved out a niche as one of California's leading management-side labor and employment law firms. In a significant development, Paul, Plevin officially joined forces with Quarles & Brady, a full-service, AmLaw 200 law firm, effective January 1, 2023. This strategic combination has expanded their reach and resources, allowing them to offer an even broader array of services on a national platform while maintaining their strong local presence and commitment to superior client service.

The firm's core mission revolves around advising and defending employers across various industries in virtually every facet of employment law. They are known for their deep bench of highly skilled attorneys who possess extensive experience in navigating the intricate legal framework governing employer-employee relationships. Whether it's proactive compliance counseling, internal investigations, or aggressive defense in litigation, Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP (now part of Quarles) remains dedicated to helping employers achieve their business objectives while mitigating legal risks.

Strategically positioned in the heart of downtown San Diego, Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP's office offers exceptional accessibility for businesses and organizations throughout Southern California. Their office is located at:

101 W Broadway #1500, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

This prime location in a major business hub ensures that clients can easily access their legal counsel. Situated in a prominent building on West Broadway, the office is conveniently reachable by various modes of transportation, including personal vehicles with ample parking options nearby, as well as public transit. Its central position in the financial and legal district of San Diego also places the firm in close proximity to federal and state courthouses, key governmental agencies, and other essential business services. This logistical advantage facilitates efficient legal proceedings, meetings, and interactions with relevant authorities. For local businesses, having expert labor and employment counsel in such an accessible and central location simplifies the process of seeking timely advice and representation, fostering seamless collaboration between the firm and its clientele.

Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP, as a leading management-side labor and employment law firm (now operating as Paul Plevin Quarles), offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the diverse needs of employers in California and beyond. Their practice is focused on both proactive counseling to prevent issues and aggressive defense when disputes arise.

• Discrimination and Harassment Defense: Representing employers in defending against claims of discrimination based on protected characteristics (e.g., race, gender, age, disability) and allegations of workplace harassment.
• Wrongful Termination Defense: Defending employers against lawsuits claiming wrongful termination, including breach of contract, public policy violations, and retaliation.
• Wage and Hour Compliance and Defense: Providing counsel on complex wage and hour laws (e.g., overtime, meal and rest breaks, PAGA claims) and defending employers in class and representative actions related to wage and hour disputes.
• Trade Secret and Employee Mobility: Advising on the protection of proprietary information and trade secrets, and handling disputes related to employee departures, non-compete agreements (where enforceable), and unfair competition.
• Union-Management Relations: Assisting employers with labor relations matters, including collective bargaining, unfair labor practice charges, union organizing campaigns, and grievance arbitrations.
• Internal Investigations and Compliance: Conducting and advising on internal investigations into employee misconduct, harassment, or other workplace issues, and developing compliance programs to ensure adherence to state and federal employment laws.
• Whistleblowing and Retaliation Defense: Defending employers against claims brought by employees alleging retaliation for whistleblowing activities or exercising protected rights.
• Workplace Training and Counseling: Providing proactive training for management and employees on various employment law topics, and offering day-to-day advice on human resource issues to help clients structure policies and procedures to avoid costly problems.
• Class and Representative Actions Defense: A robust practice dedicated to defending employers against complex class action lawsuits and representative actions, particularly those brought under California's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).
• OSHA and Workplace Safety: Advising on occupational safety and health regulations and representing employers in OSHA investigations and compliance matters.
• Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation: Providing legal counsel on employee benefits plans, executive compensation, and related compliance issues (enhanced through the merger with Quarles).
• Immigration & Mobility: Addressing legal issues related to employee immigration and mobility, which has been further strengthened by the combination with Quarles & Brady.

Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP (now Paul Plevin Quarles) possesses several distinctive features and highlights that solidify its position as a top-tier firm for employers in California:

• Specialized Management-Side Focus: The firm is exclusively dedicated to representing employers in labor and employment law matters, providing a deep, nuanced understanding of management's perspective and needs. This specialization ensures highly relevant and effective legal strategies.
• Decades of Experience: Founded in 1998, the firm has nearly 25 years of independent operation before joining Quarles, amassing extensive experience in California's complex employment law landscape. Its founding partners and deep bench of attorneys bring significant practical knowledge.
• Proven Litigation Track Record: The firm has a strong history of successfully litigating and resolving disputes, including representing clients in jury trials, appeals, class actions, arbitrations, and agency proceedings. This robust litigation experience is crucial for high-stakes employment cases.
• Proactive Counseling and Training: Beyond litigation, the firm is highly regarded for its preventative approach. They regularly counsel clients on labor management relations, conduct employment-related audits, and provide comprehensive workplace training to help clients anticipate and avoid legal pitfalls.
• Strategic Combination with Quarles & Brady: The merger with Quarles & Brady in 2023 significantly expanded their capabilities. This alliance provides a national platform, broader resources, and an enhanced array of services, including robust immigration and employee benefits practices, while maintaining their strong local expertise.
• Respected Leadership: Key partners from Paul, Plevin now hold significant leadership roles within the combined firm, including co-chairing the national Labor & Employment Practice Group and serving on the firm's executive committee, underscoring their influence and expertise.
• Commitment to Value: The firm, now part of Quarles, maintains a shared commitment to delivering "superior legal work and client service at a great value," emphasizing practical and cost-effective solutions for their clients.
• Industry Recognition: The firm and its attorneys are consistently recognized in various legal publications and rankings, affirming their status as leaders in the labor and employment field.

As a highly specialized and established law firm serving corporate and organizational clients, Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP (now Paul Plevin Quarles) typically focuses on delivering unparalleled legal expertise and strategic value rather than advertising traditional "promotions" or "special offers." However, clients can expect that the firm's emphasis on "great value" means they strive for cost-effective and efficient solutions for employers. The firm often provides resources such as seminars, webinars, and articles on current labor and employment law topics, keeping clients informed of new regulations and best practices. These educational initiatives serve as a form of added value, helping clients proactively manage risk and stay compliant without direct additional fees. For specific engagement terms and fee structures, interested employers are encouraged to contact the firm directly to discuss their needs and the scope of potential legal services.

For employers in California seeking expert legal counsel in labor and employment law, Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP (now Paul Plevin Quarles) can be reached at their San Diego office:

Address: 101 W Broadway #1500, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Phone: (619) 237-5200

Mobile Phone: +1 619-237-5200

Businesses are encouraged to reach out via phone to schedule a consultation and discuss their specific labor and employment law needs.

For employers operating within California, especially those based in or with significant operations in the San Diego region, Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP (now seamlessly integrated with Quarles & Brady) is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal partner. Their suitability for locals stems from a powerful combination of specialized expertise, strategic location, and a client-focused approach that directly addresses the unique challenges faced by California businesses.

Firstly, their exclusive focus on management-side labor and employment law ensures that local employers receive deeply specialized and highly relevant advice. California's employment laws are notoriously complex and ever-evolving. Having a firm that lives and breathes these regulations means local businesses can confidently navigate compliance, minimize risks, and strategically respond to disputes, preventing costly missteps.

Secondly, the firm's long-standing presence in San Diego, even after combining with a national firm, signifies an intimate understanding of the local business environment, judicial system, and community nuances. This local knowledge, combined with national resources through Quarles, offers a powerful advantage, providing both tailored local insights and broader strategic capabilities for businesses operating statewide or even nationwide.

Regarding client feedback, while one review mentioned "disrespectful, inappropriate personal diss of opposing litigant" and a "junior associate fails to provide vigorous representation," which suggests an isolated negative experience, it is important to consider the broader context. Another review simply states, "These guys are the best of the best. ‘Nuff said." This stark contrast often reflects individual case dynamics. Reputable firms with decades of service often have a diverse range of client experiences. Paul, Plevin's long-standing reputation as a top firm in its specialized area and its integration into a larger, respected national firm like Quarles & Brady generally points to a high standard of legal service and ethical conduct as their fundamental operating principles. The firm's consistent recognition and the decision by a major national firm to combine with them further validate their expertise and standing.

In conclusion, for San Diego and California employers seeking proactive counsel, robust defense against claims, and strategic guidance in all areas of labor and employment law, Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP (now Paul Plevin Quarles) offers the specialized knowledge, proven track record, and accessible local presence that makes them an indispensable partner. They are well-equipped to provide the practical and effective legal solutions that modern California businesses demand.