Business Details
41 Years
experience
Trusted Employment Law Representation in Orange County
Sessions & Kimball has been a leader in employee rights representation since 1985, establishing itself as Orange County's largest law firm dedicated exclusively to employment law. Our team of attorneys brings nearly 200 years of combined experience, having secured over $200 million in recoveries for clients through trials, settlements, and litigation. We maintain a collaborative approach, ensuring every case benefits from the collective expertise of our entire firm. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top law firm, our attorneys hold prestigious accolades including AV Preeminent ratings, Super Lawyers distinctions, and Best Lawyers listings.We pioneered employee rights advocacy in Southern California decades before it became mainstream, teaching law courses and authoring over 1,000 publications on employment law. Our contingency fee model ensures clients pay nothing unless we win, and we provide direct attorney access for all consultations. With a proven track record in handling complex cases involving discrimination, harassment, unpaid wages, and whistleblower protections, we combine legal excellence with compassionate client service to deliver justice-oriented outcomes.
Services
Employment Law
Sexual Harassment
Workplace Discrimination
Wrongful Termination
Age Discrimination
Disability Harassment
Overtime Claims
Retaliation Cases
Unpaid Wages
Whistleblower Protections
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- Over $200 million recovered for clients through trials and settlements
- Collaborative approach utilizing expertise of all firm attorneys
- Contingency fee model - pay nothing unless we win
- Recognized legal leaders with 10+ law school course teachings
- Direct attorney access for all case consultations
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
- Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers
- The National Advocates Top 40 Under 40
- American Society of Legal Advocates Top 100 Lawyers
What people say
Professional and courteous
Tenacity
Quick response
Extreme pleasure
Perfect execution
Services
Employment Law
Our employment law practice covers all aspects of employee rights protection. We specialize in navigating complex workplace legal issues including discrimination, harassment, and wage violations. With decades of experience, our attorneys provide strategic representation through settlement negotiations, mediation, and trial litigation to secure maximum compensation for our clients.
Sexual Harassment
We represent victims of sexual harassment in both private and public sector workplaces. Our attorneys handle cases involving quid pro quo demands, hostile work environments, and retaliation. We pursue full compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and punitive damages while maintaining strict client confidentiality throughout the legal process.
Wrongful Termination
Our firm handles all forms of wrongful termination cases including discrimination-based firings, retaliation for protected activities, and violations of family/medical leave rights. We analyze employment contracts, company policies, and applicable labor laws to build strong cases for reinstatement and financial compensation.
Overtime Claims
We specialize in recovering unpaid overtime wages through individual and class-action lawsuits. Our attorneys handle misclassification cases, off-the-clock violations, and minimum wage disputes. We work with forensic accountants to calculate owed compensation and pursue penalties for willful employer violations.
Whistleblower Protections
Our practice includes protecting employees who report corporate misconduct. We handle cases involving retaliation for exposing fraud, safety violations, and regulatory breaches. We pursue legal remedies for wrongful termination, demotion, and other adverse employment actions taken against whistleblowers.
People
Don D. Sessions
Founding and Managing Partner
Pioneer of employee rights law in Orange County with 40+ years experience. Created first dedicated employee rights practice in 1985. Teaches employment law courses and authors legal publications. Maintains AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Stephen C. Kimball
Founding Partner
Recognized employment law expert with 30+ years of trial experience. Regular legal commentator on employee rights issues. Featured in national media outlets and maintains perfect 10/10 Avvo rating. Successfully resolved thousands of workplace disputes.
Heidi L. De Groot
Partner
Award-winning attorney specializing in complex discrimination cases. Recipient of multiple Top 40 Under 40 honors. Skilled negotiator with proven success in high-value settlements. Regular contributor to legal publications on employment law matters.
Larry E. Herrera
Partner
Seasoned litigator with focus on workplace retaliation and whistleblower protections. Holds leadership roles in Orange County Bar Association's Labor & Employment Section. Recognized for excellence in employment law advocacy by Super Lawyers.
Bruce G. Lee
Senior Counsel
Experienced employment law attorney with focus on wage and hour disputes. Former law clerk to federal judges. Expert in class-action litigation and complex employment contract negotiations. Maintains active role in legal education programs.
Questions
What types of employment law cases do you handle?
We handle all employee rights cases including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, unpaid wages, overtime violations, and whistleblower protections.
How are your legal fees structured?
We work on a contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fees come from the recovery we secure for you.
Do you handle cases outside Orange County?
While based in Orange County, we represent clients throughout Southern California including Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
What happens during the initial consultation?
One of our attorneys will evaluate your case details, explain your legal options, and provide a clear path forward during your free consultation.
How long do employment law cases typically take?
Most cases resolve within 6-18 months through settlement negotiations, with complex litigation extending up to 24 months depending on court schedules.
Can I file a complaint without an attorney?
While possible, our experience shows better outcomes with legal representation. We help navigate complex procedures and maximize potential compensation.