Jonathan Assia

My focus

As a seasoned commercial litigation attorney, I possess a robust skill set to represent clients across all litigation stages. My extensive experience is grounded in a successful track record of advocating for businesses in both federal and state courts, achieving favorable outcomes before judges and juries alike. I am also adept at guiding clients through alternative dispute resolution processes, including arbitration and mediation.

My practice is diverse, with a particular focus on business-to-business litigation. I bring a wealth of experience to the table in handling breach of contract cases, fraud, and a variety of other business disputes. This includes navigating the complexities of business separations and the enforcement of restrictive covenants such as non-compete and non-disclosure agreements.

In addition, I am proficient in managing employment-related matters under the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), as well as issues pertaining to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wage and hour claims. My role extends to advising and counseling businesses to ensure compliance with both California and federal employment statutes.

My comprehensive understanding of litigation allows me to steer clients through the legal process with strategic acumen, instilling confidence in their legal decisions. My courtroom successes are a testament to my commitment to securing favorable verdicts, awards, and judgments for my clients.

Representative experience

• Successfully led an arbitration case concerning a commission fee dispute, culminating in the arbitrator granting my client full damages, costs, interest, and attorney’s fees for a breach of contract claim.
• Second-chaired a two-week federal jury trial on behalf of Jiae Lee, the plaintiff in an action against defendants Dong Yeoun (Damon) Lee, Creative Global Investment, Inc. (CGI), and Grace Min, claiming fraud, negligent misrepresentation, conversion, unjust enrichment, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract. The jury found Damon Lee and CGI liable on essentially all counts, and awarded significant compensatory and punitive damages.
• Achieved a full defense verdict as second chair in an employment wage and hour arbitration, demonstrating my capability to defend clients against complex claims.
• Successfully second-chaired a three-week employment arbitration, obtaining a full defense verdict in a case involving multiple plaintiffs with allegations of discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour violations.

Looking ahead

Stringent California laws have a major operational impact on start-up companies. New companies in California need to overcome the difficulties of compliance and still maintain high employee morale and low legal costs.