PRACTICE SUMMARY
Defending Employers
Douglas A. Barritt, a founding partner of Barritt
Smith LLP, practices primarily in the area of labor and employment
law. Throughout his career, Mr. Barritt has defended employers,
small and large,
in virtually every kind of dispute that can arise between an employee
and employer. He has represented clients before state and federal
agencies (i.e., the Department of Fair Employment and Housing,
the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the California Labor
Commission, Cal-OSHA and the National Labor Relations Board)
and
in state and federal courts around the country (i.e., California,
Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma
and Utah.).
Executive Representation
A substantial portion of Mr. Barritt’s practice also involves representing
executives and professionals in transition. More specifically,
he represents this select group of employees in negotiating and drafting
employment agreements,
severance agreements, change of control agreements and, if necessary,
advancing their interests in litigation or arbitration. Click
here for a summary of Mr. Barritt's executive representations.
Unfair Competition/Trade Secret
Mr. Barritt also has substantial experience in prosecuting and defending
unfair competition and trade secret disputes involving companies
and individuals in a variety of industries.
Defending Individuals
Executives, managers
and employees are often sued in their individual capacities in
employment litigation. In certain cases, ethical rules prevent
one law firm from defending both the company and the executive,
manager or employee. In such cases, Mr. Barritt is often retained
to represent the individual and work cooperatively with the company's
counsel to protect the individual's interests.
Employee Representation
Mr. Barritt’s law practice is unique in that he also represents
employees in litigated matters against their employers in select
cases. These cases involve all areas of employment law such as
discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, breach of contract
and wage and hour disputes.
Prior Firm Experience
Before forming Barritt Smith LLP, Mr. Barritt was the principal
attorney with The Barritt Law Firm. Prior to this,
Mr. Barritt was a partner at the employment law firm of Payne & Fears
LLP headquartered in Irvine, California. Mr. Barritt began his
legal career as an associate in the Employment Law Department of
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, a national law firm.
Education
Loyola Law School, J.D., 1990. Graduated in top 10% of class and served as the Chief Articles Editor of the International and Comparative Law Journal.
California State Polytechnic University of Pomona, B.S. in Computer Information Systems, 1985.
Awards & Recognition
2009 - Selected as Southern California Super Lawyer
2008 - Selected as Southern California Super Lawyer
2008 - Selected among Top 50 Southern California Super Lawyers
2007 - Selected as Southern California Super Lawyer
2007 - Selected among Top 50 Southern California Super Lawyers
2006 - Selected as Southern California Super Lawyer
2006 - Selected among Top 50 Southern California Super Lawyers
2005 - Selected as Southern California Super Lawyer
2004 - Selected as Southern California Super Lawyer
1990 - Elected as Member of St. Thomas More Law Honor Society
The Super Lawyer designation is awarded based on voting among
Southern California's 65,000-plus attorneys, each of whom is asked
to name
the best lawyers they have personally observed. The top 5% are awarded "Super
Lawyer" distinction.
Click here for additional information regarding Super Lawyer
selection process.
Personal and Civic
Mr. Barritt resides in Yorba Linda with his wife. He is the father of three
daughters and soon will be a grandfather. He is active in his community and
enjoys coaching and watching the sports in which his daughters participate.
|
