Our History
ESKRIDGE LAW was in existence in Los Angeles County since 1997 – originally in Torrance, and now in Los Angeles. In January 2022, ESKRIDGE LAW opened a second office, in Sacramento County, so that it is now positioned to serve both Northern and Southern California. In 2023, ESKRIDGE LAW became ESKRIDGE LAW & MEDIATION.
Although ESKRIDGE LAW began as a litigation firm, over the years its principal, Gayle L. Eskridge, gradually transitioned into devoting more and more of her practice to serving as an arbitrator and mediator. Now, ESKRIDGE LAW & MEDIATION is an arbitration and mediation provider which represents only a handful of long-time private clients. Gayle L. Eskridge can be retained through the American Arbitration Association or by contacting the firm directly, at either of its locations.
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The Excellence
Both ESKRIDGE LAW & MEDIATION and Gayle L. Eskridge have held an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell every year since 2001. An AV rating identifies a lawyer or firm with very high to preeminent legal ability. The AV rating is a reflection of expertise, experience, integrity, and overall professional excellence. Ms. Eskridge has also been designated a Martindale-Hubbell Top Rated Lawyer in Litigation every year since 2015, and a Martindale-Hubbell Labor and Employment Law Top Rated Lawyer every year since 2015. Ms. Eskridge has also been designated a Martindale Hubbell Women’s AV Preeminent Attorney every year since 2011.
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Other Awards and Accolades
Ms. Eskridge has been designated a California Super Lawyer every year since 2012. (Only 5% of all attorneys in Southern California ever receive such a distinction.)
Year after year, Ms. Eskridge has also been designated as one of the Best Lawyers in America for her work in representing employees. Best Lawyers is regarded – by both the legal profession and the public – as one of the most credible measures of legal integrity and distinction in the United States. Inclusion in Best Lawyers symbolizes excellence in practice. Additionally, ESKRIDGE LAW has been selected as a “2021 Best Law Firm” by Best Lawyers.
Ms. Eskridge has also been designated a Top Attorney in Southern California by Los Angeles Magazine, and a Top Attorney in Pasadena by Pasadena Magazine.
Ms. Eskridge has also been selected a California Top Ten Attorney in the Litigation, Lawsuits & Disputes Division by the American Institute of Legal Counsel.
Ms. Eskridge has been designated as one of America’s Most Honored Professionals – Top 1% in every year since 2011. She has also been designated one of the Top Women Attorneys in Southern California every year since 2012.
Call to ScheduleRepresentative Cases as a Litigator
Among ESKRIDGE LAW’s victories in business and real estate disputes are the following:
2020
- ESKRIDGE LAW recovered $250,000 which had been stolen from its client by internet wire fraud.
- ESKRIDGE LAW settled for only $5,000 a case in which a residential buyer accused the firm’s client of sales fraud.
2019
- ESKRIDGE LAW represented homeowners associations regarding a variety of matters.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled an eminent domain case against its client (the property owner).
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a pre-litigation settlement of $120,000 on a matter involving seller misrepresentations in a residential sale.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled a lawsuit against its client regarding the sale of an apartment complex.
- ESKRIDGE LAW settled a pre-litigation claim by its client, against a poorly performing vendor.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a settlement of $45,000 on behalf of its clients against their residential landlord
1998-2018
2018
- ESKRIDGE LAW settled a complicated real estate fraud case on behalf of its client, the seller, for nothing more than a buy-back of the property.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully represented a client in the partition of property containing apartments and retail space.
- ESKRIDGE LAW handled a stock sale transaction for its restaurant industry client
2016
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled a partition action on behalf of its client (the defendant).
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled an action claiming real estate fraud on behalf of its client (the defendant).
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a settlement of over $250,000 on behalf of tenants of two apartments which were damaged by water.
- ESKRIDGE LAW represented a veterinary practice in the successful purchase of its office building.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled a breach of contract and fraud case among owners of a company.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully defended an unlawful detainer action.
2015
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained $375,000 on behalf of its clients in a shareholder derivative action.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled a partition action on behalf of its client (the plaintiff).
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled a claim regarding allegations of damage to real property.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled an ADA access claim brought against one of its retail business clients for only $4,000.
2014
- ESKRIDGE LAW convinced an insurance company to pay $235,000 to resolve a case on behalf of one of its real estate clients.
2013
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained settlements totaling $15,500 from two defendants, and a default judgment of over $600,000 from a third defendant in a real estate fraud case.
2012
- ESKRIDGE LAW succeeded in settling a dispute involving an HOA for $45,000, plus some non-monetary items which were greatly appreciated by the clients.
- ESKRIDGE LAW succeeded in obtaining a full dismissal of its client (the seller) in a real estate litigation matter.
- ESKRIDGE LAW succeeded in preventing a lawsuit in a real estate “failure to disclose” case in a settlement which involved its client (the seller of an apartment complex) paying only $12,500.
2011
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $44,000 judgment in a business litigation matter after only a few months of litigation.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a mistrial in a matter involving an 11,000 acre ranch, and obtained a favorable settlement involving the transfer of certain property shortly afterward.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully resolved an ADA construction access lawsuit.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $130,000 pre-litigation settlement for a client in a stock dispute involving convertible debentures.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully defended the owner of commercial property regarding ADA access issues.
- ESKRIDGE LAW represented a client in the sale of her tree trimming business.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully prevented the owner of commercial property from being criminally prosecuted related to land use violations.
- ESKRIDGE LAW assisted the buyers of a residential property in forcing reluctant sellers to proceed with closing escrow
2010
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled a partition action involving an income property in Gardena.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully quashed a real estate fraud lawsuit which had been brought against ten of its clients.
- ESKRIDGE LAW provided legal advice which was successful in preventing many of its business clients from being sued.
Among ESKRIDGE LAW’s victories for employees are the following:
2020
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained over a half-million dollar settlement for an employee who was terminated after “blowing the whistle” on company executives.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a favorable settlement for an employee who had been terminated because of being arrested on a charge unrelated to her employment.
2019
- ESKRIDGE LAW represented numerous employees in either protecting their jobs, or in negotiating appropriate severance packages.
1998-2018
2018
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled a lawsuit by a whistleblower against a major defense contractor.
- ESKRIDGE LAW settled an employment case with complicated intellectual property issues on behalf of its employee client.
- ESKRIDGE LAW settled a pre-litigation employment claim on behalf of its client (the employee).
2017
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a pre-litigation settlement of $700,000 in a wage and hour claim brought on behalf of a caretaker who was an undocumented immigrant.
- ESKRIDGE LAW settled a pre-litigation whistleblower case regarding the False Claims Act.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled a case regarding discrimination based on taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act and the California Family Rights Act for $140,000.
2016
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $106,000 pre-litigation settlement on behalf of a client who was forced to quit his job due to being retaliated against for whistleblowing.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $145,000 settlement on behalf of an employee who was terminated after complaining about age and disability-based discrimination and harassment.
2015
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained reinstatement for a client who had been terminated from a major university.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $46,000 pre-litigation settlement on behalf of a client based on age, sex, and sexual orientation discrimination.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a pre-litigation settlement of $50,000 on behalf of an employee who was retaliated against for whistleblowing.
2014
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a settlement of $159,000 on behalf of an employee who was harassed and discriminated against based on her physical disabilities and on her age.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained $130,000 on behalf of a client who had been forced to quit his job due to violation of wage and hour laws.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a pre-litigation settlement of $136,000 on behalf of an employee who was retaliated against for whistleblowing.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a settlement of $165,000 on behalf of an employee who was harasses and discriminated against based on his age.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $105,000 settlement on behalf of a client in a case involving breach of an employment contract..
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained reinstatement plus $10,000 in lost wages on behalf of a client who had been wrongfully terminated.
2013
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $136,000 pre-litigation settlement on behalf of a medical administrator who was retaliated against for whistleblowing concerning patient care issues.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $240,000 settlement on behalf of a public employee who was discriminated against because of his age and disability.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $125,000 pre-litigation settlement on behalf of an accountant who was harassed and discriminated against because of his age and disability.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $90,000 settlement on behalf of a client who “blew the whistle” on safety issues which impacted the general public.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $65,000 pre-litigation settlement on behalf of a company district controller who was terminated after refusing to violate the Labor Code.
2012
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained an early retirement package for a client who became medically unable to perform the essential functions of her job.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained over a settlement of more than $300,000 on behalf of a female welder who was sexually harassed at work. (This settlement was obtained in only a couple months.)
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a settlement of $90,000 on behalf of an accountant who was terminated after having a heart attack and bypass surgery.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $50,000 pre-litigation settlement on behalf of a customer service representative who was terminated because of her race and physical disability.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a pre-litigation settlement of $50,000 on behalf of a housekeeping employee who was sexually harassed.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a pre-litigation settlement of $57,500 on behalf of a senior maintenance technician who was terminated because of whistleblowing and also because of his physical disability.
2011
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained over $150,000 on behalf of a female executive who was sexually harassed at work. (This settlement was obtained in less than a month.)
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $125,000 settlement on behalf of a teacher who was harassed and discriminated against because of his race and retaliated against for whistleblowing.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $28,000 settlement for an employee who was denied meal breaks. (This took only a couple weeks to achieve.)
- ESKRIDGE LAW assisted several clients in obtaining their unemployment compensation benefits.
2010
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a pre-litigation settlement of $165,000 for a client who was terminated because of his age.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a settlement of $125,000 in a pregnancy discrimination case.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a pre-litigation settlement of $40,000 for a Filipino client in a race discrimination case.
- ESKRIDGE LAW was successful in several unemployment appeals before the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a settlement of $77,000 for a salesperson who was sexually harassed and then terminated because of her gender. (This settlement was obtained in a few months, without filing a lawsuit.)
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a settlement of $40,000 for a hospital employee who was harassed and discriminated against because of her age. (This settlement was obtained in only a couple months, without filing a lawsuit.)
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained settlements totaling $68,000 for a female employee who was sexually harassed at a medical office.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $50,000 settlement for an executive who was terminated when his division was dissolved. (This settlement was obtained within a few months, without filing a lawsuit.)
- ESKRIDGE LAW was successful in obtaining long term disability insurance coverage for an employee who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
2009
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $207,000 settlement for an aerospace company employee who was discriminated against and harassed based on her sex.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $100,000 settlement for a corporate vice president who was discriminated against and harassed based on her sex. (This settlement was obtained within a few months, without filing a lawsuit.)
- ESKRIDGE LAW was successful in getting an employee who had been terminated because of a mental disability reinstated with full back pay, and in obtaining an accommodation for the employee’s disability. (This settlement was obtained within a few weeks, without filing a lawsuit.)
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $55,000 settlement for an employee who was terminated for complaining about wage and hour violations.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $50,000 settlement for a female employee who was sexually harassed by a co-worker. (This settlement was obtained within a few months, without filing a lawsuit.)
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $25,000 settlement for an employee who had been terminated for complaining about sex discrimination. (This settlement was obtained within a couple months, without filing a lawsuit.)
2008
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained settlements totaling $251,0000 for an employee who was terminated from joint employers in retaliation for reporting racial harassment.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $203,000 settlement for an employee who was discriminated against based on his age and race.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $225,000 settlement for an employee who was sexually harassed by her supervisors.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $180,000 settlement for an employee who was terminated in retaliation for reporting racial harassment and other illegal activity which was occurring in the workplace.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $172,500 settlement for an employee who was terminated by a hospital in retaliation for whistleblowing.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $250,000 settlement for an employee who was retaliated against after he reported that a supervisor was harassing other employees based on their race.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $220,000 settlement for an employee who was terminated based on his age.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $125,000 settlement for an employee who was terminated for whistleblowing.
2007
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $120,000 settlement for an employee who was exposed to race-based harassment at work.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $50,000 settlement plus a new job and her own department for a public attorney who had been discriminated against based on her gender.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained reinstatement of a longshoreman who had been improperly terminated.
2006
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $150,000 settlement for a nurse who had been sexually harassed.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $60,000 settlement for a licensed clinical social worker who had been discriminated against based on her age and gender.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $45,000 settlement on behalf of an executive who had been discriminated against based on his age and physical disability.
2005
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $75,000 pre-litigation settlement for a hotel manager who had been discriminated against based on her age and gender.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $150,000 settlement for a health care worker who was terminated while he was out on disability leave, after the employer caused the employee’s mental disability by harassing him based on his age.
2004
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $45,000 settlement for an executive who was fired in violation of his employment contract.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $190,000 settlement for two auto mechanics who had been discriminated and harassed based on their ages and race.
2003
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $100,000 settlement for an employee who was sexually harassed, and who was retaliated against when she reported the harassment to Human Resources.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $120,000 settlement for an employee who was sexually harassed, then fired when she reported the harassment to Human Resources.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $45,000 settlement for an employee who was disabled by grand mal seizures.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $280,000 settlement for an employee who was terminated for complaining about various legal improprieties being committed by his employer.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $75,000 settlement for an employee who was offered a promotion in exchange for sexual favors.
2002
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $175,000 settlement in a gender and race discrimination case.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $135,000 settlement in a breach of contract matter, only a month after filing the lawsuit.
2001
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $115,000 settlement in a gender and race discrimination case.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $750,000 settlement in a race discrimination case.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $150,000 settlement in a disability discrimination case.
2000
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $100,000 settlement for a customer service manager who was discriminated against based on her gender.
1999
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $75,000 settlement for a school counselor who was wrongfully terminated.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $176,500 settlement in a sexual harassment case.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $275,000 Judgment in a pregnancy discrimination case following a trial by jury in Los Angeles Superior Court.
1998
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $200,000 settlement for its sexual harassment client without even filing a lawsuit.
- ESKRIDGE LAW obtained a $400,000 settlement in a medical condition discrimination/gender discrimination case five months after filing the action.
ESKRIDGE LAW was almost always able to prevent its employer clients from being sued – provided the firm was retained before a lawsuit was filed. As a result, ESKRIDGE LAW seldom represented employer clients in litigation. However, the following are some representative cases in which ESKRIDGE LAW defended employers who had not obtained legal advice from ESKRIDGE LAW prior to being sued:
2019
- ESKRIDGE LAW represented an employer in a class action involving 81 employees, and resolved the case for only $19,500, shortly after receiving an opening demand for $620,000.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully resolved a claim against its employer client, for wage and hour violations and retaliatory discharge, for only $7,500.
- ESKRIDGE LAW represented a national non-profit medical association in a variety of transactional employment law matters.
- ESKRIDGE LAW represented a variety of for-profit and non-profit entities in a variety of transactional employment matters.
1999-2018
2018
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully defended its employer client, settling a ten cause of action lawsuit for only $20,000, only three months into the case.
- ESKRIDGE LAW represented several employers with high-risk terminations.
- ESKRIDGE LAW prepared employee manuals and other employment documents for numerous employers.
- ESKRIDGE LAW settled a disability discrimination lawsuit against its client (the employer) in only a few months.
- ESKRIDGE LAW settled a wage and hour case against its client (the employer) despite being retained only weeks before trial.
- ESKRIDGE LAW represented a national non-profit medical association in a variety of transactional employment law matters.
- ESKRIDGE LAW represented a variety of for-profit and non-profit entities in a variety of transactional employment matters.
2016
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled a wage and hour class action with over 500 class members for less than $400,000.
- ESKRIDGE LAW settled a pre-litigation claim of disability discrimination and harassment for $8,500 on behalf of its employer client.
- ESKRIDGE LAW settled a pre-litigation claim of disability discrimination and harassment, and wage and hour violations, of $7,500 on behalf of its employer client.
- ESKRIDGE LAW settled a sexual harassment and intentional infliction of emotional distress case for $45,000 on behalf of its employer client.
- ESKRIDGE LAW settled a sexual harassment case for $18,000 on behalf of its employer client.
2015
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled a sexual harassment case for only $45,000 very early in the litigation.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled a five-plaintiff wage and hour case for only $5,900 per plaintiff.
2014
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully settled a wage and hour case brought against a law firm for only $7,500 very early in the litigation.
2013
- ESKRIDGE LAW prepared numerous employee manuals, severance agreements, and other employment-related documents for its employer clients.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully prevented many of its employer clients from being sued, despite employees’ allegations of discrimination and harassment.
2012
- ESKRIDGE LAW advised several of its employer clients in matters including disability leave law, age discrimination law, and sexual harassment law. ESKRIDGE LAW also advised its employer clients relating to lay-offs and other terminations.
- ESKRIDGE LAW was successful in negotiating a severance package of under $3,000, preventing its employer client from being sued for pregnancy discrimination.
2011
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully prevented many of its employer clients from being sued, despite employees’ allegations of discrimination and harassment.
2010
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully prevented many of its employer clients from being sued by providing well-drafted employee manuals, pre-hire documents, employment contracts, and general employment law advice.
2009
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully defended a major non-profit corporation which had been accused of terminating an employee based on a physical disability.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully resolved a sexual harassment claim made by a former employee against an aerospace company.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully defended an overtime claim against a fashion design company.
2008
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully resolved an age discrimination claim made by a former employee against an aerospace company.
2007
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully resolved a lawsuit in which a former employee alleged pregnancy discrimination.
2005-2006
- ESKRIDGE LAW prevented numerous of its employer clients from having any claims brought against them.
2004
- ESKRIDGE LAW represented an out-patient surgical clinic and successfully resolved a lawsuit claiming unpaid overtime pay.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully defended two 7-Eleven stores who were sued by the same former employee claiming he was owed wages for unpaid overtime, among other things.
2003
- ESKRIDGE LAW represented a cabinet maker and successfully resolved a lawsuit claiming unpaid overtime pay.
2001
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully represented a confetti and balloon company in a case in which the former employee alleged unpaid overtime, termination in violation of public policy (whistleblowing), and defamation. The employee dismissed her lawsuit while the motion for summary judgment ESKRIDGE LAW had filed was pending.
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully defended an adult day school in a wrongful termination case. (In fact, ESKRIDGE LAW got the case dismissed within a couple months of being retained – with no settlement being paid.)
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully defended a tile and marble store in a lawsuit claiming discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination.
2000
- ESKRIDGE LAW represented a computer company in a wrongful termination case which alleged termination in violation of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
1999
- ESKRIDGE LAW successfully defended a company in the aircraft industry in a case in which the former employee claimed she was fired in retaliation for whistleblowing.
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of California
- Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Sacramento Bar Association
- American Arbitration Association
- Southern California Mediation Association
- Mediate.com
- American Bar Association
- Department of Real Estate
- Bylaws Committee of the Sacramento County Bar Association
- MCLE Committee of the Sacramento County Bar Association
Community Partnerships and Contributions
ESKRIDGE LAW & MEDIATION believes in giving back to the communities it serves. To that end, the firm has contributed to and been involved in grassroots partnerships with various non-profit community-based organizations. Some of the community-based organizations to which ESKRIDGE LAW & MEDIATION has contributed either time, money, or both, include:
- Hercules Animal Rescue, Inc. – financial assistance and pro bono legal services
- Emergency Animal Rescue, Inc. – financial assistance and pro bono legal services
- Friends of Cats, Inc. – financial assistance and pro bono legal services
- Torrance Human Relations Forum – “Visions of Unity” art and writing scholarships for Torrance Unified School District students – financial assistance
- Cancer Legal Resource Center – pro bono legal services
- Victims of AIDS – pro bono legal services
- National Down Syndrome Society – financial assistance
Gayle Eskridge explains why she is passionate about mediation and arbitration.
See our YouTube channel for many more videos regarding information on various specific legal issues.
Contact Gayle Eskridge
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