Douglass W. Gillie

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION AND COUNSELING

Doug has significant experience defending employers in both state and federal court against a range of claims, including wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower allegations, and wage-and-hour violations. He has successfully defended national and multinational employers in individual and class-based claims, including achieving dismissal of class and PAGA claims following arbitration of individual claims. Doug also advises clients on employee handbooks, internal investigations, and navigating EDD and agency disputes.

He regularly prepares and argues dispositive motions such as motions for summary judgment, anti-SLAPP motions, and motions to compel arbitration in employment contexts. His work includes representing logistics, transportation, and manufacturing companies in high-risk employment litigation.

CLASS ACTION AND PAGA DEFENSE

Doug has defended numerous businesses in wage-and-hour class actions and representative actions under California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). He has handled class certification issues, discovery related to large groups of employees, and settlement approval proceedings. His experience includes achieving successful outcomes for employers through arbitration, motion practice, and strategic case resolution.

In addition to his defense of employers in class matters, Doug has prepared motions for approval of class and PAGA settlements, worked with expert witnesses to evaluate damages, and counseled employers facing overlapping class, PAGA, and individual claims.

COMMERCIAL AND BUSINESS LITIGATION

Doug routinely represents clients in high-stakes business disputes, including breach of contract, business torts, commercial arbitration, and regulatory enforcement actions. He has represented pet food manufacturers in multimillion-dollar commercial arbitration, grocery chains in consumer claims, and public entities in regulatory disputes. His experience includes complex case development, fact investigation, and contract drafting for clients ranging from emerging businesses to established national brands.

He also advises contractors, design professionals, and business owners on contract enforcement, real estate disputes, and mechanic’s lien litigation. Doug’s commercial work is often multidisciplinary, requiring in-depth financial analysis and technical coordination with experts.

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY DEFENSE

Doug has successfully defended a wide range of licensed professionals—including attorneys, real estate agents, mortgage brokers, engineers, and architects—against claims of malpractice, negligence, and breach of duty. His clients have included both individuals and firms in high-risk professional liability disputes.

He regularly handles discovery, expert development, and case strategy in these matters, with experience defending law firms, design professionals, and real estate professionals in both court and alternative dispute forums.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGULATORY LITIGATION

Doug’s early experience includes defending clients in environmental litigation involving CERCLA (Superfund) claims, water rights disputes, and regulatory enforcement. He has represented local governments and manufacturers in disputes involving environmental contamination and resource allocation.

In addition to his work on behalf of municipalities like the City of Carlsbad and the County of San Diego, Doug has experience addressing Prop 65 claims and defending companies in regulatory disputes in the food and beverage sector.