Meet Wanda Dorgan of Dorgan Legal Services in Pasadena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanda Dorgan.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After working in Human Resources for several years, I decided to go to law school and while in school worked full time but also clerked for a United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge. The latter work took place into the wee hours of the morning but demonstrated to me that I truly wanted to practice law. When I graduated, I took a position with a prominent Los Angeles based law firm to work as labor and employment counsel for management, but also served as a business litigator and helped to establish the firm’s appellate practice. From there I was asked to serve as West Coast Labor and Employment Counsel for a Fortune 500 Company and eventually went on to head the labor and employment practice for another Los Angeles based law firm. My aspirations for having my own firm were realized January 1, 2017, and I continue to represent management in labor and employment matters, including litigation and appeals. Although my practice consists primarily of representing management, I have also represented executives, high level managers and attorneys. Having my own law firm has also given me the opportunity to give back to the community in representing deserving individuals on a pro bono basis.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting your own business is probably something like childbirth — a bit painful in the process but forgotten afterward. Before deciding to do this, I met a lovely woman who explained to me that she was able to climb a very steep hill by looking side to side at the scenery and taking one step at a time (without looking ahead). I put that into action by focusing on what needed to be done piece by piece to start and maintain the practice. You soon learn that there is always something to do, but when you employ the “one step at a time” approach, it makes the road (and the hills) much smoother.

Dorgan Legal Services – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Given the many legal challenges of operating as an employer in California, Dorgan Legal Services specializes in strategies to help large and small businesses function efficiently, effectively and within the law. With over 30 years of experience, we have successfully handled highly sensitive and difficult cases as well as counseled on best practices in both the private and public sector involving union and non-union workforces.  We work collaboratively with our clients as a team to reduce the inevitable stress that comes from existing or potential labor and employment problems. We also take in the “big picture” of how each case or decision will affect the client’s business. In doing so, we provide the optimum we have to offer:  Service.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I was one of the few lucky attorneys to have a case heard before the United States Supreme Court. However, the proudest moments of my career so far have been in helping a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff put his life back together after suffering a traumatic brain injury, complications due to surgery, and the loss of his job. I received a call from another attorney who had heard of my reputation as a management side labor and employment lawyer and thought my expertise could help this Deputy.   That attorney asked if I would be willing to speak with the Deputy to help him out. Since then, nothing short of divine intervention has assisted in what is truly a tragic case.  This Deputy (and I) have received an overwhelming outpouring of support from the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, the Law Offices of Victor George (handling discrimination/harassment/retaliation and catastrophic injury cases), psychologist Dr. James Graves, the staff at my office (pictured) and numerous friends.       It has shown me that we do have to stretch our talents for good and say “yes” to what might seem insurmountable.  It may well be that the “one foot in front of the other” approach helped this process.

Contact Info:

• Address: Dorgan Legal Services
  790 East Colorado Boulevard
  Ninth Floor
  Pasadena, CA 91101
• Website: www:dorganlegalservices.com
• Phone: 626 784-4111
• Email: wdorgan@dorganlegalservices.com

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