V. James DeSimone

V. James DeSimone is a highly respected employment attorney with decades of experience advocating for workers’ rights. Admitted to the California Bar in 1985, he focuses on representing employees in cases involving workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage-and-hour violations. His commitment to ethical, vigorous representation has earned him a reputation as a powerful voice for justice in California employment law.

Mr. DeSimone earned his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1981 and his J.D. from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law in 1985. Early in his career, he served as a staff attorney at Westside Legal Services, providing trial representation for lower-income clients. In 1990, he co-founded Schonbrun & DeSimone, a civil rights and employment law firm that gained national recognition. After 25 years as a partner, he established V. James DeSimone Law, continuing his focus on protecting employees from unlawful workplace practices.

Mr. DeSimone’s record of success includes multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements in employment retaliation, discrimination, and wrongful termination cases. Notable victories include a $7.39 million jury award in an employment retaliation case and significant recoveries in class actions for wage-and-hour violations, achieving settlements of $17 million, $16 million, $12.5 million, $10.5 million, and $5 million for workers in various industries.

In addition to his extensive trial experience, V. James (“Jim”) DeSimone has handled landmark California appellate cases that have strengthened workplace protections statewide. His leadership in complex employment litigation—at both the trial and appellate levels—has helped shape key legal standards in discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour law. With a career devoted to employee rights, Mr. DeSimone brings together strategic, high-impact litigation skills and deep knowledge of California employment law. He continues to advocate for fair treatment, equal opportunity, and justice for workers across California.

Law Office Affiliations

• Owner, V. James DeSimone Law
• Member, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
• Member, California Employment Lawyers Association
• Member, National Employment Lawyers Association
• Member, Santa Monica Bar Association
• Member, The State Bar of California
• Honorary Board Member, Trial Lawyers Charities

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of California at Los Angeles School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• The Johns Hopkins University
  BA in Political Science
• Manalapan High School

Awards & Badges