Edson McClellan

Edson McClellan has over 25 years of experience representing companies in high-stakes civil litigation and employment matters. He has significant experience in cases involving theft of company trade secrets, employee raiding, noncompetition agreements, breach of fiduciary duty, and contract disputes. Edson’s practice also involves all areas of employment law, including counseling and litigation. He is an accomplished trial attorney, with victories in cases involving claims for discrimination, retaliation, and wage-and-hour, among others. He is the former Chair of the Firm’s Employment Department and currently serves on Rutan’s three-person Executive Committee. Edson regularly counsels employers on a variety of topics including terminations, wage-and-hour issues, employment agreements, leaves of absence, and accommodating disabilities. He has represented employers in lawsuits by individuals and class actions involving claims for unpaid wages, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. He regularly litigates in both federal and state court and before various administrative agencies. In addition, Edson defends retailers, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation in lawsuits alleging disability access violations under the ADA and California law. He has substantial experience conducting workplace investigations, including investigations involving allegations of workplace misconduct, harassment, retaliation, and other matters. In addition, Edson represents executives in compensation negotiations and disputes. Edson is a frequent speaker on employment matters to professional groups, attorneys, and managers. He has authored several articles in local publications and law reviews, including the San Diego Law Review, the Southwestern Law Review, and the University of West Los Angeles Law Review.