Business Details
30 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Advocacy in Employment & Civil Rights Law
Potter Handy has established itself as a premier legal practice through its exceptional record of precedent-setting cases. Our advocacy has produced hundreds of published opinions, with many cases shaping constitutional standing issues, damages analysis, and civil rights statutes. With a litigation history that includes over 150 favorable published opinions and more than 10,000 judicial citations, we maintain an unparalleled commitment to client representation.Our attorneys regularly take cases to judgment - averaging one trial outcome monthly - while maintaining a robust appellate practice. With offices in California, Texas, and Illinois, we combine local expertise with national impact in employment law, elder abuse, class actions, and civil rights litigation.
Services
Employment Law
Class Action
Elder Abuse
Civil Rights
Data Breach
Wage Theft
Discrimination
Wrongful Termination
Sexual Harassment
Mass Tort
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We take cases to trial an average of once monthly, demonstrating litigation readiness
- Our attorneys have secured over $100 million in class action settlements
- We handle complex cases involving elder abuse, data breaches, and civil rights violations
- Our published opinions have shaped legal precedent in multiple jurisdictions
- We maintain offices in California, Texas, and Illinois for regional accessibility
What people say
Professional legal services
Successful case outcomes
Compassionate representation
Timely communication
Expertise in civil rights
Services
Employment Law
Potter Handy provides comprehensive employment law representation for victims of workplace discrimination, wage theft, and wrongful termination. Our attorneys handle cases involving age, gender, race, and disability discrimination, as well as sexual harassment and whistleblower retaliation. With deep expertise in California's complex labor laws, we help employees understand their rights and pursue justice through settlements or courtroom litigation.
Class Action
Our class action practice focuses on representing groups of consumers or employees affected by corporate misconduct. We handle large-scale cases involving data breaches, wage and hour violations, and consumer fraud. With over $100 million recovered in settlements, our attorneys have the experience to manage complex litigation and protect the rights of class members throughout California and beyond.
Elder Abuse
Potter Handy advocates for victims of elder abuse and nursing home neglect throughout California. Our attorneys handle cases involving physical abuse, financial exploitation, and medical neglect in senior care facilities. We work with medical experts to document injuries and pursue compensation for victims while holding negligent facilities accountable for systemic failures that endanger vulnerable residents.
Civil Rights
Our civil rights practice challenges government and institutional violations of constitutional protections. We represent clients in cases involving police misconduct, housing discrimination, and disability rights violations. The firm's precedent-setting litigation has shaped legal interpretations of civil rights statutes while securing meaningful reforms and financial compensation for victims of systemic discrimination.
Data Breach
Potter Handy represents consumers affected by corporate data breaches and privacy violations. Our attorneys handle cases involving unauthorized data collection, security failures, and misuse of personal information. We pursue legal action against companies that fail to protect sensitive consumer data while helping victims understand their rights and recover compensation for identity theft and other damages resulting from security breaches.
People
Mark Potter
Founder
Seasoned litigator and CNN interviewee with extensive experience in civil rights and employment law. Admitted to practice in all California courts and federal jurisdictions including the U.S. Supreme Court. Co-founder of Potter Handy with a focus on high-impact litigation.
Russell Handy
Founder
Distinguished partner and decorated veteran with expertise in appellate law and civil rights advocacy. Recognized for significant contributions to legal precedents. Co-founder of Potter Handy, focusing on complex litigation and constitutional issues.
James Treglio
Trial Lawyer
Class action division leader who has secured over $100 million in consumer settlements. Specializes in workplace rights litigation with a focus on wage and hour violations and employment discrimination cases across California.
Claire Cylkowski
Trial Lawyer
Experienced attorney dedicated to data privacy law and consumer protection cases. Represents clients in complex litigation matters involving digital rights violations and corporate data breaches affecting California residents.
Isabel Masanque
Trial Lawyer
Civil rights advocate with a decade of experience representing mass tort victims. Licensed in California, focusing on institutional abuse cases and employment discrimination claims with a particular emphasis on gender and racial equity issues.
Questions
What areas of law does Potter Handy specialize in?
Potter Handy focuses on employment law, elder abuse litigation, class actions, civil rights violations, and data breach cases. We represent clients in California, Texas, and Illinois with particular expertise in workplace discrimination and consumer protection matters.
How does Potter Handy handle class action lawsuits?
Our attorneys evaluate potential class actions by identifying common legal issues affecting multiple plaintiffs. We manage all aspects of group litigation from certification through settlement negotiations or trial, ensuring proper representation for all class members while pursuing maximum compensation.
What constitutes elder abuse under California law?
California defines elder abuse as physical harm, neglect, financial exploitation, or isolation of individuals aged 65+ or dependent adults. Our attorneys handle cases involving nursing home neglect, medical abuse, and financial exploitation while pursuing both compensatory and punitive damages.
How can I report workplace discrimination?
Document incidents with dates, witnesses, and evidence, then consult an attorney before filing internal complaints. Potter Handy helps clients understand their rights under California law, navigate EEOC requirements, and pursue legal action when employers fail to address discriminatory practices.
What happens during a free case consultation?
During your free consultation, an attorney will review your case details, assess legal merits, explain available options, and outline potential outcomes. We'll discuss evidence requirements, applicable laws, and whether litigation or settlement negotiations would best serve your interests without any obligation.
Does Potter Handy handle cases outside California?
While our main offices are in California, we represent clients in Texas, Illinois, and Utah through strategic partnerships. Our attorneys handle multi-jurisdictional cases involving class actions, data breaches, and civil rights violations while maintaining compliance with state-specific legal requirements.
