Frank E. Melton, Attorney

Frank Melton is a versatile labor & employment attorney with deep knowledge of the ever-changing employment laws. He applies over 28 years of experience, sound judgment and tenacity to achieve excellent results. Whether representing clients in employment litigation or providing advice on preventative measures, Frank is practical in his approach and remains focused on meeting his clients' business objectives in a cost-effective manner. Regardless of the client or matter, Frank listens intently, acts proactively and operates with the utmost integrity.

Frank represents employers in a variety of industries, as well as prominent non-profits and executives. Clients call Frank when facing issues such as:

• Employment litigation; including sexual harassment, wage and hour, discrimination, wrongful termination and trade secret and administrative agency cases
• Employee terminations, disciplinary actions, investigations and mass layoffs
• Drafting employee handbooks, offer letters, arbitration or non-disclosure/non-solicitation agreements
• Executive employment or separation agreements
• Disputes involving shareholder-employees of closely-held companies
• Collective bargaining or other issues with unions

Frank and his wife live in the Beverlywood area of Los Angeles and he is the proud father of three daughters. An avid fan of Los Angeles sports teams, Frank frequently attends Dodgers, Lakers and Kings games.

Notable Results:

• Won dismissal on motion for summary judgment an age and disability discrimination case against a Fortune 500 company filed by a long-term executive.
• Advised large national employers on layoffs, WARN Act issues and other labor cost-cutting strategies
• Following a five-week trial, won a defense verdict and an award of attorneys' fees in favor of three individual defendants and their new entertainment industry company in a trade secret and unfair competition case brought by their former employer.
• Drafted employee handbooks, offer letters and a variety of other employment-related documents for various subsidiaries and the U.S. corporate parent of a large aerospace and defense manufacturer.
• On behalf of a large medical center, won a series of traditional labor arbitrations filed by various unions representing members who challenged the termination of their employment under a collective bargaining agreement.
• Successfully led the defense of a sexual harassment claim against a large non-profit and its top executive through an independent investigation and mediation.
• Successful defense of multiple sexual harassment claims against a key executive of a national retail chain, and negotiation of a separation agreement with the company following resolution of the claims.
• Advised a large manufacturer and distributor in the agricultural industry in connection with the company's defeat of a union election campaign.
• Negotiated employment agreements for a team of executives in the financial services industry relative to their joining a Fortune 500 firm, and assisted the team in responding to issues raised by another Fortune 500 firm in the industry in connection with their departure.

Industry Experience:

• Apparel/Textile
• Communications
• Construction
• Financial Services
• Food & Beverage
• Health & Beauty
• Healthcare/Biotechnology
• Manufacturing
• New Media/Entertainment
• Non-Profit
• Professional Services
• Real Estate
• Retail
• Technology

Assistant:
Janis Gabbert
Phone: (310) 286-1700
Email