Sonalia, Rebecca

Toni Jaramilla believes in creating positive social change through dedicated and compassionate advocacy for the rights of workers. She has well over a decade of experience litigating hundreds of claims of discrimination, sexual and racial harassment, wrongful termination, and unpaid wages. She litigates both in state and federal court, and proceedings before the Labor Commissioner. She has successfully argued before the California Court of Appeal in various cases involving violations of the Fair Employment and Housing Act, and has successfully challenged the enforcement of arbitration agreements in the employment context.

Ms. Jaramilla served as Chair of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the California State Bar (2004-2005). She is currently the Co-Chair of the Diversity Coalition of the State Bar. Through her diversity outreach efforts, Ms. Jaramilla spearheaded a project that devotes thousands of dollars for grants awarded to multi-cultural organizations in a statewide effort to educate the community on workers' rights and employment and labor law in general. She is currently a Board Member of the California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA), California's largest and strongest employee rights advocate group.

Ms. Jaramilla was one of a select few U.S. employment law attorneys invited to speak before delegates of the Human Rights Commission of Korea during its efforts to expand Korea's own anti-discrimination laws. She is a frequent speaker for California statewide and local bar organizations as well as community groups and radio shows regarding labor and employment law.

Through a vote by her peers, Ms. Jaramilla was selected and featured as a Southern California Rising Star for 2004, and the following years was nominated and featured as a Super Lawyer for 2005 and 2006 in the Los Angeles Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine. Ms. Jaramilla's peers have also voted her to be included in the 2006, 2007, and 2008 editions of The Best Lawyers in America. In 2009, she has been recognized for the following: Super Lawyers, 2009 and Best Lawyers, 2009 featured in Los Angeles magazine, and Women Leaders in the Law, 2009.

Since college and throughout her legal career, she has devoted extensive pro bono time outreaching and serving under-represented communities. She was profiled in the Los Angeles Daily Journal's front page article titled Bar President is Feisty Advocate (October 6, 1998) and was featured again on September 9, 2002 for her successful advocacy on behalf of discrimination victims.

Congressman Xavier Becerra (Member of Congress, 30th Congressional District) has publicly commended Ms. Jaramilla for her outstanding service and dedication to her community. She has also received honors from the California State Board of Equalization and from Los Angeles Councilman Jose Huizar (14th District) for exemplary efforts and accomplishments which have been of great value to the City of Los Angeles, furthering the common goal of making our City a better place in which to live.

Her proudest accomplishment and joy are raising her two daughters, Serene and Ali.