Keia James Atkinson

Initially coming from a traditional “big law” background representing California and nationwide employers, Keia is experienced on both the defense and plaintiff’s sides of employment litigation matters.  His past work includes matters involving litigating and resolving single plaintiff harassment, discrimination, misclassification, whistleblower, and wrongful termination claims, as well as wage and hour class action and representative claims under the Private Attorneys’ General Act (PAGA). His experience includes representing employers of all sizes, from Fortune 50 companies to small businesses with 5 or fewer employees, in administrative hearings and state and federal court in matters involving claims of unpaid wages, exempt status, breach of contract, wrongful termination, harassment and discrimination, independent contractor status, and improper paystubs. Keia also provides employers with experienced advice and counsel on a variety of employment issues, including but not limited to employee leaves and accommodation; internal misconduct and other HR investigations; harassment and other mandatory employer-provided training; employee counseling and discipline, company handbooks; arbitration programs and policies; wage and hour and other audits; and more.

Prior to joining Fisher Phillips, Keia represented employees in employment and consumer protection class action and representative matters. Before that, he represented employers for a Vault 25 firm from its San Diego office. Keia has also served as Adjunct Professor at the University of San Diego School of Law and has been an active contributor to the school’s mock trial program.