About Dawn
Dawn M. Irizarry is a seasoned litigator with over 20 years’ experience defending California businesses in the full spectrum of employment law matters, with extensive experience representing clients in both Southern and Northern California. Dawn has litigated hundreds of matters involving claims of sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation, wrongful discharge, defamation, failure to accommodate, and related claims. Dawn also provides strategic advice and counsel to employers regarding California’s stringent employment laws, offering guidance on personnel policies, employee discipline, terminations, and other critical employment issues. Dawn has successfully represented clients in federal and state courts, before the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and state civil rights enforcement agencies, as well as through private mediation and arbitration.
As the chair of CDF’s Healthcare Industry Employment Practice Group, Dawn brings substantial expertise in representing employers in the healthcare industry, including hospitals, medical technology companies, physician groups, and urgent care centers.
Dawn also defends employers in a myriad of other industries, including aviation, the airline, technology, financial services, retail, hospitality, among others. Dawn prides herself on being responsive and in being a true collaborator with her clients in terms of learning their business and understanding the client needs that are specific to their industry and workplace dynamics.
Dawn boasts an impressive record of successful case outcomes, reflecting her deep expertise and commitment to her clients. Notably, Dawn has led the defense in numerous cases where summary judgment has been obtained, in its entirety, both in state and federal court and in arbitration. Dawn’s ability to navigate complex legal challenges and secure favorable results underscores her proficiency in employment law and her dedication to protecting her client’s interests.
Dawn is a sought-after speaker and author on topics ranging from employment law compliance in the healthcare industry to emerging legal trends and workforce management strategies for employers managing workforces in California. Dawn's ability to communicate complex legal issues in an accessible manner has made her a sought-after speaker and author in the field of employment law. Her expertise and engaging presentation style make her a valuable resource for employers navigating California’s complex legal landscape.
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Areas of Practice
Wrongful Termination and Workplace Tort Litigation
Class Actions
Wage and Hour Issues
EEO Litigation
Workplace Solutions, Advice and Training
Education
Southwestern University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2002
- Extern, Honorable Arthur Alarcon, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2001
- Southwestern Law Review, Associate Editor, 2000-2002
- Southwestern Moot Court Honors Program, 2000
Florida International University, B.A., Human Resources Management, 1997
Publications
"Combatting the Rise in Wage and Hour and PAGA Litigation in the Health Care Industry," Co-Author, Daily Journal, November 2021
“How Healthcare Employers Can Avoid the Legal Perils of a Remote Workforce," Co-Author, Health Care Compliance Association, Compliance Today, September 2021
“Compliance Tips for Healthcare Employers Utilizing AI in the Recruitment Process,” Co-Author, Healthcare Business Today, May 2021
"The Legal Interplay Between Peer Review and Discipline of Physician-Employee," Co-Author, Healthcare Business Today, October 2021
"What Healthcare Organizations Can Do to Stay Compliant in the Era of Marijuana Legalization," Co-Author, Health Care Compliance Association, Compliance Today, October Issue
"Healthcare's Hurdles in 2020 Employment Law," Co-Author, HR Legal and Compliance Excellence, March 2020
Presentations
"What Healthcare Litigation and Transactional Attorneys Can Learn from One Another," Moderator, Los Angeles County Bar Association's Healthcare Law Section, March 2024
“Employment Issues Impacting the Healthcare Industry,” American Society of Health Care Human Resources Administration’s (ASHHRA) Annual Conference, April 2022
"COVID-19 Related Employment Issues Impacting the Healthcare Industry," Moderator & Panelist, CDF Healthcare Education Webinar Series, October 2021
"Combatting the Rise in Wage & Hour and PAGA Litigation in the Healthcare Industry," Moderator, CDF Healthcare Education Webinar Series, October 2021
"What Healthcare Employers Can Expect from the NLRB Under the Biden Administration," Moderator, CDF Healthcare Education Webinar Series, October 2021
"Retaining & Protecting Healthcare Personnel in Today's Challenging Environment," Moderator, CDF Healthcare Education Webinar Series, October 2021
"Internal Investigations & The Power Dynamics in the Healthcare Setting," Moderator, CDF Healthcare Education Webinar Series, October 2021
"Top Two Employment Law Issues Healthcare Employers Should Know NOW," Southern California Hospital Association's Annual Meeting, April 2021
“#MeToo - How to Make Sure It’s Not #YouToo,” Panelist, Cedars-Sinai’s 17th Annual Emergency Medicine Symposium, December 2019
"Marijuana in the Workplace - What California Employers Need to Know," The Valley Industry Association (VIA), September 2019
"New California Labor and Employment Laws Healthcare HR Professionals Need to Know," American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA), March 2019
Professional Affiliations/Leadership/Awards
Listed, Best Lawyers®, Employment Law - Management, Los Angeles, CA, 2023 - 2024
Listed, Southern California Super Lawyers, 2022 - 2024
Member, California Society for Healthcare Attorneys, 2021
Listed, Top Health Care Lawyers, Daily Journal, 2020
Member, California Hospital Association, 2018 – present
Listed, Southern California Super Lawyers - Rising Star, 2007
CDF Labor Law LLP
- Co-Chair, CDF's Healthcare Industry Employment Practice Group, 2023 - Present
- Chair, CDF's Healthcare Industry Employment Practice Group, 2019 - May 2023
- Liaison to Executive Committee, CDF Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, 2021 - Present
- Member, Executive Committee, 2021 - Present
National Institute for Trial Advocacy's Building Trial Skills Program, Participant
Pro Bono
Dawn has represented Salvadorian nationals seeking political asylum before the Los Angeles Immigration Court.
