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Shiraz Simonian

Attorney at Law

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Born in 1980 in Los Angeles, California, Shiraz Simonian earned his bachelor of arts in political science with a minor in psychology from University of Southern California in 2002. He earned his juris doctorate and master in business administration degrees from Pepperdine University in 2006.

Mr. Simonian was admitted to the California Bar in 2006 and is a successful trial attorney. His vast legal experience as an attorney includes the following:

Employment Law

Successfully represented employees in various employment claims including, but not limited to: wrongful termination; minimum wage violations; discrimination and retaliation pursuant to the Fair Employment and Housing Act and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; willful misclassification of employees (W-2 vs. 1099); meal and rest break violations; failure to pay overtime; failure to maintain complete and accurate personnel file; late payment penalties; violation of whistleblower protection laws; and various other violations under California law.

Obtained several large (six figure) settlements for clients prior to filing lawsuits.

Represented two well-known restaurants in separate class action lawsuits involving various employment/labor code violations such as meal and rest breaks, time shaving, improper tip pool, itemized wage statements and minimum wage violations.

Personal Injury

Successfully represented clients in personal injury matters resulting from automobile accidents to dog bites, obtaining satisfactory monetary compensation for clients.

Complex Business Litigation and Disputes

Successfully represented financial institutions in trial on various issues dealing with violations of Business and Professions Code provisions, fraud, quiet title, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and other Civil Code violations

Represented a multifaceted company specializing in the development and delivery of high-qualify consumer services and products in a complex litigation involving breach of contract, disputes over the provisions of internet advertising and issues regarding online solicitations and customer-creating/verified leads.

Represented a global leader in pallet and container pooling services company providing on-site management and logistics support for the storage and shipment of catalysts and chemicals used in the petroleum refining, gas processing, and petrochemicals manufacturing industries in a breach of contract litigation.

Worker's Compensation

Litigate numerous worker's compensation cases in front of the California Worker's Compensation Appeals Board.

Corporate

Acted as general counsel for a major club owner/operator and assisted in drafting LLC operating agreements, representing client in various types of lawsuits, acquiring ABC license and employment visa.

State and Local Tax Litigation and Controversies

In a suit for refund of taxes and penalties against the State Board of Equalization ("Board"), assisted in drafting post-trial briefs which ultimately overturned a long-standing policy of the Board that was put to use for 30+ years.

In the same suit, assisted in drafting a successful motion for attorneys' fees under California Code of Civil Procedure § 1021.5 which ultimately led the Court in awarding over $660,000 in fees and costs.

Argued property tax matters in front of the Los Angeles County Assessment Appeals Board.

Argued business tax matters in front of the Los Angeles County Office of Finance.

Appellate Courts

Draft writs and briefs in preparation of appellate arguments.

Argued in front of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd District Courts of Appeal and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

Draft writs for the California Supreme Court.

Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of California - 2006

  • Supreme Court of California

  • Central District of California

  • Eastern District of California

  • Northern District of California

  • Southern District of California

  • Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

  • All California Bankruptcy Courts

Education

  • Juris Doctorate, Pepperdine University School of Law - 2006

  • Master of Business Administration, Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business - 2006

  • Bachelor of Arts, University of Southern California - 2002

Awards & Recognition

Mr. Simonian was selected to the 2015 through 2019 Southern California "Rising Stars" list by Super Lawyers Magazine. Only 2.5% of the lawyers in California were selected.

Publications

Attorney at Law Magazine, "Do's and Don'ts for Starting Your Own Law Practice," Downtown L.A. Edition, Vol. 2, No. 5, June 2016.

Journal of Multi State Taxation and Incentives, "Court Overturns California Board of Equalization's Longstanding Policy on Corporate Officer Liability," January 2010.