DLA Piper announced today that Julie Dunne has joined the firm’s Employment practice as a partner in San Diego.

For over two decades, Dunne has represented leading employers and management, particularly in the retail industry, in a wide range of employment-related matters. She frequently defends employers in wage-and-hour class, collective and private attorney general representative actions under California laws and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Dunne also advises employers on compliance with California wage-and-hour laws and the FLSA.

“Julie is a well-respected and accomplished leader with extensive experience and a proven track record leading wage-and-hour litigation and employment-related class actions,” said Brian Kaplan, US chair and global co-chair of DLA Piper’s Employment practice. “Her understanding of the needs of clients in the retail industry also fits well with our firm’s depth of experience across the sector, and we are extremely pleased to welcome her to our team.”

“The addition of Julie immediately enhances the bench strength and first-chair litigation capabilities of our West Coast practice,” said Jeff Baglio, managing partner of the firm’s San Diego offices. “Her skillset and deep experience is in high demand and will be of great benefit to our clients in California and across the country.”

Dunne joins from Littler Mendelson P.C., where she served as co-chair of the firm’s retail industry group. She received her J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Michigan.