Shareholder

Dayna L. Chmelka handles a variety of construction-related litigation matters in state and federal courts, including complex class-action lawsuits involving property damage, personal injury, and mold exposure. Her practice focuses primarily on the defense of subcontractors and general contractors in connection with construction defect lawsuits, contract disputes, environmental and real estate issues.

A shareholder in the firm's San Diego office, Ms. Chmelka's practice is not limited to the construction industry. She represents companies of all sizes in employment and labor litigation. She has defended cases involving sexual harassment, wrongful termination, breach of contract, and alleged discrimination based on sex, race, age, and disability. She also counsels employers on affirmative action compliance and employment policies. In addition, she has litigated professional liability, products liability and general liability disputes.

A native of Tacoma, Washington, Ms. Chmelka received her Juris Doctorate from the California Western School of Law. She has been licensed to practice law in California since 1997, and has received Martindale-Hubbell's highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Rating

Highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards.

Professional And Community Affiliations

• San Diego County Bar Association (Labor and Employment Law Section)
• State Bar of California
• American Bar Association
• The Federal Bar Association
• Vice President of Programs, East County Personnel Association
• San Diego Barristers, Board of Directors, 1998-1999

Publications and Interviews

• Employment Law Update, ABTL Report (November 1999)
• "Shackled Sleuth: The TRC Extends Fair Credit Report Act to Workplace Investigations" Los Angeles Daily Journal (August 26, 1999)

Recognition and Awards

• American Jurisprudence Award in Legal Skills I and Community Property
• Academic Achievement Award for Externship Seminar, Fall 1996
• Dean’s Honor List, Spring 1995, Fall 1995, Spring 1996
• Academic Scholarship, California Western School of Law
• National Dean's List Nominee, California Western School of Law

Speaking Engagements

• Employment Law: 2001 And Beyond Seminar, Topic: "2001 Legislative Update" (December 2000)
• The Employment Landscape for the New Millennium Seminar, Topic: "The Basics of Sexual Harassment Law" (December 1999)
• Department of Rehabilitation Upward Mobility Training, Topic: "Termination and Avoiding Discrimination Suits" (October 1998)
• "Properly Hired... Wrongfully Fired?" Employment Symposium Addressing Legal Issues Encountered In the Modern Employment Relationship (October 1998)
• Performance Contracting, Inc. Management Training, Topic: "Sexual Harassment and Avoiding Discrimination Suits" (September 1998)
• Department of Rehabilitation at the San Diego BEP Training Center, Topic: "Employee Management: Maximizing Performance While Minimizing Legal Risks" (October 1997)

San Diego, California

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Practice Areas

Construction

Employment/Labor

Mold/Indoor Air Quality

Product Liability

Professional Liability

Admitted to Bar

California (1997)

U.S. District Court, Central and Southern Districts of California (1997)

Education

University of San Diego (B.A., Honor Graduate, 1990)

California Western School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1996)

Extern

The Honorable Rudi M. Brewster, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California