Greg A. Garbacz - Klinedinst Attorney Profile

Shareholder and Chief Operating Officer

Greg A. Garbacz has found success in business litigation, employment liability, professional liability, real estate litigation, and general liability matters that a business may face. He provides unique business solutions and advice to clients with regard to a broad range of contractual issues and business disputes, including misappropriation claims, employment torts, unfair business practices, confidentiality agreements, and trade secrets.

An experienced litigator and trial attorney, Greg offers comprehensive advice in employment and labor law matters. He counsels clients with regard to state and federal laws affecting employers, including legislation regarding hiring practices, benefits, and age and race discrimination. Greg is frequently called upon to defend high-profile housing discrimination cases, landlord/tenant disputes, and matters alleging civil rights violations. As part of his practice, Greg has also handled litigation involving securities, as well as Directors and Officers (D&O) liability.

An AV-rated shareholder with the firm since 1997, Greg is regularly featured in Southern California Super Lawyers®. Greg frequently speaks at a variety of programs, seminars, and events pertaining to employment and labor law, legal malpractice, and professional liability issues. He currently serves on the Executive Committee and is the Chief Operating Officer of the firm. Greg opened Klinedinst’s Los Angeles office in 2002, and served as its managing shareholder from 2002 through 2005. He also has previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Firm. He is a member of the Executive Committee and Klinedinst’s Board of Directors. In addition, he serves as Chair of the Housing Discrimination Defense and Civil Rights group.

Born in Columbus, Indiana, Greg graduated from Washington & Lee University School of Law where he was a member of its Law Review. Greg earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. He has been licensed to practice law in California since 1993.

Professional and Community Affiliations

Vistage (CEO Membership Organization)
San Diego County Bar Association
San Diego Hotel/Motel Association
The State Bar of California
Louis Welch Chapter, American Inns of Court
Los Angeles County Bar Association
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
San Diego Defense Lawyer Association

Publications and Interviews

"California's New Law, First in Nation, Provides Up to Six Weeks Paid Leave," Los Angeles Daily Journal, p. 7 (October 10, 2002)
"Gender Stereotypes: Nichols' Holds Valuable Lesson for Employers," Los Angeles Daily Journal, p.7 (September 28, 2001)
"Reducing Vulnerability to Malicious-Prosecution Suits," Los Angeles Daily Journal, p. 7 (January 6, 1999); (Re-published at the ABA National Legal Malpractice Conference, April 1999)
"Legal Malpractice: Preserving Critical Evidence, Or, At-Least, Third-Party Spoliation Claims for Your Client," ABTL Report (February 1999 )
"General Contractors Liability for Injuries is Limited," Los Angeles Daily Journal (July 23, 1998)
"Cross Purposes: Indemnity Claims Against Successor Attorneys," Los Angeles Daily Business Journal, p. 7 (December 2, 1996)

Published Opinions

Sabi v. Sterling (2010) ___ Cal.App.4th ___ [2010 Cal. App. LEXIS 486]

Recognition and Awards

Named to the Southern California edition of Super Lawyers® (2009, 2010, and 2012)
Named a "Rising Star of Southern California" by Super Lawyers, a joint venture of Law & Politics and Los Angeles Magazine (2004)
AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
American Jurisprudence Award in Mock Trial Competition

Speaking Engagements

24th Annual PIHRA Legal Update, "'You're Fired!' How to Handle a Termination and Minimize the Risk of a Lawsuit" (January 24-27, 2011)
10th Annual Klinedinst Employment Symposium, “Sexual Harassment, Retaliation, and Discrimination 2007 Legal Updates" (November, 2007)
9th Annual Klinedinst Employment Symposium, “Defending Employment Claims: Tips and Traps” and "Staying Out of Court: Mistakes to Avoid" (November, 2006)
8th Annual Klinedinst Employment Symposium, “Discovery in Employment Cases: Strategy & Considerations” (December, 2005)
Lorman Education Services Seminar, Topic: "Conflicts of Interest in a Changing World" (August 11, 2005)
Lorman Education Services Seminar, Topic: "Human Resources Audits" (January, 2002)
KLINEDINST Employment Law Symposium, Topic: "Trial By Fire"(December, 2001)
KLINEDINST Employment Law: 2001 and Beyond, Topic: "Employee Rights of Privacy" (December, 2000)
National Human Resource Association, Topic: "Employment Practices Liability Insurance: An Attorney's Perspective" (February, 2000)
KLINEDINST Employment Seminar, Topic: "The Nuts & Bolts of Disability, Family, Medical & Pregnancy Leave" (December, 1999)
University of California, San Diego, Topic: "The ABCs of Hospitality Law: Contracts, Torts & Employment Law," (June, 1998)
CNA Insurance Company, Topic: "How to Avoid Being Mistaken for Lunch" (Malicious Prosecution Seminar)

Teaching and Instruction

International University: Hospital Law (1997)

AV® Preeminent™ is a certification mark of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.

Greg Garbacz