Mr. Cavanagh has extensive experience in defending clients against labor and employment claims. With a focus on litigation avoidance strategies, he also advises clients on formulating employee handbooks, conducting workplace investigations, and ensuring proper termination procedures. His goal is to protect his clients’ interests while promoting fair and compliant practices in the workplace. However, Mr. Cavanagh is a zealous courtroom advocate when it comes time to represent clients who have been accused of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and other unlawful employment practices.

Oversaw the defense of dozens of individual wage-and-hour arbitrations brought against a large restaurant chain throughout the Western United States and obtained a complete defense verdict in each of the arbitrations that he tried to completion.

Obtained a complete defense verdict on behalf of a large restaurant chain after a federal court jury trial in an action filed by a former employee, alleging pregnancy discrimination, failure to accommodate a disability, and failure to engage in the interactive process.

Obtained a complete defense verdict on behalf of a large restaurant chain after a federal court jury trial in an age discrimination action brought by a job applicant.

Obtained a complete defense verdict on behalf of a large restaurant chain after a state court jury trial in an action filed by a former employee, alleging harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender, race, and disability, as well as whistleblower retaliation.

Obtained a complete defense verdict on behalf of a large restaurant chain after a federal court jury trial in a sexual orientation harassment action filed by a former employee.

Obtained a complete defense verdict on behalf of a large restaurant chain after a federal court jury trial in a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by a former employee.

Obtained summary judgement on behalf of a large restaurant chain with respect to national origin harassment and discrimination claims brought against it by two former employees.

Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a large restaurant chain with respect to discrimination, failure-to-accommodate, wrongful termination and wage-and-hour claims brought against it by a former employee.

Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a school district with respect to sexual harassment claims brought against it by a former employee.

Successfully defended before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals a district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of a manufacturing company with respect to race discrimination claims brought against it by a former employee.

When false advertising allegations that threaten his clients’ reputations arise, Mr. Cavanagh meets the challenge. He has successfully defended large restaurant chains against class action lawsuits that alleged misleading claims, such as “non-GMO” labels on meat, dairy, and soda products. His track record includes obtaining dismissals and summary adjudications of multiple false advertising class actions.

Obtained summary judgment, and defeated certification of a putative statewide class of consumers, on behalf of a large restaurant chain in a false advertising action regarding the “non-GMO” character of its meat and dairy products. Obtained subsequent affirmance of these rulings from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Defeated certification of a putative nationwide class of consumers and obtained a defense judgment on behalf of a large restaurant chain in a false advertising action regarding the “naturally raised” character of its meat.

Obtained dismissal of two putative false advertising class actions on behalf of a large restaurant chain regarding the “non-GMO” character of its meat, dairy and soda products.

Obtained dismissal of a putative false advertising class action on behalf of a large restaurant chain regarding the “non-GMO” character of its corn products.

Obtained dismissals of two putative false advertising class actions on behalf of a large restaurant chain regarding the use of bacon in the preparation of its pinto beans.

Persuaded the Los Angeles County Department of Environmental Health at an administrative hearing to drop all claims against a large restaurant chain regarding alleged misrepresentations with respect to various menu items.

Mr. Cavanagh has been a trusted counselor for clients experiencing all manner of corporate break-ups, successfully navigating them through voluntary withdrawals, forced expulsions, and judicial dissolutions.

Defended a limited liability company at a week-long arbitration challenging the propriety of the company’s expulsion of a member.

Successfully defended a limited liability company and one of its members against claims for judicial dissolution and breach of fiduciary duty brought by the other member.

Successfully represented the minority member of a limited liability company to enforce his withdrawal rights under the company’s operating agreement.

In cases involving products liability and breach-of-warranty claims, Mr. Cavanagh has demonstrated exceptional skill in representing his clients. Whether defending manufacturers or pursuing claims on behalf of injured parties, he leverages his deep understanding of the intricacies of these areas of law to provide effective representation.

Defended a large fireworks manufacturer and display operator at a state court jury trial involving claims of negligence and premises liability.

Obtained a significant jury verdict on behalf of an investor in a medical marijuana cooperative in a state court action involving claims for breach of a joint venture agreement and breach of fiduciary duty.

Obtained a net defense verdict on behalf of a large e-commerce company after binding arbitration in connection with contractual claims and cross-claims between the company and its fulfillment services provider.

Defeated certification of a putative consumer class against a large residential alarm monitoring company with respect to claims regarding the legality and enforceability of numerous provisions of company’s form contract, and successfully defended that ruling before the California Court of Appeal.

Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a high-net-worth individual with respect to an enforcement-of-foreign-judgment action brought against him in California state court.

Persuaded the California Court of Appeal to reverse an order denying a motion to strike certain cross-claims under that state’s anti-SLAPP statute.

Mr. Cavanagh provides invaluable guidance to clients in matters related to intellectual property protection and commercial contract disputes. His strategic approach and extensive knowledge of these areas of law enable him to safeguard his clients’ intellectual property rights and to resolve contract disputes effectively.

Defeated an e-commerce company’s motion for a preliminary injunction against a large software developer in a trademark infringement action in federal court.