Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. Obtained the #1 Verdict in California for Workplace Harassment in 2023

A premier employment law firm in Los Angles secured a $6.1 million jury verdict for a client in a disability discrimination and harassment case against UCLA.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, August 27, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C., a leading Southern California employment law firm, is proud to announce that it has obtained the #1 verdict in California for workplace harassment in 2023. The firm represented Hekmatollah "Tony" Yosifi, a former food service division manager at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in a disability discrimination and harassment case against The Regents of the University of California.

The case, Yosifi v. The Regents of the University of California (Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. BC724191), resulted in a jury verdict of $6,131,204 on December 5, 2023. The jury found that UCLA failed to engage in the interactive process, failed to accommodate Mr. Yosifi's disability, and discriminated and harassed him based on his disability. The jury also found that UCLA retaliated against Mr. Yosifi for exercising his rights under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and failed to prevent discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

"We are thrilled with the jury's verdict and believe that justice has been served for our client," said Ms. Ani Akopyan of Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. "No one should have to endure discrimination and harassment in the workplace, especially when they are dealing with a disability. We hope this verdict sends a strong message to employers that they will be held accountable for their actions."

According to court documents, Mr. Yosifi was injured on the job and required accommodations for his ongoing restrictions. However, his supervisor, the Director of Food Services, did not make the needed accommodations either before or after his restrictions became permanent. Instead, Mr. Yosifi’s supervisor engaged in workplace harassment which culminated in Mr. Yosifi’s wrongful termination on the same day he returned back from a medical leave.

Ani Akopyan, one of the leading attorneys of Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. argued that UCLA terminated Mr. Yosifi because of his disability and need for accommodations. The jury deliberated for approximately 6 hours before reaching its near unanimous verdict.

Mr. Yosifi commented post-verdict: “I’m extremely grateful to have had Ani as my attorney in my lawsuit against UCLA. Ani is a great communicator and always was readily available to respond to my questions and concerns. Due to her dedication and tireless efforts, I was awarded slightly over six million dollars. More importantly, I cannot express how liberating it is to have this cloud removed from over my head and to finally have my name cleared.”

Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. has offices in Encino, Orange, Riverside, Bakersfield, San Bernardino, and Ventura and serves clients throughout Southern California. The firm offers complimentary evaluations of potential cases involving the violation of employee rights.

"I cannot recommend Akopyan Law Firm enough," said Mike, a client of the firm. "From the moment I first reached out, their professionalism, expertise, and dedication have been evident. They've consistently provided top-notch legal advice and support, always going above and beyond to ensure my best interests are represented."

Another client, Sam Singh, echoed these sentiments: "I spoke with Michael about a referred matter and he was not only generous with his time and guidance, but he was extremely knowledgeable, diligent and caring. I would definitely and highly recommend Akopyan Law Firm!!"

The firm's attorneys, including Michael Akopyan and Ani M. Akopyan (https://www.akopyanlaw.com/attorneys/ani-akopyan/), have been named to the Southern California Super Lawyers List for multiple consecutive years, recognizing their exceptional legal expertise and client service.

For more information about Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. and to schedule a complimentary case evaluation, please call +1 (818) 509-9975. or visit the law firm’s website at https://www.akopyanlaw.com/. The firm's blog at https://www.akopyanlaw.com/blog/ offers valuable resources and insights into employment law matters.

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About Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C.

The Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. (https://www.akopyanlaw.com/about-us/) is committed to restoring the balance of power against the government, large corporations, and insurance companies alike whenever they seek to deprive people of their rights. The Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C., is dedicated to defending its clients against oppression and can stand up for them in their time of need.

Contact Details:

Michael Akopyan
Ani M. Akopyan

Los Angeles Office (https://goo.gl/maps/sR2oL6UKDv9iULcEA):

15821 Ventura Blvd. Suite 645
Encino, California 91436
Phone: (818) 509-9975

Bakersfield Office (https://maps.app.goo.gl/UyQVLtfs3Xf9LmJ97):

4900 California Avenue, Ste. 210-B
Bakersfield, California 93309
Phone: (661) 874-4118

Orange Office (https://goo.gl/maps/j1e9aDAB4X9dArqP7):

1100 West Town and Country Road
Suite 1250, Orange, California 92868
Phone: (657) 224-4422

Riverside Office (https://goo.gl/maps/nrvXqrk9nM73wHVh6):

11801 Pierce Street
Suite 200, Riverside, California 92505
Phone: (951) 394-7421

San Bernardino Office (https://maps.app.goo.gl/zaHGuSGitddD8PSy6):

473 E Carnegie Drive, Suite 200
San Bernardino, California 92408
Phone: (909) 966-5204

Ventura Office (https://maps.app.goo.gl/rg6KdJpbE9p4CeKo8):

300 Esplanade Drive, Ste. 900
Oxnard, California 93036
Phone: (805) 504-1205

Note to Editors:

• For more information or to schedule an interview with Michael Akopyan, please contact the firm at +1 (818) 509-9975. The attorneys at Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C., are available to provide an expert commentary on employment law matters.

• The firm has been recognized for its outstanding legal work, with attorneys Ani M. Akopyan and Michael Akopyan being named to the Southern California Super Lawyers List five times in a row - in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

• Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. has offices in Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura in California.

End of Press Release.

Michael Akopyan
Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C.
+1 818-509-9975
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