Jay G. Trinnaman

Jay Trinnaman specializes in the representation of both public and private sector employers in all aspects of labor relations and employment law matters, including disciplinary and grievance arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges before the Public Employment Relations Board (“PERB”), defense of EEOC/CRD charges, negotiations in collective bargaining, writ of mandate matters, and advice and counsel.

Prior to joining AALRR, Mr. Trinnaman had over five years of experience representing employees in the field of law enforcement and public safety, including serving as in-house counsel for a labor organization, the California Organization of Police and Sheriffs. With his experience representing both management and unions, Mr. Trinnaman brings a unique perspective when working with employers to resolve their labor disputes.

In addition to representing California employers, Mr. Trinnaman is licensed to practice law in the State of Nevada, where he has successfully represented clients in their business litigation disputes.

Litigation/Arbitration Matters

• Obtained summary adjudication on behalf of major supermarket chain to fully dispose of plaintiff’s race and age discrimination claims brought under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, as well as plaintiff’s claims for wrongful termination in violation of public policy and punitive damages.
• Obtained partial summary judgment on behalf of a City in federal court litigation regarding an alleged Fair Labor Standards Act violation for the method of calculation of police officer overtime compensation. The successful motion disposed of the vast majority of plaintiff’s sought damages and permitted the City to recover all post-offer costs against plaintiff. The net result was that the plaintiff owed the City more in costs than his own nominal recovery of lost overtime.
• Prevailed in numerous discipline and grievance arbitrations on behalf of both public and private sector clients. Favorable arbitration awards include the upholding of employee terminations for a broad spectrum of misconduct, including dishonesty, workplace violence, fraud, and poor job performance.
• Obtained an arbitration award of $1.8 million in damages plus attorney’s fees in a breach of contract matter on behalf of hospitality industry client.
• Obtained an arbitration award of $1.1 million in damages and attorney’s fees and permanent injunctive relief against a client’s former employee for breach of the confidentiality provision of his employment contract.

Unfair Labor Practice Charges before the Public Employment Relations Board

• Successful defense of Housing Authority of City of Los Angeles in administrative hearing, resulting in full dismissal of unfair labor practice charge by City Employees Associates regarding alleged failure to negotiate the effects of layoffs.  (34 PERC 36; PERB Case No. LA-CE-467-M).
• Obtained summary judgment on behalf of the County of San Bernardino Superior Court against Service Employees International Union (“SEIU”) regarding an unfair labor practice charge related to SEIU's attempts to decertify incumbent union.(PERB Case No. LA-CE-43-C).
• Successful opposition of SEIU’s attempt to obtain injunctive relief from PERB to stay decertification election on behalf of the Coachella Valley Water District.(PERB Case No. LA-CE-893-M).
• Successful dismissal of unfair labor practice charge on behalf of Housing Authority of City of Los Angeles following an evidentiary hearing regarding alleged interference with administration of the union in its internal election process.(PERB Case No. LA-CE-621-M).
• Successful dismissal of unfair labor practice charge on behalf of Housing Authority of City of Los Angeles regarding alleged retaliatory transfers of union employees.(PERB Case No. LA-CE-619-M).

Writs of Administrative Mandate

• Successful opposition, on behalf of County of Los Angeles agency, of former employee's petition for writ of administrative mandate challenging her termination for poor job performance. The opposition required navigation of issues pertaining to public employee due process rights versus at-will employment.
• Successful opposition of former employee’s petition for writ of mandate challenging her discharge and seeking recovery of four years of back pay and benefits on behalf of the Housing Authority for the City of Los Angeles.
• Successful oppositions on behalf of several City clients of former police officers’ petitions for writs of mandate seeking reinstatement from discharge.
• Successful petitions for writs of mandate on behalf of City to establish jurisdiction of Los Angeles County Superior Court to review arbitrators’ administrative discovery orders in police officers termination appeals.

Practice Areas

Community & Professional

Mr. Trinnaman is involved with both the California Police Chiefs Association and the California State Sheriffs' Association. In addition, he is a member of the following organizations: 

• California Public Employers Labor Relations Association
• Orange County Labor and Employment Relations Association