Daniel J. Cravens

Overview

Over the last several decades, Dan Cravens has represented employees in discrimination claims and defended corporations against class actions. This experience sharpens his ability to anticipate opposing counsel's strategy and dismantle it before it gains traction. His practice centers on employment litigation defense and preventative counseling, where he translates courtroom lessons into actionable guidance that keeps businesses out of legal crosshairs.

Clients value the tactical advantage gained from Dan’s dual perspective as he consistently shapes case outcomes in their favor. He defends employers against wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access claims, trade secret disputes, and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) and wage and hour class actions. His litigation work extends to breach of contract and general business disputes where employment issues intersect with broader corporate interests. Dan’s other practice areas include real estate, health care, transportation, and high-value personal injury claims.

In addition to resolving varied types of state and federal court litigation, Dan provides counsel that prevents lawsuits before they escalate into serious problems and courtroom battles. He audits employee handbooks for compliance gaps, drafts employment and severance agreements that withstand legal scrutiny, conducts workplace investigations with forensic attention to detail, and leads harassment prevention training tailored to industry-specific risks. When termination decisions land on his desk, he evaluates them through the lens of potential exposure—identifying vulnerabilities others might miss. His approach prioritizes practical solutions over theoretical compliance, delivering advice designed to protect the business while maintaining operational flexibility and minimizing unnecessary legal spend.

Experience

• Gender discrimination brought by high-level executive against a fortune 100 company
• Breach of contract dispute between partners in a high-profile medical practice.
• Breach of contract dispute between an am law 100 law firm and a former client.
• Whistleblower claim brought by former CFO a tech startup
• Sexual assault claims brought by employee in the hospitality industry

Publications

• Author, “Drafting Employment Documents for California Employers,”E.B. Chapter 3 “Employment Agreements,” 2011

News

Professional

• Member, California Bar Association

Community

Dan provides pro bono services to multiple local nonprofits including organizations supporting the deaf community and homeless communities.