Jacobs & Dodds - Irvine, CA

Strategic Business Law and Commercial Trial Advocacy in Irvine

In California's dynamic and highly regulated commercial landscape, corporate conflicts and employment claims can jeopardize years of enterprise growth. Jacobs and Dodds is a distinguished boutique business and employment defense firm based in Irvine, California, protecting the rights and assets of companies throughout Southern California since 1986. Founded by seasoned litigators Paul N. Jacobs and Debra A. Dodds, the practice combines four decades of courtroom experience with pragmatic, cost-effective counseling. When you need to hire a business litigation lawyer or find a commercial contract attorney who can resolve partnership disputes or defend against employee lawsuits, Jacobs and Dodds offers decisive, results-driven advocacy tailored to your enterprise.

Four Decades of High-Stakes Corporate Litigation Experience

The partners at Jacobs and Dodds bring unmatched courtroom pedigree to every corporate dispute. Senior trial attorney Paul N. Jacobs has practiced business law and trial advocacy for over 40 years, having served as corporate counsel for Thrifty Corporation and senior trial counsel for Haight, Brown and Bonesteel, representing major entities such as IBM, Carl's Jr., and the State of California. Partner Debra A. Dodds, recipient of the American College of Trial Lawyers Medal for Excellence in Advocacy and former senior litigator at Booth, Mitchel and Strange, provides exceptional trial and appellate acumen. Together, they have obtained seven-figure judgments for business clients while successfully shielding corporate defendants from multi-million dollar liability.

Core Areas of Practice and Commercial Services

Jacobs and Dodds delivers comprehensive legal counsel across essential areas of California commercial transactions and employer defense:

• Business and Commercial Litigation: Resolving contentious breach of contract claims, business fraud, commercial real estate conflicts, and unfair competition actions through aggressive litigation and strategic dispute resolution.
• Shareholder and Partnership Disputes: Advising closely held corporations, LLC members, and business partners in resolving management deadlocks, fiduciary duty breaches, buyout disputes, and business dissolutions.
• Employer Defense and Labor Law: Defending California business owners against wrongful termination lawsuits, sexual harassment allegations, retaliation claims, and workplace discrimination before state and federal courts and labor boards.
• PAGA and Wage and Hour Defense: Protecting corporate employers against costly Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) representative actions, overtime claims, meal and rest break violations, and worker misclassification penalties.
• Drafting and Reviewing Commercial Contracts: Structuring independent contractor agreements, commercial leases, vendor contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and executive employment agreements.
• Business Purchase and Sale Agreements: Guiding buyers and sellers through asset transfers, equity acquisitions, due diligence evaluations, and commercial transaction negotiations.

Practical Dispute Resolution and Free Consultations

At Jacobs and Dodds, the attorneys prioritize resolving business disputes in the shortest possible timeframe and in the most economical fashion. While always prepared to litigate fiercely in the courtroom, the firm actively explores informal dispute resolution and mediation to conserve valuable company capital and minimize operational disruption. The firm maintains transparent, straightforward billing and offers complimentary initial phone consultations to evaluate corporate challenges. If your business is navigating a contractual dispute, facing an employee lawsuit, or structuring an essential commercial transaction in Orange County, contact Jacobs and Dodds today to consult an experienced business attorney.