Dannis Woliver Kelley - Long Beach, CA
Dannis Woliver Kelley is California's premier education and public agency law firm, offering comprehensive legal counsel from its Long Beach office in labor and employment, workplace discrimination defense, public construction, and complex business litigation.
Five Decades of Leadership in California Public Entity Law
Established in 1976, Dannis Woliver Kelley was the first law firm in California devoted exclusively to public education and governing boards. Today, with over 60 attorneys across seven statewide locations, the practice stands as one of the largest women-owned law firms in the nation. Operating from Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, the firm serves school districts, community colleges, and public agencies throughout Southern California. When governing boards need to hire an attorney with regulatory knowledge and trial acumen, Dannis Woliver Kelley delivers practical, results-driven advocacy.
Comprehensive Labor, Employment, and Personnel Representation
Managing public sector workforces requires sophisticated knowledge of collective bargaining and public employment statutes. Functioning as leading employment and labor lawyers and wage and hour lawyers, the practice guides administrators through union negotiations, grievance arbitrations, PERB hearings, and employee discipline. The firm counsels on Fair Labor Standards Act compliance and worker classification, ensuring public workplaces operate smoothly.
Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Defense
Allegations of employee misconduct or bias demand prompt, impartial intervention. As experienced workplace discrimination lawyers and harassment lawyers, the firm defends public employers against Title VII, Title IX, and FEHA complaints. The attorneys represent districts in lawsuits involving claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. When misconduct complaints emerge and trustees need an urgent attorney, the firm conducts objective workplace investigations.
Business, Property, and Commercial Real Estate Facilities
Public educational entities oversee substantial physical infrastructure. Serving as commercial real estate lawyers and business and real estate lawyers, the team advises districts on property acquisitions, surplus asset sales, facility leasing, and eminent domain. The firm assists clients with environmental reviews under CEQA and joint-use community partnerships.
Public Construction, Bidding, and Commercial Contracts
Executing major bond-funded modernization projects requires meticulous oversight. As accomplished contract lawyers, the firm drafts and negotiates design-build contracts, lease-leaseback agreements, and architectural covenants. The attorneys handle bid protests, contractor default notices, and stop payment claims, protecting public funds and keeping projects on schedule.
Decisive Public Agency and Business Litigation
When disagreements cannot be resolved administratively, the firm provides formidable courtroom representation. Functioning as dedicated business litigation lawyers, the trial team represents public entities before state superior courts, federal district courts, and appellate panels. The attorneys litigate commercial contract disputes, taxpayer challenges, bond measure validations, and civil rights actions, securing favorable outcomes for educational communities.
Why Governing Boards Rely on Dannis Woliver Kelley
School districts, community colleges, and public agencies across California retain DWK for its comprehensive legal capabilities. Distinct strengths include:
- Nearly 50 years of specialized counsel exclusively dedicated to California public education
- One of the largest women-owned law firms in the country with over 60 skilled attorneys
- Seven statewide offices providing immediate local representation in Long Beach and beyond
- Comprehensive multidisciplinary practice covering labor, construction, finance, and litigation
- Recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Law Firms for excellence in labor and employment law
Public agencies and educational boards looking to find a lawyer or consult an experienced lawyer can depend on Dannis Woliver Kelley for innovative, preventive, and solutions-oriented representation.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Located in the vibrant Downtown Long Beach neighborhood, in the heart of the coastal business district.
Building Location
This is a prominent Class A commercial office tower known as the California Bank & Trust Building. The office tower is situated directly on West Ocean Blvd, across from the One World Trade Center and close to the George Deukmejian Courthouse.
Parking Details
Client and visitor parking is available in the building's secure underground parking garage located behind the tower, with additional paid parking options in nearby multi-story structures.
Public Transit
Served by Long Beach Transit Route 121 (Belmont Shore); nearest stop is at Ocean & Chestnut.
Accessibility / Suite Access
Enter through the building's main double-door entrance into the professional lobby. Take one of the high-speed passenger elevators up to the 10th floor to find Suite 1070.