McGuinness Law Group, PC - Oakland, CA

Championing Civil Rights and Disability Justice in Oakland

McGuinness Law Group, PC is a dedicated civil rights practice located at 155 Grand Avenue in Oakland, California. Founded by attorney Celia McGuinness, who has practiced in California since 1992, the firm represents clients with disabilities across the state. The firm is women-owned and managed, and every team member brings personal lived experience as a disabled individual or close ally. When employees and consumers need to find a lawyer to defend their civil rights, McGuinness Law Group, PC provides aggressive representation in California courts.

Core Practice Areas and Civil Rights Advocacy

The firm concentrates exclusively on plaintiff advocacy, taking action against employers, housing providers, and businesses that violate disability rights.

Workplace Discrimination and Employment Law

Workers with disabilities are entitled to equal opportunity. The firm represents employees confronting workplace discrimination, harassment, bad-faith interactive processes, and denial of reasonable accommodations under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. When employers retaliate through demotions or wrongful termination, attorneys fight to recover lost wages and damages.

Housing Discrimination and Tenant Accommodations

Safe housing is fundamental. The firm holds landlords and property managers accountable under federal and California fair housing statutes, defending tenants when housing providers refuse assistance animals, reject physical accommodations, or initiate discriminatory evictions.

Assistance Animals and Public Accommodations

Founder Celia McGuinness has established federal precedents protecting service dog handlers. The firm prosecutes public accommodation violations under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Unruh Civil Rights Act when businesses unlawfully exclude assistance animals or demand illegal certifications.

Deaf Access and Digital Accessibility

Effective communication is crucial for equal access. The practice represents deaf individuals when medical providers or public agencies fail to provide qualified sign language interpreters. Counsel also handles digital accessibility actions ensuring websites and mobile platforms accommodate assistive technologies.

Groundbreaking Precedents and Recognized Leadership

Celia McGuinness has conducted over thirty trials and argued landmark appeals before the Ninth Circuit. Her published opinions confirmed that the Americans with Disabilities Act protects self-trained service dogs and bars hospitals from excluding service animals from psychiatric units. Appointed to three terms on the California Commission on Disability Access by Governor Jerry Brown, she is a recognized authority in disability law.

Why Clients Trust McGuinness Law Group, PC

• Lived Disability Experience: Personal connection to disability gives the legal team unmatched empathy and trauma-informed dedication.
• Published Appellate Victories: Proven history creating binding precedents that protect civil rights throughout California.
• Accessible Client Communication: Comprehensive access features, including American Sign Language interpretation at all stages.
• Contingency-Based Representation: Civil rights cases are handled on contingency, meaning clients pay no attorney fees unless successful.

Contact McGuinness Law Group, PC in Oakland

If you have experienced workplace discrimination, an unfair wrongful termination, or denial of access, you do not have to fight alone. Knowing when to hire an attorney can protect your future. Contact McGuinness Law Group, PC in Oakland to schedule a free confidential consultation with a dedicated workplace discrimination lawyer.