JOHNNY DARNELL GRIGGS

2570 Martingail Drive * Covina, CA 91724 * (Res.) (626)

502-1003 * (Office) (213) 248-8435 * jg5dda74@westpost.net
PROFILE
Accomplished attorney with a successful practice of litigating
complex civil matters, including all aspects of employment law such
as claims related to race, age, and gender discrimination, as well as
sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and eliminating bias in legal
profession. Ability to counsel clients on important risk management
issues involving resolution, prosecution, and defense of litigation
matters. Excellent communication and problem solving skills.
Extensive management experience, especially guiding public benefit
corporations through restructuring. Admissions: California Bar.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

General Civil Litigation ~ Employment Litigation ~ Complex Business

Litigation ~ Real Estate Litigation
Civil Rights Litigation ~ Public Speaking ~ Problem Determination
and Resolution
Organizational Leadership ~ Training & Development
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
REDDOCK, WELLS & GRIGGS, LLP, Los Angeles, CA
_LITIGATION AND EMPLOYMENT PARTNER_, 2009 to present
Counsel clients in litigation risk management which involves complex
civil and employment litigation issues, including case assessment and
preparing pleadings, discovery, law and motion, mediation,
arbitration, and trial. Create and implement practice development
initiatives, as well as resolve major client disputes and legal
issues.
ADORNO YOSS ALVARADO & SMITH, Los Angeles, CA
_LITIGATION AND EMPLOYMENT PARTNER_, 2008a"2009
Counsel clients in litigation risk management which involves complex
civil and employment litigation issues, including case assessment and
preparing pleadings, discovery, law and motion, mediation,
arbitration, and trial. Provide training on issues related to
discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other prohibited conduct
in the workplace. Create and implement practice development
initiatives, as well as resolve major client disputes and legal
issues.
*
Represented the Forum, former home of the Los Angeles Lakers and the
Los Angeles Kings regarding various legal matters, including
employment, litigation, and transactional matters.
*
Represented Faithful Central Bible Church, comprising more than
11,000 members on employment matters.
*
Represented Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles and an affiliated
credit union and economic development company on various legal
issues, including employment, litigation, and transactional matters.
GREENBERG GLUSKER, Los Angeles, CA
_LITIGATION AND EMPLOYMENT PARTNER_, 2007a"2008
Handled complex risk management, civil litigation, and employment
law issues, as well as conducted initial case management through
preparation of pleadings, discovery, law and motion, mediation,
arbitration, and trial. Created and implemented practice development
initiatives and the firm's litigation and employment group budgets.
Participated in internal committees such as recruitment and
diversity, as well as represented the firm on local Bar committees.
*
Represented the Forum on various legal issues, including employment,
litigation, and transactional matters, as well as Faithful Central
Bible Church on employment and other matters.
*
Co-chaired the firm's newly-formed Diversity Committee and resolved
significant client disputes and legal issues.
STRATEGIC COUNSEL, Los Angeles, CA
_PARTNER AND HEAD OF LITIGATION_, 2005a"2007
Directed a broad-based business and employment litigation practice,
as well as formulated and delivered business development initiatives,
litigation, and financial systems. Provided guidance to associate
lawyers and paralegals and ensured the delivery of client services.
Actively participated in the creation of strategic business
development plan and offered key inputs on its scope and objectives.
*
Successfully inaugurated the litigation department, established its
areas of emphasis, and developed client base.
*
Represented the Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School
District in contract negotiations with the District, as well as the
Forum in significant legal disputes regarding its entertainment venue
operations.
SIDLEY AUSTIN BROWN & WOOD, Los Angeles, CA
_LITIGATION AND EMPLOYMENT PARTNER_, 1994a"2004
Mentored young attorneys and summer associates on issues related to
discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other prohibited conduct
in the workplace. Created and implemented practice development
initiatives along with the firm's litigation and employment group
budgets. Represented Dallas County and other municipalities in a
novel Ponzi scheme lawsuit brought by numerous other municipalities
prevailing on a dispositive motion on behalf of clients.
*
Worked with a prominent artist on a dispute associated with a
worldwide distribution contract.

JOHNNY DARNELL GRIGGS ~ Page 2 ~

LEGAL EXPERIENCE (CONT'D)

*
Represented a food brokerage company executive in a multi-million
dollar discrimination dispute, as well as employers in the mediation
of dozens of contentious employment disputes.
NOSSAMAN, GUTHNER, KNOX & ELLIOTT, Los Angeles, CA (1984a"1994)
_LITIGATION PARTNER_, 1989a"1994
_LITIGATION ASSOCIATE_, 1984a"1989
Spearheaded the organization's diversity initiatives and
successfully represented the following:
*
A public benefit corporation in a racial discrimination lawsuit
against the County of San Bernardino and garnered a seven-figure
settlement prior to damages phase of the trial.
*
The COO of a major municipal securities dealer in large NASD
arbitration and won a multi-million dollar award and the second
largest NASD award.
*
The defense of a major law firm's partners in a dispute relating to
the purchase of the Beach Boys' music catalogue.
*
The last remaining Class I toxic waste site in California in a
lawsuit brought by more than 350 residents of an adjoining town and
negotiated a favorable settlement on behalf of the clients.
*
African-American developers on the growth of four major urban
shopping centers and disputes associated with them.
MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
 WATTSHEALTH FOUNDATION, INC., Inglewood, CA (2003a"Present)
_CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS_, 2003a"Present
_BOARD RESTRUCTURING DIRECTOR_, 2005a"Present
Handle the financial restructure of the organization, including
identification, development, evaluation, and recommendation to the
Board of Directors reorganization alternatives as per Chapter 11 of
the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Manage employees, including the Senior
Management regarding implementation of restructure initiatives, as
well as report to the Board of Directors regarding its initiatives
and progress. Interact with Creditors Committee, medical providers,
regulators, and public officials. Supervise outside consultants,
including legal, business, financial, and public relations advisors.
*
Successfully led the organization in a $30 million sale of assets to
Care 1st, a community-based, for-profit HMO.
*
Led the organization through restructure to become a leading
foundation whose mission is to improve the health of the underserved
populations in South Los Angeles and other areas of Southern
California.
URBAN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP, Los Angeles, CA
_CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER_, 2004a"2005
Directed the management, Board of Directors, and officers and staff
with strategic operations involving legal accountability,
safeguarding resources, and assets of the organization. Maintained
external relations with community members, educators, business
leaders, and service providers and handled public relations and
fundraising initiatives while representing the company's interest to
other organizations, the media, and the public.
*
Successfully led the organization through a financial crisis and
strategic management transition by restructuring the organization's
operations, slashing a financial deficit approximately by 50%, and
eliminating 30% of executive staff.
*
Revitalized The Humanitas Program, a teacher training program by
garnering over $400,000 in new funding.
*
Reinvigorated the Career Academies Programs by securing increased
funding and enlisting additional corporate participation through
internships and sponsorships.
*
Expanded programs to additional urban school districts, including
the Baldwin Park School District and the Inglewood Unified School
District.
 *
Assisted in restoring the organization's reputation by increasing
community, funder, and partner outreach, as well as by correcting
service deficiencies.
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
African-American Insurance Professionals Association Community
Service Award, 2006
Los Angeles City Council Commendation for Public Service, 2003
ACLU Foundation of Southern California _Pro Bono_ Civil Rights
Award, 2001
One of the Top 25 California Lawyers under the Age of 45, 1993
Los Angeles County Commendation for Public Service, 1992
Langston Bar Association Loren Miller Lawyer-of-the-Year Award, 1991
EDUCATION
YALE LAW SCHOOL, New Haven, CT ~ _JURIS DOCTOR_ ~ 1983

LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE, Portland, OR ~ _BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN

COMMUNICATIONS_ ~ 1980