Last year, attorney Jonathan Andrews, 36, and three of his “fellow” partners at Gordon & Rees (Margaret Bell, Jennifer Branch and Traci Lagasse) forsook the large corporate environment and launched their own practice — Andrews Lagasse Branch Bell – in North City. The wholly minority- and female-owned law firm focuses on employment law, professional liability, construction, toxic tort, business and general liability litigation services for public and privately held companies, public institutions and nonprofit organizations.

The lone male among the four founding members, Andrews has built an impressive reputation among the ranks of regional employment law attorneys since he joined his former firm’s San Diego office in 2002. As a specialist in counseling and representing employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour, breach of contract and employee mobility/trade secret litigation, Andrews has earned a clientele throughout the state.

A participant in the Big Brother/Little Brother program since his arrival in San Diego, Andrews is the recipient of Wiley W. Manuel Pro Bono Services Award for services to the San Diego Legal Aid Society, and is an instructor for the Greater San Diego Employers Association’s certificate program.