Ben Runge advocates for employers in complex employment disputes.
His practice focuses on claims under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, such as wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, harassment and disability—related claims, as well as associated wage and hour claims. Ben has significant experience litigating matters before state and federal trial and appellate courts, arbitration tribunals, and administrative agencies.
Ben also provides advice and counsel to clients pursuant to local, state, and federal laws to ensure legal compliance and minimize risk. He has worked with employers in all different industries to ensure best employment practices, including drafting and revising onboarding documents, such as arbitration agreements, and compensation plans.
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- Tried a sex discrimination, wrongful termination, and defamation case before a jury in California, resulting in a complete defense verdict in the client’s favor.
- Was part of a team that successfully argued before the California Supreme Court for a national restaurant chain involving issues of franchisor/franchisee liability over allegations of sexual harassment.
- Drafted and argued a motion for summary judgment on a disability discrimination, retaliation and failure to accommodate claim under the Fair Employment Housing Act that was granted in the client’s favor in California state court and disposed of the action in its entirety. Prevailed on appeal of the judgment by the plaintiff.
- Successfully drafted and argued a motion for summary judgment on a sex discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination case under the Fair Employment Housing Act in arbitration with JAMS, which disposed of the action in its entirety.
- Argued a motion for summary judgment on a case with claims including wrongful termination, disability discrimination and failure to engage in the interactive process, resulting in the motion being granted in its entirety and a judgment in the client’s favor.
- Successfully compelled arbitration on numerous occasions based on arbitration agreements signed by employees during their employment to remove claims from Federal and State court into the more favorable forum of arbitration for clients.
- Defeated a lawsuit against an auto dealership that alleged fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and other claims, and successfully defeated a subsequent appeal while prevailing on a cross-appeal.
- Successfully defended financial services and auto dealership clients in a high-value case alleging breach of contract, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty, among other claims, resulting in a published appellate court opinion.
- Successfully negotiated countless favorable settlements for clients.
- Daily Journal 2024 Top Verdicts
- “9th Circ. Wage Ruling Shows Arbitration Pacts Are Still Useful”
Law360, August 28, 2026
- Panelist, “Nuts & Bolts of Civil Procedure Before Trial in Employment Law”
LACBA Labor & Employment Law Section, January 24, 2026
Outside of the office, I enjoy traveling, skiing, and creative writing.