Eric B. Kingsley is a partner at Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers in Los Angeles and one of California's most respected employment law attorneys. With over 29 years of experience exclusively representing employees, Mr. Kingsley has successfully litigated more than 150 class actions and numerous individual cases in state and federal courts throughout California. His firm has helped recover over $300 million in verdicts and settlements for workers in wage-and-hour, discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination matters.
Record of Achievement and Practice Focus
Mr. Kingsley is recognized for his deep expertise in wage and hour class actions, including claims involving unpaid wages, overtime violations, and missed meal and rest breaks. He also represents employees in cases of wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and retaliation. His leadership in these complex cases has shaped California employment law and contributed to major policy reforms protecting workers' rights.
Professional Recognition and Awards
Mr. Kingsley's excellence and integrity have earned him consistent peer recognition:
- AV Preeminent® Rating, Martindale-Hubbell - Highest ethical standards and professional excellence
- Consumer Attorneys of California Presidential Award of Merit (2024)
- Selected for the "Best In Law" Award (2025-2026)
- Selected to Super Lawyers (2009–2010, 2012–2026)
- Top 100 Labor & Employment Settlements in California
These distinctions reflect his reputation for skill, ethics, and results in employment law.
Firm Verdict & Settlement Results
- $44,000,000 settlement for misclassified stock brokers
- $11,000,000 settlement for misclassified managers & assistant managers
- $8,500,000 settlement for meal and rest break violations
- $7,200,000 settlement for denied meal and rest breaks
- $6,500,000 settlement denied meal/rest breaks & unpaid wages
- $5,500,000 settlement denied meal/rest breaks
Thought Leadership and Publications
Beyond his litigation practice, Eric Kingsley is a frequent speaker at employment law seminars and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs. He has authored numerous appellate briefs and contributed articles to the Daily Journal on evolving issues in California employment law. His insights are widely cited by colleagues, bar associations, and media covering workplace rights.
Community Commitment and Philanthropy
Mr. Kingsley is deeply committed to expanding access to justice. Through class action settlements, his firm has directed over $1 million to nonprofit organizations such as Bet Tzedek Legal Services and California Rural Legal Assistance, which provide free legal services to low-income Californians. He also advises nonprofit organizations on employment compliance and governance.
Credentials
Eric Kingsley brings a strong academic foundation and extensive legal qualifications to every case. With admissions to practice in courts throughout California and active membership in leading professional organizations, Eric Kingsley is well-positioned to provide exceptional legal representation.
Education
- J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
- B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara
Admissions:
- California State Courts
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Professional Memberships
- California Bar Association
- Consumer Attorneys of California
- Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
- California Employment Lawyers Association
Helpful Guides for Victims
Recent Blog Posts
Wrongful Termination Based On Sexual Harassment: Your Rights
Fired for Reporting Hostile Work Environment: Your Rights
Wrongful Termination Settlement Calculator
Average Wrongful Termination Settlement Amounts in California
Can You Sue for Wrongful Termination? Here's What I Tell My Clients
Recommendations
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I Can't Adequately Express The Appreciation I Feel, You Saved Me!
Dear George, I can't adequately express the appreciation I feel, you saved me! I am finally free of some financial fears and recover my life after six years of hell. I also feel some satisfaction that the insurance company does not "get off the hook." Your kindness and consideration meant a lot ... - You all have been amazing! You changed my life more than you'll ever know. You have a great family at Kingsley & Kingsley, and you are blessed for that. Have an amazing holiday season and an amazing new year! Eternally grateful,
- I was a model employee for 10 years when my employer fired me for a ridiculous reason. I researched a few different wrongful termination attorneys, but ended up deciding on Kingsley because of the people I spoke with. They were kind and obviously had a lot of experience with my type of case. I am...
- If I left a review every week for a year, I still would not have said thank you enough to Mr. Kingsley and his team. These lawyers took the time to listen to my problems and my story and provide me with everything I wanted to know about my situation.I'll always thank God to have had Kingsley and ...
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I highly recommend Eric for any employment law case you might have.
I can't say enough good things about Eric Kingsley. He was so professional, clearly an expert in his field, responsive, proactive, and always made me feel as comfortable as possible through what was a very stressful situation. I highly recommend him for any employment law case you might have. - View More Recommendations
