Kaufman Dolowich Boosts Professional Liability and Labor and Employment Practices with Addition of Partners Wilk and Allingham in Los Angeles Office, 6-4-2024
LOS ANGELES (June 4, 2024) – Kaufman Dolowich, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of two partners, employment litigation and professional liability defense attorney Michael Wilk and labor and employment defense attorney Philip Allingham. Both lawyers join in the firm’s Los Angeles office from Lewis Brisbois, where they were both partners.
“Michael and Philip are talented attorneys, and we’re pleased they’ve chosen to bring their legal abilities and experience to our Los Angeles office,” said Michael Kaufman, co-managing partner of Kaufman Dolowich. “Their backgrounds in professional liability and employment defense are perfectly aligned with our practice and add top quality bench strength and capacity to our firm.”
Wilk, whose practice centers on professional liability defense and employment litigation, defends professionals including accountants, attorneys, homeowners’ associations (HOAs), escrow officers, insurance agents and brokers, and real estate professionals against claims of negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and allegations brought under the Business & Professions Code and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Additionally, he represents employers against wage and hour disputes, and claims of discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination.
“I have gotten to know the firm and its attorneys well as I’ve worked against and alongside them over the course of my career, and have long-admired the Kaufman Dolowich culture and professionalism,” Wilk said. “I look forward to working more closely with them and supporting our clients’ business goals and legal needs.”
Wilk received his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, and a B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting from San Jose State University. Earlier in his career, he practiced at local law firms, was a sole proprietor of his own practice, and taught law classes as an adjunct professor at Santa Clara University School of Law.
Allingham defends California employers against allegations of wage and hour violations, workplace discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and wrongful termination brought under state and federal law including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Pay Act, California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and related labor laws. He handles all aspects of employment litigation including representative actions under California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).
“Kaufman Dolowich has a strong labor and employment practice and presence on the West Coast. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues at the firm and continuing to provide best-in-class counsel to our clients,” said Allingham.
His experience includes defending clients during investigations and hearings before the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and California’s Department of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) and Civil Rights Department (formerly, Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)). He also advises clients on employment matters, including audit and compliance review of existing company policies and procedures.
Allingham received his J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria.
About the Firm
Kaufman Dolowich LLP is a leading national law firm serving a broad range of industries in practice areas including labor and employment, directors and officers liability, professional liability, commercial litigation, insurance coverage and litigation, data privacy and cybersecurity, consumer financial services, real estate, general liability and construction law. Headquartered on Long Island, N.Y., Kaufman Dolowich attorneys represent national and global clients of all sizes nationwide. Kaufman Dolowich is a five-time Mansfield Certified law firm recognized for its diverse and inclusive employment strategies. For more information, visit kaufmandolowich.com and follow the firm on LinkedIn.