Jesse L.Miller

Jesse has developed a national reputation representing clients in Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) matters. He counsels employers regarding military leave law issues arising under USERRA and analogous state laws. Jesse has successfully defended employers in federal courts across the United States and at arbitration in dozens of cases, and has successfully compelled USERRA matters to arbitration. He also regularly represents clients on USERRA matters before the US Department of Labor.

Jesse began his legal career at the San Francisco District Attorney's office and continues his public service as a Citizen Soldier in the California National Guard as its Joint Chief of Staff for the second-largest reserve military force in the US with over 19,000 soldiers and airmen.

Military Experience
Colonel, US Army
Jesse is a decorated Infantry officer whose US Army career has spanned over 31 years. He currently serves as the Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, California National Guard, a two-star general officer command composed of over 19,000 servicemembers. He previously served as the Chief of Staff, 40th Infantry Division in Los Alamitos, California from June 2021 to May 2022.

In March 2020, Jesse commanded the first California National Guard task force mobilized to provide humanitarian assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; in April 2020, he served as the Deputy Commander, Joint Task Force - California, the largest task force of its kind in the United States. From April 2020 to May 2021, Jesse led California's statewide response to the pandemic in foodbanks, nursing homes, and hospitals; spearheaded a massive interagency vaccination; and simultaneously managed the Guard's response to civil unrest and historic wildfires. During California's dynamic response to these unprecedented emergencies, Jesse was a frequent commentator on BBC, CNN, ABC, and Good Morning America, as well as in the Los Angeles Times. His leadership during the pandemic was covered by The Am Law Litigation Daily and The Recorder. Jesse’s efforts included significant interagency work in the County of Los Angeles, leading the military’s support to local agency operations at food banks, skilled nursing facilities, and testing and vaccination sites.

Over the course of his career, Jesse has served in key leadership assignments at all echelons, including Brigade Commander, 115th Regional Support Group in Roseville (2017-2020), Squadron Commander, 1-18th Cavalry Squadron in Azusa (2012-2014), S-3/Operations Officer, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in San Diego (2010-2012), Deputy J-3, California National Guard in Sacramento (2014-2015), Executive Officer to the Commanding General, California Army National Guard in Sacramento (2015-2017), and Commander, Bravo Company, 1-184th Infantry (Air Assault) in Dublin (2001-2003).

Jesse is what is known as a Citizen Soldier, meaning his military duties come in addition to those of his civilian career and family responsibilities. Jesse enlisted in the Army as an Infantryman; he later was selected for Officer Candidate School and commissioned as an Infantry officer. During his military career, Jesse has served as a key leader during a number of contingency operations and state emergencies. Following the events of 9/11, Jesse deployed to the Middle East as the commander of a 160-man enhanced rifle company conducting security force missions for Army Central Command. In 2005, Jesse deployed to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina as part of the military relief effort serving as the operations officer for Joint Task Force - California. In 2007, Jesse deployed to San Diego at the onset of the Southern California wildfires serving on the primary staff of a Brigade sized task force made up of over 2,200 soldiers and airmen. In December 2009, Jesse's unit returned from a one-year deployment to the Balkans where it conducted peace enforcement operations as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force. During the mission, Jesse served as the executive officer and second-in-command of an Infantry battalion task force. From 2017 to 2019, Jesse served as a senior trainer in Ukraine during “Rapid Trident,” the country’s annual, capstone joint, coalition training exercises, helping to enhance the partnership and build readiness. He also led civil support operations assisting local communities and first responders during the devastating 2018 California wildfires.

Jesse is a graduate of the prestigious US Army War College. The War College's mission is to prepare senior military and civilian leaders for the responsibilities of strategic leadership and the global application of Landpower to achieve national security objectives.