Mark P.Grajski
Counsel
Labor & Employment
mgrajski@seyfarth.com
Mark has litigated virtually every type of employment law claim through trial for clients in a broad range of industries—including retail, logistics, agriculture, and health care.
More About Mark
Mark helps clients when they have high-exposure employment cases headed for trial in the federal or state courts anywhere in California and beyond. He has tried virtually every type of employment law claim to verdict or decision, with a proven record of success. For more than 20 years, Mark has focused on honing his trial practice skills and mentoring more junior attorneys to help develop theirs. He develops trial teams that capture a jury's attention and earn their trust.
In only one year, Mark secured three complete defense verdicts in separate jury trials, including a four-plaintiff lawsuit for racial discrimination and wrongful termination. He also won a complete defense verdict in a three-plaintiff sexual harassment case after more than a three-month trial in the Riverside County Superior Court. In addition, Mark won a complete defense verdict in a four-plaintiff exempt status misclassification case in federal court in Los Angeles.
Mark understands that jurors want trial attorneys to be efficient and engaging. He delivers by telling his clients' stories through all phases of trial in a straightforward, relatable way. Mark makes sure to maximize the use of visual materials, and never wastes time.
Mark is proud of the breadth and depth of the talent and experience at Seyfarth. No matter what a client may need at any stage of litigation, he knows the firm has the resources to deliver. He especially enjoys developing the next generation of employment trial lawyers by leading them through their first trials and giving them significant trial responsibilities.
In only one year, Mark secured three complete defense verdicts in separate jury trials, including a four-plaintiff lawsuit for racial discrimination and wrongful termination. He also won a complete defense verdict in a three-plaintiff sexual harassment case after more than a three-month trial in the Riverside County Superior Court. In addition, Mark won a complete defense verdict in a four-plaintiff exempt status misclassification case in federal court in Los Angeles.
Mark understands that jurors want trial attorneys to be efficient and engaging. He delivers by telling his clients' stories through all phases of trial in a straightforward, relatable way. Mark makes sure to maximize the use of visual materials, and never wastes time.
Mark is proud of the breadth and depth of the talent and experience at Seyfarth. No matter what a client may need at any stage of litigation, he knows the firm has the resources to deliver. He especially enjoys developing the next generation of employment trial lawyers by leading them through their first trials and giving them significant trial responsibilities.
- JD, University of California Davis School of Law
- BA, Columbia University
Psychology
- California
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
- US District Court, Central District of California
- US District Court, Eastern District of California
- US District Court, Northern District of California
- US District Court, Southern District of California
Trial Experience
- Gomez v. Bright Development, (Stanislaus County Superior Court) (failure to accommodate case settled on favorable terms after opening statements)
- Cantwell v. Major National Retailer, (Sacramento County Superior Court) (complete defense verdict on claims of sexual harassment and failure to prevent harassment after nearly six week jury trial)
- Reyes v. Transamerica Life Insurance Company, (United States District Court, Central District of California) (complete defense verdict in five-plaintiff exempt status misclassification case involving claims for unpaid overtime and failure to provide meal and rest breaks)
- Lindsey v. Major National Retailer, (United States District Court, Northern District of California) (complete defense verdict on claims for sexual harassment and failure to prevent harassment)
- Johnson v. Foster Dairy Farms, Inc., (Stanislaus County Superior Court) (sexual harassment jury trial. Plaintiff verdict.)
- Wasserman v. Major National Retailer, (Contra Costa Superior Court) (complete defense verdict on claims of disability discrimination and failure to accommodate disability)
- Acosta v. Major National Retailer, (Riverside County Superior Court) (complete defense verdict in three-plaintiff sexual harassment and retaliation case after ten week trial)
- Sallustio v. Kemper Independence Insurance Company, (Sacramento County Superior Court) (jury trial on defamation claim. Plaintiff verdict.)
- Apodaca v. Major National Retailer, (United States District Court, Central District of California) (complete defense verdict on claims for unpaid overtime and missed meal and rest breaks)
- Velazquez et al. v. Major National Retailer, (United States District Court, Central District of California) (lead attorney in four-day bench trial of claims for unpaid overtime and waiting time penalties by two plaintiffs on their individual claims after class certification was denied)
- Hamilton v. Major National Retailer, (United States District Court, Central District of California) (complete defense verdict on claims of disability discrimination, failure to engage in the interactive process and failure to accommodate disability)
- Sheridan v. Building Material Distributors, Inc. (Sacramento County Superior Court) (lead attorney representing defendant in two-week trial on age and disability discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims. Plaintiff verdict.)
- Meston v. Major National Retailer (Sonoma County Superior Court) (complete defense verdict in sexual harassment, retaliation and breach of contract case after two week jury trial)
- Kelley v. Major National Retailer (Sacramento County Superior Court) (defense verdict in age discrimination, harassment and retaliation case)
- Robbson v. Delta Dental of California (Sacramento County Superior Court) (defense verdict in four-plaintiff race discrimination/wrongful termination case)
- Thompson v. Major National Retailer (Kern County Superior Court) (defense verdict in racial harassment and loss of consortium case)
- Issaian v. FedEx Ground Package System, Inc. (Los Angeles County Superior Court) (lead attorney in two week jury trial on breach of contract claims. Plaintiff recovered a nominal sum on only one count after making multi-million dollar demand)
- Estrada v. FedEx Ground Package System, Inc. (Los Angeles Superior Court) (second chair in three-month bench trial of certified independent contractor misclassification class action)
- Flores v. CNG Financial, Inc., (United States District Court, Eastern District of California) (second-chaired trial on sexual harassment and wrongful termination claims)
Related News & Insights
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Recognition
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210 Seyfarth Attorneys Chosen as Leaders in Their Fields by Best Lawyers in America 2024
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Recognition
Sep 30, 2022
Seyfarth Earns Top Rankings in Benchmark Litigation 2022
-
Recognition
Aug 18, 2022
Seyfarth Attorneys Named in The Best Lawyers in America 2023
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Litigation - Labor and Employment (2019-2025)
- Recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Litigation - Labor and Employment (2020-2024)
- Recognized as a "Labor & Employment Star" by Benchmark Litigation (Euromoney Institutional Investor) (2020-2021)
- Recognized in BTI Client Service All-Stars (2015)
- American Bar Association (Labor and Employment Law Section; Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee; Management Co-Chair, Trial Advocacy Subcommittee, 2013-present)
- California Bar Association (Labor and Employment Law Section; Litigation Section)
- Sacramento County Bar Association (Labor and Employment Law Section)
- Co-Editor-In-Chief, “Trial Techniques for the Labor and Employment Law Practitioner,” ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law/Bloomberg BNA (2019)
-
Chapter Author, "Chapter 26- Deductions from Wages," Wage & Hour Collective and Class Litigation, ALM Law Journal Press (2012). Definitive treatise on wage and hour litigation.
- Speaker, "Major COVID-19 Litigation Risks And Protective Steps To Mitigate," California Employment Law Council Annual Meeting (November 12, 2020)
- ABA L&E Law Section Trial Institute, presenter and team coach, Chicago, IL (September 2017)
- "Best Practices for Using Experts at Deposition and Trial," American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee Mid-Winter Meeting, New Orleans, LA (March 2016)
- Law Conference, Philadelphia, PA, (November 2015 scheduled panelist)
- "Formaldehyde Is Your Friend: How To Best Preserve Critical Claims, Arguments, And Objections For Appeal," American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee Mid-Winter Meeting, Cabo San Lucas (March 2014 panelist)
- “Love Triangle in Sin City: A Modern Day Mock Trial, American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section,” Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee Mid-Winter Meeting, Las Vegas (March 2012)
- “Finding Buried Workplace Treasure – Then Using It At Trial, American Bar Association,” Labor and Employment Law Section, Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee Mid-Winter Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico (March 2011)
- “Navigating the Legal Shores When Disciplining and Terminating Employees,” Northern California Employment Law & HR Forum, San Francisco, CA (September 2009)
- “California Wage & Hour Update: Surfing the Next Wave of Wage & Hour Litigation,” Seyfarth Shaw Breakfast Briefing Series, Sacramento, CA (October 2008)
- “FMLA Update: Recent Legislation & Case Developments,” Sacramento Area Human Resources Association Annual Convention, Sacramento, CA (September 2008)
- “Harassment and Discrimination Law Update,” Northern California Employment Law Forum, Sacramento, CA (September 2008)
- “Family Responsibilities Discrimination: Cutting Edge Issues,” Seyfarth Shaw Breakfast Briefing Series, Sacramento, CA (November 2007)
- “Too Hot to Handle? Hybrid Class/Collective Wage and Hour Actions,” American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee Mid-Winter Meeting, New Orleans, LA (March 2007)
- “Employment Law Practice: 14th Annual Recent Developments,” Continuing Education of the Bar, Sacramento, CA (February 2005)
- “Navigating the New Overtime Regulations,” Seyfarth Shaw California Labor & Employment Law Symposium, Sacramento, CA (November 2004)
- “Recent Trends in Employment Class Actions – It’s Certainly Not Just Title VII Anymore,” Seyfarth Shaw California Labor & Employment Law Symposium, Sacramento, CA (November 2004)
- Issues In Employment Law, interview published in UC Davis Business Law Journal (May 2004)
Mark has litigated virtually every type of employment law claim through trial for clients in a broad range of industries—including retail, logistics, agriculture, and health care.
More About Mark
Mark helps clients when they have high-exposure employment cases headed for trial in the federal or state courts anywhere in California and beyond. He has tried virtually every type of employment law claim to verdict or decision, with a proven record of success. For more than 20 years, Mark has focused on honing his trial practice skills and mentoring more junior attorneys to help develop theirs. He develops trial teams that capture a jury's attention and earn their trust.
In only one year, Mark secured three complete defense verdicts in separate jury trials, including a four-plaintiff lawsuit for racial discrimination and wrongful termination. He also won a complete defense verdict in a three-plaintiff sexual harassment case after more than a three-month trial in the Riverside County Superior Court. In addition, Mark won a complete defense verdict in a four-plaintiff exempt status misclassification case in federal court in Los Angeles.
Mark understands that jurors want trial attorneys to be efficient and engaging. He delivers by telling his clients' stories through all phases of trial in a straightforward, relatable way. Mark makes sure to maximize the use of visual materials, and never wastes time.
Mark is proud of the breadth and depth of the talent and experience at Seyfarth. No matter what a client may need at any stage of litigation, he knows the firm has the resources to deliver. He especially enjoys developing the next generation of employment trial lawyers by leading them through their first trials and giving them significant trial responsibilities.
In only one year, Mark secured three complete defense verdicts in separate jury trials, including a four-plaintiff lawsuit for racial discrimination and wrongful termination. He also won a complete defense verdict in a three-plaintiff sexual harassment case after more than a three-month trial in the Riverside County Superior Court. In addition, Mark won a complete defense verdict in a four-plaintiff exempt status misclassification case in federal court in Los Angeles.
Mark understands that jurors want trial attorneys to be efficient and engaging. He delivers by telling his clients' stories through all phases of trial in a straightforward, relatable way. Mark makes sure to maximize the use of visual materials, and never wastes time.
Mark is proud of the breadth and depth of the talent and experience at Seyfarth. No matter what a client may need at any stage of litigation, he knows the firm has the resources to deliver. He especially enjoys developing the next generation of employment trial lawyers by leading them through their first trials and giving them significant trial responsibilities.
- JD, University of California Davis School of Law
- BA, Columbia University
Psychology
- California
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
- US District Court, Central District of California
- US District Court, Eastern District of California
- US District Court, Northern District of California
- US District Court, Southern District of California
Trial Experience
- Gomez v. Bright Development, (Stanislaus County Superior Court) (failure to accommodate case settled on favorable terms after opening statements)
- Cantwell v. Major National Retailer, (Sacramento County Superior Court) (complete defense verdict on claims of sexual harassment and failure to prevent harassment after nearly six week jury trial)
- Reyes v. Transamerica Life Insurance Company, (United States District Court, Central District of California) (complete defense verdict in five-plaintiff exempt status misclassification case involving claims for unpaid overtime and failure to provide meal and rest breaks)
- Lindsey v. Major National Retailer, (United States District Court, Northern District of California) (complete defense verdict on claims for sexual harassment and failure to prevent harassment)
- Johnson v. Foster Dairy Farms, Inc., (Stanislaus County Superior Court) (sexual harassment jury trial. Plaintiff verdict.)
- Wasserman v. Major National Retailer, (Contra Costa Superior Court) (complete defense verdict on claims of disability discrimination and failure to accommodate disability)
- Acosta v. Major National Retailer, (Riverside County Superior Court) (complete defense verdict in three-plaintiff sexual harassment and retaliation case after ten week trial)
- Sallustio v. Kemper Independence Insurance Company, (Sacramento County Superior Court) (jury trial on defamation claim. Plaintiff verdict.)
- Apodaca v. Major National Retailer, (United States District Court, Central District of California) (complete defense verdict on claims for unpaid overtime and missed meal and rest breaks)
- Velazquez et al. v. Major National Retailer, (United States District Court, Central District of California) (lead attorney in four-day bench trial of claims for unpaid overtime and waiting time penalties by two plaintiffs on their individual claims after class certification was denied)
- Hamilton v. Major National Retailer, (United States District Court, Central District of California) (complete defense verdict on claims of disability discrimination, failure to engage in the interactive process and failure to accommodate disability)
- Sheridan v. Building Material Distributors, Inc. (Sacramento County Superior Court) (lead attorney representing defendant in two-week trial on age and disability discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims. Plaintiff verdict.)
- Meston v. Major National Retailer (Sonoma County Superior Court) (complete defense verdict in sexual harassment, retaliation and breach of contract case after two week jury trial)
- Kelley v. Major National Retailer (Sacramento County Superior Court) (defense verdict in age discrimination, harassment and retaliation case)
- Robbson v. Delta Dental of California (Sacramento County Superior Court) (defense verdict in four-plaintiff race discrimination/wrongful termination case)
- Thompson v. Major National Retailer (Kern County Superior Court) (defense verdict in racial harassment and loss of consortium case)
- Issaian v. FedEx Ground Package System, Inc. (Los Angeles County Superior Court) (lead attorney in two week jury trial on breach of contract claims. Plaintiff recovered a nominal sum on only one count after making multi-million dollar demand)
- Estrada v. FedEx Ground Package System, Inc. (Los Angeles Superior Court) (second chair in three-month bench trial of certified independent contractor misclassification class action)
- Flores v. CNG Financial, Inc., (United States District Court, Eastern District of California) (second-chaired trial on sexual harassment and wrongful termination claims)
Related News & Insights
-
Firm News
08/15/2024
220 Seyfarth Attorneys Chosen as Leaders in Their Fields by Best Lawyers in America 2025
-
Recognition
08/17/2023
210 Seyfarth Attorneys Chosen as Leaders in Their Fields by Best Lawyers in America 2024
-
Recognition
Sep 30, 2022
Seyfarth Earns Top Rankings in Benchmark Litigation 2022
-
Recognition
Aug 18, 2022
Seyfarth Attorneys Named in The Best Lawyers in America 2023
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Litigation - Labor and Employment (2019-2025)
- Recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Litigation - Labor and Employment (2020-2024)
- Recognized as a "Labor & Employment Star" by Benchmark Litigation (Euromoney Institutional Investor) (2020-2021)
- Recognized in BTI Client Service All-Stars (2015)
- American Bar Association (Labor and Employment Law Section; Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee; Management Co-Chair, Trial Advocacy Subcommittee, 2013-present)
- California Bar Association (Labor and Employment Law Section; Litigation Section)
- Sacramento County Bar Association (Labor and Employment Law Section)
- Co-Editor-In-Chief, “Trial Techniques for the Labor and Employment Law Practitioner,” ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law/Bloomberg BNA (2019)
-
Chapter Author, "Chapter 26- Deductions from Wages," Wage & Hour Collective and Class Litigation, ALM Law Journal Press (2012). Definitive treatise on wage and hour litigation.
- Speaker, "Major COVID-19 Litigation Risks And Protective Steps To Mitigate," California Employment Law Council Annual Meeting (November 12, 2020)
- ABA L&E Law Section Trial Institute, presenter and team coach, Chicago, IL (September 2017)
- "Best Practices for Using Experts at Deposition and Trial," American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee Mid-Winter Meeting, New Orleans, LA (March 2016)
- Law Conference, Philadelphia, PA, (November 2015 scheduled panelist)
- "Formaldehyde Is Your Friend: How To Best Preserve Critical Claims, Arguments, And Objections For Appeal," American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee Mid-Winter Meeting, Cabo San Lucas (March 2014 panelist)
- “Love Triangle in Sin City: A Modern Day Mock Trial, American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section,” Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee Mid-Winter Meeting, Las Vegas (March 2012)
- “Finding Buried Workplace Treasure – Then Using It At Trial, American Bar Association,” Labor and Employment Law Section, Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee Mid-Winter Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico (March 2011)
- “Navigating the Legal Shores When Disciplining and Terminating Employees,” Northern California Employment Law & HR Forum, San Francisco, CA (September 2009)
- “California Wage & Hour Update: Surfing the Next Wave of Wage & Hour Litigation,” Seyfarth Shaw Breakfast Briefing Series, Sacramento, CA (October 2008)
- “FMLA Update: Recent Legislation & Case Developments,” Sacramento Area Human Resources Association Annual Convention, Sacramento, CA (September 2008)
- “Harassment and Discrimination Law Update,” Northern California Employment Law Forum, Sacramento, CA (September 2008)
- “Family Responsibilities Discrimination: Cutting Edge Issues,” Seyfarth Shaw Breakfast Briefing Series, Sacramento, CA (November 2007)
- “Too Hot to Handle? Hybrid Class/Collective Wage and Hour Actions,” American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee Mid-Winter Meeting, New Orleans, LA (March 2007)
- “Employment Law Practice: 14th Annual Recent Developments,” Continuing Education of the Bar, Sacramento, CA (February 2005)
- “Navigating the New Overtime Regulations,” Seyfarth Shaw California Labor & Employment Law Symposium, Sacramento, CA (November 2004)
- “Recent Trends in Employment Class Actions – It’s Certainly Not Just Title VII Anymore,” Seyfarth Shaw California Labor & Employment Law Symposium, Sacramento, CA (November 2004)
- Issues In Employment Law, interview published in UC Davis Business Law Journal (May 2004)