Kelly M. Dermody

Kelly M. Dermody: Championing Justice and Equality in Employment Law

Kelly M. Dermody is a leading advocate for plaintiffs in civil rights and employment law, recognized nationally for her groundbreaking work in pay equity, #metoo cases, and diversity & inclusion initiatives. As Managing Partner of the San Francisco office of Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, she brings decades of experience and a relentless commitment to fighting for fair treatment and equal opportunities for individuals facing discrimination and injustice. Ms. Dermody’s passion for social justice, coupled with her strategic litigation skills, has established her as a ‘Giant Slayer’ within the legal community, consistently achieving significant victories for her clients.

Ms. Dermody’s career is marked by a deep understanding of complex employment laws and a proven track record of success in class and collective action lawsuits. She specializes in addressing systemic discrimination issues, including unfair hiring, promotion, compensation, and performance evaluation systems. Her expertise extends to sensitive and challenging cases involving sexual abuse, harassment, and trafficking, where she provides unwavering support and legal representation to survivors seeking accountability and justice. The Daily Journal has consistently lauded her ‘values’ – a dedication to client advocacy and a pursuit of tangible results – having translated into real-day value for countless individuals who have secured better job opportunities with companies like Abercrombie & Fitch, Home Depot, and Smith Barney, or recovered monetary damages from institutions engaged in predatory lending and servicing practices.

In 2012, Ms. Dermody served as President of the Bar Association of San Francisco, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to the legal profession. Her involvement with the American Bar Association’s Section of Labor and Employment Law, including her role as Immediate Past Chair, underscores her significant contributions to the advancement of employment law principles nationwide. As a member of the ABA’s Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council, she actively promotes inclusivity and equitable practices within the legal system.

Ms. Dermody’s impact on the legal landscape is widely recognized. She has been selected as one of the top 100 attorneys in California, top 75 labor and employment lawyers in California, and top 100 women litigators in California – accolades bestowed by organizations including The Daily Journal, The Recorder, and Chambers USA. The Recorder awarded her the prestigious “Giant Slayer” award in 2016, a testament to her strategic courtroom prowess. She remains a Board member of the Equal Justice Society, a national non-profit dedicated to transforming the nation’s consciousness on race and racial equity, highlighting her commitment to broader social justice issues.

Practice Areas

Ms. Dermody's legal practice is firmly rooted in:

• Employment Law - Individuals: She represents individual plaintiffs facing a wide range of employment-related claims, including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, and breach of contract.
• Litigation - Labor and Employment: Ms. Dermody specializes in complex litigation matters involving employment disputes, utilizing her strategic skills and extensive knowledge to achieve favorable outcomes for her clients.

Awards & Recognition

Ms. Dermody’s dedication and success have earned her numerous prestigious awards and recognitions, solidifying her reputation as a leading attorney:

• Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Individuals (2026, 2023, 2020, 2018, 2014)
• Lawyer of the Year: Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (2013)
• Recognized: Employment Law - Individuals, Litigation - Labor and Employment
• Practice Area: Litigation - ERISA, Product Liability Litigation
• AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
• Selected for inclusion by peers in The Best Lawyers in America (2010-2026)
• Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America (2010-2017, 2019-2025)
• Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America (2023-2025)
• Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2010-2017, 2019-2025)
• Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment & Civil Rights Lawyers in America
• In Best Attorney USA since 2010
• Community Service Award, Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom (2008)
• Community Justice Award, Centro Legal de la Raza (2008)
• California Lawyer Attorney of the Year (CLAY) Award, California Lawyer (2007)
• Trial Lawyer of the Year Finalist, Public Justice Foundation (2007)
• Consumer Attorney of the Year Finalist, Consumer Attorneys of California (2006)
• California’s Top 20 Lawyers Under 40, Daily Journal (2006)
• Living the Dream Partner, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (2005)
• Top Bay Area Employment Attorney, The Recorder (2004)

Affiliations

• American Bar Association (Section of Labor and Employment Law)
• Equal Justice Society
• Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom
• Centro Legal de la Raza
• Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area

Education

Ms. Dermody is a highly educated legal professional with a deep commitment to her craft.

Bar Admissions

California State Bar