Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight

For employees across California, facing workplace injustices such as discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or wage theft can be an overwhelming and emotionally draining experience. Navigating these complex legal challenges requires not just legal knowledge, but also a deep commitment to advocating for individuals' rights against powerful corporate interests. In the vibrant heart of San Francisco, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight stands as a distinguished national public interest law firm with a strong and dedicated presence, renowned for its unwavering commitment to social justice and civil rights. This article is designed to provide local Californians with an in-depth look into Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, highlighting their strategic location, the specialized services they offer—particularly in employment law—and the key features that make them a formidable and suitable legal partner for those seeking justice in the workplace and beyond.

Founded in 2004 by David Sanford and Jeremy Heisler, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight was established with a mission to litigate public interest and social justice cases that create a significant positive impact on individuals and society. The firm has grown to a national presence with multiple offices, consistently challenging powerful institutions and securing landmark victories for their clients. Their philosophy is rooted in a belief that everyone deserves a voice in the legal system, especially those who have been disempowered or wronged by larger entities. This ethos drives their passionate team of attorneys and staff, who share a collective commitment to diversity, inclusion, and accountability.

The firm's focus on plaintiff-side advocacy is particularly crucial in California, a state known for its progressive labor laws and a strong emphasis on employee rights. Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight's attorneys are not just legal experts; they are champions for those who have suffered injustice, striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their individual clients while also contributing to broader systemic change. Their impressive track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, often against Fortune 500 companies and major institutions, underscores their ability to successfully take on formidable opponents. For any Californian facing a significant employment dispute, a civil rights violation, or seeking to expose wrongdoing, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight offers experienced guidance and resolute advocacy, making them a premier choice for fighting for what's right.

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight’s San Francisco office is strategically located at 50 California St Suite 1538, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA. This prime address positions the firm in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District, a central and highly accessible area for clients from across the city and the wider Bay Area.

The office's location offers excellent accessibility via public transportation. It is within walking distance of major BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and Muni (San Francisco Municipal Railway) stations, including Embarcadero and Montgomery Street, which are key transit hubs connecting various parts of San Francisco and the broader Bay Area. This connectivity makes it convenient for clients traveling from diverse neighborhoods within San Francisco, as well as from surrounding cities in the East Bay, Peninsula, and North Bay. The firm also notes its proximity to Marin Transit and other Bay Area bus lines, as well as the iconic California Street Cable Car, further enhancing public transport options.

For those driving, the office is accessible from major freeways, though clients should factor in typical downtown San Francisco traffic. Nearby parking garages, such as Greystar Parking Golden Gateway Garage – Lot #50, One Front Street Parking Garage, and 475 Sansome Street Parking Garage, offer convenient options for visitors. Additionally, the firm recognizes the importance of flexibility and comfort in accessing legal services, offering both in-person and virtual appointments to accommodate clients' preferences and safety. This central and well-connected location ensures that Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight is readily available to serve individuals seeking justice across California.

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight specializes in a range of public interest and civil rights litigation, with a strong emphasis on employment law. Their comprehensive services are designed to advocate for individuals and groups who have experienced injustice. Key practice areas include:

• Employment Discrimination and Harassment: Representing employees who have experienced discrimination based on race, gender (including pregnancy and LGBTQ+ discrimination), age, disability, religion, and national origin (including accent discrimination). This also includes handling cases of sexual harassment.
• Wrongful Termination: Fighting for employees who have been unlawfully dismissed due to discrimination, retaliation, or violations of public policy or employment contracts.
• Retaliation: Protecting employees who have faced adverse actions from their employers after engaging in protected activities, such as reporting wrongdoing or exercising their legal rights.
• Wage and Hour Violations: Assisting employees in recovering unpaid wages, overtime pay, and addressing issues related to missed meal and rest breaks.
• Whistleblower and Qui Tam Claims: Representing whistleblowers who expose fraud against the government, protecting them from retaliation and helping them secure significant awards.
• Executive Representation: Providing discrete and effective counsel to high-level executives, attorneys, and directors in employment disputes, contract negotiations, and compensation matters.
• Sexual Violence, Title IX, and Victims' Rights: Standing by survivors of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, Title IX violations (in educational settings), sex trafficking, and other gender-based violence, seeking justice through the civil legal system.
• Financial Mismanagement and ERISA Litigation: Handling cases involving mismanagement of 401(k) plans and other retirement funds, breach of fiduciary duty, investor abuse, and other injustices in the financial services sector.
• Public Interest Litigation: Engaging in large-scale litigation to address systemic issues and promote social change, such as prosecuting claims related to the opioid epidemic or criminal justice reform.
• Asian American Litigation and Finance Practice: A dedicated practice group, led by Managing Partner Qiaojing Ella Zheng, focused on helping Asian American individuals and communities overcome cultural and linguistic barriers in legal recourse, with expertise in Asia/U.S. cross-border jurisdictional issues.

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight is distinguished by numerous key features and highlights that affirm its position as a leading firm in civil rights and employment law:

• Proven Track Record of Success: The firm has recovered over one billion dollars for individual clients and the U.S. Government through numerous verdicts and settlements. Notable achievements include securing the largest jury award in U.S. history in an employment discrimination case ($253 million for 7,000 female sales representatives) and the largest known jury verdict and monetary award in a Title IX case. Recently, the firm secured a record-breaking $69 million settlement in an ERISA class action.
• National Recognition and Awards: Consistently ranked among the best law firms by prestigious legal publications like U.S. News - Best Law Firms®, Chambers USA, The Legal 500 US, and Benchmark Litigation. They have been named "Civil Rights Firm of the Year," "Employment Rights Firm of the Year," and "Human Rights Firm of the Year" by The National Law Journal.
• Social Justice and Public Interest Focus: The firm was founded on a commitment to making a significant difference in society, taking on cases that address systemic injustice and empower disempowered individuals and groups.
• Exceptional Attorneys: The team includes highly acclaimed lawyers, such as Chairman David Sanford (recognized by Forbes as one of America's Top 200 Lawyers) and San Francisco Managing Partner Qiaojing Ella Zheng (named among The Daily Journal’s "Top Women Lawyers" for 2025 and a Law360 "Rising Star").
• Client-Focused and Compassionate Approach: Clients consistently praise the firm for its professionalism, empathy, clear communication, and dedication to their needs. Testimonials highlight attorneys like Ella Zheng for being "thorough, clear, and honest."
• Trial Experience: More than half of their attorneys have hands-on trial and arbitration experience, allowing them to effectively litigate complex matters against large institutions.
• Diversity and Inclusion: The firm actively promotes diversity, with a significant percentage of women and racially diverse attorneys in leadership roles, including a dedicated Asian American Litigation and Finance practice group.

While specific, generalized "promotions" or "special offers" are not typically advertised by a national public interest litigation firm like Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, their commitment to providing access to justice is often reflected in their fee structures. The firm frequently handles cases on a contingency fee basis, particularly in employment and civil rights matters. This means that clients often do not pay attorney fees unless a favorable outcome (settlement or verdict) is achieved.

For those seeking legal assistance, the best course of action is to directly contact Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight’s San Francisco office for an initial consultation. During this consultation, you can discuss the specifics of your case, and the firm will be able to provide clear information regarding their fee arrangements and how they can best assist you. This ensures transparency and allows potential clients to understand the financial aspects of their legal journey upfront.

To connect with Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight for legal assistance, especially for employment law and civil rights matters, please use the following contact information for their San Francisco office:

• Address: 50 California St Suite 1538, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
• Phone: (415) 422-9292
• Mobile Phone: +1 415-422-9292

It is highly recommended to call the office during business hours to schedule a confidential consultation. When you call, providing a brief overview of your legal issue will help the team direct your inquiry to the most appropriate attorney who can best assist you.

For locals in California, particularly those in the San Francisco Bay Area and individuals who have experienced injustice in the workplace or violations of their civil rights, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight is an exceptionally suitable legal partner. Their strategic location in San Francisco's Financial District ensures convenient access via public transportation, making it easier for individuals to reach expert legal counsel.

What truly distinguishes Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight for Californians is their profound specialization and unwavering dedication to plaintiff-side advocacy. In a state with robust employee protections, having a firm that not only understands the nuances of California's labor laws but also possesses a proven track record of securing significant victories against powerful entities is invaluable. The firm's comprehensive services, ranging from all forms of employment discrimination and wrongful termination to whistleblower and sexual violence claims, address critical needs within the community. Furthermore, their commitment to social justice and their empathetic, client-focused approach, as highlighted by numerous positive testimonials, ensures that clients feel heard, supported, and confident in their legal journey. For any Californian seeking to fight for their rights and achieve meaningful justice, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight offers the experience, resources, and dedication required to level the playing field and achieve positive outcomes.