Ron Makarem

Ron
Makarem

Phone Number (213) 269-4013

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Biography

As the founder and principal attorney of Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA in Los Angeles, California, Ron Makarem has built a distinguished legal career spanning nearly three decades. Since beginning his practice in 1995, he has secured numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements while advocating for individuals’ rights throughout California, with particular focus on employment law and protecting workers from workplace misconduct.

Recognition and Achievements

Ron’s exceptional legal work has earned him consistent recognition from his peers and the legal community. His accolades include selection as a Super Lawyer continuously from 2011 through 2025, with an earlier designation as a Rising Star in 2010. In 2019, Super Lawyers honored him as one of California’s top 100 attorneys, while Los Angeles Magazine named him a “Top Attorney” in Southern California for 2013.

A significant milestone came in 2007 when The Daily Journal, California’s premier legal publication, recognized Ron among the state’s “Top 20 Under 40” attorneys. His career reached another pinnacle in 2012 when California Lawyer Magazine presented him with the prestigious CLAY award for “Attorney of the Year” following his work on a groundbreaking California Supreme Court case.

The California State Bar certified Ron as a legal malpractice specialist in 2012, demonstrating his expertise in this complex area of law. Three years later, the Arab American Lawyers Association of Southern California (AALASC) honored him with the Trailblazer Award, which celebrates attorneys who exhibit vision, courage, and determination in their legal practice.

Educational Background and Early Career

Ron’s academic journey began at the University of Southern California, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1992, graduating cum laude. He continued his legal education at Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu, California, receiving his Juris Doctor in 1995.

Following law school, Ron quickly established himself in the legal profession. By 2001, at just 30 years old, he had achieved partnership status at Ruben & Jones (later known as Ruben & Makarem). His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Makarem & Associates in 2004, where he continues to focus exclusively on consumer advocacy and litigation.

Notable Legal Matters

Throughout his career, Ron has handled several high-profile cases that demonstrate his litigation skills and commitment to consumer protection:

• Secured a $2.53 million judgment for clients who suffered from an attorney’s excessive billing practices and legal malpractice
• Represented a reality-television writer in a federal lawsuit against Donald Trump, NBC, and producer Mark Burnett regarding “The Apprentice,” including deposing Trump at Trump Tower in New York in 2005
• Secured a $36 million settlement in a case against Equinox, a major gym chain, to recover wages for more than 15,000 California-based personal trainers and instructors for claims including off-the-clock work, missed meal/rest breaks, and inaccurate wage statements.
• Recovered $8.5 Million in a case against TForce Freight, i.e. UPS, for unpaid minimum and overtime wages, and failure to provide timely meal and rest breaks.
• Secured $3.975 Million against SpaceX, representing a class of factory workers who were not provided all requisite meal and rest breaks.
• Represented a worker in lawsuit against a company, resulting in a recovery of $7.5 Million
• Negotiated a $2.6 million settlement in a legal malpractice action against Skadden Arps, one of the world’s most prestigious law firms
• Presented oral arguments before the California Supreme Court in Cassel v. Superior Court, an important case addressing mediation privilege
• Defended Splash News & Picture Agency against privacy invasion claims related to videotaping at a SAG Awards after-party involving Heath Ledger
• Fought for a class of collection call center workers at Westlake Financial Services, winning a $3.5 Million Settlement to remedy unpaid overtime and rest/meal break violations
• Received a $1.45 Million recovery against Forever 21, after factory workers were told to arrive at their job site earlier than they were allowed to clock in.
• Recovered $2.25 Million from G&M Oil after a class of gas station attendants were required to work before-and-after their shifts without pay and were also improperly required to work during their “lunch breaks.”

Professional Involvement and Publications

Ron maintains active membership in several professional organizations, including the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), where he serves on the Membership Committee, and the California Employment Lawyers Association, demonstrating his commitment to employment law and workers’ rights. He has also served on the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Professional Rules and Ethics Committee.

His expertise has been featured in major publications, including Fortune Magazine’s “Empowering People” (2019), Super Lawyers Magazine’s “The Calm Man in the Arena” (2019), and several articles in CAALA’s magazine, The Advocate.

Bar Admissions and Credentials

Ron is admitted to practice before:

• The State Bar of California (1995)
• S. District Court for the Central District of California (1995)
• S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit

Personal Life

A Los Angeles native, Ron balances his demanding legal practice with family life. During his free time, he enjoys watching and coaching his kids’ soccer teams, staying connected to his community through youth sports involvement.

Ron’s practice philosophy centers on protecting individuals’ rights in the workplace and maintaining the public’s trust in the legal profession. His dedication to fighting for those who have been wronged by employers or subjected to workplace misconduct has shaped his entire career and continues to guide his work at Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA.