Sacramento Employment Lawyer
We exclusively represent employees AGAINST corporate employers
Matt Ruggles has litigated hundreds of employment and wrongful termination lawsuits from both sides – for decades as a defense attorney at one of the largest law firms on Earth representing the biggest corporations in the country; and since 2016, representing wrongfully terminated employees against corporate employers.
Matthew J. Ruggles
30+ Years of Employment Litigation Experience
“My consistent and exemplary record of success in employment lawsuits is based on my rigorous education and training, decades of courtroom experience, and practical street smarts.” – Matt
About Matt Ruggles
My practice is now and always has been devoted exclusively and completely to labor and employment law. I have deep and relevant experience in all aspects of an employee’s interaction with the legal system: at the job level, administrative agency level, lawsuit level, appellate level, state court level, and federal court level. I’ve been lead counsel on hundreds of lawsuits spanning the State of California; for the first 23 years as a defense attorney getting corporations off the hook; and since 2016, as an enthusiastic advocate for employees who have experienced injustice at work.
Through delivering superior legal services to each client, we can level the playing field and collectively overcome the challenging and often bewildering landscape that litigation presents, especially for individuals who lack the resources of the corporation that has wronged them. I will use my passion, my enthusiasm, and all my training and experience to evaluate, prosecute, and maximize your claim.
Matt’s Legal Experience
The Ruggles Law Firm Exclusively Represents California Employees Who Have Been Wronged by Their Corporate Employers.
Specializing in employment litigation since 1994, Matt Ruggles has successfully litigated countless diverse cases for Fortune 500 companies, large and small regional employers, and individuals. After exclusively representing employers, Matt redirected his focus in 2016 to champion the rights of individual employees, armed with insider knowledge of corporate workings.
See Matt's Detailed Experience
EDUCATION
University of California, Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Graduated June 1994
Assistant Editor, COMM/ENT Law Journal
Member, Moot Court Board
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts in American History (B.A.)
Graduated June 1991, magna cum laude
California State Bar
Admitted December 1994
PROFESSIONAL LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Ruggles Law Firm
Sacramento, CA
2016 – Present
Principal
Litigation practice devoted exclusively to representing California employees in Employment and Wage Law in state and federal courts.
Littler Mendelson
SACRAMENTO, CA
2001 – 2015
Equity Partner: 2005 – 2015
Senior Associate: 2001 – 2005
Supervised single-plaintiff lawsuits as well as complex litigation including wage and hour class actions, PAGA claims, and all other forms of legal claims that arise from employment, including lawsuits for wrongful termination, sexual harassment, discrimination based on age, gender, religion, disability, etc. Developed an expertise in civil procedure in both state and federal courts including summary disposition of claims and arbitration issues. Jury experience in both state and federal courts and significant experience in arbitrations and administrative hearings. Maintained an exemplary record of quickly and effectively resolving lawsuits.
- Litigated hundreds of lawsuits for Fortune 100 companies including Apple, Inc., American Airlines Inc., Waste Management, Inc., Dignity Health, and countless other large and small corporate clients.
- Lead counsel in 70+ administrative trials, dozens of arbitrations, and multiple jury trials in state and federal court.
Epstein Becker & Green
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
November 1999 – January 2001
Litigated management-side employment and labor law in state and federal court.
Pahl & Gosselin
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
1997 – 1999
Associate Attorney
Worked as an associate attorney under Tom Gosselin in his San Francisco office litigating management-side labor and employment law in state and federal court.
Thierman Law Firm
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
1993 – 1997
Associate Attorney
Worked for attorney Mark Thierman during law school, and several years immediately afterwards litigating management-side labor and employment law in state and federal court.
The Ruggles Law Firm Can Help You
The Ruggles Law Firm Helps California Employees Successfully Litigate Employment Claims
Choose a lawyer who values you as a client. Matt Ruggles has helped hundreds of people with their employment law needs.
- Matt Ruggles Leads Every Case: You never get handed off to a junior lawyer.
- Successful Outcomes: Matt Ruggles leverages decades of defense experience to counter corporate defense tricks and win lawsuits against employers who wronged employees.
- Client-centered Action: Matt Ruggles demonstrates he cares by taking prompt and strategic action to maximize your claim.
No Obligation Free Case Evaluation:
Matt Ruggles loves to give clear and easy to understand interpretations of employment matters. Please contact the Ruggles Law Firm to discuss your potential claim.
Practice Areas
Wrongful Termination
Matt Ruggles has recovered millions of dollars from large and small corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies and individuals that broke California law by wrongfully terminating employees.
Disability Discrimination
Matt Ruggles has recovered millions of dollars from large and small corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies and individuals that broke California law by illegally discriminating against disabled employees.
Workplace Discrimination
Matt Ruggles has litigated scores of discrimination lawsuits from both sides, representing wrongfully terminated employees against corporate employers.
Workplace Harassment
Matt Ruggles has a thorough understanding of California workplace harassment law and decades of practical experience litigating harassment claims in California and federal court.
Workplace Retaliation
Matt Ruggles has litigated scores of retaliation lawsuits from both sides, representing wrongfully terminated employees against corporate employers.
Unpaid Wages
Unlock the power to reclaim what’s rightfully yours! Explore our comprehensive guide to understanding wage theft. The Ruggles Law Firm can assist you in recovering unpaid wages.
Severance Agreements
Don’t sign away your rights blindly! Discover the critical reasons why having a lawyer review your severance agreement is a crucial step in safeguarding your future.
Need More Information?
Please get in contact the Ruggles Law Firm with any employment law questions. We are happy to assist you!
How Matt Can Help Your Case
Matt Ruggles will quickly analyze your potential case and clarify your options to move forward.
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- 30+ years of employment law litigation experience.
No charge for the first call to evaluate your case. Matt enjoys helping people solve problems.
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- Reduce your stress by contacting us to explain where you stand.
Matt Ruggles is an aggressive litigator and takes decisive action for his clients.
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- We care about our clients. We demonstrate that we care by taking prompt and strategic action!
The Ruggles Law Firm is Here for You
We understand the stress that comes from being mistreated by your employer. Please allow us to discuss your potential claim. Matt Ruggles loves to help people by providing a clear and concise free evaluation of their potential claim.
Frequent Questions by Those Who May Have Been Terminated Illegally
Curious about navigating the complexities of hiring an employment lawyer? Learn valuable insights in our FAQs section on a range of employment law topics. Click through now and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to gain legal assistance with confidence.
Free Initial Consultation Explained
Choosing the Right Employment Lawyer
How Employment Lawyers Charge for Services
How an Employment Lawsuit Works
Depositions Explained
Winning Against the Biggest Corporations in Northern California and Beyond
The Ruggles Law Firm has successfully litigated cases in state and federal court in both northern and southern California. Although we primarily focus on Northern California, we have represented clients as far north as Eureka and as far south as San Diego.
Client Testimonials
Schedule Your free consultation
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Employment Law Resources
Read Matt's Law Blog
Unlock a wealth of knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of California’s employment law landscape. Our blog is a treasure trove of insightful posts authored by Matt Ruggles, exploring the latest trends, legal updates, and practical advice.
Performance Improvement Plan (PIP): An Employee Guide
What is a Performance Improvement Plan? A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a formal written document used by employers to address and document performance concerns with an employee. It serves to outline specific problems, issues and deficiencies in the employee’s...
New 2025 Laws to Protect California Employees
New laws to protect California employees are set go into effect in 2025. These new laws include updates to existing laws in areas such as workers' compensation, whistleblower protection, family leave, and anti-discrimination measures. Here's an overview of how these...
I Just Got Fired: What Should I Do Right Away
Introduction: I Just Got Fired: Guidance for California Employees Immediately After Termination. Getting fired from a job is a traumatic event for any employee. Most of the time, it is entirely normal for the employee to disagree with the employer’s termination...
The Ruggles Law Firm Serves Employees in Northern California and Beyond
Matt Ruggles proudly helps residents of the following areas. If you live in one of the following areas, the Ruggles Law Firm can help you with your workplace harassment, discrimination, or wage dispute.
Sacramento:
Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Yuba City, Marysville, Davis, Stockton, Modesto, Fresno, and more!
San Francisco:
Walnut Creek, Berkeley, Oakland, Concord, Burlingame, San Raphael, and more!
San Jose:
Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Redwood City, Cupertino, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Mountain View, and more!