Biography​​​​

 

​​​​​​​​​Anthony “Tony” Strauss brings over 49 years of intensive experience in employment law and civil litigation to his full-time practice as an arbitrator and mediator. Having represented parties in hundreds of trials, administrative hearings, and arbitrations, Tony possesses a rare depth of trial knowledge that informs his perspective as a neutral.

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Tony’s background spans the full spectrum of civil litigation, including complicated business disputes and high-stakes real estate matters. His career is marked by a balanced practice; he has successfully represented national chain stores and small businesses, as well as top executives and rank-and-file employees. This "both sides of the aisle" experience—including significant work in class actions involving PAGA and complex wage-and-hour issues—gives him the unique ability to see a case through the eyes of every stakeholder in the room.

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A dedicated neutral for over 25 years, Tony serves as an arbitrator and mediator for the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and provides independent mediation services. He has previously served as a court-appointed mediator for the Los Angeles Superior Court and both a court-appointed mediator and arbitrator for the Ventura County Superior Court.

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Tony is AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer rating standard. His approach to resolution is methodical and persistent; he relies on thorough pre-mediation briefing to evaluate legal strengths and weaknesses, allowing the session itself to focus on the core interests at stake.

 

Primary Areas of Expertise

 

• Wage & Hour: Class actions, PAGA, independent contractor classification, and piece-rate compensation.

• Employment Discrimination: Race, sex, age, disability, religion, and pregnancy claims.

• Wrongful Termination & Harassment: Sexual harassment, whistleblowing, and retaliation.

• Business & Real Estate: Trade secrets, construction defect, mold litigation, and contract disputes.

• Professional Liability: Disability retirements, civil service, and school district discipline.

 

Education & Professional Training

 

• J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law 

• B.A., History, University of California, Santa Barbara 

• Mediation Certificate, Conflict Management Institute, Santa Barbara, CA 

• College of Trial Advocacy, Hastings College of the Law 

 

Work History & Admissions

 

• Strauss Law Group, Attorney, Arbitrator, Mediator (2007–Present) 

• Strauss Uritz, APC, Managing Partner (1999–2007) 

• Fairfield, McDonald, Strauss & Uritz, Partner (1986–1999) 

• County of Ventura, Deputy District Attorney and Assistant County Counsel (1977–1986) 

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Admissions

 

California Bar; U.S. Supreme Court; Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals; all California Federal Courts.

 

Professional Associations & Leadership

 

• Ventura County Bar Association: Current Member and Past President (2009).

• Ventura Legal Services Program: Past President (2010).

• Ventura County Legal Aid, Inc.: Executive Committee, Board of Directors.

• Volunteer: Los Angeles Superior Court Resolve Law Program.

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