Jonathan Wong Of Counsel (510) 451-3300 jmwong@donahue.com Download vCard LinkedIn

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Jonathan Wong heads the firm’s nationality and immigration law practice, advising and representing domestic and international companies that are hiring foreign nationals to work in the United States. He recommends immigration strategies to employers and represents them before the Departments of State and Homeland Security. He has handled the immigration process for U.S. companies seeking the services of foreign engineers, scientists, technical specialists, and marketing and operations personnel in diverse business sectors ranging from architecture to zoological science. He is also experienced in the transfer of foreign executives, managers, and other key personnel to American branches of foreign companies. In employment circumstances involving access to trade secrets and other proprietary information, he assists employers in evaluating the foreign worker’s background and structuring a relationship that protects his clients’ interests.

An experienced litigator, Mr. Wong counsels employers and defends them against claims of wrongful termination, discrimination and sexual harassment, and other employment-related issues. He has also represented plaintiffs in employment-related individual and class litigation. He has served as trial counsel in multiple trials, has represented clients in numerous mediations and arbitrations, and has successfully argued his clients’ cases before California and federal appeals courts. He was lead counsel for instatement procedures and was responsible for negotiating the settlement of all claims made by 1,200 employees in a class action lawsuit settled by a consent decree. His litigation practice also includes advising clients, in-house counsel, and partner law firms on electronic discovery best practices, technology assisted review, and compliance with new and emerging federal and state electronic discovery rules and protocols.

Mr. Wong advises employers on personnel disputes, employee discipline, demotions, and terminations. He drafts and reviews employee policy manuals, checking for compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. He also counsels employers on workplace safety and OSHA compliance and on the implications of the Americans With Disabilities Act. He assists employers in complying with federal, state, and local requirements governing wages, hours, and other conditions of employment and defends them in administrative proceedings brought by government agencies. As part of his employment and labor law practice, Jonathan negotiates and drafts employment agreements for key employees, executives, and officers. His labor relations practice concentrates on advising employers regarding union elections, employee grievances, contract interpretation and collective bargaining strategies and techniques.

Mr. Wong is the recipient of multiple awards for his provision of pro bono legal services to the indigent.

Professional & Community Affiliations

  • Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • Member and Past President, Alameda County Bar Association
  • Past President, Alameda County Volunteer Legal Services Corporation
  • Instructional Faculty, San Francisco State University Extended Learning

Recognition

  • Pro Bono Leadership Award, Alameda County Volunteer Legal Services Corporation, 2013
  • Pro Bono Angel Award, California Lawyer Magazine, 2007
  • Distinguished Service Award, Alameda County Bar Association, 2003
  • President's Pro Bono Service Award, State Bar of California, 2000
  • Named, Northern California's "Immigration Super Lawyers", Super Lawyers, annually since 2008
  • Awarded, AV® Preeminent™ (5.0 out of 5) peer-review rated, Martindale-Hubbell™

Recent Speaking Engagements

October 24, 2024 | Virtual
Pro Bono: Tips for Making the Most of Your Pro Bono Experience
Alameda County Bar Association

April 30, 2024 | Oakland, CA
The Small Business Workshop on 2024 Labor Law and Food Safety
Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

December 07, 2023 | Webinar
2024 Annual Employment Law Update

December 05, 2023 | Webinar
2024 Annual Employment Law Update

December 08, 2022 | Oakland, CA
2023 Annual Employment Law Update

December 06, 2022 | Webinar
2023 Annual Employment Law Update

September 16, 2022 | San Francsico, CA
Ethical Issues in California Pro Bono Representation 2022
Practising Law Institute

December 09, 2021 | Webinar
2022 Annual Employment Law Update

September 17, 2021 | Live Webcast
Ethical Issues in California Pro Bono Representation 2021
Practising Law Institute

Past Speaking Engagements