Jeanne Tollison

Jeanne Tollison is a partner at Walsworth who focuses her practice on employment law, public entity defense, civil rights litigation, and complex tort matters. With two decades of litigation experience, she represents public entities and private employers in high-stakes disputes throughout California. Jeanne brings strategic and practical solutions to every matter, helping clients navigate complex legal challenges while balancing legal, operational, and reputational considerations.

A significant portion of Jeanne’s practice is devoted to defending public entities and law enforcement officers in civil rights litigation brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. She has extensive experience representing clients in matters involving allegations of excessive force, unlawful arrest, unlawful search and seizure, failure to train and supervise, wrongful death, and other constitutional claims, including Equal Protection and First Amendment retaliation claims. Her experience in this area allows her to effectively manage the unique legal and public-facing challenges that often accompany high-profile civil rights disputes.

Jeanne also routinely handles high-exposure employment disputes involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, and whistleblower claims. She represents employers in matters arising under federal and state employment laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and guides clients through OSHA investigations and other workplace-related disputes. From pre-litigation investigations and risk assessments through dispositive motions, trials, arbitrations, and appeals, Jeanne provides practical guidance and strategic advocacy tailored to each client’s goals. Her extensive courtroom experience and steady counsel help clients approach complex legal and business challenges with confidence.

In addition to her litigation practice, Jeanne advises employers on personnel matters, policy development, and risk management strategies. She is committed to helping clients proactively address issues before they become disputes and providing practical guidance that supports long-term success.

Jeanne is deeply committed to the legal profession and is a member of several associations. Through these organizations, she remains engaged in advancing the defense bar, fostering professional development, and supporting the next generation of attorneys. Some of her greatest accomplishments come from seeing the success of younger attorneys she has been fortunate to mentor.