Dorothy Black and Michelle Meek Named Women of Influence in Law by the San Diego Business Journal

Constangy is proud to announce that partners Dorothy Black and Michelle Meek have been named to the San Diego Business Journal’s prestigious 2025 Women of Influence in Law list.

The annual list recognizes San Diego’s most influential women attorneys who demonstrate exceptional legal expertise, significant professional achievements, and a meaningful impact on their clients and communities. Dorothy and Michelle were selected from hundreds of nominees for their outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to ethics, and independent contributions to the San Diego legal and business landscape.

Dorothy Black: Trusted Litigator and Advocate for Workplace Equity

Dorothy defends employers in a wide range of employment litigation matters—from harassment and wrongful termination to high-stakes wage and hour class actions. Known for her strategic litigation skills, Dorothy has successfully enforced arbitration agreements, blocked class certification, and resolved complex claims involving wage compliance, employee misclassification, and workplace misconduct. She is equally adept in courtroom advocacy and behind-the-scenes negotiations, frequently securing favorable outcomes in mediation and arbitration. A trusted advisor, she counsels employers on layoffs, leaves of absence, workplace investigations, and regulatory compliance. Dorothy is deeply committed to workplace equity, delivering bilingual harassment prevention training and helping employers craft inclusive, legally sound policies and handbooks. Her career spans top national and California-based firms, where she honed her skills across various industries. Recognized as Public Counsel’s “Advocate of the Year” and a Super Lawyers “Rising Star,” Dorothy brings clarity, compassion, and unmatched legal acumen to every client she serves.

Michelle Meek: Strategic Advisor and Compliance Leader

Michelle is a respected advocate and strategic advisor with more than 15 years of experience guiding employers through the complexities of labor and employment law. She has successfully defended clients in high-stakes matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour disputes—including single-plaintiff, class and collective actions. Michelle litigates cases in arbitration and in both state and federal courts, tailoring her approach to each client’s unique needs and risk profile. Her proactive counsel helps employers build legally sound, business-focused practices in areas like leave management, disciplinary issues, and internal investigations. Michelle also leads customized workplace trainings that promote compliance and foster inclusive, respectful environments. Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch, she is known for her clarity, precision, and responsiveness. Her judicial externships with two U.S. District Court judges inform her thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to employment law.

Constangy congratulates Dorothy and Michelle on this well-deserved recognition and their continued leadership in the San Diego legal community.