Arcelia N. Magaña

Arcelia is a litigator and trial attorney who concentrates on labor and employment law. Focusing on creating stable and high-functioning work environments, she leverages her extensive experience to guide employers on best practices that help avoid the costly disruptions of litigation.

Over the past seven years, Arcelia has successfully defended over 20 wage and hour class and representative actions, including cases under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). This track record underscores her experience in complex legal disputes and her adept handling of high-stakes cases. She also skillfully manages responses to inquiries from the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), further showcasing her legal acumen.

Arcelia collaborates closely with clients to keep them informed of ongoing labor and employment policy developments and ensure compliance, helping them stay out of the courtroom. Her particular experience defending hotels and restaurants in employment cases allows her to align litigation strategies with the unique challenges and business objectives of hospitality employers. Starting her career on the plaintiffs' side gives her a well-rounded perspective, enriching her case strategies with valuable insights.

Honors & Recognition

• San Diego Business Journal, "Leaders of Influence in Law" (2025)
• San Diego Business Journal, "Latino Leaders of Influence" (2024-2025)
• National Latina Business Women Association-San Diego's Latina in Law Award (2024)
• Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America^® "Ones to Watch" for Labor and Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment (2023-present), and Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants (2026)
• San Diego Super Lawyers®, “Rising Stars” (2020, 2022-present)
• Lawyers of Color, "Hot List" (2023)
• San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, "President’s Award" (2019)
• Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Service (2015, 2016)
• Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Inc., "Outstanding Service Award" (2015)

About Me

In her personal life, she enjoys salsa dancing, running, reading, and spending time with her husband and dogs, Lula and Benito. Her lifelong goal is to see as many Wonders of the World as she can.

Education

California Western School of Law

• J.D., 2016
• Dean’s List
• Academic Excellence Award – Trial Practice
• Pro Bono Honors Society

University of California, Berkeley

• B.S., 2013

Languages

News

Legal Analysis

Constangy Streaming

Civic

• Sweetwater Authority’s Citizen Advisory Committee, Chairwoman (2021-2022)
• UC Berkeley Chicanx/Latinx Alumni Association
  • Scholarship Chair (2016-2022)
  • Co-Chair of the San Diego Chapter
• City of Berkeley – Personnel Board, Former Board Member
• City of Escondido – Personnel Board of Review, Former Board Member

Professional

• Hispanic National Bar Association, Member and Human Resources Committee Deputy Chair
• Latinas in the Law
• Lawyers Club of San Diego
• MANA de San Diego, General Counsel (Pro-Bono)
• San Diego County Bar Association, Member and Labor and Employment Law Section, Executive Committee (2019-2022)
• San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association
  • President (2022-2023)
  • Endorsements Committee Vice-Chair
  • Scholarship Fund At-Large Director (2019-present)
  • Public Benefit Fund President (2024)
• San Diego Unity Bar, Endorsements Committee Co-Chair
• California Western Community Law Project, Volunteer Attorney
• Casa Cornelia, Volunteer Attorney
• San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program, Volunteer Attorney