Archives for September 17, 2026

Tagnesi settlement ranked No. 1 for Constructive Discharge, Sexual Orientation Discrimination and No. 29 among California civil rights settlements

Haeggquist & Eck, LLP is proud to announce that the $1.2 million settlement secured by attorneys Aaron Olsen and Anna Schwartz in Tagnesi v. Grossmont Union High School District has received multiple statewide recognitions from TopVerdict for 2025.

The settlement was named the Number 1 Settlement in California in 2025 in the category of:

• Constructive Discharge, Sexual Orientation Discrimination

The result was also ranked No. 29 among the Top 50 Civil Rights Violation Settlements in California in 2025.

Standing Up Against Workplace Discrimination

At the heart of this case was something fundamental: employees should not face discrimination because of their sexual orientation, nor should they be punished for speaking out against injustice.

Rose Tagnesi, a longtime Grossmont Union High School District employee, alleged that she experienced harassment and retaliation because of her LGBTQ+ identity and her advocacy against policies she believed harmed the LGBTQ+ community.

Haeggquist & Eck secured a $1.2 million settlement to resolve the lawsuit. The district did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

For employees who experience discrimination, the consequences can extend far beyond the workplace. Being pushed out of a career can affect financial security, professional identity, family, and a person’s sense of stability. California employment laws provide important protections against sexual orientation discrimination and retaliation for employees who speak out against unlawful workplace conduct.

Recognition for a Meaningful Result

TopVerdict’s 2025 rankings recognize the significance of the result across both employment law and civil rights litigation in California.

We are incredibly proud of Aaron Olsen and Anna Schwartz for their work on this case, grateful for the trust Rose placed in our firm, and honored to see the result recognized as the No. 1 settlement in California for Constructive Discharge, Sexual Orientation Discrimination.

The settlement’s additional ranking at No. 29 among California’s Top 50 Civil Rights Violation Settlements of 2025 underscores the broader civil rights issues at the center of the case.

Results like this reinforce why we do this work: to pursue accountability, protect employee rights, and help create meaningful change beyond a single case.

About Haeggquist & Eck, LLP

Haeggquist & Eck, LLP is a San Diego-based plaintiff’s law firm representing employees and individuals whose rights have been violated. The firm handles cases involving workplace discrimination, sexual orientation and LGBTQ+ discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other civil rights matters.

Founded in 2008, Haeggquist & Eck is committed to standing up for individuals facing powerful employers and institutions and helping clients pursue accountability and justice.

Haeggquist & Eck, LLP is proud to announce that it has been recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as one of San Diego’s Best Places to Work 2026, earning the #5 ranking in the Small Company category.

This recognition marks the fourth consecutive year the firm has been named to the prestigious Best Places to Work list and its highest ranking yet, reflecting the intentional culture the firm has built over the past 18 years.

“We’re incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” said Managing Partner Alreen Haeggquist. “Our people are the heart of our firm. This award reflects the passion, collaboration, and commitment our team brings to our clients, our community, and one another every day.”

At Haeggquist & Eck, being a great workplace is about more than benefits or perks. It is about creating an environment where people feel valued, respected, and empowered to do meaningful work. The firm’s culture is rooted in collaboration, accountability, compassion, and a shared commitment to justice.

Since opening its doors in 2008, Haeggquist & Eck has remained dedicated to standing up for individuals who have experienced discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other forms of injustice. That same commitment to advocacy extends inward, shaping a workplace where employees are encouraged to grow professionally, support one another, and make a lasting impact.

For 18 years, the firm has worked to build a workplace that reflects its values while creating meaningful opportunities for its team to thrive. The recognition from the San Diego Business Journal is a testament to the people who make that mission possible every day.

Haeggquist & Eck extends its sincere gratitude to its dedicated team, clients, and community for their continued trust and support. Together, they continue to inspire the firm to evolve, grow, and lead with purpose.

About Haeggquist & Eck, LLP

Haeggquist & Eck, LLP is a women-owned boutique law firm based in San Diego, California. Since 2008, the firm has represented individuals in employment law and survivor advocacy matters, standing up for those who have experienced discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other civil rights violations. Through trauma-informed advocacy and a client-centered approach, the firm is committed to creating meaningful change for individuals and communities throughout California.