How do I know if I’m being paid unfairly?

Pay disparities can be identified by comparing your total compensation including salary, bonuses, equity, and benefits to colleagues in substantially similar roles. Our team can help evaluate your situation.

Does SB 642 only protect women?

No. SB 642 protects employees of another sex including non binary individuals and also addresses disparities based on race and ethnicity under California law.

Can I file a claim while I’m still employed?

Yes. Employers cannot legally retaliate against you for exercising your rights. Many claims are filed while still employed.

What does it cost to hire Empower Law?

Nothing upfront. Cases are handled on a contingency basis and you only pay if you recover.

What’s the difference between an individual claim and a class action?

An individual claim seeks recovery for your personal pay gap. A class action groups employees with similar discrimination, often resulting in larger total recoveries and systemic change.

My employer offered a reason for the pay difference. Does that matter?

California law requires pay differences to be justified by factors like seniority, merit, productivity, or experience. Generic justifications may not meet legal standards.

Co-Founder & Co-Principal, Empower Law PC CEO and Founder, NotMe Solutions Inc Partner, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP (2012–2019) Of Counsel, Littler Mendelson, P.C. (2005–2011) Associate, Allen & Overy, Luxembourg (2002–2003)

Co-Founder & Co-Principal, Empower Law PC Partner, Littler Mendelson, PC (2006–2018) Associate, Littler Mendelson, PC (1999–2005)

Our Team - Empower Law

Ariel D. Weindling
Dominic J. Messiha

Co-Founder & Co-Principal

Ariel D. Weindling

Ariel D. Weindling is a co-founder and co-principal at Empower Law PC. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for workplace equality, safety, and transparency, Ariel is a leading employment lawyer specializing in cases involving sexual harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, and whistleblowing. His expertise in “speak up” and whistleblowing programs has made him a trusted advocate for employees and organizations alike.

Beyond representing employees, Ariel collaborates with HR leaders and Compliance Officers to develop impactful whistleblowing and workplace safety programs. By leveraging his deep understanding of employment law, compliance, and organizational dynamics, he helps create trusted and authentic workplace cultures that enhance performance and safety.

Education & Bar Admissions

Education

LL.M., Boston University School of Law, 2001
D.E.A., Université Libre de Bruxelles, 2002
LL.B., Robert Schuman University School of Law, 1998

Bar Admissions

California

Experience

Co-Founder & Co-Principal, Empower Law PC
CEO and Founder, NotMe Solutions Inc
Partner, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP (2012–2019)
Of Counsel, Littler Mendelson, P.C. (2005–2011)
Associate, Allen & Overy, Luxembourg (2002–2003)

Recognition & Achievements

Listed in Who’s Who Legal: Labour, Employment & Benefits (2015–2018)
Named in International Who's Who of Management Labour and Employment Lawyers (2011, 2012, 2015–2018)
Recognized as one of the Recommended Lawyers in International Employment Law by Practical Law Company
Finalist, SoCal Apparel Awards, Los Angeles Business Journal (2015)

Publications & Speaking Engagements

Ariel is a prolific author and speaker on employment law and HR-related topics. He has been featured in Footwear Newsand the Los Angeles Business Journal, and has contributed to numerous publications on workplace compliance and legal advocacy.

A frequent speaker at legal and HR conferences, Ariel also serves as an expert trainer for employment law and HR professionals. He is a member of XBHR, a cross-border think tank composed of HR leaders and employment lawyers.

Co-Founder & Co-Principal

Dominic J. Messiha

Dominic J. Messiha is a co-founder and co-principal at Empower Law PC, where he leads the firm’s litigation practice. With over two decades of experience, Dominic has built a reputation as a fierce advocate for employees, securing justice and exceptional results for those who have been wronged in the workplace.

Dominic spent 18 years at Littler Mendelson, the nation’s largest employment law firm, where he rose to the role of partner. During his tenure, he litigated hundreds of cases ranging from single-plaintiff disputes to class-action lawsuits involving up to 75,000 employees. His extensive experience spans state and federal courts, arbitration, and mediation.

Beyond his litigation expertise, Dominic frequently contributes insights and opinions to prominent law journals and serves as a lecturer on employment law topics such as arbitration, wage and hour compliance, and alternative dispute resolution.

Education & Bar Admissions

Education

J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, 1999
B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, 1995

Bar Admissions

United States Supreme Court
California Supreme Court
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
United States District Courts (Central, Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of California)
All California Superior Courts
California Court of Appeal

Experience

Co-Founder & Co-Principal, Empower Law PC
Partner, Littler Mendelson, PC (2006–2018)
Associate, Littler Mendelson, PC (1999–2005)

Recognition & Achievements

Super Lawyer (2018, 2019)
Super Lawyer Rising Star (2013, 2014)
Client Service All-Star (BTI Consulting Group, 2014)
Loyola Scholar Award
St. Thomas More Law Honor Society
Recipient, Bancroft-Whitney American Jurisprudence Award in Trial Advocacy

Publications & Speaking Engagements

Publications

Reyes v. Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. (Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals)
California Employers Can't Get a Break: Supreme Court Applies Longer, Three-Year Statute of Limitations to Claims for Waiting Time Penalties (Littler Insight, November 2010)
The "Stray Remarks" Doctrine Finds No Shelter in California (Littler Insight, August 2010)
The High Cost of Dying in Russia (Loyola of Los Angeles International Law Journal, 1999)

Speaking Engagements

Guest Lecturer, Pepperdine Law School Master’s of Dispute Resolution Program (January 30, 2018)
California Pay Stub Compliance (October 25, 2012)
Letters from the Brink: Brinker v. Superior Court (Labor and Employment Section, The State Bar of California, April 2012)

Our Mission

Justice for Every Employee

At Empower Law, we’re not just attorneys—we’re advocates.

Our mission is to create safer, fairer workplaces by holding employers accountable and giving employees the legal support they deserve.

Why Choose Us

Your Case Deserves More Than Just Legal Expertise

At Empower Law, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a partner committed to Justice, Empathy, and Results.

Your fight is our fight. We stand fearlessly against injustice, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

Teamed up with #NotMe to help employees report workplace misconduct.

We genuinely care about your unique journey, offering personalized guidance and unwavering support during challenging times.

With a proven track record of successful outcomes, we bring expertise and strategic insight to every case we handle.

“You’re not just a client here—you’re someone we believe in.”