The story of Haeggquist & Eck LLP is a testament to resilience and taking a stand. The founder, Alreen Haeggquist, is a remarkable attorney whose journey, from overcoming personal adversity to building one of San Diego’s most respected employment law practices, continues to inspire countless clients, colleagues, and aspiring attorneys.
Fueled by her own experiences with hardship and injustice, Alreen Haeggquist established a legacy rooted in empowerment and accountability, providing hope and support to those who needed it most. The firm was established in 2008 and has made a genuine impact on the lives of countless people ever since.
Launching Haeggquist & Eck LLP
After excelling at California Western Law School and gaining valuable experience at a prominent plaintiffs’ class action firm, Alreen recognized the limitations placed on women in traditional legal environments. Motivated to create change and shape her own destiny, she left a stable career in 2008 with only $5,000, no clients, and a makeshift office in her home. Support from her husband, friends, and legal colleagues propelled her through those early days.
Landmark Cases and Public Impact
Haeggquist & Eck LLP soon made national headlines by taking on—and gracefully winning—major cases against powerful entities. Some hallmarks of this journey include:
* Donald Trump & Trump University: The firm helped secure a $25 million settlement on behalf of defrauded students—a case deemed one of California’s Top 50 Class Action Settlements in 2016.
* Standing Up to Corporate Giants: Representing plaintiffs in high-profile cases against The Salk Institute, Trader Joe’s, Sharp Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, and others.
* Record Verdicts and Settlements: Achieving one of the Top 50 Employment Verdicts in California in a disability discrimination case, and numerous confidential settlements on behalf of employees facing harassment and retaliation.
A Legacy of Trauma-Informed, Client-Centered Practice
What truly distinguishes Haeggquist & Eck LLP is its trauma-informed approach, crafted directly from Alreen’s understanding of pain, shame, and the challenges survivors face. The firm proudly:
* Employs a credentialed survivor advocate for client and team support
* Maintains a small caseload per attorney, ensuring comprehensive personal attention
* Champions a diverse and women-led team, with the overwhelming majority being women
* Offers survivor-centric services, emphasizing sensitivity in cases of sexual assault, discrimination, and workplace harassment
Empowerment for Women and Minorities
Women make up the majority of both the firm’s partners and clientele, which is a direct reflection of Alreen’s vision to confront and combat gender disparities in the workplace. She has dedicated her career to empowering women who have suffered wrongs at the hands of their employers or others, ensuring that no amount of money, power, or influence excuses abusive behavior.
Recognition, Honors, and National Reputation
Alreen and her firm’s dedication have been widely recognized:
* Multiple peer accolades, including “Lawyer of the Year,” “San Diego Super Lawyer,” and “Top 25 Women Super Lawyers”
* The San Diego Business Journal’s “Woman of Influence in Law” and “Best of the Bar”
* AV Preeminent rating for professional excellence and ethics
But perhaps most important is the trust and gratitude expressed by those they have represented—clients who now have the courage and resources to reclaim their lives and careers.
Alreen’s journey reminds us that true legacy is built not only from individual triumphs, but from the lives touched and futures transformed. For anyone seeking authentic representation and inspiration, the story of Haeggquist & Eck LLP continues to light the way.