Burbank Attorney's Wrongful Termination Verdict Recognized as Top 50 in U.S.

Jan T. Aune's $1.55 million verdict also ranked as Top 20 in California and No. 1 in Contra Costa County in 2024.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Burbank attorney Jan T. Aune's $1.55 million jury verdict for a wrongful termination case has been recognized by TopVerdict.com as a Top 50 Wrongful Termination Verdict in the United States, a Top 20 Wrongful Termination Verdict in California, and the Number 1 Wrongful Termination Verdict in Contra Costa County, California in 2024.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights Aune's expertise in employment law and the significant impact his work has had in protecting whistleblowers' rights. The verdict also underscores the ongoing challenges employees can face when speaking up about workplace misconduct.

The details

Aune's client prevailed in a lawsuit alleging a violation of California Labor Code section 1102.5, which prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers. The $1.55 million verdict was obtained on December 11, 2024, in a jury trial presided over by Judge Charles S. Treat in the Contra Costa County Superior Court.

  • The jury trial took place in December 2024.
  • In September 2025, TopVerdict.com reported the verdict was the Number 1 Wrongful Termination Verdict in Contra Costa County in 2024.
  • In December 2025, TopVerdict.com advised the verdict was recognized as a Top 20 Wrongful Termination Verdict in California for 2024.
  • In December 2025, TopVerdict.com also advised the verdict was recognized as a Top 50 Wrongful Termination Verdict in the United States for 2024.
  • On January 12, 2026, TopVerdict.com reported the verdict was on its list of Top 100 Labor & Employment Verdicts in the United States for 2024, ranking at No. 54.

The players

Jan T. Aune

A Burbank, California-based attorney who specializes in employment law and represented the plaintiff in the wrongful termination case.

Hon. Charles S. Treat

The judge who presided over the jury trial in the Contra Costa County Superior Court.

Michael Rosen

The plaintiff's expert witness who testified on economic damages.

Martin Dirks

The plaintiff's expert witness who testified on federal securities laws.

Lee v. Wilkins, et al.

The case name for the wrongful termination lawsuit, which was filed in the Contra Costa County Superior Court as Case No. CIVMSC18-00816.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong legal representation for employees who face retaliation for whistleblowing, as well as the significant financial impact that can result from successful wrongful termination lawsuits. It also underscores the ongoing need for robust workplace protections and accountability measures.