O’Melveny Worldwide

Paul A. Holton is a trusted advocate for employers, guiding clients through the complexities of employment law and litigation with clarity and confidence. With nearly a decade of experience, Paul tailors his strategy to each client’s unique business goals, delivering strategic solutions that minimize disruption and risk while driving favorable outcomes.

Recognized as a Southern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers, Paul is dedicated to building enduring relationships and offering steady guidance during high-stakes legal matters. Based in O’Melveny’s Newport Beach office, he defends employers in cases ranging from single-plaintiff disputes to complex class and PAGA representative actions, covering wage-and-hour, discrimination, retaliation, harassment, accommodation, and privacy issues.

Paul’s clients span diverse industries, including entertainment, financial services, technology, manufacturing, retail, and logistics. He also has extensive experience in the transportation sector, specifically in independent contractor misclassification matters.

Beyond litigation, Paul provides proactive counsel on employment policies, compliance, investigations, employee discipline, terminations, drafting agreements, and navigating workforce changes. He is also a valuable resource on employment issues related to mergers and acquisitions, helping businesses stay ahead of evolving legal requirements.

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Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • California

Court Admissions

  • US District Court, Central, Eastern, and Northern Districts of California
  • US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Education

  • University of San Francisco School of Law, J.D.: cum laude; Editor-in-Chief, USF Law Review
  • University of San Francisco School of Management, M.B.A.
  • University of California at San Diego, B.A., American Government and Politics

Honors & Awards

  • Recognized as a Southern California “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers (2025)

Professional Activities

Clerkships

  • Honorable Joseph R. Goodwin, US District Court, Southern District of West Virginia

Externships

  • Honorable Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, Supreme Court of California