Jose Cabada

Jose G. Cabada is a partner in the Orange County office of Messner Reeves, where he focuses his practice on labor and employment law and complex litigation.

Jose represents employers in high-stakes disputes in both state and federal courts, with significant experience in arbitration and jury trials. He has successfully defended employers in multiple Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) matters, including claims involving disability discrimination, harassment, failure to accommodate, failure to engage in the interactive process, and punitive damages. Notably, he has secured full defense verdicts in both state and federal jury trials, as well as favorable outcomes in arbitration proceedings involving race-based discrimination claims.

Before joining the Messner Reeves team, Jose worked as a principal, partner, and associate with other firms on litigation cases. He also provided strategic, day-to-day counsel to employers navigating California’s complex labor and employment landscape. 

Jose is an active member of the Orange County Bar Association and the Mexican American Bar Association. Outside of his legal practice, Jose is committed to mentorship and community service. He serves as a California Bar tutor and has coached youth and high school football at the junior varsity, varsity, and All-American levels.

Jose earned his B.A. in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach, and his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law. During law school, he participated in a trial advocacy program with the Orange County Senior Deputy District Attorney, was a member of the Hispanic American Law Student Association, and received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award.