Marco A. Garcia

Marco A. Garcia is an Associate in the San Diego office of Duane Morris LLP, where he represents employers in a wide range of workplace law matters and provides strategic, preventive counseling. He is known for his tenacity in litigation, his practical and forward‑thinking advice, and his commitment to leadership within the legal and broader community.

Marco litigates cases in federal and state courts as well as arbitration, defending employers in matters involving wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, harassment, failure to accommodate, restrictive covenants, noncompetition agreements, PAGA, wage and hour claims, class actions, and employment contract disputes. His meticulous preparation and client‑centered approach have resulted in numerous cost‑effective and favorable outcomes.

As a trusted advisor, Marco excels at distilling complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance. He partners with a diverse range of clients to reduce risk and implement best practices. His counseling experience includes employment agreements, performance management, leaves of absence and disability accommodations, reductions in force (WARN), internal investigations, dispute resolution, employee training, and wage and hour compliance.

Marco is also a recognized leader. He currently serves as President of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Public Benefit Fund, Graduate and New Attorney Representative for Latinas in the Law, and a member of the San Diego County Bar Association’s Leadership Outreach Committee.

Marco’s path to the legal profession is grounded practical experience implementing employment practices. Before law school, he served as a Human Resource Information Systems Supervisor for the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, where he played a direct role in shaping and executing the office’s personnel operations. In this capacity, he managed staffing needs, led recruitment and selection initiatives, developed and implemented personnel policies, delivered training and presentations to staff, and oversaw payroll and related compliance functions—experience that now informs his pragmatic, solutions‑oriented approach to advising employers.

During law school, Marco earned multiple distinctions, including the Distinguished Advocate Award for excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution. He was one of only 26 students statewide selected for the competitive California ChangeLawyers Scholarship and received several San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association scholarships, including a bar stipend. He was also selected as a Diversity Fellow by the San Diego County Bar Association.

Marco has been recognized by Southern California Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” (2025 and 2026) and by San Diego Metro Magazine as one of San Diego’s Top 25 Attorneys of 2025.

Outside of work, Marco enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, and traveling.