John Drdek Hahn Loeser Litigation Attorney

John D. Drdek

Partner

600 West Broadway
Suite 1500
San Diego, California 92101

John D. Drdek is a Partner in the Firm’s San Diego office and a member of both the Litigation and Labor & Employment Groups. His practice focuses on representing companies and employers in complex litigation, including wage-and-hour class and representative actions, Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims, and multi-million dollar employment and contract disputes. John has successfully defended clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies across a range of industries.

John is experienced in all phases of litigation, including developing case strategy, managing high-volume e-discovery, taking and defending depositions, arguing dispositive motions, and preparing cases for trial. John also advises employers on risk mitigation, compliance, and pre-litigation resolution of workplace disputes.

John brings nearly two decades of distinct professional leadership and executive experience to his litigation practice.  Prior to graduating from Stanford Law School, he spent ten years as a screenwriter and producer in the entertainment industry, navigating complex commercial interests, high-stakes negotiations, and creative problem-solving.

Additionally, John serves as a Commander (O-5) and Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve.  His strategic communications and crisis-management capabilities are backed by extensive operational experience, including a deployment to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, with Special Operations Joint Task Force.  This deep background in high-pressure leadership directly informs his tactical approach to complex corporate disputes and labor management.

Credentials

Education
  • Stanford Law School, J.D., 2016
    • Honors & Activities: Judge Thelton E. Henderson Prize for Academic Excellence; Pro Bono Distinction Award
  • University of Southern California, B.A., Cinematic Arts, magna cum laude, 1998
    • Honors & Activities: Dean’s List, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Golden Key International Honour Society
Community Involvement

Veterans Legal Institute

 

American Legion – Post 416

Awards & Distinctions

Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers®, Commercial Litigation, 2025-27; Labor and Employment Law – Management, 2026-27; Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2026-27

 

Men of Accomplishment, SD Metro Magazine, 2026

 

San Diego’s Men of Influence, SD Metro, 2024, 2025

 

Veteran Leaders of Influence, San Diego Business Journal, 2024

Bar Admissions

State of California

 

Southern District, California

 

Central District, California

 

Northern District, California

 

Eastern District, California

Memberships & Affiliations

San Diego County Bar Association

 

Association of Business Trial Lawyers – San Diego

 

Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society

 

Mensa International

 

National Eagle Scout Association