Client Alerts
City of Bell Scandal - Proposed Legislative Action
August 2010
Due to the recent City of Bell Scandal, various state legislators have proposed bills to try and combat the abuse which apparently took place in the City of Bell. It is anticipated that this legislation will be voted on before the end of the current session on August 27, 2010. This is a very quick summary and wording could change up to the actual vote.
Would You Rather Be Distinctive
July 2010
Zobmondo Entertainment, LLC v Falls Media, LLC (the “Zobmondo Case”) teaches us a lot about the line between suggestive and descriptive trademarks.
Ninth Circuit Approves Certification for Largest Class Action Ever
July 2010
The Ninth Circuit approved class certification for a lawsuit filed in 2001 alleging sex discrimination against Wal-Mart, the largest private employer in the word.
Court of Appeals Holds Okay to Ask Employees to Do Simple Math.
July 2010
The California Court of Appeal upheld the granting of summary adjudication in favor of an employer in a class action lawsuit for violation of various wage and hour laws. Morgan v. United Retail, Inc. (June 23, 2010).
California Supreme Court Pro-Business Ruling in Wage and Hour Suit
May 2010
Bankrupt employer discharged and competing produce merchants not held liable for unpaid wages of farmers in deteriorating strawberry market.
"Mixed Motive" Proves Poor Defense for City
May 2010
A pregnant Santa Monica City bus driver has sued the city and won after being terminated as a result of the city's "mixed motive" FEHA violation.
Communications Between Attorneys and Clients During Mediation Held Admissible
April 2010
Court holds that mediation confidentiality does not shield attorney-client communications in the event that the attorney or client is being suspected of avoiding liability for breach of duty.
More Men Filing Sexual Harassment Claims
March 2010
The EEOC reports an increase in the sexual harassment complaints filed by men, increasing 0.6% between 2006 and 2009.
Class Certification Denied in Wage & Hour Case
March 2010
The California Court of Appeals recently upheld a Los Angeles Superior court ruling denying a
Restaurant Tip-Pool That Distributes More to Kitchen Staff Than Waiters Is Lawful
February 2010
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that a widely distributed tip-pooling arrangement does not violate the Fair Labor Standards Act.
