News from May 2024
Citizen Power Initiatives accuses Tencent America LLC of enabling surveillance and censorship on WeChat
Citizen Power Initiatives for China has filed a class action lawsuit against Tencent America LLC alleging surveillance and censorship practices on its platform WeChat benefiting the Chinese Communist Party. The case highlights issues surrounding user privacy rights under vague terms provided by Tencent.
Plaintiff alleges negligence against Country Club Estates at Moorpark Master Owners Association
Mary Jo Placido has filed a lawsuit against Country Club Estates at Moorpark Master Owners Association alleging negligence after tripping over exposed bolts on their property causing severe injuries. The case highlights issues around property maintenance responsibilities and safety compliance.
Plaintiff alleges medical service reimbursement breach against Boston Scientific employer-sponsored health plan
California Spine and Neurosurgery Institute has sued Boston Scientific Corporation over alleged breaches related to medical service reimbursements under an employer-sponsored health plan. The case involves claims of breach of oral contract and promissory estoppel after denied reimbursements totaling $77,000 for spine surgery performed on a patient covered by Boston Scientific's health plan.
Plaintiff accuses City of Santa Clara of breach of contract over terminated development project
Republic Metropolitan LLC has filed a lawsuit against the City of Santa Clara alleging breach of contract after abrupt termination of negotiations over a major development project. The case highlights issues around good faith obligations within exclusive negotiation agreements.
California extends 'take-home' asbestos liability to case of brother who lived elsewhere
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - A California Supreme Court decision limiting “take-home” asbestos liability to people who live in the same house doesn’t preclude a man from suing over claims he was exposed to asbestos when visiting at his brother’s house.
Peter Reich wins UCLA’s top teaching honor
UCLA School of Law lecturer Peter Reich has won the UCLA Distinguished Teaching Award for 2024, the university’s highest recognition for excellence in the classroom.
CA Supreme Court: LA assessor right, State Board wrong on when corporate owned properties can be reassessed
The California Supreme Court says property transfers of corporate-owned property can trigger a reassessment under Prop 13, even if the property remains essentially under the same control throughout. "Stock" refers to real ownership interests, not who controls a company, the high court says
Plaintiff Alleges Wage Violations Against SDLA Courier Service
Samantha Peters has filed a lawsuit against her former employer SDLA Courier Service alleging wage and hour violations during her tenure as a delivery driver. The case hinges on whether federal arbitration laws apply or if she qualifies for an exemption reserved for transportation workers engaged in interstate commerce.
Former Au Pair Alleges Invasion of Privacy Against Host Family
Christin Matthes has filed a lawsuit against Christian and Lyndsy Rodgers alleging invasion of privacy after discovering an attempt by Christian to film her while showering during her employment as an au pair with their family. The court awarded significant compensatory and punitive damages to Matthes following a jury trial.
Former Employees Allege Fraud Against Justin Vineyards & Winery Over Arbitration Agreements
Former employees Olivia Barajas et al., accuse Justin Vineyards & Winery of misleading them into signing arbitration agreements they could not understand due to language barriers.
```json { "plaintiff": "Patty Wiedner", "plaintiff's lawyer": "John Alan Cohan", "defendants": ["Charlyne Stevenson"], "defendants lawyers": ["John A. Bunnett"], "date of the case":...
Patty Wiedner has filed a complaint against Charlyne Stevenson over alleged mismanagement of a special needs trust established for their nephew Daniel L. Black. The case involves disputes over reimbursement claims for expenses incurred by Wiedner during her tenure as Daniel's conservator.
Plaintiffs Allege Santa Barbara County Violated Environmental Laws Over Trail Use Change
Suzanne Duca has filed a lawsuit against Santa Barbara County alleging violations of environmental laws regarding changes made to Live Oak Trail's usage policies without proper public notice or review under CEQA guidelines. The plaintiffs seek both declaratory and injunctive relief.
Plaintiff Alleges Elder Abuse Against Real Estate Giant Sotheby's International Realty
Patricia Jean Macfadden has filed a lawsuit against Sotheby's International Realty alleging elder abuse and breach of fiduciary duty related to the coerced sale of her Hollywood home at below-market value prices.
April Rivera '23 Wins Grand Prize at Beverly Hills Bar Foundation Competition
April Rivera '23, an Annual Attorney at the Supreme Court of California, was awarded the grand prize in the Beverly Hills Bar Foundation’s Rule of Law Competition. Rivera’s entry.
Randy Kay, Greg Lanier, and Ka-on Li among Daily Journal's Top Intellectual Property Lawyers for 2024
Randy Kay, Greg Lanier, and Ka-on Li are among the top Intellectual Property lawyers in California for 2024, according to the Daily Journal. All three lawyers are in Jones Day's Intellectual Property Practice.
L.A. judge calls on Beverly Hills to turn over records in abortion clinic lease case
The city of Beverly Hills will have to turn over a trove of communications from City Council members and other officials as a result of a Los Angeles Superior Court decision involving an abortion clinic lease dispute.
Nina Rabin wins the UCLA Distinguished Teaching Award
UCLA School of Law’s Nina Rabin has won the UCLA Distinguished Teaching Award for 2024, with an additional citation for distinction in teaching at the graduate level.
Daniel Yannuzzi Named A Top IP Lawyer in California
The Daily Journal notes “In recent years, Daniel Yannuzzi’s practice has largely been ‘challenging and killing patents.’”
Agricultural company sues labor board, challenges California law protecting farmworkers' union rights
The Wonderful Company has filed a lawsuit against California’s Agricultural Labor Relations Board challenging a law passed two years ago that gives farmworkers additional options to gain union representation and exercise collective bargaining rights.
Greenberg Traurig Expands MedTech Practice with Addition of Christopher Bolten
Prominent Intellectual Property & Technology attorney Christopher C. Bolten has joined global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP as a shareholder in the Life Sciences & Medical Technology Practice.