News from May 2024
Future Leaders in Law: Judge Harry Pregerson Public Service Fellows Prepare for Impactful Summer Roles
As Southwestern students embark on their summer placements, our Judge Harry Pregerson Public Service Fellows eagerly anticipate the hands-on experiences that will shape their future legal careers.
Daily Journal Names Troutman Pepper Partner Ben Wagner Among 2024’s Top IP Lawyers
For the second consecutive year, Ben Wagner, a partner in Troutman Pepper’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, has been recognized as a Top Intellectual Property Lawyer by the Daily Journal.
UCLA Law’s 73rd commencement ceremony celebrates service for democracy
Mariano-Florentino (Tino) Cuéllar, the president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a former justice of the Supreme Court of California, delivered a keynote address in which he stressed the power of democracy, its fragility and the importance of preserving it.
Plaintiff wins appeal against Ecolab Inc.'s arbitration agreement violating California labor laws
Stephen Lemm has filed a petition against Ecolab Inc., challenging an order compelling arbitration under PAGA laws while dismissing non-individual claims in Los Angeles Superior Court. The appellate court has directed a review following recent rulings affirming employees' rights to pursue such claims in court.
Biotech investor appeals 2 million dollar judgment against him for breach of fiduciary duty
Russell John has filed a lawsuit against Justin Fine alleging breach of fiduciary duty among other charges related to failed biotech investments through Biorap LLC resulting in over $2 million in damages awarded by Ventura County Superior Court.
Plaintiff alleges Aluminum Precision Products Inc. violated labor laws, wins appeal
Maikel Gonzalez has filed a complaint against Aluminum Precision Products Inc., alleging numerous labor code violations under California's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The case highlights significant issues around labor law enforcement while involving multiple parties with overlapping claims across different jurisdictions.
Tenant Accuses Landlord Trust of Unlawful Detainer but loses on appeal
Michael McCormick filed an unlawful detainer complaint against tenant Jennifer Woodle seeking unpaid rent and possession of property resulting in a judgment favoring McCormick after procedural shortcomings hindered Woodle's appeal.
Industry associations say California Supreme Court should uphold Prop 22
On April 3, the Chamber of Progress, NetChoice, Asian Industry B2B, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and sf.citi submitted an amicus brief to the California Supreme Court. They urged the court to uphold Proposition 22 (Prop 22), arguing that a reversal would adversely impact women and communities of color.
Inflation in Los Angeles area up 3.9% in last 12 months
A Consumer Price Index report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that inflation has increased 3.9% in the Log Angeles area over the last year, with a 0.6% increase over the month of April.
Board of Trustees Approves Record Expungement Plan for Nondisbarment Attorney Discipline
At its meeting on May 16, the State Bar of California’s Board of Trustees approved a plan to automatically expunge nondisbarment attorney discipline records after eight years, assuming no further discipline has since occurred.
Court shoots down arbitration over Dexcom diabetes monitor claims
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) - A manufacturer of glucose monitors can’t enforce “clickwrap” arbitration agreements because they were combined with privacy waivers, a California appeals court ruled, clearing the way for lawsuits by patients who clam they were injured when the devices failed to warn them of dangerous glucose levels.
Appeals court blocks GOP-led states from trying to stop Biden from negotiating away immigration rule
A dissenting judge said the decision is motivated by a desire to ensure the Biden administration and left-wing groups reach a deal that could undermine a rule intended to reduce illegal immigration and prevent the U.S. Supreme Court from entering the legal fight
Man sues Nationwide Transit Corporation for negligence
Carlos Tannos has filed a lawsuit against Robert Michael Harlin and Nationwide Transit Corporation alleging negligence following an accident that left him severely injured. The case seeks various forms of compensation including damages for medical expenses and lost earnings.
Plaintiff sues City of Oxnard over premises Liability
Ivan Arroyo has filed a premises liability lawsuit against Peter Weinerth and the City of Oxnard following an injury sustained from tripping over an unlevel sidewalk slab in May 2023. The suit seeks damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, and general pain and suffering due to alleged negligence in maintaining safe public property conditions.
Man sues after serious injuries from car accident
Maximilian K. Tamburro has filed a personal injury lawsuit against Silvestre Santana alleging negligence following a car accident on June 26th, 2022 in Ventura County which resulted in serious injuries for Tamburro.
Plaintiff alleges neighbor's unleashed dog caused severe injuries
Elizabeth Xintarianos has filed a lawsuit against David Wiggins alleging negligence after being attacked by his unleashed dog outside her home in Simi Valley. She seeks compensation for economic and non-economic damages related to her injuries.
William Mills sues pet owners for negligence after dog bite incident
William Mills has filed a lawsuit against Nicole Sullivan and Gayle & Kenneth Klein following a severe dog bite incident in Simi Valley that left him with significant injuries. The suit includes multiple claims such as negligence per se for violating leash laws and failure to provide rabies information.
Consumer Watchdog sees insurer-backed reforms as gateway to price gouging in California
California’s insurance commissioner is spearheading a plan this year billed as the “largest insurance reform since Proposition 103,” but consumer advocates dismiss the reform as a fast track to price gouging.
Lawsuit: California telehealth doctor licensing rules unconstitutionally block patients from 'lifesaving' care
The Pacific Legal Foundation, a successful nonprofit constitutional law organization, has filed suit against the California Medical Board on behalf of a patient with a rare hemophilia condition and a prominent New York cancer specialist, asserting California's restrictions on out-of-state telehealth are unconstitutional
Attorney General Bonta Issues Statement After CFPB Win: A Big Day for Consumer Protection
California Attorney General Rob Bonta today released the following statement after the Supreme Court upheld the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) funding structure as constitutional and protected its past and ongoing regulatory actions in Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA).