News from September 2024
23AndMe says $30M data breach settlement in jeopardy from 'mass arbitration' claims
23AndMe has agreed to pay $30 million to settle millions of claims over a 2023 data breach. Attorneys stand to make $7.5 million from the deal. However, the company said other lawyers are threatening the deal with parallel arbitration and state court claims
San Bernardino court upholds injunction against school district's former parental-notification policy
A San Bernardino Superior Court judge has upheld a temporary injunction barring a school district from requiring parents be notified when a student seeks name or pronoun changes that differ from the student’s biological sex.
Former Airport Security Guard Sues CalPERS Over Denied Reclassification
Susan Galloway has filed a lawsuit against CalPERS after being denied reclassification from a local miscellaneous member to a local safety member which would have enhanced her retirement benefits significantly due to alleged active law enforcement duties during her tenure as an airport security guard at Santa Monica Municipal Airport.
Homebuyers Allege Fraud Against Real Estate Agents Over Unpermitted Property
A recent court ruling addressed allegations from homebuyers Jeremy Decuir and Jessica Clark who accused West Coast Escrow and real estate agents from Compass of fraudulently misrepresenting property conditions during their purchase process. The appellate court upheld previous decisions denying cost recovery motions by West Coast Escrow while affirming good faith settlements involving other defendants.
Thirty-two Jones Day lawyers named in Lawdragon's 2025 "500 Leading Litigators in America"
Thirty-two Jones Day lawyers are among those listed in the 2025 edition of Lawdragon's "500 Leading Litigators in America" guide, including three named to its Hall of Fame.
Greenberg Traurig Lawyers Recognized in 3rd Edition of Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Litigators in America
Lawdragon recognized 21 attorneys from global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP in its 3rd edition of the 500 Leading Litigators in America list.
Attorney Accused Of Legal Malpractice Involving Multi-Million Dollar Estate
In a contentious legal battle over an $18 million estate involving allegations of legal malpractice against attorney John Peter Wakeman Jr., the appellate court has reversed earlier judgments favoring Jeffrey G. Grossman's family members who claimed they were wrongfully disinherited by flawed estate planning documents.
Former Police Officers Allege Retaliation by City Employer
Two former police officers have filed a lawsuit against their previous employer alleging wrongful termination due to whistleblowing activities protected under California law. The case details multiple lawsuits over years culminating in an internal affairs investigation leading to their dismissal.
Long-Time Employee Alleges Age Discrimination Against County Employer
James Glenn Mao has filed a lawsuit against his employer, the County of Ventura, alleging repeated age discrimination after being denied multiple promotions despite being qualified for them. The case highlights alleged violations under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) with Mao seeking various forms of damages including lost wages and emotional distress compensation.
Chief trial counsel: L.A. attorney offered 'false hope' to inmates seeking sentencing relief
A Los Angeles attorney specializing in criminal appeals faces 18 disciplinary charges after the California State Bar accused him of misleading inmates and their families about their chances of resentencing relief under a state law.
Elderly Woman Sues Property Owners Over Negligence Leading to Severe Injuries
Geraldine Peck has filed a lawsuit against Louise M. Meisterling and Robert Meisterling following a fall on their property that resulted in severe injuries requiring surgery and ongoing medical treatment. The case highlights issues of premises liability and negligence.
Plaintiffs accuse Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. of Breach of Warranty
Erika and Joel Allen have filed a lawsuit against Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc., claiming multiple breaches of consumer protection laws related to their defective Lexus GX 460 vehicle purchased in August 2020. They seek over $25,000 in damages along with other forms of relief for what they allege are willful violations by Toyota.
Plaintiff Alleges Negligence Against Local Transit Company Following Severe Injury Incident
Ricardo Nolazco Anaya has filed a lawsuit against Ventura Transit System Inc., alleging negligence after he was injured by an unsecured wheelchair on one of their vans. The case highlights claims of negligent hiring practices alongside demands for compensation for medical expenses and suffering.
Transit Company Sued Over Alleged Negligence Resulting in Passenger Injury
Ricardo Nolazco Anaya has filed a lawsuit against Ventura Transit System Inc., claiming negligence after an improperly secured wheelchair caused him severe injuries. The case highlights allegations of negligent hiring practices and seeks various forms of compensation.
Effectively Releasing Fiduciaries from Liability on September 17, 2024
Private Wealth Services attorney Stacie Nelson will speak during a Sacramento County Bar Association webinar focused on releasing fiduciaries from liability.
Greenberg Traurig Doubles Size of San Diego Office
Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP significantly expanded its San Diego footprint, including five attorneys and two paralegals, who joined the firm’s Private Wealth Services Practice from Withers LLP.
California State Bar accuses immigrant-services business owner of offering legal services without license
For the second time, an immigration-services firm in El Monte has been seized by the State Bar of California for allegedly offering legal services without proper authorization.
Sheppard Mullin Trial Attorneys named to Lawdragon's 2025 Leading Litigators in America
Lawdragon named 10 Sheppard Mullin partners to its 500 Leading Litigators in America: John Brooks, David Douglass, Robert Friedman, Sascha Henry, Tracey Kennedy, Moe Keshavarzi, Peter Klee, Raymond Marshall, Camille Vasquez and Paul Werner.
U.S. Justice Department probes sex abuse allegations at California prisons in wake of lawsuits
The U.S. Justice Department has launched a probe into sexual abuse by prison guards at two California facilities, including the California Institution for Women in Chino, in the wake of hundreds of lawsuits by inmates being filed over the past decade.
Plaintiffs Allege Negligence Against Driver in Severe DUI Accident
In a lawsuit filed on July 3rd in Ventura Superior Court by Quirk Law Firm LLP., Juana Lopez Lopez and Armando Evaristo Solano accuse Erik Ortiz Herrera of gross negligence leading to severe injuries from a DUI-related car crash last December.