Published Cases

The first published appellate decision defining the permissibility of combining rest breaks.

An important decision concerning federal jurisdiction under the Class Action Fairness Act (“CAFA”), holding that non-class claims, such as claims under California’s Private Attorney General Act (“PAGA”), cannot be used to calculate CAFA’s amount in controversy. This case is cited in several leading treatises such as Wright & Miller’s Federal Practice & Procedure, and Newberg on Class Actions.

Applying Iskanian v. CLS Transportation of Los Angeles, 59 Cal. 4th 348 (2014) to hold that the waiver of the right to enforce PAGA claims in an arbitration agreement was unenforceable.

Affirming a jury verdict finding that the employer violated the Ralph Act, Civil Code section 51.7, which guarantees the right to be free from any violence on account of sex.

Holding that a class action waiver was unenforceable.

Affirming a jury verdict finding that the employer committed sexual harassment.

Holding that evidence of the employer’s alleged gender bias in the form of harassing activity against women employees other than the plaintiff is admissible.

Holding that it is premature for a trial court to determine the suitability of a class action on demurrer.

Holding that an arbitration agreement containing a class arbitration waiver and private attorney general prohibition was unconscionable and unenforceable.