In a landmark case against the UC Regents and former UC Berkeley School of Law Dean, Sujit Choudhry, LVBH Partners Leslie Levy and Sharon Vinick, along with Associate Jennifer Sta.Ana, represented Tyann Sorrell, who worked as the Executive Assistant to the former Dean. According to the Complaint filed by Ms. Sorrell in Alameda County Superior Court, during the time she worked with him, Choudhry repeatedly kissed her on the cheek, hugged her, and touched her without her consent. She was subjected to this pervasive behavior on a daily basis without any recourse.
Ms. Sorrell’s complaint also alleged that on multiple occasions and through different avenues, Ms. Sorrell attempted to report Choudhry’s behavior to University officials but her complaints were essentially ignored while Choudhry’s actions continued. When her complaints were finally investigated, Choudhry received trifling discipline, and Ms. Sorrell was subjected to more adverse treatment because she was transferred to a less desirable position. When Choudhry eventually left the University, and Ms. Sorrell demanded that she be reinstated, she received a significant pay cut. Partners Leslie Levy and Sharon Vinick took over representation of Ms. Sorrell about six months after her lawsuit was originally filed. The case has garnered a great deal of press and publicity.
