The Los Angeles Times interviewed LVBH attorney Wendy Musell for an article regarding how the California Assembly handles confidentiality in investigations of sexual misconduct by legislators and others. The article focuses on the Assembly turning over witness identities as part of its settlement of a lawsuit by a former California Assemblymember who stepped down after […]
Whistleblowers
Former On-Air Reporter Sues KCBS, Alleges Station Terminated Her for Reporting Sexual Harassment
February 25, 2020 – Long-time reporter Sheryl Raines, whose on-air traffic coverage for the station spanned nearly three decades, is suing KCBS Radio, which is owned by Entercom Communications Corp. Raines alleges the San Francisco radio station terminated her in retaliation for repeatedly reporting that a male radio engineer was sexually harassing women working in […]
Mother Jones Magazine Features LVBH’s Brave #MeToo Client
During the era of #MeToo, more women are bravely stepping forward about the sexual harassment they have experienced. The Mother Jones article “She Said, He Sued: MeToo Accusers Face Defamation Suits,” focuses on LVBH client Pamela Lopez and brings needed attention to the increasing tactic of accused perpetrators launching defamation lawsuits to continue to silence […]
Federal Judge Backs Whistleblower, Blasts CA Prisons on Care of Mentally Ill Inmates
For almost thirty years, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has been under court-ordered supervision of mental health services provided to over 30,000 inmates. According to a secret whistleblower report compiled by Dr. Michael Golding, the state prison system’s chief psychiatrist, the state was providing inaccurate and misleading data to the federal court and […]
Multi-Million Dollar Verdict for Whistleblower Firefighter
A Solano County jury brought in a $2,357,000 verdict for apprentice firefighter in his lawsuit against the City of Vallejo. The jury found that the Vallejo Fire Department retaliated against Mr. Milan for complaining to OSHA about regulation violations that occurred at a fire, and that the fire department failed to accommodate the post-traumatic stress disorder he developed at the fire. Partners Leslie Levy and Sharon Vinick prosecuted the case through nine weeks of the trial in Milan v. City of Vallejo.
Confidential Settlement for Two Men Terminated After Complaining About Racist, Sexist and Homophobic Comments by Boss
Partner Sharon Vinick represented two men who alleged that they had been demoted, and constructively terminated, after complaining that their boss repeated made racist, sexist and homophobic comments about other employees, and discriminated against employees and job applicants. The case, which was in arbitration, settled in the high six-figures.
Jury Verdict for Coach Who Reported Inappropriate Behavior By Colleague
A swim coach reported that one of her assistant coaches was engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior with minors on the swim team. Her public employer refused to do anything to correct the situation and she resigned from her job rather than sit by and watch the young team members be harmed. Partners Leslie Levy and […]
$475,000 Settlement for Police Officer Terminated After Refusing To File False Police Report
Partner Jean Hyams brought suit for wrongful termination in violation of public policy on behalf of a police officer who was terminated after he complained to his superiors that he had been unlawfully pressured to falsify a police report. By taking depositions of command officers up the chain of command to the level of chief […]
Seven Figure Settlement Reached on Behalf of Employee Subject to Sexual Harassment and Assault
Partner Leslie Levy filed a complaint against a large construction company, alleging sexual harassment and sexual assault, on behalf of a female employee whose supervisor sexually harassed and forced to her engage in sexual contact if she wanted to keep her job. Moreover, in order to force the Plaintiff to continue to sexual contact, her […]