News from January 2023
Class actions over protein find footing in San Francisco federal court
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - Class action lawyers have found a court receptive to their claims that food companies are misrepresenting the quantity and quality of the protein in their products.
Experts cast doubt on coordinated wealth tax bills
California and several other U.S. states led by Democrats are seeking to launch a coordinated effort to boost state taxes on their wealthiest citizens. But how effective would it be?
Class action lawyers want $2.5M in fees from settlement over Vizzy vitamin C claims
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - Molson Coors has chosen to settle rather than fight class action lawsuits brought by hard seltzer drinkers who thought the products would be more nutritious.
Attorney General Bonta Announces Settlement to Address Wildfire Ignition Risks and GHG Impacts from Proposed Development in Lake County
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement that will address wildfire ignition risks and greenhouse gas impacts from the proposed Guenoc Valley development project.
Judge: Olly can't shake class action claiming too much melatonin in supplements
The judge said the class action lawsuit isn't preempted by federal law or FDA regulations. Olly claimed the lawsuit seeks to set an illegal upper limit on how much vitamins and minerals can be included in supplements
Reed Smith announces 37 new partners across its global platform
Reed Smith announced a promotion class of 71 lawyers worldwide, effective January 1, 2023. Thirty-seven associates and counsel advanced to partner; 34 associates advanced to counsel.
Nonprofit, 3 former inmates sue Corrections Department over law giving transgender inmates access to female prisons
The state has asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit, which seeks to toss sections of SB132 for violating the rights and safety of incarcerated females by forcing them to share prisons with transgender women
2023 California CLE Series Part 3: California labor and employment legal updates for 2023: New legislation and beyond on January 19, 2023
You are invited to our annual CLE series being held from January 18, 2023 to January 25, 2023.
California attorney general sues insulin makers, pharmacy managers for alleged overcharges
The lawsuit is similar in scope, demands and allegations to other lawsuits filed by other U.S. states against the same insulin makers and distributors.
Spindrift Sparkling Water allegedly not made with all natural ingredients
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — A lawsuit alleges the maker of Spindrift Sparkling Water drinks fraudulently label and market its product as having only natural ingredients.
State Bar Launches Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Seal Program
In an effort to recognize California legal employers who take vital steps to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the State Bar of California announced the launch of its DEI Leadership Seal Program.
Sacramento County judge says no Fast Food Council til officials can verify referendum to overturn AB257
Creation of an unelected Fast Food Council to enact new industry standards has been halted by the courts after a voter referendum opposing it was filed with the California Secretary of State.
Attorney General Bonta Files SCOTUS Brief in Support of Biden Administration's Historic Student Loan Debt Forgiveness Plan
California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, along with 21 other state attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Biden Administration’s plan to discharge between $10,000 and $20,000 in federal student loan debt for certain lower-income borrowers.
Patient can sue over basketball smackdown in mental hospital
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - A woman who was admitted to a mental institution as “a danger to others” can sue the hospital for injuries she suffered after being slammed to the floor by another patient during a basketball game, a California appeals court ruled.
Attorney General Bonta Sworn In, Delivers Inaugural Address
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the first Filipino American to be elected to the office of Attorney General of California, took his oath of office and delivered his inaugural address at the California Museum in downtown Sacramento.
Holland & Knight Announces 52 New Partners
Steven Sonberg, managing partner of Holland & Knight, announced that 52 attorneys in the firm have been elected to partnership effective January 1, 2023.
Court rejects plaintiff lawyers' attempt to eliminate California's cap on fees
FRESNO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) - A law firm has no basis for suing to eliminate California’s cap on contingency fees and non-economic damages in malpractice lawsuits, an appeals court ruled, citing previous decisions by the state Supreme Court as well as the law firm’s speculative theories about how the caps deny plaintiffs the right to sue.
Littler Continues Growth in San Francisco with the Addition of Two Employment Litigators
Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, added Michael Guasco as a shareholder and Jennifer Wai-Shing Maguire as of counsel in its San Francisco office on December 30, 2022.
National Labor Relations Board pursues California claims to classify college athletes as employees
The General Counsel for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is now pursuing claims on behalf of student athletes at private schools in an effort to classify them as employees.
Massage chain can't escape assault lawsuit by citing clickwrap agreement
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - A massage parlor franchising company can’t escape a sexual assault lawsuit by one of its customers by citing an arbitration clause buried in a 10-page electronic agreement she never read when she checked in to her local outlet, a California appeals court ruled.