News from May 2023
Record rains heighten push to speed up work on California's long-approved water storage plans
Amid the impact of recent heavy rains and fire season fast approaching, questions persist about where things stand with water storage projects and why the state still hasn’t completed new ones with funding approved by voters almost a decade ago.
Subway proves point in tuna lawsuit, now wants lawyers who brought it punished
OAKLAND, Calif. (Legal Newsline) - Class action lawyers knew their "mystery meat" lawsuit against Subway over its tuna would fail and must be punished for causing the company to rack up more than $600,000 in attorney fees, the restaurant chain is arguing.
Federal courts in California rule against wiretapping claims brought under privacy invasion law
A host of recent federal court decisions about wiretapping allegations signals more headwinds for class-action claims filed under California’s Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA).
'Fair and balanced legal system' essential to making California welcoming for employers, business
Reforms are needed to reduce frivolous lawsuits and make California's courts open and fair to all
Federal appeals panel will give LA cop in shooting death of Albert Dorsey 2nd chance at arguing for qualified immunity from lawsuit
With a new Republican-appointed judge added to a three-member federal appeals panel, the judges have tossed a previous appellate ruling that a Los Angles police officer cannot enjoy qualified immunity against a deadly force suit, agreeing to hear the case again.
Greenberg Traurig announces Timothy Long and Philip I. Person Publish Employment Law Yearbook 2023
Shareholders Timothy Long and Philip I. Person of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP have edited and contributed to the Practising Law Institute’s (PLI) Employment Law Yearbook 2023.
Court activity on May 6: Bank of America, N.A. vs Amarjit Singh Chhatwal
The Contra Costa Superior Court reported the following activity in the suit brought by Bank of America, N.A. against Amarjit Singh Chhatwal on May 6: 'Hearing On Osc Was Set For 11/18/20 At 8:30 In Dept. 23'.
Appeals panel reinstates case accusing big banks of using 'robo resets' to manipulate muni bond rates
The qui tam action - brought by an investment fund on behalf of the state of California - alleges collusion, and says banks didn't establish lowest possible rates when issuing the bonds, costing taxpayers big money
As New York bans gas stoves, GE Appliances goes to court to fight no-injury class action
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - The parent company of GE Appliances is mounting its defense in one of the first cases over the safety of emissions from gas stoves - a lawsuit that does not allege any physical injury.
9th Circuit panel: Sen. Warren didn't violate RFK Jr.'s rights by asking Amazon to make it harder to buy his Covid book
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had argued the Massachusetts senator had violated the First Amendment by writing a letter asking Amazon to change its algorithms to make it harder to find 'The Truth About COVID-19' book
Lawsuit: California 10-day gun purchase waiting period law violates Second Amendment
A lawsuit was filed May 1 against the state, asserting the state has no right under the Constitution to force Californians who pass background checks to wait 10 days to obtain firearms they need for "immediate self-defense"
Lawsuits over warning signs on streets are fair game, California Supreme Court says
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - California law provides broad immunity from lawsuits over how cities design their streets but plaintiffs can still sue over a lack of warning signs, the state’s highest court ruled, upholding a 50-year-old precedent against arguments it was illogical.
Stone must pay COVID-era rent at now-closed Napa brewpub, court rules
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - Pay your tab, a California court has told beer-maker Stone Brewing as it attempts to get out of forking over rent at its Napa brewpub.
Benesch Law Firm announces Addition of Steven Selna as Partner in San Francisco, Continues California Build Out
Benesch has, once again, expanded its San Francisco office with the addition of Steven M. Selna as a Partner. With more than 25 years of litigation experience, Selna is focused on complex commercial litigation, product liability litigation and class actions.
Benesch has, once again, expanded its San Francisco office with the addition of Steven M. Selna as a Partner. With more than 25 years of litigation experience, Selna is focused on complex commercial litigation, product liability litigation and class actions.
California must pay legal fees for ex-government worker who got 'disability retirement' for allergy
A California appeals panel has ruled the state must pay the legal fees for a former county employee, who sued for a disability retirement because she is unable to work at the Lakeport courthouse because of an allergy.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announces California Department of Justice Investigating CHP Officer-Involved Shooting Under AB 1506
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the California Department of Justice, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Glenn County, California.
Vet who euthanized cat with needle to heart will face lawsuit
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - A woman whose cat was euthanized via a needle to the heart will get a second chance to sue the veterinarian who performed the procedure.
Appeals panel vacates $48M verdict for Pomona vs mining company SQM over water pollution
The case was sent back to federal district court, with instructions to reconsider how much SQM should pay, but not its liability
Benesch Law Firm announces Additional Paralegal to Litigation Team in San Francisco
As Benesch continues to add to its roster of top-notch legal talent, the firm is pleased to welcome Paralegal Erick Howells to the Litigation Practice Group in San Francisco.