By Brian Long

The California Supreme Court rarely puts employers in the holiday spirit. But this year, amidst all the lumps of coal that employers could find in the Christmas stocking, there was one treat: Harris v. City of Santa Monica (2013) 56 Cal.4th 203.

In Harris, a unanimous high court held that a “same decision” defense applies to employment
Continue Reading Year-End Round-Up of Employment Cases Pending Before the Cal Supremes

By Christopher Crosman

Navigating the shoals of California law on arbitration agreements has been exceedingly difficult.  The California Supreme Court has maintained a long tradition of general antipathy to mandatory arbitration, and has been particularly hostile to arbitration agreements that limit a plaintiff’s ability to pursue a class action.  For example, Discover Bank v. Superior Court, 36 Cal. 4th
Continue Reading California Law On Class Action Waivers In Arbitration Agreements: As Clear As Mud

By Jeff Berman, David Kadue and Colleen Regan

Continuing to push back against the federal policy in favor of arbitration contained in the Federal Arbitration Act, the California Supreme Court has handed down its long-awaited decision in Sonic-Calabasas, Inc. v. Moreno.  A copy of the decision can be accessed here

The California Supreme Court had earlier ruled that
Continue Reading New California Supreme Court Arbitration Decision: Sonic-Calabasas v. Moreno