LITIGATION UPDATES – APRIL 2016

Berkeley Law School Dean Steps Down After Sexual Harassment Claims

The Dean of the University of California, Berkeley School of Law stepped down after his former executive assistant sued him in California state court on sexual harassment claims.  In her lawsuit, plaintiff claimed that the Dean gave her unwelcome bear hugs, kisses on the cheek and shoulder rubs.

Porn Company Hit With Major Fine

Porn star James Deen’s production company was slapped by Cal/OSHA with proposed penalties of $77,875 for multiple violations of California safety laws, including a longstanding state law requiring adult performers to wear condoms.

Warriors Lose Bid to Move New Arena Suit to SF

A California state judge denied a bid by an affiliate of the Golden State Warriors to move a suit over its proposed new San Francisco arena from a court in Alameda County, where the NBA team currently plays basketball, to a court in San Francisco.

Goodyear Fails to Show Government Required Asbestos in Brakes

Goodyear’s role as a government contractor cannot get Goodyear out of a California state court lawsuit alleging the company was partially responsible for the cancer death of a man who was exposed to asbestos on an aircraft at his job site and also second-hand from his auto mechanic father’s clothes.