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Employment Law
Wrongful Termination
Sexual Harassment

Sabrina Cooper-Lannan v. Kelly, Bauersfeld, Lowry & Kelley, et al.

Published: Feb. 15, 2001 | Result Date: Dec. 7, 2000 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BC218062 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Michael B. Harwin

Court

L.A. Superior Van Nuys


Attorneys

Plaintiff

W. Michael Hartman II


Defendant

Frank W. Nemecek
(Nemecek & Cole)


Facts

The plaintiff worked for the defendant law firm as a legal secretary for almost 12 years. In 1997, the partner for
whom plaintiff worked semi-retired to Hawaii. The plaintiff was reassigned to another partner in the firm
whom she allegedly did not like. The plaintiff allegedly became unhappy with her co-workers and her job
assignment.
In December 1998, plaintiff went on a three-week vacation and did not return to her employment. The
defendant law firm paid the plaintiff through January 1999.

Settlement Discussions

Prior to trial, the plaintiff demanded $300,000. The defendants offered $12,500, which was withdrawn during trial.

Damages

The plaintiff claimed damages for emotional distress of $35,000 and argued that she lost income because she had taken a part-time job following January 1999.

Deliberation

30 minutes

Poll

12-0

Length

seven days


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