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Employment Law
Fraud
Wrongful Termination

Joseph Oleson v. Lewis Homes and Richard Lewis, et al.

Published: Jun. 26, 1999 | Result Date: Feb. 19, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: RCV19145 Verdict –  $650,000

Judge

Ben T. Kayashima

Court

San Bernardino Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Mark T. Quigley
(Greene, Broillet & Wheeler LLP)

John C. Taylor
(Taylor & Ring LLP)


Defendant

John B. Quinn
(Quinn, Emanuel, Urquhart & Sullivan LLP)


Experts

Plaintiff

Delia K. Swan
(technical)

Arthur E. Gimmy
(technical)

Peter Formuzis Ph.D.
(technical)

Defendant

Walter Hahn
(technical)

Gregory L. Dillion
(technical)

Peter Stafford
(technical)

Facts

In 1989, the plaintiff, a 42-year-old attorney/ real estate developer, was hired by the defendants to develop several housing projects. He was terminated in March 1996. The plaintiff had no written employment agreement. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendants based on breach of oral contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and negligent misrepresentation.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made no settlement demand. The defendant made an offer of $350,000 during trial and a $11,750 C.C.P. º998 offer for all defendants.

Specials in Evidence

$650,000 ($237,500 per year). According to the defendant, the plaintiff claimed $9-12 million in lost profits from breach of contract and $1.8 million in lost future income due to wrongful termination.

Other Information

All but two defendants were dismissed on mandatory settlement judgment. The plaintiff's attorney filed a costs motion for $18,000. Fourteen defendants who prevailed on summary judgment filed a costs and attorney fees motion for $480,000.

Deliberation

four hours

Poll

12-0

Length

four weeks


#86584

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