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Employment Law

Wendy Kirkland v. Morton's of Chicago, The Steak House

Published: Jan. 31, 1998 | Result Date: Dec. 1, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: C9602301MHP –  $1,100,000

Judge

Marilyn Hall Patel

Court

USDC Northern


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Steven C. Wolan


Defendant

Karen Kahn

Robert M. Pattison

Scott Trainor


Facts

The plaintiff, Wendy Kirkland, was hired by Morton's of Chicago, the Steak House, in December 1993 in the new Palm Desert, Calif., location as a catering manager. Shortly after she began working there, she claimed she was subjected to numerous acts of sexual harassment by the restaurant manager. Some of these acts of sexual harassment were undisputed by the defense. The supervisor was found to have pulled his pants down and exposed his buttocks to plaintiff; touched her with an adult toy; used vulgar and derogatory language directed at her and placed his hands inside her clothing on separate occasions. Plaintiff claimed her repeated complaints to management did not result in immediate investigation or remedy. Plaintiff complained to the National Catering Manager and the Regional Restaurant Manager about the local restaurant manager. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendant based on sexual harassment under the California Government Code.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately one year and six months after the case was filed. A settlement conference and mediation were held in October 1997, before Magistrate Judge Hamilton of the U.S. District Court and mediator Coleman Fannin of JAMS/Endispute resulting in no settlement.

Deliberation

1+ days

Length

eight days


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