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CONFIDENTIAL

May 25, 2002

Employment Law
Sexual Harassment
Hostile Work Environment

Confidential

Settlement –  $0

Judge

Reginald A. Dunn

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Robert V. Torres


Defendant

Nathan J. Kowalski
(Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo)

Irma Rodriguez Moisa
(Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo)


Experts

Plaintiff

Cliff Sabath
(medical)

Defendant

Richard G. Ness
(medical)

Facts

The plaintiff was employed by the defendant as a custodian. After working as a temporary
employee, she was hired as a probationary employee in December 1998. She was terminated in
September 1999. She subsequently brought a lawsuit in superior court, alleging causes of action
against her custodial supervisor and the district for hostile work environment and quid pro quo
sexual harassment. The plaintiff also asserted causes of action for failure to prevent harassment,
retaliation, wrongful termination and negligent infliction of emotional distress, but those causes of
action were dismissed before trial on summary adjudication.

Settlement Discussions

Prior to trial, the defendants offered $10,000; the plaintiff demanded $150,000.

Result

The plaintiff was dismissed with prejudice in exchange for a waiver of costs after jury selection and three and a half days of trial.


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