Optikal Noize, Inc. v. Harry Winston, et al, C.D. Cal. Case No. 2:16-cv-06528-GW (MRWx)
Aug 01, 2016
OUTCOME: Pending
In its complaint, Optikal Noize alleged it helped fuse the unprecedented joint-venture between Harry Winston and amfAR. Forbes first reported the deal. News articles sources indicate that the deal sp...ans 3 years and is worth $53 million. Optikal Noize claimed that the negotiations began through it, under a non-disclosure agreement AAB Productions signed on behalf itself and as amfAR’s event planner. After a year of sponsorship negotiations through the creative consultants at Optikal Noize, the complaint avers that the parties then circumvented their intermediary and consummated the $53 million deal behind closed doors. None of the defendants, it is alleged, paid Optikal Noize for its work introducing and then developing the parties’ relationship.
Lawsuits and disputes
Almaguer v. Musclepharm Corporation, C.D. Cal. Case No. CV 16-05027 BRO (MRWx)
Jun 07, 2016
OUTCOME: Pending
Plaintiff contends he was willfully misclassified by Defendant as an “exempt” employee, and that Plaintiff was assigned non-exempt duties, prohibited from taking meal and rest breaks in violation of Ca...lifornia law, and had his overtime pay withheld, while frequently working six or seven day weeks consisting of 11-hour days.
Throughout 2013 and 2014, Plaintiff was given positive performance reviews and promotions. As a result of the alleged misclassification and demanding work schedule, however, Plaintiff began feeling emotional distress and other physical and mental symptoms towards the beginning of 2015.
Plaintiff sought medical care and advised his supervisors of his health issues. In response, Plaintiff alleges his supervisors harassed him, increased their demands, and began giving him poor reviews.
Plaintiff alleges his work-related depression continued and that he obtained a medical leave of absence. Plaintiff alleges his manager, Jason Daniel, initially refused him to take this leave, and then insisted Plaintiff would need to manage one account while on leave. Although Plaintiff was eventually given medical leave, during his leave Defendant hired a temporary replacement who eventually replaced Plaintiff.
When Plaintiff returned from his leave on July 7, 2015, Plaintiff alleges he was immediately harassed, discriminated against, and insulted by Mr. Daniel. Right after Plaintiff’s return, Mr. Daniel also issued poor marks on Plaintiff’s annual performance review, prompting Plaintiff to speak with Defendant’s Regional Sales Manager Andrew Shannon about the annual review. Plaintiff informed Mr. Shannon he was not being given meal and rest periods under California law, and that Mr. Daniel had been discriminating against and harassing Plaintiff as a result of his medical condition and leave. Plaintiff was terminated two weeks after this conversation, on the premise the company was restructuring. Plaintiff alleges his termination was a direct result of his medical leave and complaints to Mr. Shannon.
Plaintiff’s causes of action are accordingly based on retaliatory termination and unlawful wage practices.
Lawsuits and disputes
Vaudable v. Gattyan, et al., C.D. Cal. Case No. 2:16-cv-08302-GW-FFM
May 20, 2016
OUTCOME: Pending
Plaintiff was employed by billionaire pornography mogul Defendant Gyorgy Gattyan as an executive assistant. in the complaint, she alleged that Gattyan made sexul advances on her while they working in... Luxembourg. When she repelled his advances, she was fired for not having the right "spirit" for the job.
Debt collection
Advanced Janitorial Services v. Mexico, LASC Case No. BC213353
Judgment was entered against Mexico in 2003 for a breach of contract its Los Angeles Consulate committed with regard to its janitorial services. In 2011, our law firm was retained to enforce the judgm...ent. We did so successfully through debtor examination, seeking the placement of a Sheriff in-keeper on the Consulate property and more. Mexico paid the judgment plus interest within 6 months of our retention.
