Recent Representative Matters
Jennifer and her trial team represented Plaintiff David Rodgers in a partnership and defamation dispute involving auto dealerships. After three years of litigation and a 10-week jury trial, a Placer County, CA jury awarded $17.3 million in damages to Rodgers after finding that (1) his longtime business partner and uncle, John L. Sullivan, of the Sullivan Automotive Group, made fraudulent and false promises to grant Rodgers an ownership interest in Roseville Toyota dealership, and (2) Sullivan defamed Rodgers by disseminating false claims that Rodgers had physically assaulted him.
Jennifer and her team developed the legal strategy to support and then file a declaratory relief litigation action in California under new California Business & Professions Code sections 16600.1 and 16600.5 challenging an executive’s out-of-state noncompete. The executive moved to California from Florida for a new position. The matter was successfully resolved, and the executive was able to start new employment in California.
Successfully directed and managed a complex lift-out of a large team from a high profile consulting firm to a start-up competitor, where an executive leading the team had an enforceable noncompete deal.
Secured a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in California state court on behalf of an executive search firm against a competitor and two former employees in a misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair competition case.
Jennifer and her team prevailed on trade secret misappropriation claims in federal court in the Central District of California against former executives of a regional financial institution who put together a competing business plan using the companies’ trade secrets. Obtained a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction barring the defendants from soliciting clients and employees, including through the use of trade secrets maintained in memory. Case thereafter settled favorably, including a three-year stipulated injunction.
Defended a bedding frame manufacturer and distributor in Missouri federal court against trade secret claims (among others) resulting from the exchange of information under an NDA during merger negotiations and later hiring of Plaintiff’s executive after the deal busted. Removed to federal court and prevailed in obtaining (1) dissolution of an ex parte temporary restraining order, and (2) an order holding that Plaintiff’s noncompetition agreement is unenforceable as a matter of law.
Defended an executive against a temporary restraining order and effort to enforce a two-year noncompete provision in federal court in Oregon. Obtained an order requiring the former employer to pay the executive during the restricted period, which resulted in a favorable settlement.
Jennifer testified as an expert witness on California restrictive covenants in a high-profile divorce proceeding in Marin County Superior Court where a multi-million dollar payment for a post-termination noncompete was challenged by a former spouse as unenforceable under California law and therefore attributable instead to services rendered during employment (and, as such, was community property).
On behalf of medical device company, Jennifer and her team defeated former CEO’s claims for compensation and benefits, and prevailed on counter-claims against the CEO for breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, and related claims, with damages awarded in our client’s favor.
Represented major e-commerce company in defense of lawsuit alleging disability discrimination and failure to accommodate brought by former employee who suffered from stage 4 colon cancer and a stroke. Brought successful petition to compel arbitration and obtained defense ruling in arbitration finding that employer properly engaged in the interactive process, provided reasonable accommodation, and terminated the employee only after accommodations were unsuccessful.
Defended a leading drug distribution and healthcare technology company in 11-day jury trial in San Francisco Superior Court against claims brought by a former technology consultant for indemnification under California Labor Code section 2802, breach of contract, wrongful termination, fraud and infliction of emotional distress. The claims were brought on the theory that the Plaintiff was a dual employee of Plaintiff's consulting firm employer and the client company. Complete defense verdict (12-0) obtained.
Filed noncompete enforcement action against former Chief Marketing Officer of multi-national company, following executive's abrupt resignation and demand for several million dollars in "good reason" severance. Matter settled quickly and favorably for our client.
Jennifer defended world's largest global network of integrated services in 15-day arbitration brought by former vice president who sued for gender discrimination, retaliation, defamation, breach of contract, and other claims. Plaintiff claimed damages in excess of $4 million and was awarded a small fraction of the demand.
Defended national insurance and financial service company in 16-day jury trial in San Mateo County Superior Court brought by a former commissioned surety bond producer who sued for breach of contract, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, defamation, and unfair business practices. Plaintiff's demand was $4.4 million; complete defense verdict obtained.
