Cases

United States ex rel. Hendow v. University of Phoenix - False Claims qui tam case against for-profit higher education entity, alleging violation of Title IV of The Higher Education Act, which prohibits colleges and universities from providing "any commission, bonus or other incentive payment . . ." to recruiters based on recruiting activities. Following a precedent-setting victory in the Ninth Circuit, the case ultimately settled in December 2009 for $78.5 million.

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority ex rel. Gerlinger v. Parsons-Dillingham Metro Rail Construction Manager Joint Venture - Whistleblower action on behalf of project finance manager, alleging over $60 million in overcharges on construction of Los Angeles Metro Rail subway system. Obtained government intervention. Plaintiff prevailed on liability and the court is in process of determining damages.

United States ex rel. O'Connell v. Chapman University - Precedent-setting qui tam whistleblower action brought by three adjunct professors against private university that was shortchanging classroom hours at its satellite campuses serving students whose tuition was funded by taxpayers.

GC Micro v. United States Defense Logistics Agency - Landmark Ninth Circuit decision recognizing right of small disadvantaged businesses to obtain, via FOIA, information on government contractors' degree of compliance with congressionally mandated quotas for providing government contracts to small disadvantaged businesses.

Csutoras v. KRPQ-FM - Sexual harassment and complainant retaliation case on behalf of a radio station advertising sales representative, tried before a jury, resulting in post-appeal recovery for client of $918,404.00. First such case tried in Sonoma County, California.

Case Name Confidential - Sexual harassment case brought by nurse against supervising physician, resulting in $200,000.00 settlement following exposè in news media.

Case Name Confidential - Cybersmear action brought by high tech company against client. Swiftly negotiated confidential nominal settlement that entailed apology, that saved client's reputation, and minimized attorney fees and costs.

People of the State of California ex rel. Spooner v. Pacifica Foundation - High-profile quo warranto action, brought on behalf of listener-sponsors, with approval of State of California Attorney General, challenging corporate governance abuses at Pacifica Foundation, a charitable trust that owns and operates a nationwide network of listener-sponsored free-speech radio stations.

Case Name Confidential - Cybersmear action for small business against out-of-state individuals who were destroying client business via defamatory posts on Internet message boards. After successfully opposing anti-SLAPP motion and venue challenges, case settled and client obtained stipulated permanent injunction.

Case Name Confidential - Wrongful termination and unpaid commissions claim on behalf of sales rep who was fired after landing large account for telecom company. Though client had less than six months tenure at company, case settled for $400,000.00.

Case Name Confidential - Whistle blower case for accountant employee of company that was defrauding clients via double-billing, kickbacks, and other fraudulent billing practices. Employer initiated legal action to silence client. We responded with anti-SLAPP motion, whereupon case settled for $785,000.00.

Case Name Confidential - High-profile whistleblower retaliation case on behalf of physician who was fired in retaliation for bringing legal action in opposition to unlawful use of taxpayer funds for nonemergency medical care for illegal aliens. Case received prominent attention on Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes" television show and website.

Case Name Confidential - Case in Silicon Valley for high-tech employee alleging wrongful termination against current employer and tortious interference against former employer. Case settled for $1,317,595.00.

Case Name Confidential - Whistleblower retaliation case for accountant employee of company that was defrauding clients via double-billing and other fraudulent billing practices. Case settled for $200,000.00. Air Products v. City of Santa Clara

As Western Region Counsel of Container Corporation of America, conceived and managed class action and public referendum in mid-1980's for pass-through of over $8 million in electricity rebates to City of Santa Clara electricity customers.

United States ex rel. Solodoff v. Hamilton Taft Company - Whistleblower action on behalf of controller, exposing and ending $100 million Ponzi scam perpetuated by San Francisco-based payroll tax processing firm against dozens of companies and institutions, including Sun Microsystems, Federal Express, Tandem, Stanford University, and the State Bar of California. This case was the front-page lead story in The Wall Street Journal, March 15, 1991, edition.