Representative Cases
Jamie Elward v. Sealy, Inc., No. 3:22-cv-05645. U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington Tacoma. Judge Benjamin Settle presiding. February 20, 2025, jury verdict of $5 million in sexual harassment case for Ms. Elward for non-economic loss damages after four-day trial.
Reeves v. Mason County, 22 Wn. App. 2d 99 (Division III, May 17, 2022). After eight years of repeatedly proving whistleblower retaliation, our successful appeal opinion relied upon and expanded Washington’s strong public policy in support of successful public employee whistleblower’s recovery of full prevailing party attorney fees. Opinion relaxed rigidity of collateral estoppel if contrary and compelling public policies clash: in that case, need for finality vs. need for successful employment claimants to be entitled to prevailing party attorney fees.
Currier v. Northland Servs., Inc., 182 Wn. App. 733, 332 P.3d 1006 (2014). Discrimination retaliation verdict for independent contractor after opposing what he reasonably perceived to be discriminatory conduct. Successful appeal broadened rights for independent contractors under the Washington Law Against Discrimination.
Frunz v. City of Tacoma, 468 F.3d 1141 (9th Cir. 2006). Federal 4th Amendment warrantless search and seizure violations, and excessive use of force verdict for Ms. Frunz were affirmed on appeal, with clarified and expanded constitutional protections for homeowners and their guests.
Crawford v. Washington, 541 U.S. 36 (2004). Criminal defense of Mr. Crawford in Thurston County Superior Court. Crawford was charged with attempted murder, and convicted of lesser charges. Successful appeal led to the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous expansion of the 6th Amendment right of confrontation.
Martinez v. City of Tacoma, 81 Wn. App. 228, 914 P.2d 86 (Division II, 1996). Retaliatory discrimination verdict for former investigator for Tacoma Human Rights Commission. Successful appeal established right to full prevailing party attorney fee award for all reasonable attorney time, regardless of amount of verdict.
https://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.disp&filename=385485MAJ