#1 California Apprenticeship Regulations UpheldSacramento, CA - Several employer associations brought a California labor lawsuit against the California Apprenticeship Council’s new regulations governing the employment of apprentices on public works projects. On January 23rd, the Third District Court of Appeal sided with the Council, and Judge Peter Krause ruled in Sacramento County Superior Court that the council was within its rulemaking authority and consistent with governing laws.
#2 CalChamber Sues to Block Forced Meeting LawSacramento, CA - In a “flip-the-script” move, the California Chamber of Commerce filed a California labor lawsuit to block the implementation of the "California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act" (SB 399). The law, which went into effect on January 1, 2025, places restrictions on employer-sponsored meetings that concern religious or political matters, including unionization. Employers may not penalize or retaliate against workers who refuse to attend these meetings.
#3 All-Female Legal Team Pursues Depo-Provera Brain Tumor LitigationMinneapolis, MN - An all-female legal team--including attorneys, paralegals and a legal assistant--with a national personal injury firm have teamed up to pursue Depo-Provera brain tumor litigation on behalf of women who have developed meningioma (brain) tumors after using Depo-Provera birth control injections. Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer and others accusing the drug manufacturers of knowing their birth control shot could cause brain tumors, bone loss and cancers, but they failed to warn of the risks.
#4 PAGA lawsuit Accuses Panera Bakery Chain California Labor ViolationsLos Angeles, CA - Panera, a bakery-restaurant chain, is accused of stiffing its hourly catering staff out of overtime wages and numerous other California labor law violations. A Private Attorneys General Act lawsuit (PAGA) lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court in early January by Selene Ramirez, a Panera caterer.
#5 ESG Investing Rule Holds (For Now)Fort Worth, TX - On January 10, 2025, the Northern District of Texas rendered a decision in Spence v. American Airlines, Inc. The ruling (much to the surprise of many) does not challenge the Department of Labor’s rule that permits ERISA fiduciaries to consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in selecting investments. Instead, it focuses on the relationship between the airline and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, Inc. The court found that fiduciaries of the American Airlines 401(k) Plan and the American Airlines 401(k) Plan for Pilots had breached their ERISA duty of prudence and loyalty by failing to monitor BlackRock’s pursuit of non-financial and nonpecuniary ESG policy goals through proxy voting and shareholder activism.
#6 Does Ozempic Cause Joint Pain?Washington, DC – Quite a bit of evidence points to dangerous Ozempic side effects including stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, blindness, thyroid cancer and bowel obstruction. As of early January 2025, more than 1,300 Ozempic side-effect lawsuits were pending in consolidated proceedings.
#7 Litigation Funding: How It Levels the Playing Field for PlaintiffsSanta Clara, CA - The legal system is often intimidating, especially if you're up against deep-pocketed corporations or facing high costs just to get started. For plaintiffs, pursuing justice can feel impossible when financial barriers stand in the way. This is where litigation funding steps in as a powerful tool, offering much-needed support and leveling the playing field.
#8 Wildfire Lawsuits Target SoCal EdisonLos Angeles, CA - filed against Southern California Edison (SCE) were filed soon after photos and videos provided by residents indicate that the Palisades and Eaton fires were caused by the Utility. However, the fires are still under investigation, including arson investigation. But SCE has said its equipment could have ignited the Hurst Fire. Attorneys expect that these initial wildfire lawsuits will be followed by thousands more legal claims.
#9 Suboxone + Kratom = Adding Insult to InjurySan Francisco, CA - Kratom is a dangerous drug, whose ingredients may be highly addictive at larger doses. Kratom products may not be marketed in the U.S. as prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Instead, they exist in the murky, unregulated world of herbal supplements. According to a kratom researcher at the University of Florida, “It’s totally a wild, wild west market. Buyer beware. You never know what you’re going to get in this business.” Treating the resulting addiction with Suboxone sublingual film can make a bad situation worse.
