Walsworth Secures Major Defense Arbitration Award in Complicated Employment Matter

We are very excited to announce that Partner Kellie Christianson and her team recently secured a major defense arbitration award on behalf of Walsworth client Lithia Motors in a complicated employment litigation matter.

The claimant, a former at-will employee of a Los Angeles-area luxury car dealership, alleged his employment was terminated in retaliation for his complaints regarding the dealership’s decisions and processes. Lithia Motors disagreed and said he was terminated for poor performance – three consecutive months of not meeting the minimum sales requirement and a “no call no show” to work. The claimant lodged numerous complaints against Lithia, including denial of commission, being denied the use of a desk, and loss of a bonus. During testimony, the dealership’s general manager, employee relations manager, and other company employees addressed the claimant’s complaints and offered factual explanations for the perceived wrongdoings against the complainant. The arbitrator, Francisco Firmat (Judge Retired, Orange County Superior Court), agreed with the defense and found that there was no evidence to support a retaliatory termination. He rendered a binding award in favor of Lithia Motors on all of the plaintiff’s claims.

Senior Associate Johanna Rodriguez was an integral part of the defense by handling pre-arbitration discovery and motion practice. Congratulations to the Lithia Motors team!

For more information or specific guidance, please contact Kellie Christianson, Johanna Rodriguez, or the Walsworth attorney currently working on your related matter.