Articles by CAReview Editor

Employees Sue Morgan Stanley Over 401(k) Plans

Morgan Stanley was hit with a class action Friday, filed on behalf of 60,000 workers. The suit claims that the company mismanaged its own employees’ retirement plans by offering poorly performing funds and charging excessive fees.


How Unique California Law Rescued Uber Class Action – Then Killed $100 Million Settlement

There is one big reason why Uber drivers have been able to pursue class actions against the company in federal court in California: the state’s one-of-a-kind Private Attorney General Act, which allows employees to sue for labor code violation in the name of the state. As a matter of public policy, according to a 2014 decision from the California Supreme Court, companies cannot …


Class Action Status Granted in Four Seasons Hualulai Case

The struggle between access and exclusivity at the Four Seasons Hualalai passed a major initial step. The plaintiff, who seeks to have reduced fees for unaccompanied guests at their properties and other lowered costs, now will be able to progress as a class action suit, 3rd Circuit Judge Melvin Fujino ruled Thursday. A class action lawsuit allows a group of people in similar …


Motorists Decry Canada’s “Powerless” Response to Volkswagen Scandal as US Nears Settlement

Canadian Volkswagen owners are fed up with their government’s sluggish response to the Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal. VW is facing the prospect of a $15-billion settlement in U.S. federal court for selling cars that were designed to cheat on emissions tests spewing out up to 40-times more toxic emissions than advertised. But motorists say they haven’t seen any signs of life from the …



Judge Orders Lawyers Who Won ‘Happy Birthday’ Lawsuit Get $4.62 Million, Too

Last September, federal judge George King ruled that “Happy Birthday to You,” the iconic song sung at children’s parties everywhere daily, was not subject to copyright protection as previously thought. Now free from the grasp of music publishing company Warner Chappell, it’s free to be used by anyone, anywhere, for any purpose, with only a specific arrangement covered by the 1035 copyright …



Uber, Just Add E-Tips Already

A California judge, in tossing lemons in the direction of Uber, has given the ride-hail company the most perfect excuse yet to make some lemonade. Here’s why: Thursday, United States District Judge Edward Chen rejected Uber’s proposed class-action settlement with drivers in California and Massachusetts. The original suit sought to change the way drivers are classified, from benefitless …


Federal Lawsuit Targets Ochoco Thinning Plan

An environmental group has sued the U.S. Forest Service, arguing that a plan to thin trees surrounding popular Walton Lake in Ochoco National Forest needed a fuller environmental review and public comment process. The nonprofit League of Wilderness Defenders’ lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Oregon argued that the Forest Service had illegally avoided an environmental review of the …