The phrase “quid pro quo” literally means “this for that,” and in the workplace context it refers to situations where job benefits or workplace consequences are tied to sexual conduct or inappropriate personal demands. Under California law, quid pro quo sexual...
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Flirting Between Colleagues: When Friendly Behavior Crosses Into Abuse of Power
Workplace relationships and friendly interactions are common, but when flirting enters the picture—especially between individuals with unequal power—it can quickly become legally problematic. What may begin as casual or mutual behavior can cross the line into...
Target on the Defensive: The Birkley v. Target Harassment Case
Recent litigation, including the Birkley v Target Center lawsuit of 2025, underscores a growing issue in the retail industry: the use of internal disciplinary systems as tools for harassment and retaliation. Filed in federal court, the case centers on allegations that...
Amazon Warehouse Vulnerability: Fighting “Automated” Harassment in 2026
As retail shifts increasingly toward e-commerce, massive fulfillment centers—like those operated by Amazon—have become central to the workforce. While these environments rely on automation and performance tracking systems, recent legal filings suggest that human...
Post-Mortem Justice: Can You Sue a Celebrity Estate for Harassment?
In recent years, a difficult but increasingly urgent legal question has gained national attention: what happens when victims of harassment or abuse come forward after the alleged perpetrator has died? More specifically, can a survivor pursue justice by suing a...
What to Do If Your Sexual Harassment Complaint Isn’t Handled
While taking the steps to file a complaint to HR might seem daunting, it is a crucial step to ensure that the harassment experienced does not happen to oneself or any other employee ever again, but what happens when the complaint is ignored or dismissed? Employers may...
Case Study: Alleged Retaliation for Reporting Sexual Harassment at a Retail Giant
Summary: This case study examines the alleged retaliatory termination of an employee, "Jane Doe," and subsequent terminations of her family members after she reported sexual harassment by a coworker at a large retail chain, referred to as "Company R." The case...
Case Study | Workplace Sexual Harassment and Retaliation
Overview This case study explores a disturbing incident of workplace sexual harassment and subsequent retaliation. The victim, a female employee, endured a series of unwanted advances and physical assault from a higher-up at the company. Despite reporting the...
Case Study | A Breach of Trust: Attorney Sexual Harassment
Overview This case study examines a disturbing instance of attorney sexual harassment. The attorney, in a clear violation of professional ethics and the law, engaged in a pattern of inappropriate behavior towards a female client. The behavior, escalating from verbal...
Makarem & Associates Files Lawsuit Against 1016 Industries for Alleged Workplace Sexual Harassment by CEO
[October 10, 2024: LOS ANGELES, CA] — A former employee of 1016 Industries Inc. (“1016 Industries”), has filed a lawsuit against the company and its owner, Peter Northrop, alleging sexual harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination. The lawsuit, filed in...
