Ex-Perkins Coie Partner Must Arbitrate Pay Dispute With His Former Firm, Federal Judge Rules

A federal judge in California has put a damper on a would-be class action by a former partner over pay practices at Perkins Coie.

An arbitration clause in the partnership agreement between the law firm and Harold DeGraff is binding, held U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S White on Monday. However, he nixed a confidentiality provision, saying that it would unduly benefit the 850-attorney Seattle-based international law firm, reports Reuters.

An earlier ABAJournal.com post provides additional details about DeGraff's claims against the firm:

Former Perkins Coie Attorney Sues Firm Over Paycheck Deductions, Seeks Class Action Status