Heller Staff Members Sue Partners, Seek $32M for Alleged Labor Law Violations

Contending that they didn't receive mandated severance and vacation pay, some 800 former Heller Ehrman staff have sued at least 179 partners of the firm for alleged WARN Act violations under federal and California state law.

Filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California, their $32 million claim also alleges labor law violations in other jurisdictions and seeks damages and penalties, reports the Recorder.

The defendants are partners of the firm as of Aug. 11, 2008. That was the day when the first employees should have received 60-day notice of their pending termination, says attorney Craig Collins of Los Angeles. He represents plaintiffs in the case.

Related coverage:

ABAJournal.com: "Law Firms, Other Employers Battle New Enforcement of WARN Layoff Rules"

ABAJournal.com: "Malpractice and Partner Liability at Issue in Heller Bankruptcy"

ABAJournal.com: "Heller Creditors Team Up to Target Banks Blamed for Firm’s Demise "