Photo of Jacqueline Simonovich

Jacqueline Simonovich

Subscribe to Jacqueline Simonovich's Posts

Jacqueline is an associate in the Firm’s Litigation practice group. She defends businesses and nonprofits in both California and federal courts as well as in international forums, handling contractual, employment, tort disputes, and constitutional issues. As Diversity Director for the Barristers Club of San Francisco, she organizes the Annual Diversity Conference and Awards and advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. She also created Yoga for Lawyers to help attorneys manage stress, promoting the idea that “Being a Lawyer is Stressful. Yoga is Not.”

Follow:Read more about Jacqueline SimonovichJacqueline's Linkedin Profile

On May 10, 2024, the Ninth Circuit decided Yuriria Diaz v. Macys West Stores, Inc.  In that case, Diaz brought California Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”) claims against her former employer.  The district court compelled both Plaintiff’s individual and non-individual PAGA claims to arbitration, reasoning that the arbitration agreement’s broad language must be interpreted to encompass both types of claims.  Macy’s appealed.Continue Reading Ninth Circuit Holds that Non-Individual PAGA Claims Cannot be Compelled to Arbitration Even When the Agreement Only Waives Class or Collective Actions

Yesterday, the California Supreme Court, in Adolph v. Uber Technologies, Inc., addressed the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Viking River Cruises, Inc. v. Moriana, 142 S.Ct. 1906 (2022). The much-anticipated Adolph decision, addresses the question of whether an “aggrieved employee,” who has been compelled to arbitrate individual PAGA claims (i.e. Labor Code violations allegedly suffered by the plaintiff in an individual capacity), loses standing to pursue non-individual PAGA claims (i.e. Labor Code violations allegedly suffered by other employees) in court. Continue Reading CA Supreme Court Holds Compelling Arbitration of Individual PAGA Claim Does Not Strip Standing to Litigate Representative Claims

COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (“SPSL”) was set to expire on September 30, 2022.  However, on September 29, 2022 Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 152 (“AB 152”), which extends SPSL through the end of the year.  The bill took effect immediately.
Continue Reading AB 152 Extends COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave and Provides a Grant Program to Aid Small Businesses