On December 17, 2012, the California Supreme Court issued its decision in Jankey v. Lee. The Court ruled that prevailing defendants in disability access cases brought under both the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and California Civil Code section 55 are entitled to their attorney’s fees just like prevailing plaintiffs are. The issue was vehemently disputed between that segment of the plaintiff’s bar that specializes in “shake-down” disability access lawsuits, and the California business community.Continue Reading The California Supreme Court Issued A Win For Businesses Who Prevail In Disability Access Cases In California
Is Leave Required As An Accommodation If It Is Unclear If The Employee Will Be Able To Perform The Job In The Near Future?
Robert v. Board of County Commissioners of Brown County, Kansas, et. al. (10th Cir. Aug. 29, 2012) No. 11-3902
The job description for Robert’s job as a supervisor of felony offenders included 18 “essential functions.” Some of those included functions like performing drug screenings, ensuring compliance with court orders, testifying in court, and “field work,” which consisted of visiting the homes of individuals who had been released from prison to assist them in their reentry into society. The job required “considerable fieldwork . . . throughout the 22nd Judicial District," "visits in less than desirable environments," and "potentially dangerous situations in field/office contacts."Continue Reading Is Leave Required As An Accommodation If It Is Unclear If The Employee Will Be Able To Perform The Job In The Near Future?
Just InTime For St. Patrick’s Day: New ADA Bar Accessibility Requirements Went Into Effect Thursday
What do you think of when you think about St. Patrick’s Day? Corn Beef, Cabbage, Green Beer, John Wayne’s greatest movie “The Quiet Man”, new governmental regulations for bars and restaurants? WHAT!?!
Continue Reading Just InTime For St. Patrick’s Day: New ADA Bar Accessibility Requirements Went Into Effect Thursday
Is It Discrimination To Require A High School Diploma?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) thinks so. The EEOC recently posted a letter to its website stating that it may be unlawful for employers to require a job applicant to have obtained a high school diploma if the applicant suffers from a learning disability and has been unable to obtain one. The EEOC’s position represents a significant departure from traditional interpretation by the courts with regard to matters of unintentional discrimination resulting in a disparate impact on certain groups.Continue Reading Is It Discrimination To Require A High School Diploma?
ADA Amendments Act
On September 25, 2008, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 was signed into law by President Bush. It becomes effective January 1, 2009. This new law is designed to undo several Supreme Court decisions and thereby broaden the number of individuals who can seek protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The amendments include…