Judge: Theresa M. Traber, Case: BC724401, Date: 2023-05-18 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: BC724401    Hearing Date: May 18, 2023    Dept: 47

Final Ruling

Judge Theresa M. Traber, Department 47

HEARING DATE:     May 18, 2023             JUDGMENT: December 7, 2022

CASE:                         Sabrena Odom v. Los Angeles Community College Dist. et al.

CASE NO.:                 BC724401           

MOTION FOR ATTORNEY’S FEES

MOVING PARTY:               Plaintiff Sabrena Odom

RESPONDING PARTY(S): No response on eCourt as of 05/15/23

CASE HISTORY:

·         10/04/18: Complaint filed.

·         12/07/22: Judgment entered.

STATEMENT OF MATERIAL FACTS AND/OR PROCEEDINGS:

            This is an employment discrimination action. Plaintiff alleged that she was sexually harassed by Defendant Irvin, and that she was retaliated against by her employer for complaining about the harassment.

Plaintiff moves for attorney’s fees as the prevailing party in this action.

FINAL RULING:

            On April 24, 2023, Plaintiff filed this Motion for Attorney’s Fees seeking an award to her counsel Jamie E. Wright. The next day, on April 25, the Court heard oral arguments concerning a separate Motion for Attorney’s Fees previously filed by Plaintiff seeking a fee award to Plaintiff’s other counsel, Maryann Gallagher and Viridiana Aceves. In light of the arguments raised by defense counsel concerning special circumstances that might warrant denial of a fee award, the Court continued that motion to May 25, 2023 for additional briefing on the legal basis for the relief sought by Defendants.

            In light of the factual contentions raised by Defendants at that hearing and the outstanding legal question concerning the propriety of a fee award in these circumstances, the Court will exercise its discretionary authority to continue this motion such that the two motions may be heard together.

            Accordingly, Plaintiff’s Motion for Attorney’s Fees is CONTINUED to May 25, 2023, at 9:00 AM to be heard simultaneously with the Motion for Attorney’s Fees already set for hearing at that time.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated:  May 18, 2023                         ___________________________________

                                                                                    Theresa M. Traber

                                                                                    Judge of the Superior Court