Peter E. Garrell is a Partner in the firm and has been in practice over 32 years.

A seasoned and proven attorney, Peter represents the legal and business interests of clients in both state and federal court, arbitrations and various negotiations. Peter’s broad experience includes real estate, commercial, tort, employment and entertainment litigation matters. He has successfully tried and arbitrated many complex matters ranging from employment and consumer class actions and government enforcement actions to complex commercial disputes. Peter has developed an arbitration and class action waiver for several clients upon which he has prevailed in litigation on multiple matters.

Peter primarily focuses his practice on the unique challenges facing mid-market and emerging companies providing sound advice and counsel in business formation, buying and selling businesses, real estate issues such as zoning, parking and licensing issues, labor and employment, wage and hour matters, vendor relationships, contracts, and other issues.

Peter has represented several high profile individuals, and multi-state entertainment clients in real estate, entertainment, and complex employment and class litigation. He represented a major chemical company in its California toxic tort and asbestos litigation, where he litigated more than 50 cases from initial pleading through summary judgment. Peter has represented shopping malls, office buildings, restaurants and entertainment venues in claims arising from alleged violations of the American with Disabilities Act and Unruh Civil Rights Act. As outside litigation counsel for an international restaurant chain, Peter developed a dispute resolution program for the disposition of the chain’s unsecured creditor claims in its bankruptcy.

Peter’s career has included being the principal shareholder of GARRELL LAW, P.C. as well as Vice-President and General Counsel for a worldwide entertainment company. Before that, Peter was a partner in the Los Angeles office of Liner, LLP from 1999 until 2012 and before that a litigator with Christensen, Miller.

EDUCATION

University of Bridgeport School of Law, Bridgeport, Connecticut – Juris Doctor 1991

Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts – Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and American Government 1988

SIGNIFICANT CASES
Defense Side Class and Complex Cases

•   Graciela Guerra Morales individually, and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Jet Strip Cabaret, a corporate entity of unknown form and DOES 1 through 50,
  inclusive (2019) 19STCV07841 (LASC – Central). Case resolved. Resulted in an individual settlement for the class representative, only.
•   Katherine Scarlett Kappella, individually, and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. 18301 – 1/2 E. 5th Ave. Corp. (dba Jumbo’s Clown Room), a California corporation; and Does 1 through 50, inclusive (2019) BC723618 (LASC – Central). Case resolved. Final judgment entered in favor of the class.
•   Jane Roe, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Imperial Project, Inc., d/b/a Bare Elegance; Mike Galam; Victor Galam; Jacqueline Barnes; and Does 1- 200, jointly and severally (2018) BC720147 (LASC – Central). Case resolved. Resulted in an individual settlement for the class representative, only.
•   Jenetta L. Bracy, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated v. DG Hospitality Van Nuys, LLC; The Spearmint Rhino Companies Worldwide, Inc.; Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide, Inc.; Dames N’ Games; John Does #1-10; and XYZ Corporations #1-10 (2017) 5:17-cv-00854-VAP (DTBx) (C.D. Cal.). Settled. Received final approval. Expected to be paid in the near future, although 1 payments have been recently interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
•   Lauren Byrne, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated v. Santa Barbara Hospitality Services, Inc., The Spearmint Rhino Companies Worldwide, Inc., Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide, Inc., and Santa Barbara Hospitality Services, LLC (2017) 5:17-cv-00527-SVW (SPx) (C.D. Cal.). Settled. Received final approval. Final judgment has been entered.

•   Adriana Ortega, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Spearmint Rhino Companies Worldwide, Inc., Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide, Inc., and Midnight Sun Enterprises, LLC (2017) 5:17-cv-00206-JGB (KKx) (C.D. Cal.). Settled. Received final approval. Final judgment has been entered.
•   Luis A. Cabrera, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Complete Facilities Maintenance, Inc. and Does 1 through 25, inclusive (2014) BC538248 (LASC – Central). Settled. Received final approval. Final judgment has been entered.
•   Stacy Salazar, an individual; and Erica Sullivan, an individual v. Rouge Gentlemen’s Club, Inc. aka Rouge Gentlemen’s Clubs, aka Rouge, Downtown LA Club Venture, Inc., aka Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide, Inc.; Olympic Avenue Ventures, Inc., aka Spearmint Rhino Companies Worldwide, Inc. aka Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club (Los Angeles); Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club (City Of Industry), aka City of Industry Hospitality Venture, Inc., aka Huntington Beach Hospitality Venture, Inc., and Does 1-1000, inclusive (2010) BC445244 (LASC – Central). The Salazar class representatives objected to the settlement in Trauth (below) and in the interim all counsel and the objectors entered into a global settlement and final judgment was entered.
•   Veronica Mendez, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Jewels Connection, Inc. and Does 1 through 50 (2010) BC443303 (LASC – Central). Settled. Received final approval. Final judgment has been entered.
•   Christian Broce v. The Spearmint Rhino Companies Worldwide, Inc., a Nevada corporation doing business as “Spearmint Rhino Gentleman’s Club”; Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide, Inc., a Delaware corporation doing business as “Spearmint Rhino Gentleman’s Club”; WPS Entertainment, Inc., a California corporation doing business as “Spearmint Rhino Gentleman’s Club”; Santa Maria Restaurant Enterprises, Inc., a California corporation doing business as “Spearmint Rhino Gentleman’s Club”; The Oxnard Hospitality Services, Inc., a California corporation doing business as “Spearmint Rhino Gentleman’s Club”; and Does 1 through 10, inclusive (2010) 1320074 (Santa Maria Superior Court). Settled. Received final approval. Final judgment has been entered.
•   Stacy Salazar, an individual; Erica Sullivan, an individual; and Cynthia Gonzalez, an individual v. Rouge Gentlemen’s Club, Inc. (Los Angeles; Downtown LA Club Venture, Inc.; Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide, Inc.; Olympic Avenue Ventures, Inc., dba Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club (Los Angeles); Seventh Veil, Inc.; West Coast Undercover, Inc., dba 4-Play; Valley Ball Management, LLC, dba Bare Elegance, aka Valley Ball (Van Nuys); Scores Gentlemen’s Club (Los Angeles); VIP Showgirls (North Hollywood); Huntington Beach Hospitality Venture, Inc., dba Rouge Gentlemen’s Club (Van Nuys); Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club (Oxnard), aka The Oxnard Hospitality Service, Inc.; Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club (Torrance); Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club (City of Industry); Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club (Van Nuys); Cheetah’s Night Club; Star Strip; Farmdale Hospitality Services, Inc., aka Blue Zebra; Crazy Girls; Vintage Industrial Strip Club; Godfathers; Eros Station; Players; Thirsty’s Gentlemen’s Club; Sunny’s Saloon; Candy Cat 1; Candy Cat Too; Club 7557; Desire Gentlemen’s Club; and Does 1-1000, inclusive (2010) BC432102 (LASC – Central).

Case dismissed due to misjoinder of parties.

•   Victoria Omlor and Anicia Vintimilla, individually, and on behalf of Class of similarly situated individuals v. The Spearmint Rhino Companies Worldwide, Inc., a Nevada corporation; Spearmint Rhino Companies, LLC, a California limited liability company; Inland Restaurant Venture 1, Inc., a California corporation; Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide, Inc., a Delaware corporation; Farmdale Hospitality Services, Inc., a California corporation; The Oxnard Hospitality Services, Inc., fka The Spearmint Rhino Club, Inc., a California corporation; John Gray dba Spearmint Rhino Adult Cabaret, a California fictitious business; Spearmint Rhino Van Nuys, a business entity form unknown; Midnight Sun Enterprises, Inc., a California corporation and Does 1 through 100, inclusive (2009) BC420882 (LASC – Central). The Omlor class representatives objected to the settlement in Trauth (below) and in the interim all counsel and the objectors entered into a global settlement and final judgment was entered.
•   Michelle Hoisington, on behalf of herself, all others similarly situated, and the general public v. Rouge Gentlemen’s Club, Inc., doing business as Rouge Gentlemen’s Club, and Does 1 through 50, inclusive (2009) BC419646 (LASC – Central). The Hoisington class representatives objected to the settlement in Trauth (below) and in the interim all counsel and the objectors entered into a global settlement and final judgment was entered.
•   Michelle Hoisington, on behalf of herself, all others similarly situated, and the general public v. Inland Restaurant Venture I, Inc., doing business as Spearmint Rhino, and Does 1 through 50, inclusive (2009) BC419669 (LASC – Central). The Hoisington class representatives objected to the settlement in Trauth (below) and in the interim all counsel and the objectors entered into a global settlement and final judgment was entered.
•   Victoria Omlor, Jasmine Wright, Anicia Vintimilla, Marsha Ellington, Selena Denise Palaez, Nicole Garcia, Reah Navarro, and Tami Sanchez, individually, and on behalf of Class of similarly situated individuals v. City of Industry Hospitality Venture, Inc., Downtown LA Club Venture, Inc., Farmdale Hospitality Services, Inc., Inland Restaurant Venture I, Inc., Midnight Sun Enterprises, Inc., Olympic Avenue Venture, Inc., The Oxnard Hospitality Services, Inc., Rialto Pockets, Inc., Rouge Gentlemen’s Club, Inc., Santa Barbara Hospitality Services, Inc., Santa Maria Restaurant Enterprises, Inc., Spearmint Rhino Companies Worldwide, Inc., a Nevada corporation; Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide, Inc., a Delaware corporation and Does 1 through 100, inclusive (2009) BC418020 (LASC – Central). The Omlor class representatives objected to the settlement in Trauth (below) and in the interim all counsel and the objectors entered into a global settlement and final judgment was entered.
•   Tracy Dawn Trauth, Christen Rivera, Jennifer Blair, Victoria Omlor, Jasmine Wright, Ancia Vintimilla, Marsha Ellington, Selena Denise Pelaez, Nicole Garcia, Reah Navarro, Tami Sanchez, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Spearmint Rhino Companies Worldwide, Inc.; Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide, Inc.; The Oxnard Hospitality Services, LP; City of Industry Hospitality Venture, Inc.; Downtown LA Club Venture, Inc.; Farmdale Hospitality Services, Inc.; High Expectations Hospitality, LLC; Inland Restaurant Venture 1, Inc.; K-Kel, Inc.; Kentucky Hospitality Venture, LLC, LCM, LLC; Midnight Sun Enterprises, Inc.; Olympic Avenue Venture, Inc.; Santa Barbara

Hospitality Services, Inc.; Santa Maria Restaurant Enterprises, Inc.; WPB Hospitality LLC; Rialto Pockets, Inc.; and Rouge Gentlemen’s Club, Inc. (2009) EDVC09-1316-VAP (DTBx) (C.D. Cal.). After objections being filed, the case settled with final judgment having been entered and a class certified for settlement only.

•   The California Coalition of Undressed Performers; 4 Exotic Dancers; and all similarly situated individuals v. Spearmint Rhino; Bare Elegance; Century Lounge; Crazy Girls; Deja Vu Showgirls; Fantasy Island; 4play; Jet Strip; Playpen; Rio; Rouge; Sam’s Hof Brau; Scores; Seventh Veil; Silver Rein; Star Strip; Star Strip Too; Starz and the Wild Goose (2008) CV08-04038-ABC-SSx (C.D. Cal.). After significant law and motion, putative class counsel was disbarred and the case dismissed. See State Bar of California website – Patrick Manshardt.
•   Melissa Arfat, on behalf of herself and as a Representative Class Member v. Blue Zebra Entertainment, Inc., a California corporation; Blue Zebra, a business organization form unknown; and Does 1 through 100, inclusive (2007) BC367741 (LASC – Central). Settled. Received final approval. Final judgment has been entered.

•   Charles Johnson, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc., a California company; Proctor Financial, Inc., a Michigan corporation; and Does 1 to 50, inclusive (2017) BC541571 (LASC – Central). Defendants defeated this case on Summary Judgment, which was unsuccessfully appealed.
•   Adriana Hernandez, individually, and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Fritz That’s It Gentlemens Club, a business entity form unknown; and Does 1 through 100, inclusive (2019) 30-2019-01091557-CU-OE-CXC (OCSC). Case resolved. Final judgment entered in favor of the class.
•   Adriana Hernandez, individually, and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. 2523 E. Anaheim, Inc. dba XS Afterhours Gentlemens Club, a California corporation; and Does 1 through 100, inclusive (2019) 19STCV16831 (LASC – Central). Case resolved. Final judgment entered in favor of the class.
•   Adriana Hernandez, individually, and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. The Palms Gentlemens Club, a California corporation; and Does 1 through 100, inclusive (2019) 19STCV15211 (LASC – Central). Case resolved. Final judgment entered in favor of the class.
•   Ontario Food and Beverage, LLC v. Andre Schoorl, Director of the State of California Department of Industrial Relations and David M. Lanier, Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, D.C. No. 5:18-CV-00753-SJO-SP. This action challenged the Constitutionality of California Labor Code Section 350(e) as applied to “dancers.” The State’s Motion to Dismiss was granted and injunction denied. On November 25, 2019, the 9th Circuit affirmed the District Court.

•   Richard J. Soltis, Brittany Leigh Boltinghouse, Leigh Ann Soltis and Stephen Soltis v. City of Santa Monica and Aubrie Ahmadpour (2014) BC538405 (LASC – Central), With Mr. Kennedy we moved for summary judgment on behalf of the City of Santa Monica in a catastrophic injury case based on governmental immunity which motion was denied, but successfully overturned on a writ with judgment being entered in favor of the City of Santa Monica.
•   DV Diamond Club of Flint, LLC, et al. v. United States Small Business Administration, et al., (2020) 4:20-cv-10899. This case is currently pending in the Eastern District of Michigan. Plaintiffs seek injunctive relief to restrain the Small Business Administration and others from discriminating against workers who are entitled to benefit from the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) provisions of the recently-enacted Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, Pub L. No. 116-136 Sections 1101-03, 1107, 1114 (2020) (the “CARES Act”). The regulations and operating procedures of the Small Business Administration conflict with the text of the PPP and violate businesses and workers’ fundamental rights under the First and Fifth Amendments of the United States Constitution, among others. Preliminary Injunction granted. Defendants have appealed however, the case is currently stayed pending forgiveness phase of PPP and any government denials of forgiveness.

•   In re Frances Michael Fitzgerald, 428 B.R. 872 (B.A.P. 9th Cir) 2010
•   Johnson v. Sun West Mortgage, B283262, Cal. Ct. App. (2019)
•   City of Santa Monica v. Superior Court, B270368, Cal. Ct. App. (2017)
•   Dunsworth v. Ben Sholam, B281356, Cal. Ct. App. (2018)
•   Farmers & Merchants Bank v. Superior Court, B267040, Cal. Ct. App. (2015)
•   SBD Enterprises, Inc. v. Mountain Gate Associates, LLC, B225873, Cal. Ct. App. (2011)
•   Jewels Connection v. Oro Direct, B219034, Cal. Ct. App. (2010)
•   Manning v. Investors Capital Corp., B196915, Cal. Ct. App. (2008)
•   Goldstein v. Bernstein, B184546, Cal. Ct. App. (2006)

 The Seawolf Group, LLC, a California limited liability company, and Don E. Seawell vs. GCT Lobos, a California corporation; The Grilled Cheese Truck, Inc., a Nevada Corporation; American Patriot Brands, Inc., a Nevada Corporation; Algie Hodges, an individual; Scott Cosper, an individual; Robert Lee, an individual; Brian Pallas, an individual; General Wesley Clark, an individual; Robert O. Meyer, an individual; J. Bernard Rice, an individual; and DOES 1-100, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 20STCV48374

•   Sabrina M. Lorenzi, an individual; Chloe M. Tunson, an individual; and Jared C. Esguerra, an individual vs. Candace Morgan Stanley aka Candace Stanley Aguilera, an individual; Appeal Cosmetics LLC, a California limited liability company; Illuminati Cosmetics LLC, a California limited liability company; and Does 1 through 25, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 21SMCV01057
•   SoCal Building Ventures LLC Vs. Owl Gardens, LLC, Sergio Ramirez, Max Herrera; JAMS Reference No. 1210037466 (Honorable Terry Friedman)
•   Ramiro Cintora vs. Bad Boys Bail Bonds, Inc., County of Los Angeles, and Does 1 through 20, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case Number BC340651
•   Maximo Garcia; Carlos Mccollumn; individually, and on behalf of themselves and the general public similarly situated v. Glide Rite; and Does 1 through 100, inclusive, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC665485
•   Oscar Valle v. Santa Clarita Studios Corp., Santa Clarita Studios, Inc., Santa Clarita Studios and Does 1 to 100; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 22STCV11413
•   Jennifer Rivas v. Dynamic Nursing Services, Inc. and Does 1 through 100, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC699987
•   Mercedes Cuellar v. Dynamic Home Care Services, Inc., a California corporation; Nissan Pardo, an individual; and Does 1 through 100, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 22BBCV00436
•   Eric Edgarian, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. Mid Valley Towing, Inc., a California corporation, Jesse Elias, an individual, Alice Johnson Elias, an individual, and Does 1 through 100, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC672600
•   Marceline Dubois, an individual v. Dynamic Home Care Services, Inc., a California Corporation; Dynamic Nursing Services, Inc., a California Corporation; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No BC251134
•   Francisco Magro, an individual, v. Tiki Grill Inc., d/b/a Waikiki Hawaiian Grill, a California corporation; John Fedelson, an individual; Diana Chau, an individual, and DOES 1 through 10, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 19STCV08610
•   Teresa Flores Carrillo, an individual v. Dynamic Nursing Services, Inc., a California corporation, and Does 1 through 50, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 21STCV29359
•   Scott Johnson v. 595 Park Avenue, LLC, a California Limited Liability Company; United States District Court Case No. 5:21-cv-01441-EJD
•   Manuel Vasquez v. BBBB Bonding Corporation, and Does 1 through 100, inclusive; Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 115CV286166
•   David Carnahan, Christopher Hart, Victor Molina, Benson Pontawe, Anthony Mora, individuals v. Zerolag Communications, Inc., a California Corporation, Greg Strelzoff, an

individual; Los Angeles Superior Case No. BC711209

•   Egal Shahbaz v. Bad Boys Bail Bond and Does 1 through 10; United States DistrictCourt Case No. 2:19-cv-05489-CAS-SS
•   Marcos Escobar v. Pacific Broadband Technical Services, Inc., et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC351731
•   Jose Castellanos, an individual v. Castle Body Shop, Inc., a California Corporation and Does 1 through 50, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 19STCV35457
•   Ismail Elahi v. Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation and Does 1 through 10 inclusive; United States District Court Case No. 8:16-cv-01809-JAK- GJS
•   Keith Moser v. Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc., an Illinois Corporation registered and doing business in California; and Does 1 through 100, inclusive; United States District Court Case No. 8:19-cv-JVS-ADS
•   Iris Kay v. Jacqueline Beinecke; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 20STCP02895
•   Victoria Nelson v. Dental Administrators, Inc., a California Corporation, David Alpan, anindividual; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC701148
•   Tony Uzoma Agbara v. Bad Boys Bail Bonds, Inc.; Dante Carter and Does 1 to 10; LosAngeles Superior Court Case No. BC363209
•   Alfredo Guerrero v. Bad Boys Bail Bonds, Inc., et al. United States District Court for the Central District of California, Case No. CV 04-6644 RSWL (PJWx)
•   Ralph D. Mills, et al. v. Bad Boys Bail Bonds, Inc., et al. United States District Court for the Central District of California, Case No. CV 04-5626 RSWL (PJWx)
•   Rosa Salcedo on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated v. Dynamic Nursing Services, Inc., et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC 48851
•   Jessica Mendoza on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, and on behalf of the general public v. Clifford Jeffrey Stanley., et al.; Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 111CV203657
•   Maria Garcia v. Dynamic Nursing Services, Inc., et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC 509760
•   Lauren Brown, individually, and on behalf of other members of the general public and other employees similarly situated v. The Hills Treatment Center, LLC, a California limited liability company; Hills Rehab, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; and DOES 2 through 100, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 22STCV24091
•   Marta Marez, an individual for herself and on behalf of all other similarly situated v. Dynamic Home Care Services, Inc., a Delaware Corporation and Does 1 through 10,

inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC620417

•   Richard Donath v. Bruce S. Gillis, M.D. an individual, on behalf of and as Trustee of the Bruce S. Gillis MD MPH Inc. Pension Trust and The Bruce S. Gillis MD, MPH Inc. Pension Trust, a Trust formed in the State of California, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC 494351
•   Gonzalez v. Godfathers, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC445308
•   Erica Sullivan v. Farmdale Hospitality Services, Inc., et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC 445307
•   Stacy Salazar v. Rouge Gentlemen’s Club, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC445244
•   Erica Sullivan v. Star Strip aka 7180 Sunset Blvd., et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC 445243
•   Stacy Salazar v. VIP Showgirls aka Victory Entertainment, Inc., et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC 445154
•   Erica Sullivan v. Crazy Girls, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC 445228
•   Stacy Salazar v. Seventh Veil, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC 445331
•   Tracy Dawn Trauth, et al. v. Spearmint Rhino Companies, et al., United States District Court for the Central District of California (Eastern Division), Case No. EDCV09-1316 VAP (DTBx) [Objectors]
•   Billy Anderson, et al. v. Selectivend, Inc., et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC 267262

John M. Kennedy is a Partner in the firm and has been in practice over 32 years.

John is a certified appellate specialist and his practice is centered in the employment, business/commercial disputes and personal injury areas of the law. He represents defendants and plaintiffs in state and federal court and continues to build a sophisticated appellate practice. His practice also focuses on complex commercial and class action litigation, as well as construction, toxic tort, and actions involving allegations of fraud and products liability.

He has defended clients in a wide range of matters including wage and hour class actions, employment disputes, intellectual property, business disputes, construction disputes, insurance coverage disputes and alleged violations of the federal securities laws. John has also represented owners of buildings, malls and restaurants in claims arising from alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Civil Rights Act.

John was formerly associated with O’Melveny & Myers and was Senior Counsel in the Los Angeles office of Liner, LLP as well as GARRELL LAW, P.C. In these positions, he focused on real estate, construction, entertainment, and complex employment litigation. He also represented various high-profile clients. Mr. Kennedy served on a litigation team for a major chemical company in its California toxic tort and asbestos litigation.

Prior to Liner, he served as a Senior Appellate Attorney for the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District from 2001 to 2009. In that capacity, he drafted over 275 bench memoranda for the Court thus leading him to become an appellate specialist. While at the Court, he authored bench memoranda in civil, criminal, probate and family law cases, involving a broad array of issues, from fraud, bad faith homeowner insurance coverage disputes from the Northridge Earthquake, first amendment rights, to criminal sentencing and custody disputes.

Before joining the Court, while a litigator with O’Melveny & Myers, he represented clients in state and federal court in toxic tort cases, such as the Exxon Valdez case. He also provided counsel on many complex cases, and served as an integral member of trial and arbitration teams.

Notable Engagements include representing: a prominent Southern California municipality in a high-profile personal injury matter; a chain of night clubs in its employment and business disputes; a major American chemical company in toxic tort and asbestos litigation; a major refuse hauler in a breach of contract action; a national restaurant chain in a trade-dress infringement action; a national radio company in a multi-million dollar lease dispute; and represented numerous business owners in commercial disputes. Mr. Kennedy has also served as in-house counsel to a film production company and supervised trademark and intellectual property litigation by outside counsel.

 Guest lecturer on a wide variety of appellate subjects in “The Complete Appeal: Strategies from Start to Finish,” An Intermediate to Advanced Appellate Course, May 8, 2008, Los Angeles, California.

 Taught an MCLE seminar entitled “Insight from a Former Research Attorney: Tips for Not Losing Your Appeal in the Trial Court,” Los Angeles, California. State Bar MCLE Approval from August 13, 2008 to August 13, 2010.

•   Katherine Scarlett Kappella, individually, and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. 18301 – 1/2 E. 5th Ave. Corp. (dba Jumbo’s Clown Room), a California corporation; and Does 1 through 50, inclusive (2019) BC723618 (LASC – Central). Case resolved. Final judgment entered in favor of the class.
•   Jenetta L. Bracy, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated v. DG Hospitality Van Nuys, LLC; The Spearmint Rhino Companies Worldwide, Inc.; Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide, Inc.; Dames N’ Games; John Does #1-10; and XYZ Corporations

#1-10 (2017) 5:17-cv-00854-VAP (DTBx) (C.D. Cal.). Settled. Received final approval.

•   Lauren Byrne, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated v. Santa Barbara Hospitality Services, Inc., The Spearmint Rhino Companies Worldwide, Inc., Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide, Inc., and Santa Barbara Hospitality Services, LLC (2017) 5:17-cv-00527-SVW (SPx) (C.D. Cal.). Settled. Received final approval. Final judgment has been entered.
•   Adriana Ortega, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Spearmint Rhino Companies Worldwide, Inc., Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide, Inc., and Midnight Sun Enterprises, LLC (2017) 5:17-cv-00206-JGB (KKx) (C.D. Cal.). Settled. Received final approval. Final judgment has been entered.
•   Luis A. Cabrera, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Complete Facilities Maintenance, Inc. and Does 1 through 25, inclusive (2014) BC538248 (LASC – Central). Settled. Received final approval. Final judgment has been entered.
•   Veronica Mendez, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Jewels Connection, Inc. and Does 1 through 50 (2010) BC443303 (LASC – Central). Settled. Received final approval. Final judgment has been entered.
•   Tracy Dawn Trauth, Christen Rivera, Jennifer Blair, Victoria Omlor, Jasmine Wright, Ancia Vintimilla, Marsha Ellington, Selena Denise Pelaez, Nicole Garcia, Reah Navarro, Tami Sanchez, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Spearmint Rhino Companies Worldwide, Inc.; Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide, Inc.; The Oxnard Hospitality Services, LP; City of Industry Hospitality Venture, Inc.; Downtown LA Club Venture, Inc.; Farmdale Hospitality Services, Inc.; High Expectations Hospitality, LLC; Inland Restaurant Venture 1, Inc.; K-Kel, Inc.; Kentucky Hospitality Venture, LLC, LCM, LLC; Midnight Sun Enterprises, Inc.; Olympic Avenue Venture, Inc.; Santa Barbara Hospitality Services, Inc.; Santa Maria Restaurant Enterprises, Inc.; WPB Hospitality LLC; Rialto Pockets, Inc.; and Rouge Gentlemen’s Club, Inc. (2009) EDVC09-1316-VAP (DTBx) (C.D. Cal.). After objections being filed, the case settled with final judgment having been entered and a class certified for settlement only.

•   Charles Johnson, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc., a California company; Proctor Financial, Inc., a Michigan corporation; and Does 1 to 50, inclusive (2017) BC541571 (LASC – Central). Defendants defeated this case on Summary Judgment, which was unsuccessfully appealed.
•   Adriana Hernandez, individually, and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Fritz That’s It Gentlemen’s Club, a business entity form unknown; and Does 1 through 100, inclusive (2019) 30-2019-01091557-CU-OE-CXC (OCSC). Case resolved. Final judgment entered in favor of the class.
•   Adriana Hernandez, individually, and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. 2523 E. Anaheim, Inc. dba XS Afterhours Gentlemens Club, a California corporation; and Does 1

through 100, inclusive (2019) 19STCV16831 (LASC – Central). Case resolved. Final judgment entered in favor of the class.

•   Adriana Hernandez, individually, and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. The Palms Gentlemens Club, a California corporation; and Does 1 through 100, inclusive (2019) 19STCV15211 (LASC – Central). Case resolved. Final judgment entered in favor of the class.
•   Ontario Food and Beverage, LLC v. Andre Schoorl, Director of the State of California Department of Industrial Relations and David M. Lanier, Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, D.C. No. 5:18-CV-00753-SJO-SP. This action challenged the Constitutionality of California Labor Code Section 350(e) as applied to “dancers.” The State’s Motion to Dismiss was granted and injunction denied. On November 25, 2019, the 9th Circuit affirmed the District Court.
•   Richard J. Soltis, Brittany Leigh Boltinghouse, Leigh Ann Soltis and Stephen Soltis v. City of Santa Monica and Aubrie Ahmadpour (2014) BC538405 (LASC – Central), With Mr. Kennedy we moved for summary judgment on behalf of the City of Santa Monica in a catastrophic injury case based on governmental immunity which motion was denied, but successfully overturned on a writ with judgment being entered in favor of the City of Santa Monica.
•   DV Diamond Club of Flint, LLC, et al. v. United States Small Business Administration, et al., (2020) 4:20-cv-10899. This case is currently pending in the Eastern District of Michigan. Plaintiffs seek injunctive relief to restrain the Small Business Administration and others from discriminating against workers who are entitled to benefit from the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) provisions of the recently-enacted Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, Pub L. No. 116-136 Sections 1101-03, 1107, 1114 (2020) (the “CARES Act”). The regulations and operating procedures of the Small Business Administration conflict with the text of the PPP and violate businesses and workers’ fundamental rights under the First and Fifth Amendments of the United States Constitution, among others. Preliminary Injunction granted. Defendants have appealed however the case is currently stayed pending forgiveness phase of PPP and any government denials of forgiveness.

Kristina S. Keller is a Senior Litigation Attorney at the firm and has been in practice over 31 years. She currently focuses on litigating complex commercial, employment, and trademark cases in the state and federal courts, including the California Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, Illinois Supreme Court, United States District Court, Central District of California, United States Tax Court, United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, and United States District Court, Southern District of California.

Kristina’s responsibilities include complete legal case file management for communications with clients, counsel and courts, investigation and gathering evidence, legal research and analysis, drafting and filing pleadings, conducting formal and informal discovery, taking and defending depositions, pre-trial law and motion matters, court appearances, drafting writs and appellate briefs, trademark filings, management, and litigation.

She has represented civil parties in personal injury, business and employment litigation, and other civil lawsuits with legal case file management in the investigation and gathering of evidence, settlement negotiations, conducting formal and informal discovery, pre-trial law and motion matters, court appearances, mediating, arbitrating and trying cases, writing appellate briefs, and drafting two briefs and presented oral arguments to the United States Tax Court in Los Angeles.

Kristina also has experience as the Judicial Research Attorney for the Honorable Enrique Romero, the Honorable Emilie Elias, and the Honorable Kathryn Doi Todd in the Los Angeles Superior Court, and she was the Adjunct Professor of Law teaching first year law students at Trinity Law School f.k.a. Simon Greenleaf University, School of Law.

EDUCATION