Publications
Stokes Wagner Wins Rare Misclassification Case: Beverly Hills Hotel Sommelier Deemed "Learned Professional"
August 8, 2016
Category: Press Releases
LOS ANGELES, CA (8/8/16): In a two-week arbitration before retired Judge Luis Cardenas, the Stokes Wagner team successfully defeated the claims of Nino O’Brien, former sommelier at the legendary Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Mr. O’Brien claimed he was improperly classified as a manager since the start of his employment in 2008 and, therefore, was owed $216,743.57 for unpaid overtime, missed meal and rest breaks, and liquidated damages.
Stokes Wagners Wins Jury Verdict for Hotel Bel-Air & Wolfgang Puck
June 15, 2016
Category: Press Releases
LOS ANGELES, CA (6/14/16): After a three-week trial, a Los Angeles jury returned a rare defense verdict in favor of Hotel Bel-Air and its Wolfgang Puck Restaurant. Seeking $5.1 Million in compensatory damages plus punitive damages, Carney Shegerian and his team of three lawyers and other technical support staff – California plaintiffs’ attorneys advertising a 95% success rate – was defeated by Stokes Wagner, including Arch Stokes, Peter Maretz, Diana Dowell, Adam Parry, Shirley Gauvin and paralegal Eleanor McCloskey. Mr. Stokes asked the jury to award Zero, and that is what they did.
Stokes Wagner Wins $12.5 Million Lawsuit for Beverly Hills Hotel & GM Alberto del Hoyo
August 5, 2014
Category: Press Releases
LOS ANGELES, CA (8/5/14): A Los Angeles Superior Court Jury rendered a verdict in favor of The Beverly Hills Hotel and its former General Manager Alberto del Hoyo, defendants in a lawsuit by former Area Director of Sales Tim Dupree, Sommelier Niño O’Brien and former Hostess Wendy Giron. Plaintiffs sought $12.5 million in economic, emotional distress and punitive damages. The jury awarded the plaintiffs nothing.