Trials & Litigation

Calif. Labor Commissioner Sues Law Firm, Says It Fired Receptionist Called for Jury Duty

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A California law firm known for its work representing plaintiffs in workplace discrimination suits is now a defendant in a lawsuit brought by the state labor commissioner after allegedly firing a receptionist called for jury duty.

Areva Martin, a lawyer who is often seen on television discussing discrimination issues, serves as managing partner of the eight-attorney Martin & Martin firm. She said she could not comment because she hasn’t yet seen the suit, reports Reuters.

It alleges that receptionist Marla Osorio was fired in 2006 after she was empaneled on a state-court jury. In 2009, the California Department of Industrial Relations determined that Osorio’s termination was wrongful and directed that the law firm reinstate her. It appealed and lost, but still has not complied with the determination, the suit says.

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