(Reuters) - A federal judge in San Francisco on Thursday said she will dismiss an arbitration lawsuit brought by a San Francisco attorney against her former employer, law firm Redgrave, and its counsel, national employment law firm Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, but said the attorney may amend her complaint.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler said during a hearing she did not have the jurisdiction over attorney Karen Hourigan's claims against Redgrave and Ogletree. However, she said she would give Hourigan time to amend her claims.
"I’m confident that’s the correct answer, but you should have an opportunity to amend," Beeler said. She added that she will issue a written ruling soon.
Hourigan accused Redgrave and Ogletree of trying to force her into arbitration based on a partner agreement with Redgrave she never signed, in violation of both California law and a federal law prohibiting mandatory arbitration of employee sexual harassment claims.
The lawsuit does not describe Hourigan's underlying employment claims against the Redgrave firm.
Hourigan, who is representing herself, said she is in the process of obtaining counsel. She also indicated she might add new claims against the defendants.
Beeler during the hearing questioned whether Ogletree should be a defendant in Hourigan's complaint. The employment law...
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