Mark Meyerhoff

Employee v. City of Bell Gardens (2015) – Demotion of police captain for numerous policy violations, including insubordination and conduct unbecoming an officer.

Employee v. City (2014) – Hearing officer upheld the termination of recreation supervisor who left work before the end of her scheduled shift.

Employee v. Imperial Irrigation District (2014) – Prevailed in hearing involving termination of an employee for dereliction of duty and incompetence.

Employee v. City of Brea (2014) – Prevailed in termination of Police Officer for sexual harassment.

Employee v. City of Arcadia (2013) – Personnel Commission upheld the termination of a police officer for dereliction of duty.

Holliday v. City of Buena Park (2014) – Successfully represented the City against claims of retaliation in violation of the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act and Labor Code section 1102.5. Plaintiffs alleged that the City had retaliated against them because of their vote during an employee association meeting. The California Court of Appeal affirmed the lower court’s order sustaining a demurrer dismissing all of the claims because the employees had failed to exhaust their administrative remedies prior to filing their lawsuit.

Lewitt v. Lavin (2009) – In an unpublished opinion, the California Court of Appeal, Second District agreed with the Sixth District’s Gilbert v. City of Sunnyvale ruling, holding that an interrogated officer’s discovery rights under the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act are limited to the investigation reports and complaints only, and only after the officer has been interrogated and further proceedings are contemplated or prior to a further interrogation.

Claremont Police Officers Ass’n v. City of Claremont (2006) – In a case handled by LCW at the superior court level, the Supreme Court adopts the lower court ruling by determining that a Police Department’s implementation of racial profiling study is not subject to meet and confer requirements.

Hunter v. Los Angeles Civil Service Commission (2002) – Prevailed before the Court of Appeal in a case where the employee, a deputy sheriff, argued that he was entitled to a hearing before the Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission. The Appellate Court ruled that the Commission did not have jurisdiction over the deputy’s claim, a victory for Los Angeles County.

Nazir v. City of Torrance (2014) – Obtained summary judgment against an officer who was terminated for being placed on the Brady list in a case alleging violations of the officer’s First Amendment rights.

Summary Judgement Win On USERRA Claim (2011) – Represented the City in a discrimination suit. Plaintiff alleged the City discriminated against him by violating the federal military leave law, USERRA. Summary judgment granted in favor of City.  Plaintiff’s cross-motion for summary judgment denied. The court correctly determined that USERRA does not entitle an employee while on leave to automatically receive promotions or pay increases which are generally based on merit.  The court distinguished job advancement based solely on seniority as opposed to merit.  With pure seniority, the employee receives promotion and pay increases “automatically” while on leave.

Batts et al. v. City of Los Angeles, et al. (2010) – Successfully defended the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department, Chief William Bratton, and other high-level Police Department command staff in a retaliation action brought by nine police department sergeants who alleged they had suffered adverse employment actions because of their participation in a wage and hour litigation against the City. The alleged adverse actions included disciplinary investigations, relief from duty, suspension, transfer, and denial of promotion. Plaintiffs attempted to bring the matter as a class action, but the Court dismissed the class allegations. Following depositions of each Plaintiff, of Chief Bratton, and some individual defendants, LCW brought nine summary judgment motions, one for each Plaintiff. The Court granted all the motions, resulting in a defense victory on all claims.

Tackett v. County of Imperial (2007) – Summary judgment was awarded in this lawsuit brought by a Sheriff Deputy claiming retaliation and race discrimination.

Ho v. City of Azusa (2007) – Obtained a summary judgment on behalf of the city in this case brought by the union president alleging first amendment retaliation.

Bohacik v. City of Hermosa Beach (2006) – Obtained summary judgment in favor of the City in this Public Safety Officers’ Procedural Bill of Rights Act case involving internal affairs investigation.

Lewitt v. City of Hermosa Beach (2006) – Successful in obtaining a summary judgment in this law enforcement investigation case.

Ware v. City of Pasadena and Chief Bernard Melekian (2004) – Wrongful termination and Freedom of Speech case in a Federal Court jury trial. We won a defense verdict on the wrongful termination claim and, based on the juror’s answers to proposed questions, the Judge held that the balance was in favor of the City on the freedom of speech claim. The Judge granted a motion for judgment as a matter of law on all of the claims on behalf of the Defendants.

City of Monterey Park Negotiations – In his role as Chief Negotiator for the City, Mark assisted the City in negotiating several concessions with the Fire Fighters Association, including requiring employees to “pick-up” their own retirement contributions. Following several meetings at the bargaining table, Mark was able to structure a package which obtained needed financial relief for the City.

City of Thousand Oaks Negotiations – In his role as Chief Negotiator for the City, Mark successfully assisted the City in achieving contracts with two bargaining units, including provisions relating to layoffs affecting City employees.

Inland Empire Utilities Agency Negotiations – Mark, as Chief Negotiator, successfully negotiated contracts with four bargaining units. By achieving five-year deals with each unit, the Agency will continue to enjoy stable labor relations.

Coachella Valley Vector Control District – Successfully negotiated contracts with two bargaining units and achieved needed concessions for the District.

City of Imperial – Teamsters Unit.

City of Simi Valley – Police Officers Association.