Hon. Maria P. Rivera  (Ret.)​
First District Court of Appeal

REPRESENTATIVE CASES

Types of Cases Handled:

• FEHA (age, gender, race, ethnicity discrimination)
• Workplace harassment
• Constructive discharge
• Discharge against public policy
• Employee/independent contractor issues
• Exempt vs. non-exempt employees
• Non-compete clauses/confidentiality agreements
• Wage and hour disputes
• Family leave
• Whistleblowers
• Wrongful termination

Representative Cases:

  • Prelitigation mediation in dispute between former employee and employer regarding various alleged violations of the Wage and Hour laws, and a PAGA claim on behalf of that employee and four others.


  • Claimant alleges she was subject to sexual harassment by supervisor and that employer failed to investigate, protect and remedy.

  • The plaintiff alleged she was sexually assaulted by her manager after they and their co-workers engaged in after-hours social activities. The plaintiff sought to hold employer liable for damage from the assault.

  • Handled a case in which there was an action brought against a former employee by an employer alleged conversion of money and property; the case involved a cross-complaint for breach of contract related to compensation.

  • Defendant allegedly paid plaintiff a salary rather than hourly pay; plaintiff sued for overtime due, split shift premiums, and missed meal and rest breaks.

  • Settled a matter where there was an issue with workers not being paid by employers due to the employers wanting to pay on a per-task bases.

  • Claimant alleges she was subject to sexual harassment by supervisor and that employer failed to investigate, protect and remedy.

  • Settled a low seven figure matter where the plaintiff sued their supervisor and employer for damages resulting from alleged sexual assault and harassment.​

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  • Plaintiff alleged that she was harassed by a co-worker who directed her duties, but who was supervised by others.

  • Defendant allegedly paid plaintiff a salary rather than hourly pay. Plaintiff sued for overtime due, split shift premiums, and missed meal and rest breaks.​
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Employment

  • Mediator

  • Arbitrator

  • Discovery Referee

  • Appellate Consultant