Tritia M. Murata, Morrison Foerster
Tritia M. Murata, Morrison Foerster
Tritia Murata was profiled in the Daily Journal, discussing her work as co-chair of Morrison Foerster’s global employment and labor group.
One aspect of Tritia’s work that she especially enjoys is briefing class actions. She said it’s fun to tell a court her client’s story, to explain the law, and why the client should prevail under the facts.
Tritia also discussed her case defeating a PAGA action demanding suitable seating for Ralph’s supermarket cashiers. The plaintiffs appealed, but not on whether the grocery clerks’ work reasonably permits the use of seats. Instead, they claimed the case should have been tried to a jury, arguing that plaintiffs in PAGA actions have an inherent right and a constitutional right to trial by jury.
As a result, “the importance of the appeal was more significant than the facts and circumstances of our individual case,” Tritia said.
The appellate court ruled that PAGA actions were similar to equitable actions, and because PAGA plaintiffs sue on behalf of the state, it would be anomalous for them to have more rights than the state itself would have in a similar administrative proceeding. Tritia gave credit to her partner James Sigel, who argued the appeal.
“It’s really exciting…to be blazing trails at the appellate level and setting case authority that will help guide other parties litigating these PAGA actions and guide the courts in how these cases should be litigated,” she said.
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