Tonkon Torp Secures Complete Victory – and Wins Attorneys’ Fees – in Employment Litigation Matter for Sunshine Retirement Living

In a very rare decision by a federal court, Tonkon Torp partner Haley Morrison won attorneys’ fees for the defense in a case alleging state and federal discrimination and retaliation claims.

Morrison, along with local counsel from Troutman Pepper’s Atlanta office, defended Sunshine Retirement Living in the case brought by a former employee, before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

Following a complete win on summary judgment in Sunshine’s favor, Morrison filed a motion for attorneys’ fees on her client’s behalf.  After significant briefing, the Court ultimately granted Sunshine’s request in its entirety, assessing nearly $70,000 in attorneys’ fees against the plaintiff.

“We are pleased by the court’s ruling in this matter and by the vigorous representation by Tonkon Torp and Troutman Pepper. We will continue aggressively defending our Company against any frivolous and meritless claims. These types of claims cause unnecessary legal expenses that ultimately end up increasing the fees we charge to the seniors we care for.” said Luis Serrano, Chief Executive Officer at Sunshine Retirement Living.

Tonkon Torp’s Labor & Employment Practice Group provides practical solutions to labor and employment problems for a diverse group of Pacific Northwest employers. The firm helps clients promote positive employee relations, set rules and standards for employee conduct, protect competitive positions, deal with union activity, and defend against or minimize exposure to employment litigation. Our Business Immigration practice group counsels businesses on the full suite of immigration options and compliance matters relating to employment of foreign national employees.

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