Author Profile

Michael J. Hassen

Michael J. Hassen

Recent Articles

Class Action Defense Cases–KPMG v. Cocchi: Supreme Court Reiterates Requirement That State Courts Follow Concepcion And Enforce Arbitration Agreements Under The Federal Arbitration Act (FAA)

Michael J. Hassen
November 28, 2011 12:57

State Courts Erred in Denying Defense Motion to Compel Arbitration Under FAA (Federal Arbitration Act) because They Failed to Consider Whether Any Claims were Subject to Arbitration Plaintiffs filed a putative class action in Florida state court against various defendants, including KPMG LLP,...

Richard Watts: "Fables of Fortune: What Rich People Have That You Don't Want"

Michael J. Hassen
October 31, 2011 14:42

California Attorney Richard Watts Publishes Book Based On His Experience In Representing The "Super-Wealthy" Richard Watts, a personal friend of the author and a superb lawyer, has published a book based on his 30-year career representing individuals with a net worth in excess of $100 million. The...

Class Action Defense Cases–Ellis v. Costco Wholesale Corp.: Ninth Circuit Vacates And Remands Class Action Certification In Gender Discrimination Labor Law Case

Michael J. Hassen
October 10, 2011 12:27

District Court Applied Wrong Legal Criteria in Certifying Gender Discrimination Class Action Requiring Remand for Reconsideration based on Standards Enunciated in Wal-Mart v. Dukes Ninth Circuit Holds Plaintiffs filed a putative class action against Costco Wholesale alleging that it...

California Supreme Court One Step Closer to Decision in Long-Awaited Meal and Rest Period Case: Decision Expected By Mid-February

Michael J. Hassen
October 07, 2011 15:04

The California Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Brinker Restaurant v. Superior Court (Hohnbaum, et al., real parties in interest) on November 8, 2011, according to the Court docket issued recently. The Court generally issues decisions within 90 days after completion of oral argument and...

Class Action Defense Cases–Kaltwasser v. AT&T Mobility: Federal Court Grants Motion To Compel Arbitration Under Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) Following Concepcion

Michael J. Hassen
October 06, 2011 20:31

Supreme Court Decision in Concepcion Compelled Granting AT&T’s Motion to Compel Arbitration of Individual Claims because FAA Preempts California Laws Barring Class Action Arbitration Waivers Plaintiff filed a putative class action against cellular telephone service provider, AT&T...