Santa

Judge Upholds $31 Million Verdict Against Santa Fe Restaurant for Woman’s Severe Injury in Parking Lot Incident

by

Santa Fe, NM – A Santa Fe district court judge has upheld a substantial $31 million jury verdict against Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen following a lawsuit filed by a woman who suffered severe injuries in the restaurant’s parking lot. The restaurant, a part of the local Santa Fe Dining Inc. group, faced claims from attorneys for a reduction of the award or a new trial, which were denied. The jury previously awarded Megan Jade Gonzalez $10 million in compensatory damages and an additional $21 million in punitive damages in April, after finding the restaurant liable … Read more

Santa Fe Ordered to Rebuild Historic Plaza Obelisk: Judge Rules in Favor of Preservation amid Community Debate

by

SANTA FE, N.M. – A significant legal decision on Friday mandated the city of Santa Fe to reconsider the fate of a historic obelisk that was torn down by protesters on Indigenous Peoples Day in 2020. State District Judge Mathew Wilson decided that the city must remove the large wooden box that currently hides the remnants of the Soldiers’ Monument and make a decision on how to proceed with the structure within 180 days. The obelisk, which stood in Santa Fe’s central plaza for over 150 years, became a flashpoint for cultural and racial tensions. … Read more

Santa Cruz School District Agrees to $4.5M Settlement in Sex Abuse Case Involving Two Former Students

by

Santa Cruz, CA – A sex abuse lawsuit resulting in a $4.5 million settlement has been resolved, implicating the Santa Cruz City Schools district. The lawsuit was initiated by two men who claimed they were sexually abused by a former wrestling coach at one of the district’s high schools during their teenage years. The abuse allegations date back to the late 1990s and early 2000s when the men were students at the district-managed high school. The accused, an assistant wrestling coach at the time, allegedly used his position to commit acts of abuse against the … Read more

Santa Barbara Welcomes New Attorney Olivia Wilson Amid Griffith & Thornburgh’s Centennial Celebration

by

Santa Barbara, Calif. – In a ceremonial courtroom atmosphere, the local legal community welcomed its newest member early this month, as Olivia Wilson took the oath of office, administered by Superior Court Judge Thomas Anderle. This swearing-in event, held on December 12, marked a significant career milestone for Wilson, recently minted from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. Olivia Wilson, whose academic journey included a rigorous program at the University of Southern California before completing her law degree, is joining the prestigious team at Griffith & Thornburgh LLP. Situated in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara … Read more