Why James Damore’s Lawsuit Will Be A Public Relations Nightmare For Google
During discovery, the plaintiffs will have the ability to request every document, email, and text concerning politics involving Google’s decision-makers.
One would think that if anyone had attorneys competent enough to craft an airtight arbitration clause, it would be the tech giant Google. But one would also think that Google wouldn’t be in its current position if it had such savvy attorneys—assuming Google listens to their advice, that is. After all, Google could have avoided the public airing of the most salacious details contained in Damore’s 161-page complaint by offering him a sizable severance package in exchange for giving up his right to sue and promising not to disparage Google.
Instead, Google faces a 10-count, class-action lawsuit setting forth, in addition to retaliation, state law claims for race, sex, and political discrimination, among other legal theories. The allegations Damore sets forth provide a strong case that Google discriminated against white men. More significant, though, may be Damore’s political discrimination claim brought under Section 1102 of the California Labor Code.