Press Releases
DOAR Litigation Consulting and ACLU Partner to Win Harassment Case
DOAR partners with the ACLU to acquire a favorable verdict for three courageous Latina women in a sexual harassment suit; provide hope to others in repressive situations
For Immediate Release
Monday, October 02, 2006
New York, NY - DOAR Litigation Consulting (www.doar.com) is proud to announce that a favorable verdict was returned on Friday, Sept. 29, 2006, in the sexual harassment lawsuit brought by three Latina women against their employer, Albert Palacci, owner of Ramco and National Discount Stores.
The American Civil Liberties Union coupled with the law firm Outten & Golden to file the lawsuit on behalf of Deyanira Espinal, Angela Berise Fritman Peralta and Maria Araceli Gonzales Flores. All three women live in New York; two are immigrants from the Dominican Republic and one is from Mexico. The women worked as cashiers and general assistants at Ramco for periods of time from 2002 to 2004. During their employment, they experienced severe sexual harassment, including demands for sex in exchange for raises, physical assaults and retaliation when the demands were rejected. Palacci was found guilty of sexual assault and harassment.
DOAR provided pro bono trial strategy, graphics, digital discovery, jury consulting and trial presentation services. The jury awarded $330,000 in compensatory damages and $125,000 in punitive damages.
"DOAR's generous, pro bono support of the ACLU and the three victims of the defendant's behavior was instrumental in securing this significant verdict," said Claudia Flores, Staff Attorney ACLU, Women Rights Project and co-counsel for women. "It was a pleasure working alongside their trial consultants, who provided key insights and recommendations regarding how best to present our case to the jury. The ACLU very much appreciates DOAR's efforts and applauds their support of our mission."
This is just one of many sex discrimination and wage violation cases filed by the ACLU Women's Rights Project on behalf of immigrant women workers who labor in hotels, restaurants, retail stores, sweatshops and other service industries around the country.
"There were innumerable critical issues in this case involving sexual harassment, women minorities' rights and employer-employee relationships, each of which mandated the seating of an impartial, equitable jury, as well as a trial strategy that conclusively demonstrated the abuse these women were subjected to," said Paul Neale, Executive Vice President, DOAR Litigation Consulting. "DOAR, a supporter of the ACLU and the cases they represent, was proud to work in conjunction with them on such a meritorious social cause. It is our privilege to aid in pro bono cases of this nature.”
"To contribute to the righting of a social wrong is a distinct honor," said Dr. Thomas Diamante, Industrial Psychologist and Jury Consultant, DOAR Litigation Consulting. "These brave women fought for their fundamental employment rights. The American workforce is a diverse supply of human capital — our employment laws cannot be taken lightly."
DOAR has long recognized its responsibility to the community at large, and encourages involvement in pro bono and other public service activities. To view the good works section of our website, visit http://www.doar.com/about-doar/good-works.asp.
The ACLU Women’s Rights Project regularly advocates on behalf of low-wage immigrant women workers and enforces their rights under domestic and international law. The case, Espinal v. Ramco General Stores, was brought forth in the Southern District of New York before Judge Thomas P. Griesa. For more information on this case, including statements from the women, visit: www.aclu.org/womensrights/employ/13187prs20040513.html.
About DOAR Litigation Consulting
Founded nearly two decades ago, DOAR is one of the industry’s fastest-growing companies and the current leader in the litigation consulting market category covering information, technology and consulting services. DOAR supports top-tier law firms and corporations involved in high-stakes business litigation and regulatory matters. Committed to the highest level of customer service and technological innovation, DOAR assists clients through every facet of the litigation process including Discovery Consulting, Jury Consulting, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Trial Presentation. As an integral part of a must-win litigation team, DOAR serves nearly two-thirds of New York’s most prominent law firms.
For additional information, contact DOAR at 800-875-8705 or visit the DOAR website at www.doar.com.
