John Kennedy specializes in complex business litigation with an emphasis in employment law. He also has in-depth experience in administrative law representing individuals and entities before quasi-judicial administrative tribunals.
Mr. Kennedy represents public and private entities in state and federal courts, administrative tribunals, and through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as binding arbitration and mediation.
He was recognized by San Francisco magazine in 2004 and 2006 as a Northern California "Super Lawyer" in General Litigation.
Representative Work
Radiological Associates of Sacramento Medical Group, Inc. v. The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. Represented defendant in binding arbitration proceeding regarding contract dispute over fees to be paid for specific radiology procedures.
Viani, et al. v. Cedar Springs Waldorf School, Inc. Represented defendant in action alleging discriminatory denial of access to private school due to disability.
Moore v. State of California Represented defendant employer in discrimination, harassment and retaliation lawsuit by former employee.
Lais, et al. v. The Permanente Medical Group, Inc., et al. Represented defendants sued by shareholder for, among other things, breach of contract, age discrimination, denial of due process and wrongful termination.
Environmental Council of Sacramento, et al. v. Slater, et al. Defended the Sacramento Area Council of Governments against environmental challenges to the Sacramento metropolitan region's 1999 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and 1998/1999 Transportation Improvement Program. Environmentalists claiming the region's transportation plan did not conform to federal Clean Air Act requirements sought to stop $500 million worth of major roadway improvement projects within the Sacramento region.
In the Matter of the Accusation Against Alison Osborn, L.M. Defended the first license revocation action against a licensed midwife establishing appropriate midwifery standards of care in California.
In the Matter of the Accusation Against Charles W. Scott, Ph.D. After successfully moving to dismiss the accusation and supplemental accusation, resolved matter without disciplinary action.
In the Matter of the Cancellation of the Registration of Pesticides Containing Dichlorvos Against AMVAC Chemical Corporation. Defended administrative action by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to cancel pesticide registrations.
Duke Equities v. Pacific Bell, et al. Represented tenant in lease purchase option litigation against landlord and the landlord's lenders. Successfully obtained ownership of the disputed premises.
Williams v. Northern California Women's Facility Represented defendant employer sued by an employee for alleged violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Settled with no payment by employer to plaintiff. Employer merely waived its right to seek costs from plaintiff in exchange for a dismissal.
Lafferty v. California Department of Corrections Represented defendant employer sued by employee for alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and state disability claims. Obtained summary judgment including a judgment of costs against employee.
Caldwell v. The Palomino Room, et al. Represented defendant employer sued by an employee for, among other alleged claims, wrongful termination, sexual harassment and defamation.
Ravizza v. Lowry & Little, et al. Represented tenant in investigation and clean‑up action involving commercial property contamination by underground storage tanks.
Shahvar v. Superior Court (1994) 25 Cal. App. 4th 653, [30 Cal. Rptr. 2d 597]
Complex corporate dissolution commingled with numerous business and civil tort claims. In the above cited case, the California Sixth Appellate District precluded an attorneys' use of the litigation privilege as a sword by holding actionable an attorney's publication of allegedly defamatory statements set forth in a complaint sent to the San Francisco Chronicle. The Sixth Appellate District's published decision has since been abrogated by a 1996 legislative amendment to Civil Code section 47(d).
Dr. Kang Ming Ho v. Los Gatos Town Council, et al. Represented developer pursuing rights through local governmental agencies to develop road access to proposed private college. Brought and prevailed on an Administrative Writ of Mandamus, and successfully defended the trial court's decision appealed to the Sixth District.
In re Pizza Time Theatre, Inc., et al., Debtor Represented corporate debtor-in-interest entity in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. Successfully defended appeal to the Federal District Court, Northern District of California, of a summary judgment on 11 U.S.C. § 542 (turnover) and 11 U.S.C. § 362 (automatic stay) issues. Also successfully defended further appeal to the Ninth Circuit.