In a recent ruling, the Washington Court of Appeals overturned a $7 million jury verdict awarded to a former public defender of King County. The court held that the plaintiff was unable to press a hostile work environment claim related to harassment from a client who continued to disrupt her work environment even after she had ceased to represent him.
The initial decision made by a lower court had resulted in a significant verdict in favor of the public defender. However, this latest ruling effectively wipes out this sizable compensation, showcasing the complex interplay between employment law, client interactions, and the duty of care required in work environments.
For a more in-depth look into the specifics of the case and the details of the appeal ruling, you can read the full text of the original reporting on Law360.