Cases & Deals

R. J. Reynolds wins full defense verdict after trial of race discrimination and wrongful termination claims

Client(s) R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company

Jones Day represented R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company ("Reynolds") in connection with a lawsuit filed by a former employee asserting causes of action for race discrimination and wrongful termination in violation of public policy. After removing the case to federal court, Jones Day tried the case in the Central District of California. After the bench trial, the Court ruled that Plaintiff had failed to prove that his termination was the result of discriminatory animus and that Reynolds established it terminated him for dishonesty and misconduct. The court entered judgment in favor of Reynolds on all counts.

Loratious Presley v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, No. CV 12-07799 GAF (C.D. Cal., 2014)