In a case that dates back to the 2008 recession, the state of California is hoping to reverse rulings that awarded millions of dollars in back pay to more than 3,000 active and retired state judges and nearly $660,000 to their lawyers at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.
California was in the midst of record budget shortfalls when it failed to increase salaries for state judges. A 2014 class action alleged the state’s actions violated Government Code Section 68203, which requires that judges get annual salary increases. In 2016, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elihu Berle found that the state controller’s office breached its duties and granted back pay, plus 10 percent interest, and an award for attorney fees.
