Workers Obtain Court Judgment Against Mike Isabella, Former Celebrity Chef
On March 29, a federal court ruled that Mike Isabella, a one-time “Top Chef” contestant and owner of a D.C. restaurant empire, must pay over $88,000 in unpaid wages to former employees of his restaurant, Requin, in addition to attorneys’ fees and costs. The class action lawsuit, certified by the court, was filed by former employees to recoup unpaid wages and overtime. Despite Chef Isabella's public claims of Requin's success, the restaurant shut down in December 2018 without notice. The Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (“WLC”) and Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP went to court on behalf of the restaurant workers, securing this judgment to ensure they receive their rightful earnings.
For more details on this significant case, click here.
On the Docket
Wage Theft Lawsuit Against Construction Companies
On May 10, the WLC and co-counsel Murphy Anderson PLLC filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Latino construction workers against E&J General Construction, Inc. and Long Fence Company, Inc. The suit claims that the companies failed to pay proper overtime and minimum wages and wrongly classified the workers as independent contractors. This case highlights the broader issue of wage theft, which disproportionately affects Latinx workers in lower-wage industries, exacerbating the racial income gap.
On May 7, the WLC, together with ArentFox Schiff, filed a lawsuit on behalf of a mother and daughter who were fired from their construction jobs after reporting sexual harassment. On June 28, a federal court denied the defendants’ attempt to dismiss the case. This case brings attention to the serious issues of harassment and discrimination in the construction industry, particularly affecting Latina workers.
On June 26, WLC and Gilbert LLP filed suit against Avena Contracting LLC and Meblis Construction on behalf of Latina construction workers who allege that the defendants terminated them after they reported sexual harassment by their supervisor. The women alleged that their supervisor subjected them to daily derogatory comments, including that women belonged at home listening to their husbands. He allegedly barred female workers, but not male workers, from using the bathroom other than on lunch breaks during 12-hour shifts. The number of women in the construction industry has risen significantly in recent years, and this is the second lawsuit filed by WLC this year to combat the harassment some workers face as the industry experiences gender integration.
This July, WLC proudly celebrates Disability Pride Month and advocates for a society that embraces full inclusion and equality. Despite the progress made since the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, significant barriers still exist. At WLC, we are dedicated to dismantling these obstacles through litigation and public policy advocacy. Each day, we fight for disability justice, ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive equal opportunities in education, employment, housing, and public life. Join us as we honor the resilience and achievements of the disability community and continue our work to create a more inclusive and equitable world.
Book Talk with the Honorable Judge David Tatel
On June 25, WLC, Sidley Austin, and the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (“LCCRUL”) hosted a book talk with the Honorable Judge David Tatel on his memoir, “Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice.” Judge Tatel served for nearly 30 years on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He also founded the Chicago Lawyers' Committee, later directed LCCRUL, and served on the boards of both WLC and LCCRUL—even while hiding his failing eyesight from his civil rights colleagues. Judge Tatel's personal story and contributions to civil rights are an inspiration to all, especially during Disability Pride month.
Mayer Team: Coster Case Addressing Police Violence and Disability Justice
In 2022 Mayer Brown joined forces with WLC and Disability Rights Maryland to represent a man with bipolar disorder. While visiting his mother, this man began to exhibit symptoms related to his bipolar disorder. His mother drove him to the Sheriff’s Office to seek help in getting him admitted to the hospital. Rather than render aid, the officers tased him five separate times, dragging him out of the car, beating him, and then detaining him overnight. His shoulder was dislocated, and he suffered other injuries. In 2023, Mayer Brown reached a successful settlement. At our May 2024 Branton awards luncheon, we recognized Mayer Brown for their outstanding service and achievement in advancing disability justice.
Chelsea Sullivan, Georgetown Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellow
Chelsea Sullivan joined the Washington Lawyers’ Committee in September 2023 as a Georgetown Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellow. Before joining WLC, Chelsea worked
alongside people with disabilities as a personal care assistant for over 10 years, where she witnessed the systemic barriers that people with disabilities face as they work and live in an ableist society. This fall Chelsea will transition to a permanent staff attorney role on the disability justice team.
In March 2024, WLC, along with McDermott Will & Emery, the Children’s Law Center, and the Arc of the United States filed a lawsuit on behalf of DC children with disabilities who are not receiving safe, reliable, and effective transportation to and from school. These students miss hours and days of school because the bus arrives late or fails to pick them up. Chelsea has represented their parents through special education due process hearings and federal litigation, gaining experience drafting federal court documents, conducting witness examinations, and working with experts.
In addition, Chelsea regularly visits and represents incarcerated DC residents with disabilities who are members of a putative class challenging the Department of Corrections’ failure to provide constitutionally adequate medical care.
Coming Down the Pike
WLC is Coming to Your Neighborhood!
This fall, WLC house parties will take place in neighborhoods throughout the Greater Washington, DC, region. WLC staff and board members will discuss our racial justice work at the following parties:
If you would like to attend one of these parties, please contact WLC Development Director Melissa Nussbaum at melissa_nussbaum@washlaw.org or 202-319-1000.
In Case You Missed It
Supreme Court Webinar: City of Grants Pass v. Johnson
On July 10, WLC hosted a national webinar on the June 28 Supreme Court decision, City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, which upheld a municipal ordinance that effectively criminalizes homelessness. WLC Board member Kelsi Corkran (Supreme Court Director, Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, Georgetown University Law Center) argued the case on behalf of Gloria Johnson, an unhoused person, and others living and facing homelessness in Grants Pass, Oregon. Kelsi, along with Ryan Downer, WLC Legal Director, discussed this case and its implications for the rights of homeless individuals across the country.
Ryan Downer ✉Legal Director Joanne Lin ✉Executive Director
The Washington Lawyers’ Committee works to create legal, economic and social equity through litigation, client and public education and public policy advocacy.
