LOS ANGELES, CA — Liebert Cassidy Whitmore (LCW) is proud to announce that the Daily Journal has named Burgess v. City of Sacramento as a 2025 Top Defense Verdict, recognizing the outstanding work of LCW’s trial team led by LCW Partners Nathan Jackson and Jesse Maddox, with attorneys Charles Hellstrom and Ashley Riser.
LCW Partners Nathan Jackson and Jesse Maddox issued the following joint statement:
“We are honored by this recognition and deeply proud of the result our team achieved. This verdict reflects the outstanding work of our colleagues at the firm and our close collaboration with the dedicated professionals at the City of Sacramento. It was a privilege to serve as trial counsel for the City in this matter, and we are grateful that the jury carefully considered the evidence and saw the facts for what they were.”
After a five-week jury trial in Sacramento County Superior Court, the jury returned a complete defense verdict in favor of the City of Sacramento on claims of race discrimination and retaliation under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
Set against a backdrop of heightened public scrutiny and significant media attention, the case drew substantial interest and presented complex legal and evidentiary challenges. Plaintiffs sought seven figures in damages and presented multiple “me too” witnesses requiring careful evidentiary strategy and focused advocacy to ensure the jury evaluated only admissible, case-specific evidence. The defense team successfully navigated extensive pre-trial motion practice, including a rarely granted bifurcation of liability and damages that narrowed the issues presented to the jury.
Jackson and Maddox led the trial team with strategic precision and disciplined courtroom advocacy. They were supported by experienced litigation associates Charles Hellstrom and Ashley Riser, who played critical roles throughout the case. Riser and Hellstrom were deeply involved in pre-trial motion practice, evidentiary strategy, and the preparation of key trial documents, rising to the demands of a complex and high-stakes jury trial.
The Daily Journal’s Top Defense Verdict recognition highlights the team’s exceptional trial skill and reinforces LCW’s commitment to defending public agencies in high-profile and legally complex employment litigation.
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With offices throughout California, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore serves as trusted advisors to public agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Our legal experts provide client focused services in litigation, labor relations, negotiations, employment, business, and construction. LCW delivers vital web-based and live training to clients, proactively helping them avoid problems. Leveraging decades of expertise, we also conduct impartial workplace investigations for California’s private sector employers. Visit www.lcwlegal.com for more information.
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Cynthia Weldon
Director of Marketing & Training
310.981.2055
cweldon@lcwlegal.com