First Class Action Certified Under California's Talent Scam Law

OAKLAND, Calif. - Sept. 19, 2018 - PRLog -- First Class Action Certified Under California's Talent Scam Law

San Francisco, California, September 13, 2018 – California employment law firms Aiman-Smith & Marcy and Preston Law Offices have achieved a historic victory for Californian families against businesses that allegedly prey on the hopes of young artists by promising a turn on stage in front of "Industry Professionals," in exchange for thousands of dollars in fees.

On September 11, 2018, the Hon. Curtis E.A. Karnow, a complex litigation judge presiding in San Francisco Superior Court, issued the historic decision that for the first time grants class certification to claims arising under California's talent scam law (California Labor Code § 1702 et seq.).

Plaintiff's counsel, Hallie Von Rock, of Aiman-Smith & Marcy, states that "We are very pleased with Judge Karnow's thoughtful and well-reasoned decision. This brings us one step closer to finally giving force to California's fundamental protections for the families of young children who seek to break into show business. We are confident that the certified class will prevail at trial."

The defendants allegedly own and operate the International Performing Arts Showcase, an event that bills itself as "one of the largest networking and resource opportunities for industry professionals."

The plaintiff, Angelica Cosio, alleges in her lawsuit that those Showcase events are the quintessential talent scam under California law, and involve Defendants unlawfully luring in aspiring artists with the promise of auditions, talent agents, and talent managers, and charging them thousands of dollars in fees.

The plaintiff had argued that evidence common to the entire class will establish whether the Showcases are in fact a talent scam under California law, and Judge Karnow agreed, stating for example that "Plaintiff may rely on the common evidence she has identified to make the case that the showcase was an audition and uniformly included auditions" in violation of California law.

Attorney Ethan Preston of Preston Law Offices said: "Plaintiff's counsel are proud to have achieved this important victory for our clients.  We look forward to getting justice for all of the class members."

The case is Angelica Cosio v. International Performing Arts Academy, LLC, et al., San Francisco Superior Court Case No. CGC-16-551337. In addition to Aiman-Smith & Marcy (www.asmlawyers.com, phone (510) 817-2711 | (800)798-8498) and Preston Law Offices (www.eplaw.us, phone (972) 564-8340), the plaintiff class is also represented by Broslavsky & Weinman (www.bwcounsel.com, phone (310) 575-2550) and by Parisi & Havens, LLP (www.parisihavens.com, phone (818) 990-1299).

About Aiman-Smith & Marcy

Aiman-Smith & Marcy is a boutique law firm based in Oakland, California, focusing on consumer fraud, employment, and class action lawsuits. Their team of lawyers works cooperatively, offering their unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of employees, consumers, and investors. Aiman-Smith & Marcy can be contacted online at www.asmlawyers.com, or by calling (510)817-2711 or (800)798-8498.

About Preston Law Offices

Ethan Preston has represented consumers in class actions since 2006, focusing on consumer privacy and unfair trade practices that relate to consumer technology. Mr. Preston has taken substantial leadership roles in several class actions, including appointment as co-lead counsel in the multidistrict litigation proceeding In re Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC Telephone Consumer Protection Act Litigation, No. 11-2295 in the Southern District of California. Mr. Preston can be contacted via his website at http://eplaw.us or via email at ep@eplaw.us.