NEWARK, NJ – Federal district court Judge William H. Walls denied class certification in a case brought by four named plaintiffs against Johnson & Johnson levying pay and promotion discrimination claims on behalf of approximately 8,600 black or Hispanic employees. Judge Walls determined that the plaintiffs failed to meet the burden of proof related to commonality, typicality, and adequacy. The suit originated in 2001 and involved both permanent salaried exempt and non-exempt positions from 35 operating companies throughout the United States dating back to November 1997.

Partner Theodore V. Wells, Jr. and counsel Maria H. Keane (Paul Weiss) represented Johnson & Johnson. Jesse W. Stevenson, Joel DePalma and Mia Pham of Impact Trial worked closely with the defense team to provide invaluable trial technology and litigation graphics consulting and support throughout the first and second hearing.

Gutierrez v. Johnson & Johnson, 467 F.Supp. 2d 403, US District Court – New Jersey (Newark).