Update: Consumer fraud class action Career Ed Corp and Western Culinary Institute

In blog comments, we have been asked for updates on this case, which is below. A few things. First. A better source of quick update is our firm Facebook page. Assuming you are an FB user, simply go here and like the page, and you’ll get more timely information. Second. We have to be mindful of  what we post here. It’s a public page. No doubt that counsel for Career Education Corp and Western Culinary/Le Cordon Bleu Portland read this blog–greetings, Mr. Nylen–so we act accordingly.

And now to the specifics. Last Friday we appeared in front of Judge Baldwin for a long hearing on defendants’ motions to decertify the class and for summary judgment. For people keeping track at home, if granted, the first motion would end the class action and require everyone to go forward individually. If granted, the second motion would end the case, with a victory for the defendants.

Judge Baldwin did not rule from the bench and instead took the motions under advisement. This was not a surprise–there were many pages of pleadings and exhibits to review. It’s a big job digesting all of it.

I handled oral argument for the class, which went approximately two hours. While it’s not a particularly good predictor of outcomes, I felt good about how oral argument went. The defendants have since filed another motion, asking the Court to take into account a recent decision in New York dismissing a law school fraud class action. We’re not particularly impressed with the new argument–New York law is different. So are law schools.

While there is no fixed deadline, I would expect to hear back from Judge Baldwin by early or mid-April. He instructed the sides to come up with a proposed schedule for the rest of the case as well.

Meanwhile, we are preparing for trial of this large and complicated case. It’s been an interesting ride over the last four years. The legal team for the class has put in thousands of hours of work. (Yes, you read that correctly.)  The case continues to present many challenges. Our task remains to overcome each obstacle and get the case to trial.  No one said this case would be easy, but I remain pleased with our progress. And while it may look like nothing is happening, behind the scenes we continue to push forward to our day in court.