Ronald (Ron) A. McIntire Partner

In a decision that broadens the right to a jury trial for parties in California, the California Supreme Court recently held that California courts cannot enforce predispute waivers of the right to a jury trial . The case, Grafton Partners L.P. v. Superior Court, No. S123344 (Cal. Aug. 4, 2005), applies retrospectively to all existing contracts governed by California law and will significantly affect dispute resolution efforts by parties to such contracts.