Update: Western Culinary Institute class action certified-opinion
Yesterday, Judge Baldwin issued his decision allowing the consumer fraud case against Western Culinary Institute to go forward as a class action. It’s a long opinion that focuses on the details of class action rules, but it also provides information on what the students claim in the case. I’ve uploaded a pdf scan of the court’s letter opinion here: Judge Baldwin ltr opinion class cert 3 Dec 2009
This is a big victory for former students of the school. Now the case will move forward as a class action.
A few things to understand about Judge Baldwin’s ruling. He certified only the Unlawful Trade Practice Act and common law fraud claims. He denied certification on the breach of contract and unjust enrichment claims. What that means is that the class action will be limited to students who were enrolled at the Portland campus of Western Culinary Institute on or after March 2006. Students who graduated before March 2006 are not eligible to participate in the class action.
The other thing is that Judge Baldwin’s ruling isn’t a decision on the merits of the case. All that he been decided is that the students may pursue the case as a class action. It will be up to a Multnomah County jury to decide the issues at a trial that will be scheduled sometime down the road.
The next steps include getting a signed order and then starting the process of giving notice to the class. If you have not been in touch with us and you’re a former WCI student who wants more information, please feel free to contact me using the links here.
David Sugerman
December 21st, 2009 at 7:34 pm
My daughter, Alison, attended WCI 2008/2009 and completed the 18 month chef program. I would like more information on becoming part of this class action lawsuit.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
My Son, Dane Murray attended WCI in 2005-2007 and completed the restaurant management program. I would like more information on becoming part of this class action lawsuit.
December 31st, 2010 at 11:45 am
I attended WCI in 2005-2007 and completed the restaurant management program. I would like more information on becoming part of this class action lawsuit.
January 19th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
I would like more information on the class action lawsuit and how to become one of the represented if possible.I attended 2007- 2009 and thought for the most part i was s.o.l
May 19th, 2011 at 8:48 am
I attended WCI 2008-2009 and graduated with an associates degree in baking. I would like more information on becoming a part of this class action lawsuit as well.
December 28th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
I would like a update on the status of this case, all I can find are post from over 2 years ago.
December 28th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
This webpage is pretty much shut down. You can find more information by going to our current webpage http://www.davidsugerman.com/?s=western+culinary for Western Culinary Institute updates. You can also get quick updates on all our goings on by liking us on Facebook at David-F-Sugerman-Attorney-PC/117702334952620