The Cancer Legal Resources Center

CHRONICLE

Volume IV Orange County Edition March 2009 Meeting the Members of the CLRC Professional Panel:

Gary B. Ross, Esq. & Andrew D. Morrison, Esq.

By: Laura Urias, Esq. Staff Attorney, Cancer Legal Resource Center

Gary Ross and Andrew Morrison have been volunteer panel attorneys with the Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC) since 1999. Mr. Ross and Mr. Morrison have their own law firm, Ross and Morrison, which specializes in labor relations and employment law, both as advocates and as neutral third parties.

The firm specializes in handling wrongful termination claims and claims alleging discrimination; sexual harassment; and whistle blowing. Mr. Morrison and Mr. Ross have prevailed in landmark decisions before the California Supreme Court and have appeared in Federal and State Courts, both at the trial and appellate levels. They have resolved matters through arbitration, mediation, and other forums for alternative dispute resolution. The firm resolves claims brought by or through the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); the State Labor Commissioner; and other administrative agencies which regulate the employment relationship.

When asked why he volunteers with the CLRC Mr. Ross responded, “Because advocating on behalf of cancer patients is the most gratifying part of our practice -- particularly as it relates to a patient's job. A person's work status take[s] on great significance after a cancer diagnosis. Work helps define the person by something other than his or her illness. Thus, when a patient's job is put in jeopardy, it not only compounds the stress, it undermines one of the key sources of stability and continuity. As a consequence, safeguarding the workplace rights of cancer patients (medical leave, the right to an accommodation, the right to enjoy job security) is a unique way for us to give back by doing good work for those who are in need of support at a key moment in their life.”

Both Mr. Ross and Mr. Morrison have been lecturers at Loyola Law School, teaching work place laws and rights to students. Mr. Ross has practiced law since 1985. He earned his B.A. in history at UCLA and his J.D. at USC. Mr. Ross was named a Southern California Super Lawyer in 2007 and 2008. Mr. Morrison has practiced law since 1989. He earned his B.A. in Mathematics at the University of California, Santa Cruz and later earned his J.D. at Loyola Law School.

Despite their busy and hectic schedules, Mr. Morrison and Mr. Ross always make the time to speak with CLRC callers. Callers who are referred to their firm can expect a prompt response. People facing cancer are often overwhelmed and the knowledge that experienced employment attorneys are available to guide them through their issue allows people to focus on what really matters: recovering.

The compassion and dedication both panel attorneys demonstrate to the cancer community is evident in the impression they leave behind with the people they have helped. A CLRC caller from the Inland Empire was very thankful for the help she received and when asked about her experience working with Mr. Morrison she stated, “What most impressed me with Mr. Andrew Morrison was his compassion, wisdom, and integrity. He truly became a lawyer I could trust, and has continued to put forth numerous hours into helping me fight this battle over cancer discrimination at my employment.”

Mr. Ross and Mr. Morrison continue to be an invaluable resource to so many of the CLRC’s callers. Please join us in thanking them for their service.