Trial Lawyers Target “Iron Chef”, Mario Batali

There’s a new batch of lawsuits sweeping through state and federal courts. Some of New York City’s high profile chefs have become the targets of lawyers filing claims on behalf of restaurant employees. The lawsuits claim that some of the city's upscale restaurants are violating state and federal labor laws by not giving low-level employees their full tip wages. What’s more is that the same group of NYC lawyers is driving these lawsuits – filing under similar terms, allegations and even seeking class action status. The Wall Street Journal reported on the lawsuits today and mentioned concerns facing those in the industry on this new trend:
Some in the industry claim that a number of the suits are frivolous and appear to be generated by a handful of attorneys intent on generating headlines by targeting big names.

Not all lawsuits are frivolous, but trial lawyers tend to get carried away when new opportunities arise to turn a profit. While this group of lawyers continues its crusade on some of NYC's most famous restaurants, hopefully only those with legitimate claims will get their days in court.