The Daily Journal Honors Taylor & Ring Attorneys with CLAY Award for $35M Jury Win in Sexual Abuse Case

Taylor & Ring partners John C. Taylor and Natalie Weatherford were named California Lawyers of the Year for Sex Abuse by the Daily Journal for their work securing a $35 million jury verdict in a case on behalf of a former Pomona High School student who was raped by her high school track coach during a a school sanctioned trip. Although the abuse occurred in the 1990s, the landmark January 2024 verdict sent a powerful message that survivors can still seek justice decades later.

We’re honored by the Daily Journal’s recognition of our hard work on this complicated and emotionally challenging case. The outcome is both legally and socially impactful.

Holding schools and abusers accountable

The survivor in this case, Jane Doe No. 4, was just 16 years old when her coach, Herman Hopson, assaulted her in a hotel while on a track trip to Las Vegas. She reported the incident to Pomona High’s principal, but the school failed to take any meaningful action. There was no investigation, and no one reported the abuse to the authorities. Instead, she faced retaliation from both her peers and staff.

Taylor & Ring’s John Taylor and Natalie Weatherford brought her case before a jury, and in January of 2024, the jurors found in her favor, awarding $35 million. The results should help offer hope to victims who may have suffered in silence for years, unsure of their rights and afraid no one would listen.

Exposing a pattern of abuse

Unfortunately, this case was not an isolated event. Taylor & Ring has been working to hold the Pomona Unified School District accountable for decades of abuse. Survivors have made claims against multiple coaches, exposing a decades-long pattern of grooming, exploitation, and administrative neglect.

Justice is attainable, even years later

The CLAY Award recognizes the strength of the legal strategy and sends a broader message that justice delayed need not be justice denied. California law allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims even decades after they suffered abuse. This case shows that jurors are able to understand that the passage of time doesn’t right these wrongs. At Taylor & Ring, we’re proud to represent many brave survivors who stand up to hold their abusers and those who allowed the abuse to persist accountable. Their decisions are helping prevent future abuse and saving other youths from suffering.

“This verdict sends a powerful message about institutional accountability and reinforces that schools and other institutions have a heightened duty of care when it comes to protecting minors from foreseeable harm, particularly from employees,” said attorney John Taylor.

Survivors deserve accountability and justice

Taylor & Ring stands by survivors of abuse. We’re honored that the Daily Journal has recognized John Taylor and Natalie Weatherford’s work with one of the state’s highest legal honors. Even more so, we’re humbled by the bravery of our client, who chose to speak out. Our team works hard to achieve verdicts and settlements that hold schools, youth organizations, and other institutions accountable when they fail to protect vulnerable young people from abusers. If you or someone you know suffered childhood sexual abuse by a coach, teacher, or another authority figure, it’s not too late. Call us or fill out our contact form today for a free consultation with one of our dedicated attorneys.