Posts by Natalie Weatherford
What Is Sexual Hazing? Recognizing the Warning Signs in Schools, Colleges, and Sports
Hazing has been part of American institutional life for a long time – long enough that many people have come to treat it as an uncomfortable but inevitable rite of passage. Fraternities do it. Sports teams do it. Military units, marching bands, and high school clubs do it. And because it has always happened, there’s…
Read MoreWhat Is Clergy Abuse? A Survivor’s Guide to Understanding Religious Abuse
For many people, a church, mosque, temple, or synagogue is one of the safest places they know. It’s where they were baptized, confirmed, married, or where their parents were buried. So when abuse happens there, at the hands of a pastor, priest, deacon, youth minister, or religious counselor, the harm cuts deeper than the act…
Read MoreChild Molestation Attorney: How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Your Family
Finding out that your child has been sexually abused is one of the most devastating things a parent can experience. The hours and days that follow can feel like a blur of shock, grief, and an urgent need to do something. You want to protect your child, to find answers, and to make sure the…
Read MoreWhy the Start of the Year May Bring Abuse Survivors Forward
Taking legal action as an abuse survivor is incredibly difficult. It often means reliving the painful details of what you experienced, worrying about whether or not others will believe you, and having to decide if seeking closure is worth going through it again. But when survivors do take the plunge and discuss options with their…
Read MoreTAYLOR & RING SECURES $3.9 MILLION SETTLEMENT FOR FORMER MT. WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
Taylor & Ring recently secured a $3,937,500 settlement for a former Mt. Whitney High School student who was sexually abused by a former school employee. The case was covered by The Fresno Bee and is part of the firm’s ongoing work representing survivors in claims involving abuse in school settings. We are grateful to our…
Read MoreTaylor & Ring Attorneys Recognized by Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles Business Journal
Congratulations to John Taylor, Dave Ring, and Natalie Weatherford on being named to the Los Angeles Times 2026 edition of “Legal Visionaries.” This annual honor highlights attorneys in Southern California who “distinguish themselves not only through skill and results but through an unwavering commitment to their clients, their craft and the communities they serve.” In…
Read MoreVisual Harassment 101: From Lewd Gestures to Pornography in the Workplace
The term sexual harassment generally makes people think of unwanted physical contact or explicit comments, but visual harassment is also a serious issue that puts employees in uncomfortable and unsafe positions. Under California law, visual conduct alone can be considered sexual harassment, allowing an employee to take legal action. There are many different forms of…
Read MoreReligious Movement’s Sexual Abuse Response Under a Spotlight
Sexual abuse in religious organizations isn’t limited to one denomination. When a major case hits the news, it’s common for one denomination or church to get demonized, but the fact is that sexual abuse happens in all institutions of faith. Survivors have been increasingly more comfortable exposing what they’ve been subjected to and what churches…
Read MoreShared Responsibility in a Sexual Assault Case
When people think of accountability after sexual assault, they tend to think of the perpetrator alone. However, under California law, these cases may go beyond the victim and perpetrator, including institutions that fail to protect victims. Hotels, bars, employers, property owners, and others may be held legally responsible for sexual assault that occurs on their…
Read MoreDavid M. Ring and Natalie Weatherford Chosen as 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America
Taylor & Ring is proud to congratulate David M. Ring and Natalie Weatherford for their recent selection to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America. Now in its 21st year, Lawdragon seeks to highlight lawyers “whose recent cases, deals and other contributions captured the most important legal matters of the prior year.” Selection typically…
Read MoreSchools May Be Liable for Teacher Sexual Assault
Parents trust schools and their employees to educate, care for, and protect their children. But what happens when that trust is broken? In a recent study, nearly 12% of K-12 students surveyed reported having been victims of educator sexual misconduct. From inappropriate comments to unwanted physical contact and everything in between, teacher sexual misconduct can…
Read MoreWhat is Sexual Grooming?
Sexual abuse doesn’t always start with a single violent act. Unfortunately, it often begins with trust—especially in cases involving minors. Sexual grooming is a deliberate, manipulative process that assailants use to gain the trust of their victims and break down boundaries that would otherwise be clear and enforced. Grooming is particularly insidious because it often…
Read MoreGathering Evidence in a California Sexual Abuse Case: What You Need to Know
It’s no secret that evidence plays a vital role in both criminal and civil cases. If you’re considering legal action after experiencing sexual abuse, you may be particularly curious about the kinds of evidence that might be necessary in your fight for justice and accountability. For many survivors, the thought of revisiting the specifics of…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Financial Impact of Sexual Assault Cases and Your Options
Sexual assault is one of the most traumatic experiences someone can go through. Not only does it affect you emotionally and physically, but it also brings an unexpected financial burden. Many survivors of sexual assault in California find themselves facing overwhelming medical bills, legal costs, and even job-related losses that can have long-term consequences. In…
Read MoreCoping with Trauma After Sexual Assault: Resources for Survivors and Families
Following a sexual assault, survivors sometimes feel overwhelmed—physically, emotionally, and legally as well. The trauma does not stop when the assault does. It hangs about influencing daily life, relationships, and employment. Some survivors struggle to sleep. Others feel unsafe in places that once felt familiar. Many don’t know where to turn. As sexual assault lawyers,…
Read MoreWhat to Know About Settlements vs. Going to Trial in Sexual Assault Cases in California
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of sexual assault, it’s hard enough just trying to move forward. But then there’s the legal side. If you’ve chosen to file a lawsuit, you’re faced with a big decision: Should you settle or take your case to trial? It’s not an easy choice. Maybe a settlement seems like…
Read MoreHow to File a Claim if Your Child Was a Victim of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse takes place in many different places away from the home, including: Sexual abuse in schools Sexual abuse by teachers Sexual abuse by coaches Sexual abuse by students Sexual abuse in youth organizations Sexual abuse in religious organizations When sexual abuse of your child does occur, you need an experienced sexual abuse lawyer on…
Read MoreTaylor & Ring Reach $24 Million Settlement for Three Women Abused by Grade School Teacher
Taylor & Ring’s Dave Ring recently secured a $24 million settlement for three women who were sexually abused by their teacher at Langdon Avenue Elementary between 2006 and 2007. The $24 million will be divided between the three women for $8 million each, making the awards the largest settlements the LAUSD has ever paid out.…
Read MoreFamily Files Claim Against Santa Barbara Charter School and Teacher Accused of Secretly Filming Students
The family of a Santa Barbara student has filed a claim against a teacher accused of secretly recording students in a school bathroom. The teacher allegedly used a hidden camera to capture footage of students in the restroom, leading to legal action. The claim seeks damages for emotional distress and invasion of privacy. The school…
Read MoreNatalie Weatherford Named to Daily Journal Top Women Lawyers!
Taylor & Ring is proud to announce that partner Natalie Weatherford has been named to Daily Journal’s Top Women Lawyers list for 2024! This annual list honors the top performing woman attorneys in California. You can read more at the Daily Journal, or check out the profile below: Natalie WeatherfordNatalie Weatherford is a partner at…
Read MoreThe Role of Forensic Nurses in Sexual Assault Cases
Sexual assaults are traumatic. They change lives forever. Victims of rape and sexual assault suffer severe psychological harm that lasts a lifetime. Victims may never feel safe again. The victims of sexual assault will need help from their loved ones, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers. While most healthcare providers treat the physical and mental…
Read MoreTaylor & Ring Secures $13M Verdict Against Los Angeles Unified School District
On February 26, Taylor & Ring secured a $13M verdict against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), in a case involving a 9th-grade student (Jane Doe) and a 19-year-old special needs assistant named Daniel Garcia. The 14-year-old was a student at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) in 2014 when Garcia groomed and sexually…
Read MoreTaylor & Ring Secures $25 Million Sexual Abuse Verdict Against Santa Barbara Unified School District
On December 11th, Taylor and Ring secured a $25 million award verdict against Santa Barbara Unified School District for the sexual abuse committed against a victim referred to as John Doe #2. The convicted abuser was former security guard and assistant football coach Justin Sell at Dos Pueblos High School. John Doe #2 had testified…
Read MoreWhat You Should Know About Online Sexual Harassment and Bullying
Many people are under the impression that they can hide behind their keyboard and computer screen and get away with anything. In recent years, reports of online sexual harassment, assault, and cyberbullying have increased. Victims can be adults or children of all backgrounds and incomes. According to a study released by the Pew Research Center…
Read MoreEmployer Responsibilities and Survivor Rights in Workplace Sexual Assault Cases
Unfortunately, sexual assault in the workplace happens more often than you might think. If you are a survivor of sexual assault in the workplace, it is important that you know that you have rights and that your employer has responsibilities. This behavior is not only against the law, but it is also traumatizing and devastating…
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