[GabrielF00]

IANAL but skimming through the complaint, they're basically acting as a "private attorney general". The lawsuit alleges that Google's policies violate state law. Normally, the state would sue the company, but in this case, the law firm is saying that they'll handle the enforcement for the state. If they're successful, they get a percentage of the penalty.

I don't know how damages are divided up in cases like these, but I'd guess that the state's cut would be distributed (at least partially) to affected employees.

[ocdtrekkie]

And this would be a choice by the lawyers in how to file this case, as opposed to some sort of civil suit.

[Sniffnoy]

See paragraph 66:

> Because Google requires Googlers to waive their right to seek class-wide injunctive relief for Google’s illegal conduct, the only effective remedy to address Google’s illegal conduct is the aggressive and full imposition of penalties under the Private Attorneys General Act.

[ocdtrekkie]

I'd be quite curious if that clause would hold up in court. Forcing employees to give up their right to seek relief for employer misconduct almost certainly is illegal... right?