Jackson v. Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Flowers, Greenberg & Eisman, LLP
Vincent Jackson sued the law firm Abrams, Fensterman, et al., alleging improper termination after a hospitalization, in violation of FMLA, State HRL, and City HRL. The defendant denied liability, claiming Jackson was not its employee. The court previously denied summary judgment as premature to allow for the deposition of Howard Fensterman, who was identified as Jackson's personal chauffeur employer. After Fensterman's deposition, the court granted partial summary judgment to the defendant, dismissing the State and City HRL claims, finding Fensterman, not the firm, was Jackson's employer for those statutes due to the 'domestic service' exclusion and lack of firm control. However, the court denied summary judgment on the FMLA claim, determining a genuine issue of material fact remains regarding the firm's employer status under the 'economic realities' test, particularly concerning work performed by Jackson that could benefit the firm. The FMLA claim will proceed to a hearing.