One year after New Jersey's statutory ban on mandatory arbitration of sexual harassment claims was held to be preempted by federal law, a trial court ruling could give new life to the statute.

When Paddy Sellino filed a sexual harassment suit against her boss of nearly 25 years, John Galliher, and his company, Preferred Freezer Services, the defendants sought to enforce an agreement sending the dispute to arbitration. But Essex County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Beacham denied their motion to dismiss the case and compel arbitration, finding that the Federal Arbitration Act does not preempt a state law barring mandatory arbitration of sexual harassment cases.

Judge Jeffrey Beacham of Essex County Superior Court. Courtesy photo