Plaintiff Emily Gallup, a family court mediator at the Nevada County Superior Court, alleged that she was wrongfully terminated in December 2010 after she exposed the court’s failure to follow state laws. Gallup brought this qui tam action against the Superior Court of Nevada County, Carmella Smith Cellini, Sean Metroka and Thea Palmiere. She alleged that the defendants’ actions constituted wrongful termination in retaliation for whistle blowing. The individual defendants were dismissed prior to trial, and the matter proceeded against the Nevada County Superior Court only. Plaintiff claimed she was fired for continually questioning her superiors and for “challenging the system.” Defense counsel contended that Gallup was terminated because she allegedly stole confidential court documents, and disclosed them to third parties in violation of court policies and the California Code of Ethics for Court Employees of California. Counsel also contended that Gallup did not have reasonable cause to believe that the court’s family law mediation practices violated any state rules, regulations or statutes. In addition, defense counsel contended that Gallup received negative performance evaluations and reprimands for failing to perform her job functions as directed and not appropriately respecting the confidentiality of family law litigants., Gallup was employed as a family court mediator with the court since 2006. Thus, she sought recovery of damages for lost wages and emotional distress.