In 2015, plaintiff Richard Joaquin, a police sergeant in his 50s, sought a pay-grade advancement. Joaquin, classified Sergeant I, sought an increase to the Sergeant II pay grade. The request was denied by his employer, the Los Angeles Police Department. Years earlier, in 2006, Joaquin sued the city of Los Angeles, alleging violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act. He prevailed at trial in 2010, but the jury verdict was reversed in 2012. Joaquin claimed that he was thereafter denied pay-grade advancements. He also claimed that in 2017, he was denied a lateral move to a position in the Los Angeles Police Department’s Transit Services Division. Joaquin sued the police department’s operator, the city of Los Angeles. The lawsuit alleged that Joaquin was subjected to retaliatory acts stemming from whistleblower activity. The lawsuit further alleged that the retaliation violated the Fair Employment and Housing Act. Joaquin claimed that the city’s refusal to grant him a pay-grade advancement or a lateral transfer were a response to his prior lawsuit. Defense counsel contended that those who considered Joaquin’s pay increases and transfer requests were not aware of the 2006 lawsuit. Defense counsel also contended that Joaquin was denied a promotion and a transfer because other candidates were equally qualified or more qualified., Joaquin claimed that he was wrongly denied pay-grade advancement and a transfer. He claimed that he suffered resultant damage to his reputation. He also claimed that he suffered anxiety. He sought recovery of damages for emotional suffering. According to defense counsel, plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury to award $3 million.