Supreme Court victory for strippers

I figured a lot of lawyers in town would be interested in this NV Supreme Court ruling since it involves strippers and strip clubs.

Yesterday, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled 3-0 yesterday that attorney Mick Rusing may bring a class action lawsuit against Vegas strip clubs on behalf of strippers.

The Review-Journal reports:

Many of the estimated 10,000 strippers in Las Vegas pay a fee to dance at clubs and sign agreements classifying themselves as independent contractors. They receive no pay or benefits and earn only tips.

"This is going to force employers to stop living off the backs of these women," said Sean Brearcliffe, a lawyer at Rusing's firm. "Some of the clubs don't pay them anything and force them to pay as much as $50 to $100 per hour out of their tips. Nevada law does not let employers take tips earned by their employees." Brearcliffe, who worked with Rusing on the case, said that in coming months he plans to file a class-action lawsuit in District Court to force strip clubs to hire dancers as they do other employees.

However, all Vegas strippers may not be happy with the proposed change in employment classification:

Inside the Spearmint Rhino topless club in Las Vegas, some dancers said they do not support a move to become club employees. They prefer, the strippers said, to work as independent contractors.

One dancer, who said her name is Nicole, said she makes more money now than she ever would on an hourly wage.

Clad in a tight black T-shirt, black stockings and a mini-skirt that covered only the top of her backside, Nicole asked: "Why would I want to make six dollars an hour when I can make $500 an hour now?"

Three things:

1) I can't believe the club owners have gotten away with taking tips for so long without an attorney challenging the practice on a contingent fee basis (30% of lap dances post-verdict to go to the firm).

2) $500-$1000 an hour? Why did I go to college?

3) Attention attorneys: club owners says they will have to raise drink prices and entrance fees if the strippers become classified as employees. Better get it while the gettin's good boys!