A long-running legal battle over gender discrimination in San Diego's lifeguard service could end Tuesday when the City Council considers an $875,000 payment to cover the plaintiff's attorney fees.
Alison Terry, a former high school swim champion and now a coach, won a $100,000 award in her lawsuit four years ago but has been embroiled in a dispute over fees for her lawyers since then.
Terry contended that she worked for 15 years as a seasonal lifeguard but was never provided the same training — given to her male counterparts — that was necessary for promotion to the full-time staff. She also claimed she was never given hours in summer 2007 out of retaliation.
She was one of several female lifeguards to sue the city.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Terry founded the Aquatic Jobs Network in 2011 and works with the Challenged Athletes Foundation. She is also on the Board of Managers of the Jackie Robinson YMCA.
Terry set several records while swimming at the former University of San Diego High School as a teenager and competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials.
The legal fees settlement was initially approved by the City Council last month in closed session, according to city documents. The documents indicate that if the settlement is given final approval, the city would cut a check to lawyer Michael Conger.
