Saunders

In August 1994, plaintiff Jayne Williams was discharged as president and chief executive officer of HBS Technical Services, Inc. (HBS). She sued HBS, Luis E. Lomeli, William Depew, Elmo Saunders, and Misae Saunders for breach of employment contract and related claims. HBS cross-complained against Williams and California State Integrators, Inc. (CSI), a company in which Williams served as an officer, director, and majority shareholder, for breach of fiduciary duty and related claims.

Misae Saunders appeals from the judgment enforcing settlement of the employment dispute. Citing Levy v. Superior Court (1995) 10 Cal.4th 578 [ 41 Cal.Rptr.2d 878 , 896 P.2d 171 ], she argues judgment should be reversed because she was not present at the settlement negotiations, did not personally sign the terms of settlement on November 17, 1995, and did not authorize anyone to act on her behalf. Misae Saunders also asserts the November 17, 1995, writing did not represent the final agreement between the parties because it contemplated execution of another document. We reverse the judgment.

Factual and Procedural Background

The parties agreed to mediate their dispute on November 17, 1995,…