A lawsuit filed on September 24, 2026 in Los Angeles County Superior Court by a client of Lanier Meyer McBride Blair LLP alleges that Antelope Valley Union High School District failed to protect a student at Palmdale High School from sexual abuse by teaching aide Cortnee Clay, who is also named as a defendant. The complaint alleges that the aide openly drove the student on and off campus in her personal vehicle, and that although a campus security staff member saw the student in her car and district personnel questioned her about it, she was allowed to keep having contact with the student. It further alleges the district failed to supervise or investigate her or report her as California's child abuse reporting law requires.

Start a confidential review

Call (855) 359-1772

Do you have a case?

Start a confidential review

Do you have a case?

Start a confidential review

Do you have a case?

Start a confidential review

What the complaint alleges

“Before and during her abuse of Plaintiff, the DISTRICT had actual and/or constructive notice of numerous warning signs that their teaching aide, CLAY, was unfit and that CLAY posed an unreasonable risk of childhood sexual assault to the Plaintiff and other minors in her charge.”

(Complaint ¶ 25)

“Moreover, CLAY was observed with the Plaintiff in her vehicle by a PALMDALE HS security staff member, CLAY was questioned by DISTRICT personnel concerning her reasons for having the Plaintiff in her car, but nevertheless, CLAY was allowed to continued to be in contact with the Plaintiff.”

(Complaint ¶ 25)

“Despite knowledge that CLAY was a danger to the students within its care … DISTRICT and DOES 1 through 50 failed and/or refused to: … Report CLAY to law enforcement and/or an appropriate investigatory agency, in violation of its mandatory reporting duties under CANRA;”

(Complaint ¶ 27)

These are allegations in a pending lawsuit. They have not been proven, and no court has made any findings.

Abused at Palmdale High School?

If you were a student at Palmdale High School or another Antelope Valley Union HSD school and something happened to you, you are not alone, and it was not your fault. You can sue a California school district any time before your 40th birthday, without filing a government claim first, and you can file as Jane or John Doe.

Start a confidential review

(855) 359-1772

More California school sexual abuse lawsuits →
What SB 577 means for survivors →

Attorney Advertising. Lanier Meyer McBride Blair LLP, through its California office at 2020 Main St., Ste. 360, Irvine, CA 92614, is the law firm responsible for the content of this advertisement. Prior results not guaranteed. Free initial consultation. Not all cases will be accepted for representation. Fees and expenses charged only against money recovered from responsible parties. You owe nothing as a fee or expense unless we first make a recovery for you. Attorneys licensed in California, New York, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas and Pennsylvania. Consult our website for additional terms and conditions. Submitting a form or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. No attorney represents you until you and the firm sign a written agreement.

Lanier

Meyer Mcbride blair LLP

sexual abuse law firm

Truth Heals. Yours Deserves to be Heard.

Irvine, California 92614

(832) 924-5831 (Main Line)

(855) 359-1772 (Toll-Free)

Practice Areas

News & Updates

Results

Referrals

Our Team

Where we serve you

FAQ

All product names, logos, brands and likenesses are the property of their respective owners and may not be owned or affiliated with Lanier Meyer McBride Blair LLP. This website is a Legal Advertisement sponsored by members of Lanier Meyer McBride Blair LLP. Attorneys with the firm are licensed to practice law in Texas, California, New York, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. Information provided on this site is for general information only and does not create an attorney-client relationship and should not be taken as legal advice specific to any particular circumstances. The firm’s office is in Houston, Texas. The attorney responsible for the content of this website is Avram J. Blair. Attorney Alex E. Cunny, Irvine, California, is responsible for advertising in California. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.