"Google Just Suffered a Setback in This Age Discrimination Case", 6 Oct 2016

...A California software developer who says the company systemically discriminates against older job applicants won a key ruling this week that will let her invite others to join a class action lawsuit against [Google].  In a 17-page order, U.S. District Judge Beth Freeman asked how age factors into a person’s “Googleyness” (a word used to describe the intangible factors that someone a good fit at Google) and instructed the company to prepare a list of software engineers over 40 who had sat for an in-person interview and been denied a job. The judge also agreed to a conditionally certify a class action.  The case, which began in 2015, is being led by Cheryl Fillekes, who interviewed with Google GOOGL 0.23% for four different positions between 2007 and 2014. Despite being qualified, Fillekes did not get the jobs and claims it was due to her age...Google had asked to dismiss the complaint, in part by citing age provisions in its corporate anti-discrimination policy. The judge refused the argument, however, noting that all companies now have such policies, and that they should be considered as proof firms don’t discriminate...The judge’s order means she cleared the first step, and can now notify everyone else in her position that they may opt in to the case. To win the second part, Fillekes will have to overcome a motion by Google to decertify the case...