A potential ruling by the justices against Wal-Mart permitting class action could put severe pressure on the company to settle the claims out of court. As lawyer Jessica Pieklo wrote when the case was first appealed to the Supreme Court: Wal-Mart's petition does not challenge the substance of the discrimination claims, but rather seeks to have the class certification aside–a smart move that could set plaintiffs efforts back years if granted. If denied Wal-Mart may find a whole new interest in settling these claims rather than trying them. … This case has been in the pipeline for ages now. It was originally filed in 2001 by six women in federal court in San Francisco, and Wal-Mart has vigorously battled against the claim every step of the way. It's a pretty safe assumption that Wal-Mart will seek review of the decision by the United States Supreme Court. Given the Federalist bend of Chief Justice John Roberts, it would be another safe assumption that this is a case he'd be eager to hear.