Breaking News

DLA Piper Faces EEOC Complaint for Unjustly Terminating Pregnant Attorney
Download PDF
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

A former senior associate at DLA Piper, Anisha Mehta, accused the law firm of discrimination in a Tuesday complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Mehta claimed that the firm fired her rather than allow her to take maternity leave, which she requested in October 2022.

Mehta stated that she had worked at DLA Piper’s New York office for one year before being fired while six months pregnant. She had submitted a request to take maternity leave for part of 2023 but was terminated six days after making the request. Mehta received overwhelming praise for her work as an intellectual property lawyer at the firm, three raises, and a $100,000 bonus for her exemplary performance.

The complaint claimed that DLA Piper’s real motive for firing Mehta was not her performance but to avoid paying her salary for up to 20 months of leave while experiencing a slowdown in client demand. Mehta’s lawyers at Wigdor, a plaintiffs’ law firm that often represents plaintiffs in discrimination and harassment cases, alleged that DLA Piper had engaged in blatant discrimination against Mehta.

  
What
Where


DLA Piper is a major international law firm with a global presence. According to Michele Maryott, a partner with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher who is representing DLA Piper in the case, it has a generous leave policy and an excellent track record of supporting working parents. Maryott stated that the firm is looking forward to having the charge reviewed.

Give your legal career the boost it deserves – submit your resume to BCG Attorney Search now.

However, Wigdor partner Jeanne Christensen criticized DLA Piper for using mandatory arbitration provisions in employment agreements. Christensen said that DLA Piper should litigate the claims in federal court, where they belong, rather than in confidential arbitration. She also called on the law firm to do what was suitable for all its female employees.

Get JD Journal in Your Mail

Subscribe to our FREE daily news alerts and get the latest updates on the most happening events in the legal, business, and celebrity world. You also get your daily dose of humor and entertainment!!




The EEOC will now investigate Mehta’s claims, and if it finds that DLA Piper engaged in discrimination, it may pursue legal action against the law firm. Mehta’s case highlights the ongoing challenges pregnant women face in the workplace, particularly in male-dominated industries like law. According to the National Women’s Law Center, pregnant women are often subjected to discrimination and harassment on the job. They may have difficulty accessing the accommodations needed to remain healthy and productive.

This case also raises questions about the use of mandatory arbitration in employment contracts. While some employers argue that arbitration is a fair and efficient way to resolve disputes, critics say that mandatory arbitration clauses limit employees’ ability to seek justice in court and protect employers from being held accountable for their actions.



It remains to be seen how this case will play out, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting workers’ rights and ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and equally. Pregnant women should not have to choose between their careers and their families, and employers must do more to support their employees and create inclusive work environments.



 

RELEVANT JOBS

Associate Attorney

USA-PA-Exton

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY McKenna Snyder LLC, a law firm in Exton, PA has an immediate opening for an ex...

Apply now

Attorney

USA-MI-Sturgis

Qualifications: HaasCaywood is seeking associate attorneys for our Coldwater and Sturgis, Michiga...

Apply now

Attorney

USA-MI-Coldwater

Qualifications: HaasCaywood is seeking associate attorneys for our Coldwater and Sturgis, Michiga...

Apply now

Deputy General Counsel / Senior Deputy General Counsel

USA-CA-Sacramento

Cal Cities Culture and Mission Cal Cities is dedicated to creating a collaborative and inclusive ...

Apply now

BCG FEATURED JOB

Locations:

Keyword:



Search Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with ...

Apply Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-Carlsbad

Carlsbad office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with 4-...

Apply Now

Education Law and Public Entity Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law and public ent...

Apply Now

Most Popular

SEARCH IN ARCHIVE

To Top