A lawsuit filed against Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith by former partner Julie O’Dell cites systemic business deficiencies and gender discrimination, alleging that female partners were unfairly compensated and faced retaliation for raising concerns about firm operations.
Discriminatory Practices and Retaliation
O’Dell’s lawsuit claims that female attorneys were subjected to discriminatory practices, including being told to “smile more” and being denied bonuses for maternity leave. When O’Dell raised issues about billing and firm administration, the firm allegedly attempted to claw back her compensation.
Billing Problems and Uninvoiced Work
The suit highlights billing discrepancies, including millions of dollars in uninvoiced work and issues with retainer fees. O’Dell alleges that despite generating more revenue and contributing significantly to the firm’s marketing efforts, she was paid less than her male counterparts.
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Allegations Against Firm Leadership
According to the lawsuit, firm chairman Robert “Bob” Lewis exerted total control over equity partners’ compensation, favoring certain individuals over others based on personal relationships. O’Dell claims that attorneys who aligned themselves closely with Lewis received preferential treatment.
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Legal Action and Firm Response
Lewis Brisbois has filed an arbitration demand against O’Dell, alleging she owes the firm a significant sum. The firm’s general counsel, Jana Lubert, characterized O’Dell’s claims as baseless and suggested they were intended to deflect attention from her contractual obligations.
Similar Claims and Context
O’Dell’s lawsuit follows a previous bias suit filed against the firm by lawyer Robert Lofton, who alleged discrimination based on race and health conditions. Both suits reference offensive language used by departing partners who started a new firm in 2023.