"Sankano filed suit in January 2024, alleging that after a senior partner retired and she was reassigned to work under partner Matthew Bowsher, things went sideways fast. The complaint describes 'aggressive emails questioning her cognitive ability,' culminating in one that the filing characterized as 'outrageously demeaning, dehumanizing, and demoralizing.'"
"According to the complaint, it took the firm 77 days to investigate. The conclusion of that investigation? Bowsher's email was 'inappropriate' but not racist because, the firm argued, he treated people at his prior job the same way."
"Sankano had sought at least $35 million in economic and punitive damages. Both we and Ms. Sankano are pleased that a settlement of this matter has been reached, said Michael Willemin, a partner at Wigdor LLP who represented Sankano."
Troutman Pepper settled a lawsuit filed by Gita Sankano, the firm's only Black female attorney in D.C., who claimed she faced dehumanizing treatment and was fired after complaining. Sankano alleged that after being reassigned, she received aggressive emails questioning her abilities, including one deemed 'outrageously demeaning.' The firm's investigation concluded the email was inappropriate but not racist. Sankano sought at least $35 million in damages. The settlement terms remain undisclosed, and the case reflects ongoing issues in the legal industry's approach to diversity and inclusion.
#racial-discrimination #lawsuit-settlement #legal-industry #diversity-and-inclusion #workplace-harassment
Read at Above the Law
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