Former Chief Financial Officer of Proskauer Rose LLP, Elly Rosenthal, has finally reached a settlement agreement with the New York firm in a discrimination lawsuit which was filed in October of 2011. Rosenthal alleged age, sex, and disability bias in her discrimination suit against Proskauer Rose, seeking $10M in damages. To the relief of both parties involved and after months of litigation, this case has finally been resolved. Lawyers filed a stipulation with the court, stating the discrimination case was ‘discontinued with prejudice.’
Alledged Gender Discrimination
Rosenthal initially filed her case in 2011 after being fired from Proskauer Rose in the fall of 2008 following her return to work from medical leave. Rosenthal felt she had been marginalized and terminated from her position as a result of several biases, including the fact that she had taken medical leave for her breast cancer treatment. Rosenthal referenced 16 years of successful stewardship in the role of chief financial officer for Proskauer Rose, her impressive employment history, as well as her ability to advance the company financially. Rosenthal further noted the obvious lack of gender diversity in key positions within the company.
Demoted and Marginalized
When Rosenthal returned to Proskauer Rose from her medical leave, she learned she had been demoted to Chief Financial Administrative Officer, a coincidentally new position in the company. She further learned that her previous position had been given to a less qualified male individual. Rosenthal alleged that Proskauer’s COO and other male counterparts and supervisors marginalized Rosenthal by failing to supply pertinent information for her to successfully perform her job duties, relocation to an office eight blocks away, and refusal to provide merit or bonus pay. Subsequently, after 18 years of service for Proskauer Rose, Elly Rosenthal was terminated from her position and asked to vacate her office within three days. This abrupt declaration and departure were quite unexpected to Rosenthal.
A Confirmed Discrimination Lawsuit Settlement Reached
Beginning in late 2008, Rosenthal’s battle against discrimination in the workplace has been settled. Rosenthal’s attorney confirmed the lawsuit has been resolved and an agreement has been reached.
If you have been demoted or treated unfairly by your employer contact our office for a free consultation. Our experienced New York discrimination attorneys will discuss the specifics on your case and work toward the best possible outcome.