Case Study

Thaler Liebeler, LLP obtained a seven-figure judgment against a large, international defense technology firm after the firm discriminated against our clients on the basis of sex. Our clients, female employees of the firm, had all applied for international assignments. The assignments provided significant opportunity for career advancement and increased compensation. None of the women were promoted to the positions. Instead, the firm only hired and promoted men to the assignments, including men with less experience than our clients. Indeed, the firm hired individuals outside the firm that required training for the position from one of our female clients.

We quickly commenced arbitration against the firm, as required in the employee handbook, alleging that the firm violated Title VII of the Civil Rights of 1964 (“Title VII”). Title VII prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sex. The arbitrator agreed with Thaler Liebeler, LLP’s position that the firm’s actions violated Title VII, and entered a hefty judgment in our clients’ favor.

        Principles

    • Among the federal laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Title VII prohibits intentional discrimination, as well as unintentional discrimination where employment practices have a disparate impact on a protected group. 
    • Additional federal protections include the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
    • The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) oversees the enforcement of these federal anti-discrimination statutes.  Individuals must file a complaint with the EEOC, and receive notice of a “right to sue”, prior to commencing litigation against an employer.
    • State and local laws may provide broader protection, including prohibitions against employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 

        Related Items   


                             Internal Investigations 
                             Compensation 
                             Arbitration       
                             Employment