Biglaw Firm Settles Bonus Discrimination Claim
The firm denies the allegations.
Back in April of 2019, the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) director Craig Leen told legal industry representatives his office was concerned about issues of diversity and representation at law firms, and they’ve been busy holding Biglaw’s feet to the fire.
Earlier this month, OFCCP announced a settlement worth $150,000 with the Biglaw firm of Locke Lord. As reported by Law360, this resolves allegations that female associates in a Rhode Island office received smaller bonuses than their male counterparts over a two-year period (2012-14). During the time of the alleged violation, the office was operated as Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP, prior to Locke Lord’s acquisition of that firm in January 2015.
OFCCP notified Locke Lord of evidence of pay discrimination involving 22 female associates in October of 2018:
“OFCCP’s analysis demonstrates that a statistically significant disparity in bonus compensation remained even when legitimate factors affecting bonuses were taken into account,” the agreement reads.
The settlement, which also stipulates the firm will not retaliate against associates receiving money from the agreement, has been lauded as “an outstanding example for the legal industry to follow,” by Diana Sen, northeast regional director of OFCCP. And Leen had this to say about the agreement:
“Locke Lord is working with us to ensure pay equity for its female associates,” Craig Leen, director of the DOL office, said in a statement Thursday. “Together, we will ensure that the company’s employment practices comply with equal employment opportunity requirements.”
Though the firm denies the allegations, their statement on the settlement affirms Locke Lord’s commitment to diversity:
Sponsored
Legal Knowledge Management To Drive Dealmaking
What Do Millennials Think Of Law Firm Life?
Legal Knowledge Management To Drive Dealmaking
“Diversity and inclusion are integral parts of Locke Lord’s strategic plan for success and one of our core values,” according to the firm’s statement. “The firm is committed to ensuring that all of our attorneys and staff are afforded equal employment opportunities.”
Regardless of the specifics in this case, it’s good to see the issue of equal pay getting attention.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, and host of The Jabot podcast. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).
Sponsored
Stuck Drafting A Tough Brief? This Tool Can Help.
The Global Legal News You Need, When You Need It
