Discrimination and Harassment

Orrick lawyers have defended hundreds of employment discrimination actions and innumerable administrative charges. A few recent examples include the following cases:

• International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). Orrick defended IBM against a retaliation claim based on an alleged sexual harassment complaint. After several weeks of trial, the jury returned a defense verdict on all claims.
• Inland Container. Orrick obtained directed verdicts for Inland Container on disability discrimination, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and other claims after several weeks of a federal jury trial.
• Syracuse University. Orrick defended the University in a highly publicized sexual harassment case brought by members of the women’s tennis team.
• Tenure Litigation for Universities. Orrick frequently represents universities on claims arising from denial of tenure or similar claims involving faculty members. A recent two-week jury trial involving allegations of gender discrimination resulted in a defense verdict for our client, which was upheld on appeal. Other university representations include matters dealing with Title IX investigations, breach of contract, race discrimination, harassment, and Title IX gender equity in athletics investigations.