The Toronto Star is running a front-page story today about Jaime Laskis, a former associate at the New York offices of Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt, alleging discrimination. The Statement of Claim, filed in the District Court of New York by Liddle & Robinson LLP, can be viewed here.
Laskis complained about the allegedly discriminatory behaviour, and the individual responsible was eventually removed from the position of Legal Professional Committee (LPC) representative, and internal review committee within the firm. However, Laskis claims that she continued to be underpaid and treated unfairly even after this removal.
She was eventually terminated in 2009.
In searching for a new position in New York, she claims that individuals from Osler interfered with her job search by commenting negatively about her to a partner in another firm.
The basis of her claim is sex discrimination and retaliation in violation of Title VII, New York States Human Rights Law and New York City Human Rights Law.
Not the first time we've heard about a case like this, sadly probably not the last. I was inspired to make a blog post about it.
How to end sex discrimination in one easy step
I'm a man who's been home with my girls since the day they were born. I pity the men who are present in these situations, and who do nothing to stop their male colleagues from behaving this way. Don't those men realize that they are making themselves victims too? Their work lives could be so much better if they would just stand up for basic fairness and equal rights, the same as their female counterparts.
–Julian
Julian,
You're right, we've heard these types of allegations before. What I find most interesting is it being featured on the front page of Canada's largest newspaper.
That's the type of coverage that no law firm wants.