Manhattan Jury Rejects Pregnancy Discrimination Claim Against DLA Piper
A Manhattan jury has dismissed a pregnancy discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed by Anisha Mehta, a former associate at DLA Piper LLP. Mehta, who was a seventh-year associate, alleged that her termination was motivated by the firm's desire to avoid the costs associated with her upcoming parental leave. The firm countered these claims, stating that Mehta was let go due to poor performance, missed deadlines, and substandard work. The case, overseen by U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres, attracted significant attention within the legal industry due to its implications for law firm responsibilities towards expectant employees. Ultimately, the jury sided with DLA Piper, finding insufficient evidence to support Mehta's claims of discrimination. The decision highlighted a 'she said, she said' scenario regarding Mehta's work quality, with the jury concluding that her termination was justified based on performance issues rather than discriminatory motives. 
