On Monday, September 29, 2025, Reuters reported that DLA Piper, an international law firm, must defend itself against a lawsuit alleging pregnancy discrimination. The ruling, issued by Judge Analisa Torres in Manhattan, allows a portion of the suit brought by Anisha Mehta, a former U.S. lawyer at the firm, to proceed. Mehta claims she was unjustly terminated after requesting maternity leave.

Mehta, who served as a senior associate in DLA Piper’s intellectual property group in both San Francisco and New York, filed the lawsuit in June 2023. She alleges that her termination occurred when she was six months pregnant, less than a week after she requested leave.

Judge Torres acknowledged DLA Piper’s argument that Mehta’s termination was performance-related, stating that the firm “presented evidence of a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for firing Mehta” due to her performance. DLA Piper has maintained that Mehta’s performance did not meet the standards expected of a seventh-year associate.

However, Torres also noted inconsistencies in the firm’s justification. She stated that DLA Piper’s performance-based rationale was “at best, in tension with other evidence in the record or, at worst, plainly contradicted by it.” The judge pointed to raises and bonuses Mehta received during her tenure, as well as her work with a significant client, as factors that cast doubt on the firm’s explanation.

As a result, Torres denied DLA Piper’s request to dismiss Mehta’s discrimination claims under New York City and state law, as well as federal law. She also upheld Mehta’s claims of interference and retaliation under the Family Medical Leave Act. However, Torres did agree to dismiss some of Mehta’s other retaliation claims against the firm.

Jeanne Christensen, a partner at Wigdor, the law firm representing Mehta, expressed satisfaction with the ruling. “Pregnancy should never be the basis for termination,” Christensen stated, adding, “We look forward to proceeding with this case to secure Ms. Mehta the justice she deserves.”

Michele Maryott, a partner at Gibson Dunn representing DLA Piper, offered a brief comment, stating, “We look forward to presenting our case in court.”

The case is now set to move forward, with DLA Piper required to defend its decision to terminate Mehta’s employment.

 

 

Source: Reuters