Claiming "zero tolerance" for sexual harassment is a common way for law firms to declare their hard-line approach if such a problem occurs within their own organizations. But a lawsuit filed by a former Blank Rome associate demonstrates the gray areas that can emerge when bad conduct comes from big clients.
The case pending in New York federal court alleges that Philadelphia-based Blank Rome fired associate Diana Goodman because she complained about the harassing behavior of three firm clients. It also alleges that the firm failed to take remedial action. Blank Rome has denied the claims, asserting that Goodman was fired for poor performance. The parties are scheduled for a conference next month.
In the meantime, the case is serving as an example of the opposing tensions that law firm management has in addressing a worker's allegations and maintaining viable relationships with important clients.
Details here from The National Law Journal via Law.com.