Ogletree law firm faces pay discrimination class action

A plaintiff law firm has filed putative class action litigation against a prominent law firm, charging it with pay discrimination against its female employees.

The law firm, Atlanta-based Ogletree, Deakins, Smoak, Nash & Stewart P.C., has denied the charges

A lawsuit filed Friday in U.S. District Court in San Francisco against Ogletree by New York-based Sanford Heisler Sharp L.L.P. charges that Ogletree’s female shareholders “face discrimination in promotions and other unequal opportunities in the terms and conditions of their employment.”

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Ogletree shareholder Dawn Keeper, who is based in Costa Mesa, California.

The lawsuit seeks $100 million in compensatory damages and $100 million in punitive damages.

Ogletree Deakins said in a statement that “we do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.”

“We will confidently defend the firm against these claims as we remain steadfast in our commitment to equal opportunity for all,” said the statement, which adds it recently formed a task force to study issues relating to the advancement and recognition of the firm’s women.