RPJ’s Ethan Krasnoo Discusses Kimberly Steefel’s Lawsuit Against Ballard Spahr for Disability and Gender Discrimination in Law360 Interview

RPJ’s Ethan Krasnoo was recently interviewed regarding his and RPJ’s Alice K. Jump’s client, Kimberly Steefel, in an article for Law360. A former attorney at Ballard Spahr LLP, Ms. Steefel filed a lawsuit against the firm and its employee benefits group leader, Brian Pinheiro, claiming that she was fired due to her medical conditions. Represented by Alice K. Jump and Ethan Krasnoo, Ms. Steefel alleges discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII, and New York state and local laws. Ms. Steefel also asserts that she was unfairly treated compared to her male colleagues, kept in lower-level positions, and given fewer resources.

Ms. Steefel joined Ballard Spahr in 2021, accepting lower pay with the promise of support and potential promotions. After developing health issues, Ms. Steefel requested accommodations. Ms. Steefel argues that after returning from medical leave in October 2022, she was denied accommodations for her conditions, including flexible work hours, and that despite submitting several requests, the firm failed to address her needs.  She further alleges that the day that she returned from disability leave the firm informed her of her termination.

The lawsuit includes claims of unlawful dismissal, discrimination, and failure to provide reasonable accommodations, amongst others.

RPJ’s Ethan Krasnoo, representing Steefel, pointed out that the allegations are supported by findings from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) following Ms. Steefel’s charge with the agency. “No employees who can fulfill the essential functions of their job should be terminated or find themselves facing discrimination because of a disability,” Mr. Krasnoo said. “Ms. Steefel intends to vigorously fight in court the injustices that she alleges she encountered, and hopes that sharing her story will prevent further discrimination in the future.”

Read the full article here.

This article is intended as a general discussion of these issues only and is not to be considered legal advice or relied upon. For more information, please contact RPJ Partner Ethan Krasnoo who counsels clients in areas of complex commercial litigation, arbitration, mediation and dispute resolution, and employment, intellectual property, and entertainment and media. Mr. Krasnoo is admitted to practice law in New York, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and United States Tax Court.