Lawyer who sued Major Lindsey for allegedly shunning her was 'able to resolve the matter'
A lawyer who alleged that Major, Lindsey & Africa blackballed her for suing her former law firm has agreed to dismiss her lawsuit against the legal recruiter. (Image from Shutterstock)
A lawyer who alleged that Major, Lindsey & Africa blackballed her for suing her former law firm has agreed to dismiss her lawsuit against the legal recruiter.
Major Lindsey and former associate Gita F. Sankano, who is Black, filed a stipulation of dismissal with a federal court in Maryland on May 22, Law360 reports. The parties were “able to resolve the matter,” a lawyer for Sankano told Law360 without disclosing terms.
Sankano’s April 2024 suit had alleged that she “became persona non grata” at Major Lindsey after suing Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders for alleged racial discrimination and retaliation.
The parties’ stipulated dismissal followed settlement talks that, as of April 14, had “not progressed to the point” where a judge should get involved in a settlement conference, according to a joint status report.
A federal magistrate judge had refused to dismiss Sankano’s suit against Major Lindsey in March, according to Law360. But the judge tossed a claim alleging retaliation under Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act, which bars racial discrimination in contracts. Retaliation claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Maryland state law survived.
Sankano’s suit against Troutman Pepper remains unresolved. The firm’s motion for summary judgment is pending.
Write a letter to the editor, share a story tip or update, or report an error.
