A New York jury awarded Denise A. Rubin $6.2 million after she alleged her law firm retaliated against her for complaining about unequal pay compared to male attorneys. The jury found that she had good faith to file her claims and suffered retaliation from a firm partner, Paul Napoli, who also denigrated her professionally. Rubin received $5.8 million in punitive damages and $350,000 in compensatory damages, highlighting the severity of retaliation claims. While Rubin's attorneys celebrated the verdict, Napoli's representatives stated their belief that the verdict would not withstand appeal.
The jury's verdict recognized the extent and severity of Napoli's unlawful retaliation as well as the effect on Ms. Rubin. This verdict sends a message that employers will not be permitted to punish and intimidate discrimination plaintiffs from seeking justice by dragging them through the mud.
Mr. Napoli believes the verdict is legally baseless and factually unsupported. The retaliation finding-tied to a dismissed claim and based on incomplete facts-will not withstand appeal.
Collection
[
|
...
]