Case: Griesing v. Greenberg Traurig

1:12-cv-08734 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Filed Date: Dec. 3, 2012

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Case Summary

On December 3, 2012, a female partner in a law firm filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against her law firm on behalf of herself and a class of females employees of her law firm similarly situated under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e, et. seq, and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 as amended by the Equal Pay Act, 29 U.S.C. § 206(d). The plaintiff, represented by private counsel, alleged that defendant discriminated…

On December 3, 2012, a female partner in a law firm filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against her law firm on behalf of herself and a class of females employees of her law firm similarly situated under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e, et. seq, and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 as amended by the Equal Pay Act, 29 U.S.C. § 206(d). The plaintiff, represented by private counsel, alleged that defendant discriminated against female attorneys in the law firm and specifically retaliated against plaintiff for filing this class action. The plaintiff asked the court for declaratory and injunctive relief; back pay, front pay, and pre-judgment interest; compensatory damages; nominal, liquidated and punitive damages; and attorneys' fees and costs.

Specifically plaintiff alleged that defendant engaged in discrimination against female partners by: [1] assigning them to lower positions in the company than similarly situated males and [2] establishing a system where women were paid less, less able to gain origination credit for new clients due to males sharing credit among other males but not with females, and less access to opportunity to pitch to new clients than similarly situated males. Further plaintiff alleged that defendant retaliated against her for filling an EEOC action by first reducing plaintiff's opportunities within the company and the creating an "intolerable work environment" and eventually by wrongfully firing plaintiff from her job in the firm.

On January 15, 2013, plaintiff filed an amended complaint noting that on January 11, she was granted the right to sue by the EEOC.

On May 24, 2013, the District Court (Judge William H. Pauley, III) entered a stipulation to dismiss the case. The parties agreed to a private settlement and the terms of that settlement have not been disclosed.

Summary Authors

Brian Kempfer (11/15/2013)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4351475/parties/griesing-v-greenberg-traurig-llp/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendant

Aduroja, Grace O (New York)

Bach, Sashi C (New York)

Berg, Michaile Janae (New York)

Berniker, Jessamyn Sheli (New York)

Choi, Eun Young (New York)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other
Judge(s)

Pauley, William H. III (New York)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:12-cv-08734

Docket

Griesing v. Greenberg Traurig LLP

May 24, 2013

May 24, 2013

Docket
1

1:12-cv-08734

Class Action Complaint

Griesing v. Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Dec. 3, 2012

Dec. 3, 2012

Complaint
9

1:12-cv-08734

Amended Class Action Complaint

Griesing v. Greenberg Traurig LLP

Jan. 15, 2013

Jan. 15, 2013

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4351475/griesing-v-greenberg-traurig-llp/

Last updated March 13, 2024, 3:09 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against Greenberg Traurig LLP. (Filing Fee $ 350.00, Receipt Number 465401054357)Document filed by Francine Friedman Griesing.(lcu) (Entered: 12/05/2012)

Dec. 3, 2012

Dec. 3, 2012

PACER
2

STANDING ORDER IN RE PILOT PROJECT REGARDING CASE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR COMPLEX CIVIL CASES IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (See M-10-468 Order filed November 1, 2011). This case is hereby designated for inclusion in the Pilot Project Regarding Case Management Techniques for Complex Civil Cases in the Southern District of New York (the Pilot Project), unless the judge to whom this case is assigned determines otherwise. This case is designated for inclusion in the Pilot Project because it is a class action, an MDL action, or is in one of the following Nature of Suit categories: 160, 245, 315, 355, 365, 385, 410, 830, 840, 850, 893, or 950. The presiding judge in a case that does not otherwise qualify for inclusion in the Pilot Project may nevertheless designate the case for inclusion in the Pilot Project by issuing an order directing that the case be included in the Pilot Project. The description of the Pilot Project, including procedures to be followed, is attached to this Order. (Signed by Judge Loretta A. Preska on 10/31/2011) (lcu) (Entered: 12/05/2012)

Dec. 3, 2012

Dec. 3, 2012

PACER
3

CONSENT TO JOIN CLASS. Document filed by Francine Friedman Griesing. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A- Consent to Join Form of Francine Friedman Griesing)(Heisler, Jeremy) (Entered: 12/05/2012)

1 Exhibit A- Consent to Join Form of Francine Friedman Griesing

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Dec. 5, 2012

Dec. 5, 2012

PACER
4

ORDER FOR INITIAL PRETRIAL CONFERENCE: This action has been assigned to District Judge William H. Pauley III for all purposes. Counsel are directed to appear in Courtroom 20B at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse, 500 Pearl Street, New York, New York on February 1, 2013, at 12:00 p.m. for an initial pretrial conference with the Court for the purpose of discussing settlement, exploring contemplated motions, stipulating facts, narrowing issues, fixing a discovery schedule, ad setting a date for trial. Initial Conference set for 2/1/2013 at 12:00 AM in Courtroom 20B, 500 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10007 before Judge William H. Pauley III. (Signed by Judge William H. Pauley, III on 1/4/2013) (ja) (Entered: 01/07/2013)

Jan. 7, 2013

Jan. 7, 2013

PACER
5

MOTION for David W. Sanford to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number 0208-8134862. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by Francine Friedman Griesing. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificates of Good Standing, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Sanford, David) (Entered: 01/11/2013)

1 Exhibit Certificates of Good Standing

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2 Text of Proposed Order

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Jan. 11, 2013

Jan. 11, 2013

PACER
6

MOTION for Katherine M. Kimpel to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number 0208-8134965. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by Francine Friedman Griesing. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificates of Good Standing, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Kimpel, Katherine) (Entered: 01/11/2013)

1 Exhibit Certificates of Good Standing

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2 Text of Proposed Order

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Jan. 11, 2013

Jan. 11, 2013

PACER
7

MOTION for Kate Mueting to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number 0208-8135032. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by Francine Friedman Griesing. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificates of Good Standing, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Mueting, Katie) (Entered: 01/11/2013)

1 Exhibit Certificates of Good Standing

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2 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

Jan. 11, 2013

Jan. 11, 2013

PACER
9

AMENDED CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT amending 1 Complaint against Greenberg Traurig LLP with JURY DEMAND. Document filed by Francine Friedman Griesing. Related document: 1 Complaint filed by Francine Friedman Griesing.(ft) (Entered: 01/17/2013)

Jan. 15, 2013

Jan. 15, 2013

PACER
8

ORDER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE granting 5 Motion for David Sanford to Appear Pro Hac Vice. (Signed by Judge William H. Pauley, III on 1/16/2013) (ja) (Entered: 01/17/2013)

Jan. 17, 2013

Jan. 17, 2013

PACER
17

ORDER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE: granting 7 Motion for Katie ("Kate") Mueting to Appear Pro Hac Vice. (Signed by Judge William H. Pauley, III on 1/16/2013) (ja) Modified on 2/8/2013 (ja). (Entered: 02/08/2013)

Jan. 17, 2013

Jan. 17, 2013

PACER
18

ORDER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE: granting 6 Motion for Katherine Kimpel to Appear Pro Hac Vice. (Signed by Judge William H. Pauley, III on 1/16/2013) (ja) (Entered: 02/08/2013)

Jan. 17, 2013

Jan. 17, 2013

PACER
10

WAIVER OF SERVICE RETURNED EXECUTED. Greenberg Traurig LLP waiver sent on 1/18/2013, answer due 3/19/2013. Document filed by Francine Friedman Griesing. (Sanford, David) (Entered: 01/22/2013)

Jan. 22, 2013

Jan. 22, 2013

PACER
11

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Bettina Barasch Plevan on behalf of Greenberg Traurig LLP (Plevan, Bettina) (Entered: 01/23/2013)

Jan. 23, 2013

Jan. 23, 2013

PACER
12

MOTION to Stay this action pending final decision on Petition to Compel Arbitration. Document filed by Greenberg Traurig LLP. Return Date set for 2/28/2013 at 03:00 PM.(Plevan, Bettina) (Entered: 02/06/2013)

Feb. 6, 2013

Feb. 6, 2013

PACER
13

MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Support re: 12 MOTION to Stay this action pending final decision on Petition to Compel Arbitration. Memorandum of Law in Support of Defendant's Motion to Stay. Document filed by Greenberg Traurig LLP. (Plevan, Bettina) (Entered: 02/06/2013)

Feb. 6, 2013

Feb. 6, 2013

PACER
14

DECLARATION of Bettina B. Plevan in Support re: 12 MOTION to Stay this action pending final decision on Petition to Compel Arbitration.. Document filed by Greenberg Traurig LLP. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A to Plevan Declaration, # 2 Exhibit B to Plevan Declaration)(Plevan, Bettina) (Entered: 02/06/2013)

1 Exhibit A to Plevan Declaration

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2 Exhibit B to Plevan Declaration

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Feb. 6, 2013

Feb. 6, 2013

PACER
15

MOTION to Bifurcate. Document filed by Francine Friedman Griesing. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Sanford, David) (Entered: 02/06/2013)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

Feb. 6, 2013

Feb. 6, 2013

PACER
16

MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Support re: 15 MOTION to Bifurcate.. Document filed by Francine Friedman Griesing. (Sanford, David) (Entered: 02/06/2013)

Feb. 6, 2013

Feb. 6, 2013

PACER
19

SCHEDULING ORDER: The parties having appeared for a conference on February 1, 2013, the following schedule is entered on consent: 1. Defendant shall serve and file its motion to stay this action pending a final decision on the petition to compel arbitration by February 6, 2013; 2. Plaintiff shall file her motion to bifurcate her declaratory judgment claim by February 6, 2013; 3. Oppositions to both motions are due February 13, 2013; 4. Replies to both motions are due February 20, 2013; and 5. Oral argument on both motions will be held on February 28, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. (Signed by Judge William H. Pauley, III on 2/11/2013) (mro) (Entered: 02/13/2013)

Feb. 12, 2013

Feb. 12, 2013

PACER
20

MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Opposition re: 15 MOTION to Bifurcate.. Document filed by Greenberg Traurig LLP. (Plevan, Bettina) (Entered: 02/13/2013)

Feb. 13, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

PACER
21

MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Opposition re: 12 MOTION to Stay this action pending final decision on Petition to Compel Arbitration.. Document filed by Francine Friedman Griesing. (Sanford, David) (Entered: 02/13/2013)

Feb. 13, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

RECAP
22

REPLY MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Support re: 12 MOTION to Stay this action pending final decision on Petition to Compel Arbitration.. Document filed by Greenberg Traurig LLP. (Plevan, Bettina) (Entered: 02/20/2013)

Feb. 20, 2013

Feb. 20, 2013

RECAP
23

REPLY MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Support re: 15 MOTION to Bifurcate.. Document filed by Francine Friedman Griesing. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibits 1-5)(Sanford, David) (Entered: 02/20/2013)

1 Exhibit Exhibits 1-5

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Feb. 20, 2013

Feb. 20, 2013

PACER
24

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Patrick John Lamparello, III on behalf of Greenberg Traurig LLP (Lamparello, Patrick) (Entered: 02/22/2013)

Feb. 22, 2013

Feb. 22, 2013

PACER
25

SCHEDULING ORDER: The parties having jointly requested a stay of this action pending the conclusion of a mediation, the oral argument scheduled for February 28, 2013 is adjourned to May 6, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. (Oral Argument set for 5/6/2013 at 02:00 PM before Judge William H. Pauley III.) (Signed by Judge William H. Pauley, III on 3/6/2013) Copies Sent By Chambers. (mt) (Entered: 03/07/2013)

March 7, 2013

March 7, 2013

PACER
26

Letter addressed to Judge William H. Pauley, III from Bettina B. Plevan dated 2/26/2013 re: We are writing on behalf of both parties to request jointly a stay of this action, pending the conclusion of a mediation to which the parties have agreed and which we expect to take place in late April. Document filed by Greenberg Traurig LLP.(lmb) (Entered: 04/18/2013)

April 17, 2013

April 17, 2013

PACER
27

SCHEDULING ORDER: The oral argument scheduled for May 6, 2013 is adjourned to June 13, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. (Oral Argument set for 6/13/2013 at 02:00 PM before Judge William H. Pauley III.) (Signed by Judge William H. Pauley, III on 5/6/2013). (rjm) (Entered: 05/06/2013)

May 6, 2013

May 6, 2013

PACER
28

STIPULATION OF WITHDRAWAL AND DISMISSAL WITH PREJUDICE: that all claims that were or could have been brought in the above-captioned litigation are hereby withdrawn and shall be and hereby are dismissed in their entirety, with prejudice, and without attorney's fees, costs, or disbursement to any party. (Signed by Judge William H. Pauley, III on 5/24/2013) (tro) Modified on 5/29/2013 (tro). (Entered: 05/24/2013)

May 24, 2013

May 24, 2013

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory: New York

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Labor Rights

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 3, 2012

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Female partner in a law firm

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Mooted before ruling

Defendants

Greenberg Traurig LLP, Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Equal Pay Act, 29 U.S.C. § 206(d)

Title VII (including PDA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. §§ 201-219

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Amount Defendant Pays: Unknown

Issues

General:

Pattern or Practice

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Impact

Disparate Treatment

Discharge / Constructive Discharge / Layoff

Discipline

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Pay / Benefits

Promotion

Discrimination-basis:

Sex discrimination

Affected Sex or Gender:

Female