Former Lawyer Sues Ballard Spahr, Claims Discrimination Following Epilepsy Diagnosis
April 10, 2025, 9:00 am CDT
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A recent lawsuit has been filed by Kimberly Steefel, a former lawyer with the prestigious firm Ballard Spahr, asserting that her termination was the result of discrimination related to her epilepsy diagnosis. The suit was submitted on April 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and comes only days after she sought medical leave for health issues.
Termination Following Medical Leave
According to the lawsuit, Steefel’s employment was abruptly ended just 11 days after she disclosed her epilepsy condition to her employer, alongside a request for a flexible working schedule recommended by her healthcare provider. This announcement was made on the day she returned from medical leave, which she took due to gastrointestinal issues and a seizure—a distressing experience suggestive of her newly diagnosed condition.
Accommodations and Workplace Environment
Steefel’s complaint specifies that she formally requested 16 reasonable workplace accommodations tailored to mitigate the effects of epilepsy on her concentration and stamina. These adjustments were deemed necessary to enable her to avoid stressful environments, which can heighten her risk of experiencing seizures. The lawsuit alleges that despite these requests, the firm did not engage in any dialogue regarding potential accommodations.
Claims of Discrimination and Retaliation
The lawsuit outlines claims of discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, and hostile working conditions based on her disabilities and gender. In her legal documents, Steefel emphasizes that prior to the diagnosis and her subsequent leave, her performance reviews were consistently positive.
Additionally, the complaint alleges a pattern of discriminatory practices at Ballard Spahr, highlighting job listings that include unreasonable physical requirements, such as the ability to lift significant weights or remain seated for prolonged periods. Such requirements, the suit suggests, unnecessarily restrict opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Gender Discrimination Allegations
Further complicating her case, Steefel alleges that her practice group, which focuses on employee benefits and executive compensation, perpetuated a gender-biased culture. She claims that there was a systemic practice of replacing female attorneys with other females at similar or less senior levels, thereby stalling their career advancements while senior positions remained predominantly filled by males.
Response from Ballard Spahr
In response to these serious allegations, a spokesperson for Ballard Spahr stated, “The firm disputes the allegations contained in Ms. Steefel’s complaint, particularly those suggesting she was terminated due to an alleged disability or her gender. The firm will defend the case vigorously.”
