Law Firms
Upcoming Stipulated Dismissal in Kirkland & Ellis Gender Bias Case
April 14, 2025, 2:35 pm CDT
The law firm is facing allegations in a federal lawsuit regarding gender bias and retaliation.
In a notable legal development, Zoya Kovalenko, a former associate at Kirkland & Ellis, is set to collaborate with the firm to seek a stipulated dismissal of her federal lawsuit. This suit alleges gender bias and retaliation stemming from her termination, as indicated in a court docket entry filed on April 8, 2025.
Kovalenko’s lawsuit, initiated in October 2022, contends that male colleagues in the intellectual property litigation division received preferential treatment and higher salaries compared to their female counterparts. Following her complaints regarding this perceived discrimination, she alleges she was dismissed from her position in September 2021. Kovalenko claims that she was incorrectly informed her termination was due to poor performance.
U.S. District Judge Haywood S. Gilliam Jr., presiding over the case in the Northern District of California, allowed Kovalenko to pursue claims related to emotional distress and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as well as violations of California’s anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Pay Act. However, the court dismissed her defamation claim associated with a performance evaluation.
Law360 reported on the status of the dismissal plans in early April, reflecting a shift in the case’s trajectory. Kovalenko has not responded to requests for comments, while Kirkland & Ellis remains represented by attorneys from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, who have also not provided any comments regarding the latest developments.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of ongoing discussions surrounding gender equity in the legal profession and the handling of workplace discrimination claims.
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