Jones Day (Photo by David Lat)
It looks like Jones Day has one fewer (named) plaintiff to deal with. As you may recall, the firm is facing a purported class-action gender discrimination lawsuit alleging a “fraternity culture” at the firm and unequal pay behind the firm’s notorious “black box” compensation system. There had been seven named plaintiffs in the case, but now Jane Doe 4 has withdrawn.
Jane Doe 4 was the last remaining anonymous plaintiff in the case. Although three additional women filed the case anonymously, they disclosed their names in June, saying they were bolstered by others coming forward. Sanford Heisler Sharp, the firm representing the plaintiffs, fought for the plaintiff’s right to remain anonymous, saying there was a well-founded fear of retaliation and analogizing the situation to that of a whistleblower. However, a ruling by U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss of the District of Columbia meant that all named plaintiffs had to be identified by Monday, August 12th, or withdraw from their role as class representative. Facing disclosure of her identity, Jane Doe 4 opted to withdraw from the case.
As reported by Law.com, Jane Doe will remain a class member as it is currently defined in the Second Amended Complaint:
“As the class is defined in the Second Amended Complaint filed last night, Jane Doe 4 remains a class member, though she is not among the named plaintiffs and proposed class representatives,” Sanford Heisler partner Deborah Marcuse said in an emailed statement.
Earlier coverage: Jones Day Hit With Explosive Gender Discrimination Case
Jones Day Facing Second Class-Action Lawsuit Over ‘Fraternity Culture’ Of The Firm
Partner Whose Behavior Features Prominently In Jones Day Gender Discrimination Lawsuit Is Out At The Firm
Jones Day Wants Gender Discrimination Plaintiffs To Reveal Themselves To The Public
Plaintiffs Throw Shade At Jones Day In Gender Discrimination Lawsuit
Gender Discrimination Lawsuit Against Jones Day Gets Yet Another Plaintiff
Gender Discrimination Lawsuit Against Jones Day Dropped — Well, One Of Them At Least
Jones Day Gender Discrimination Case Spreads To New York
Amended Gender Discrimination Case Brings The Real Scoop On Jones Day Compensation
Jones Day To Gender Discrimination Plaintiffs: You Don’t Deserve To Be Paid On The Cravath Scale