Possible wrongful termination and sexual harassment suit
Jan 20, 2011OUTCOME: six-figure award
As counsel for a possible wrongful termination and sexual harassment suit, Gregory G. Brown, Certified Trial Specialist and partner in the law firm of Brown & Charbonneau, LLP, obtained a six-figure se ... ttlement award without having to file suit. This settlement was achieved within three months of the employee’s wrongful termination, and just before suit was to be filed. The lawsuit would have named a world-renowned Olympic athlete, among others. The employee was employed by the Defendant companies for over fourteen years, and held an executive position. The employee helped develop the companies, and devoted much of her time to her position. The employee initially began a romantic relationship with her immediate supervisor, but attempted to end the relationship soon after it started. The immediate supervisor reacted by telling the employee that, if the relationship ended, she would no longer be able to work for the companies. When the employee did end the relationship, she was subjected to a hostile work environment by her immediate supervisor. After the employee ended the relationship, she was repeatedly told that her position was not in jeopardy, and that she would not be terminated. The employee, however, was terminated without warning and without cause. She was offered a six-month severance package. When the employee hired Gregory G. Brown to review the severance package, as advised in writing, the Defendants became hostile and ceased negotiations. The parties attended mediation, but initially did not reach a resolution. Throughout the following three weeks, the attorneys negotiated vigorously, sometimes on weekends and nights. Negotiations eventually stalled. Faced with the immediate threat of a lawsuit, however, Defendants quickly settled. The possible lawsuit was premised on wrongful termination in violation of public policy, hostile work environment, sexual harassment, breach of implied-in-fact employment contract, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Mr. Brown strongly negotiated with the opposing counsel for over three weeks to substantially increase the initial settlement offer, resulting in a six-figure award.