By Kimberly Shen (Summer Fellow) and Timothy M. Rusche

Seyfarth Synopsis: On May 31, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment in the employer’s favor on Title VII race discrimination and work retaliation claims filed by a Black dental assistant. In rejecting the plaintiff’s claims, the Court highlights the importance of documenting employee
Continue Reading Seventh Circuit Reaffirms the Importance of Identifying a Proper Comparator in Discrimination Claims

By Christina Jaremus and Erin Dougherty Foley

Seyfarth Synopsis: When an employee violates company rules or policies, a company is within its rights to respond with appropriate corrective action. How to respond, however, can become complicated when an employee engages in legally protected activity at or around the same time as their misconduct.

On April 30, 2020, the 11th
Continue Reading What To Do When Employee Misconduct And Protected Activity Collide?

By Samantha L. Brooks

Seyfarth Synopsis: In a recent decision, the Eighth Circuit held that Title VII does not require an employer to provide an employee a reason for termination at the time of termination, and that an employer is not strictly bound in litigation to whatever reasons may have been provided at the time of termination. Rooney v.
Continue Reading Eighth Circuit: Employer May “Elaborate” on Explanation for Termination During Litigation