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CC New York to fight $75m race discrimination claim

Author: Emma Sadowski

Published: 27/03/2008 11:12

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A former Clifford Chance (CC) associate in New York is suing the firm for damages worth $75m (£32.7m) amid allegations of racial discrimination.

Caroline Memnon is claiming the damages from the magic circle law in the federal courts in Manhattan, according to US reports.

Memnon, a black Haitian woman, claims CC hired her on the basis of her ethnic background with no intention of giving her real work. She maintains that she was fired in 2002 for complaining and was subsequently blacklisted in the New York legal community.

It has yet to be confirmed whether Memnon was fired or decided to leave the firm herself.

In the suit, which was filed on 18 March, Memnon claims: “From inception, the CC partners failed to provide me with meaningful work. I was afforded a series of pointless reviews… where those performing the review declared that despite my obvious intelligence the practice of law ‘was not for someone like me’.”

In a statement issued to Legal Week, CC said: “We believe this claim to be without merit and will be contesting the case.”

The claim also states that Memnon had difficulties finding work elsewhere in New York after parting company with the firm, while prospective employers would “mysteriously cancel at the last minute and promises of employment at other New York firms never materialised”.

Memnon joined Sullivan & Worchester – reportedly a co-defendant in the suit – in early 2007 before being sacked that March. The firm has declined to comment.

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