The magic circle firm confirmed that the claim – made against the firm by Norman Schoenfeld in December – was expected to close shortly.
Schoenfeld was laid off last October after only two months with the firm. He claimed that he was dismissed for observing the Jewish Sabbath, meaning he was unable to work from sundown on Friday until sundown on Saturday.
According to the complaint, A&O leveraged finance partner Mark Wojciechowski recruited Schoenfeld knowing he was an observant Jew, but later demanded that he respond to emails on a Saturday and work during a Jewish holiday.
In a statement issued at the time of the complaint, A&O said Schoenfeld’s employment had been terminated solely based on his performance during his probation period.
The firm also said that Schoenfeld had failed to disclose a previous employment at another firm, adding that it has a strict written policy prohibiting discrimination and has instituted diversity training for its lawyers and managers.
Schoenfeld instructed Anne Vladeck of Vladeck Waldman Elias & Engelhard in the case, with Allen & Overy represented by Todd Girshon of Jackson Lewis. The firm had initially instructed Rene Fleming at Morgan Lewis & Bockius.
A&O said in a statement: "The parties have resolved the case and we anticipate that it will be closed in the near future."
