DLA Piper Prevails in Discrimination Lawsuit by Ex-Associate

DLA Piper did not discriminate against an ex-associate who sued the firm after she was fired while pregnant, a Manhattan jury found Monday.

The law firm prevailed after arguing that non-discriminatory reasons led to Anisha Mehta’s termination, including deficiencies in her performance. “The risk had simply become to great to keep her,” DLA Piper partner Brett Ingerman said during closing arguments.

Mehta sued DLA Piper in June 2023, alleging bias caused the termination of her contract six days after she submitted a maternity leave request. Her attorneys pointed to the firm’s lack of documentation regarding communications between DLA Piper partners showing their concerns with Mehta’s work or job status.

DLA Piper and Mehta did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The trial started April 6.

Tamar Duvdevani, chair of the firm’s Trademark Copyright & Media group, told the jury the lawsuit shows a lack of self awareness by Mehta of her shortcomings as an attorney and the mistakes she made while at DLA Piper.

DLA Piper spent $6.5 million on parental leave benefits during 2021-2022, the years Mehta worked at the firm, the firm’s lawyers told the jury.

Wigdor LLP represents Mehta. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP represents DLA Piper.

The case is Mehta v. DLA Piper LLP, S.D.N.Y., No. 1:23-cv-04757, 9/29/25 .