A former partner at the Seattle-based personal injury law firm, Adler Giersch PS, has accused the firm of illegally terminating his contract in light of an alcoholic relapse. In a complaint submitted last Thursday in a federal court in Washington, the ex-partner claims the firm alleged improper actions on his part and violated the Americans with Disabilities Act in the process.
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law that offers protection to individuals with disabilities from discrimination at home, in schools, transportation, public accommodations, and employment. Alcoholism, under certain conditions, is recognized as a disability protected by this legislation. If this is verifiable and found to be the underlying reason for the accused law firm’s action, they may face significant legal consequences.
The former partner’s complaint, indicating the seriousness of this issue and the potential implications for disability law and employment practices in law firms and beyond, can be found at this link.