During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous Biglaw firms across the US implemented vaccine mandates to protect their workforce. This move is now challenged as a former employee who was terminated for refusing the vaccine, has filed a lawsuit. The claimant, Denise Lemke, alleges that her former employer, Jenner & Block, discriminated against her. Jenner & Block is a major law firm ranking No. 86 in the Am Law 100 with $582,122,000 in gross revenue in 2023.
Ms. Lemke’s position is that the law firm should have granted her a religious exemption from being vaccinated. According to Law360 she stated that the use of the vaccines was “inconceivable” for her as she viewed abortion as murder. She believes taking any of the vaccines would be a “mortal sin” as it would imply condoning the killing of an unborn child.
The company denied her accommodation request, leading to her dismissal on March 22, 2022. Further, she contends that requests for similar accommodations were granted to male as well as younger colleagues.
Ms. Lemke is advancing her lawsuit despite the dismissal of similar lawsuits in the past. She alleges that Jenner discriminated against her on the basis of her religion, gender, and age. She is seeking compensation for back and future wages, punitive damages, costs, and legal fees.
Find more details on the case at Law360 and the ABA Journal.