Employment law firm Outten & Golden has articulated its stance on the decision to discontinue its representation of Columbia Law School Professor Katherine Franke. The move has triggered an ethics complaint from Franke, who alleges that the firm’s decision came suddenly and without prior warning. The firm clarified that its decision was predicated on its choice to abstain from handling cases linked to employee speech regarding the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
In a statement released on October 16, 2024, Outten & Golden explained, “We did this after much consideration, and with the good of our firm and the well-being of our diverse workforce in mind.” This response comes amid a backdrop of heightened sensitivity surrounding discussions on the conflict, particularly in academic and legal spheres.
Professor Franke lodged her complaint on September 10 with the Attorney Grievance Committee stationed in New York, alleging that the firm abruptly severed ties with her representation in July. The firm’s statement underlines a calculus that weighs its internal policies and diversity against external legal representations that may provoke controversy or division within its ranks.
The incident underscores a broader conversation about the balancing act legal firms must perform between maintaining a conducive workplace environment and upholding their commitment to clients, particularly in politically charged contexts. For further details, the full article can be accessed on Bloomberg Law.