A former associate at DLA Piper has filed a lawsuit alleging that a high-ranking partner at the firm’s Delaware office assaulted her. The firm stated, “The firm was notified in January 2025 of a romantic relationship between a partner and an associate, which we investigated promptly,” adding that it would “address this lawsuit through the appropriate channels.” ([assets.alm.com](https://assets.alm.com/6d/ac/9e5475f34a3d90ed598ca3ad12b3/nylj110325a.pdf?utm_source=openai))
This lawsuit adds to a series of legal challenges DLA Piper has faced recently. In September 2025, a federal judge ruled that the firm must defend against a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit filed by former senior associate Anisha Mehta. Mehta alleges she was terminated in June 2023, when she was six months pregnant, shortly after requesting maternity leave. The court found that Mehta “presented evidence that could reasonably cast doubt on DLA’s purported reason for firing her.” ([tradingview.com](https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com%2C2025%3Anewsml_L2N3VG0PM%3A0-law-firm-dla-piper-must-face-lawsuit-over-pregnancy-bias-judge-rules/?utm_source=openai))
In another case, DLA Piper was ordered to pay over $634,000 in attorneys’ fees and $2,331.50 in costs to China AI Capital Limited. The court found that the firm’s actions warranted sanctions under Rule 11. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/new-york/nysdce/1%3A2021cv10911/572144/106?utm_source=openai))
These legal proceedings have raised questions about DLA Piper’s internal policies and handling of workplace relationships and discrimination claims. The firm has stated its commitment to addressing these issues through appropriate channels.