DLA Piper has requested the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Yasmeen Elagha, a Palestinian Muslim attorney, who alleges that the firm rescinded her job offer due to discrimination based on her race, religion, and national origin. The firm contends that the withdrawal was prompted by Elagha’s failure to disclose allegations of assault related to her participation in pro-Palestinian protests.
Elagha, who served as a summer associate at DLA Piper in 2023, accepted a full-time position offer in August of that year. However, in July 2024, the firm revoked this offer after becoming aware of her involvement in campus demonstrations at Northwestern University, which had received media attention. Elagha had previously filed a lawsuit against Northwestern, claiming the university did not protect her from harassment following the protests. That case is still pending.
In her complaint, Elagha asserts that during her tenure at DLA Piper, she was the only employee wearing a hijab and faced repeated inquiries about her heritage and views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. She alleges that an associate advised her to conceal her Palestinian identity, citing the firm’s pro-Israel stance, and that she was pressured to attend events centered around alcohol consumption, despite her religious beliefs.
DLA Piper, in its motion to dismiss, argues that the decision to rescind Elagha’s job offer was based on her omission of information regarding allegations of assault during the protests, rather than any discriminatory motives. The firm maintains that its actions were in line with its standards and policies.
The case, titled Elagha v. DLA Piper LLP, is currently before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, under case number 26-cv-5435. The outcome of this legal dispute may have significant implications for employment practices and the handling of discrimination claims within the legal industry.