After nearly a decade of legal wrangling, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has reached a resolution with former attorney Kristy Wagner, who alleged discrimination following a life-altering zip-lining accident in 2011.
On Tuesday, both parties filed a joint stipulation of dismissal in federal court in Washington, D.C., though details about a potential settlement remain undisclosed. Akin Gump has consistently denied Wagner’s allegations.
Wagner’s lawsuit, initiated in 2016, claimed that after her injury—which necessitated four surgeries—the firm provided her with work-from-home accommodations. However, she alleged that her prospects for partnership were stymied by demands to work from the office and travel for business. Following a denial for a partnership promotion, she resigned in 2014, facing threats of termination.
Subsequently, Wagner joined rival firm Duane Morris, where she asserted that Akin Gump interfered with her employment. Tensions escalated when she indicated plans to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, prompting Akin to allege that Wagner sent unwelcome messages to their partners, including threats of violence.
The conflict intensified as Akin Gump sought restraining orders against Wagner, which she claimed led to lost job opportunities. In a dramatic turn, U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan imposed a guardianship on Wagner in 2017 at Akin’s request, citing concerns about her decision-making capacity. However, this guardianship was lifted earlier this year, restoring her ability to manage her case independently.
As this contentious chapter closes, the case of Kristy Wagner v. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP highlights the complexities and challenges within legal and employment disputes, marking a significant moment for both parties involved.
