Apparently Paul Hastings, an elite corporate law firm, has been quietly firing many of its lawyers, associates and partners (via "deequitization"). One former Paul Hastings attorney Shinyung Oh decided to not go quietly into that good severance package night. Instead she sent out a company wide email with the termination agreement ("Transition Agreement and General Release") attached which she rejected, and described the circumstances surrounding her "departure" from the firm just six days after her miscarriage.
After my miscarriage, I had discussed my concern with several associates that Paul Hastings may use that opportunity to lay me off quickly before I have a chance to get pregnant again. Those associates thought it unfathomable that a firm would be so callous and assured me that Paul Hastings isn't that kind of a place. What a lesson this has been for them - and for me. I would not have anticipated that a partner would tell me one thing and completely renege on his words a week later. I would not have anticipated that a female partner (whom I had looked to as a role model) with children of her own would sit stone faced as I broke into tears just days after my miscarriage. Even a few words of sympathy or concern would have made a world of difference. What kind of people squander human relationships so easily?
Paul Hastings was recognized this year by The American Lawyer "one of the top labor and employment firms in its Litigation Department of the Year competition."
[Thanks Lauren]