The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit recently affirmed the dismissal of an employment discrimination case against Columbia University. The claims had been pursued for nearly 20 years. After a successful defense in a trial before the New York State Division of Human Rights, the claims were dismissed on the merits. A Right to Sue letter was issued and pursuit of the claims de novo in the Southern District resulted in a defense verdict after full discovery and a week long jury trial. A motion for a new trial was denied. The result in the district court was affirmed and the appeal dismissed on July 3, 2012. Charles B. Updike tried the case and briefed and argued it in the Court of Appeals.
