April 8, 2025
ShareKelley Kronenberg Secures $0 Settlement in Employment Discrimination Case
Kelley Kronenberg Partner/Business Unit Leader David Harvey and Practice Partner Talya Van Embden-Haas achieved an exceptional result in the Northern District of Florida, securing a zero-dollar resolution in a contentious employment discrimination case with potential exposure exceeding $100,000.
The case involved claims of race discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation in the workplace. The plaintiff alleged differential application of workplace rules and inappropriate comments that he believed were directed toward him. The defense maintained that the termination was based solely on documented attendance issues and that an investigation conducted within 24 hours of the internal harassment complaint could not substantiate the allegations.
David’s strategic approach focused on thorough preparation for the plaintiff’s deposition, during which he systematically challenged the factual basis of the discrimination and harassment claims. The effectiveness of this deposition proved pivotal, as the plaintiff’s settlement demands began to decrease dramatically following the deposition—ultimately dropping by approximately 99% from the initial demand with no counteroffers from the defense.
Faced with the substantially weakened position, the plaintiff agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice in exchange for a waiver of defense fees and costs, effectively acknowledging the collapse of the claims. This outcome saved the client from both potential significant financial exposure and the continued business disruption of protracted federal litigation.
This victory highlights the importance of strategic deposition tactics in employment litigation and demonstrates how skilled questioning can transform a plaintiff’s perspective on case value, even in emotionally charged discrimination claims.
Learn more about our Labor and Employment Division here.