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McDermott Will & Schulte has resolved a racial bias lawsuit filed by former associate Ashley Ogedegbe.

Ogedegbe is a Black former associate. She accused the firm of racial discrimination and retaliation.

She also raised concerns about a 2022 associate retreat.

On September 30, 2026, both sides filed a joint dismissal in federal court in Chicago. The filing ended the case without a trial.

McDermott denied the claims. The parties did not disclose the terms of the resolution.

McDermott Bias Lawsuit Resolved

Ogedegbe joined McDermott Will & Emery in 2022. She worked as a digital health associate.

In July 2025, she sued the firm. She claimed that race affected her treatment at work.

The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

The case is Ogedegbe v. McDermott Will & Emery LLP. Its case number is 1:25-cv-08908.

Court records list the case as a civil rights employment matter.

According to the complaint, race affected Ogedegbe’s work opportunities. She pointed to work assignments, training, leadership roles, and career growth.

However, McDermott rejected those claims. The firm denied wrongdoing.

Lawsuit Focused on Workplace Treatment

The complaint described several workplace issues.

For example, Ogedegbe said Black lawyers faced barriers to career opportunities.

She also said the firm kept her from some work and training because of her race.

In addition, she said McDermott removed her from a leadership role on a Louisiana transaction.

She claimed that two white women then took over the role.

Ogedegbe also raised concerns about client pitches. She said the firm used her in pitches to show diversity.

However, she claimed the firm gave her less work after winning those matters.

These were claims made in the lawsuit. No trial found that McDermott broke discrimination laws.

2022 Retreat Raises Concerns

A 2022 McDermott associate retreat also became part of the case.

According to Ogedegbe’s complaint, attendees answered questions about their work experiences.

Some anonymous responses allegedly included references to “white pride,” “white skin,” “white power,” and “Nazism.”

Ogedegbe said the incident raised concerns about workplace culture.

McDermott disputed those claims. The firm said it did not support the comments.

It also said Ogedegbe’s allegations were false.

As a result, the retreat became an issue in the lawsuit.

2022 Retreat Raises Concerns

The lawsuit also included retaliation claims.

Ogedegbe said she raised concerns about discrimination inside the firm.

She later claimed that the firm changed her work assignments and career opportunities.

McDermott terminated her in March 2025.

Four months later, she filed her lawsuit.

Ogedegbe said the timing supported her retaliation claims.

However, McDermott rejected that argument. The firm denied wrongdoing.

It also disputed any link between her termination and her complaints.

Why Retaliation Claims Matter

Retaliation claims can follow workplace complaints.

For example, an employee may report a concern before filing a lawsuit.

Afterward, emails may become important. Work reviews may also matter.

Changes in work assignments can also become part of a case.

In addition, employment decisions and internal reviews may receive attention.

For this reason, law firms need clear complaint procedures.

They also need fair and consistent review processes.

McDermott Rejects Claims

McDermott disputed Ogedegbe’s claims throughout the case.

The firm denied wrongdoing in court filings.

A McDermott spokesperson also called the accusations false.

Meanwhile, the case ended before a trial.

Ogedegbe made the claims in her complaint. However, the court did not issue a trial verdict.

Instead, both sides filed a joint dismissal.

Therefore, the resolution does not prove either side’s disputed claims.

What the McDermott Case Means

The case raises several workplace issues.

First, discrimination claims can involve more than hiring or firing.

They can also involve work assignments, training, client matters, promotions, and leadership roles.

Second, internal complaints can become important in later lawsuits.

For that reason, firms need clear ways to receive complaints.

They also need fair ways to review them.

Third, workplace culture can become part of an employment case.

For example, employees may point to specific events when raising broader concerns.

The case also highlights associate development.

Associates often build their careers through client work, training, mentoring, and leadership roles.

Key Takeaways

1. The Lawsuit Has Ended

McDermott and Ogedegbe filed a joint dismissal on September 30, 2026.

The filing ended the case without a trial.

2. Resolution Terms Remain Private

The parties did not disclose the financial terms.

They also did not disclose other details.

Therefore, no payment amount should be assumed.

3. McDermott Denied the Allegations

McDermott disputed Ogedegbe’s claims.

The firm denied wrongdoing.

The resolution does not mean McDermott admitted liability.

4. The Case Involved Work Opportunities

Ogedegbe alleged discrimination involving work assignments, training, leadership roles, and career growth.

5. The 2022 Retreat Was an Issue

The complaint discussed anonymous comments from the 2022 retreat.

Some comments allegedly referenced white pride, white skin, white power, and Nazism.

However, McDermott disputed those claims.

6. The Case Involved BigLaw Workplace Issues

The lawsuit involved workplace concerns at a major law firm.

It also raised issues about complaints and career opportunities.

Legal Takeaways

The McDermott case raises several issues for the legal industry.

For associates, meaningful work can affect career growth.

At the same time, firms must handle workplace complaints fairly.

Recruiters also face questions about attorney retention.

Law students may consider these issues when choosing a law firm.

For example, they may look at mentoring, training, staffing, and workplace policies.

However, the McDermott case does not answer those larger questions.

Instead, it provides another example of an employment dispute at a major law firm.

FAQs

What was the McDermott racial bias lawsuit about?

Former associate Ashley Ogedegbe filed the lawsuit against McDermott.

She alleged racial discrimination and retaliation.

Her complaint also raised issues about workplace culture, assignments, training, and career opportunities.

McDermott denied the allegations.

Who is Ashley Ogedegbe?

Ashley Ogedegbe is a former McDermott associate.

She worked in the firm’s digital health practice.

She joined McDermott in 2022.

Later, she filed a federal lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and retaliation.

When did Ogedegbe file the lawsuit?

Ogedegbe filed the lawsuit in July 2025.

She filed it in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

The case is Ogedegbe v. McDermott Will & Emery LLP, Case No. 1:25-cv-08908.

What happened to the McDermott racial bias lawsuit?

Both sides resolved the dispute.

They filed a joint dismissal on September 30, 2026.

As a result, the case ended without a trial.

Did McDermott admit to racial discrimination?

No.

McDermott denied Ogedegbe’s allegations.

The firm also disputed claims of wrongdoing.

Therefore, the resolution does not establish an admission of liability.

Was the McDermott settlement amount disclosed?

No.

The parties did not disclose the financial terms.

They also did not disclose other details.

Therefore, readers should not assume a specific payment amount.

What did Ogedegbe allege about the 2022 retreat?

Ogedegbe’s complaint discussed anonymous responses at a 2022 firm retreat.

Some responses allegedly included references to “white pride,” “white skin,” “white power,” and “Nazism.”

She cited the comments as part of her workplace culture claims.

However, McDermott disputed those claims.

Why does the McDermott case matter to legal professionals?

The case highlights several employment issues.

These include workplace complaints, career growth, work assignments, training, retaliation claims, and associate retention.

As a result, the case may interest law firms, attorneys, recruiters, and law students.

McDermott Lawsuit Ends

The McDermott racial bias lawsuit has ended.

Both sides filed a joint dismissal in federal court on September 30, 2026.

Ogedegbe alleged racial discrimination and retaliation during her time at the firm.

McDermott denied those allegations and denied wrongdoing.

The parties did not disclose the terms of the resolution.

For law firms, the case highlights the need for clear workplace policies.

It also shows why firms need strong complaint procedures.

For associates and law students, the case highlights work assignments, training, mentoring, and career opportunities.

The case is now closed.

However, the workplace issues raised in the lawsuit remain relevant to the legal industry.

Find your next legal career opportunity with LawCrossing. Explore law firm jobs, attorney openings, and legal careers today.

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The post McDermott Settles Racial Bias Lawsuit by Ex-Associate first appeared on JDJournal Blog.