Chicago, IL - Jinan Chehade, a former summer associate at Foley & Lardner LLP, filed a discrimination lawsuit against the firm, claiming her job offer was rescinded due to her public comments supporting Palestine. The suit, lodged in Illinois federal court, alleges that the firm terminated her employment because of her religion and ethnicity.

Chehade, a Muslim Arab woman with ties to Gaza and Lebanon, was set to start her first full-time position at Foley & Lardner’s Chicago office on October 23, 2023. However, she alleges that the firm fired her the previous evening after scrutinizing her social media posts advocating for Palestinian rights amidst Israel’s military offensive in Gaza following Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023.

According to the complaint, Chehade asserts that her dismissal was an act of discrimination, pointing out that no attorneys who publicly supported Israel faced similar consequences. The suit highlights posts by several firm partners backing Israel’s actions without repercussion, contrasting with Chehade’s treatment.

Chehade claims Foley & Lardner interrogated her about her beliefs, past association with a pro-Palestinian student group, and her father's work for a local mosque before terminating her employment. She notes that the firm had previously assured her it embraced her identity and beliefs as an Arab Muslim.

In response to the allegations, Foley & Lardner stated that Chehade's public statements were inconsistent with the firm’s core values. A spokesperson emphasized the firm’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, rejecting any form of discrimination or bigotry.

The lawsuit comes amidst heightened tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. The United Nations reports over 36,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 1,200 Israeli and foreign national deaths, with extensive displacement for Palestinians.

Chehade, a Georgetown University Law Center graduate, has a history of advocating for Palestinian rights and held leadership roles in relevant student organizations. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in December 2023 and had secured a full-time associate position at Foley & Lardner following a summer clerkship.

The firm’s purported commitment to diversity and inclusion was a significant factor in Chehade’s decision to accept the job offer. However, after expressing her views on Israel's actions in Gaza, she was subjected to an investigation and hostile interrogation about her advocacy and community associations.

Chehade’s lawsuit alleges violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act. She seeks compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, punitive damages, and legal fees.

Attorneys Paul Vickrey and Rima Kapitan, representing Chehade, criticized the firm for failing to honor its commitment to diversity. They argue that the firm’s actions reflect a broader exclusion of those who support Palestinian rights.

Foley & Lardner maintains that the lawsuit is without merit and stands by its decision to rescind Chehade’s employment offer.

The case, Jinan Chehade v. Foley & Lardner LLP, case number 1:24-cv-04414, is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Foley & Lardner is not alone in rescinding job offers over statements about the Israel-Gaza conflict. Other firms, including Winston & Strawn LLP and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, have taken similar actions. Legal experts warn that such decisions could lead to more discrimination claims.