A Massachusetts federal judge has ruled that the race discrimination lawsuit filed by Cayse Llorens, the former CEO of LexShares Inc., will proceed. The judge found that the claims are not time-barred, though she dismissed allegations against two board members, marking a partial victory for Llorens in his legal battle.
Racial Bias Claims Survive Court Challenge
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris ruled that Llorens’ claims of racial discrimination, brought against the litigation finance company LexShares, are not subject to the time limitations in his employment contract. The judge determined that the clause in the contract that limits the time window for filing employment claims was unenforceable because it failed to specify its applicability to discrimination claims. This decision means that Llorens can continue his lawsuit against LexShares.
However, the judge dismissed Llorens’ claims against David Rosner, the chairman of the board, and Frank Van Lint, another board member. Judge Saris concluded that Llorens had not presented sufficient evidence to establish individual liability for either Rosner or Van Lint.
Allegations of Discrimination and Forced Resignation
Llorens filed his lawsuit in August 2023, alleging that his forced resignation from his position as CEO in December 2022 was the result of racial discrimination. He claimed that, despite being the only Black member of LexShares’ five-person board of directors, he was subjected to disrespect and discrimination throughout his tenure.
