D.C. Law Firm Settles Race Bias Lawsuit With Former Associate

Troutman Pepper reached a settlement with Gita Sankano, who alleged she was fired for complaining about racial discrimination.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist studio still life featuring a stack of legal documents, a gavel, and a pair of glasses, conceptually representing the abstract themes of corporate strategy, finance, and legal disputes.A settlement between a prominent D.C. law firm and a former associate highlights the ongoing reckoning over diversity and inclusion in the legal industry.Washington Today

Troutman Pepper, a prominent D.C. law firm, has reached a settlement with former associate Gita Sankano to resolve a federal race-discrimination lawsuit. Sankano had alleged she was pushed out of the firm after speaking up about racially biased treatment, but the firm maintained she was terminated for performance reasons. The settlement heads off a trial that was set to be a public showdown over the firm's internal culture.

Why it matters

Sankano's case was seen as part of a broader wave of litigation and scrutiny over how major law firms recruit, retain, and promote Black lawyers. The settlement allows Troutman Pepper to avoid a potentially damaging public trial, but the confidential terms mean details about the firm's practices may never be fully revealed.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Sankano joined Troutman Pepper's D.C. office in 2019 as the only Black attorney. She alleged a partner instructed her to keep billable hours out of the firm's system and shut her out of associate trainings. Sankano said she was fired in November 2023 after raising internal discrimination complaints, and she sought at least $35 million in damages. Troutman Pepper denied the claims, calling them meritless and insisting Sankano was terminated for performance reasons.

  • Sankano joined Troutman Pepper's D.C. office in 2019.
  • Sankano was fired from Troutman Pepper in November 2023.

The players

Gita Sankano

A former associate at Troutman Pepper who filed a federal race-discrimination lawsuit against the firm, alleging she was pushed out after speaking up about racially biased treatment.

Troutman Pepper

A prominent D.C. law firm that reached a settlement with former associate Gita Sankano to resolve her federal race-discrimination lawsuit.

Wigdor LLP

The plaintiff-side law firm that represented Gita Sankano in her lawsuit against Troutman Pepper.

Michael Willemin

An attorney who represented Troutman Pepper in the settlement with Gita Sankano.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Both we and Ms. Sankano are pleased that a settlement of this matter has been reached.”

— Michael Willemin, Attorney for Troutman Pepper

What’s next

The court still needs to enter final dismissal paperwork to formally close the case, but the filings indicate both sides are satisfied with the resolution.

The takeaway

This settlement allows Troutman Pepper to avoid a potentially damaging public trial over its treatment of a Black lawyer, but the confidential terms mean details about the firm's practices may never be fully revealed. The case was seen as part of a broader reckoning over diversity and inclusion in the legal industry.