Vinson & Elkins has a wealth of experience representing employers and their executives in sensitive sexual harassment claims. As soon as a sexual harassment complaint is received, we begin developing a plan of action tailored to the specific circumstances. We have found that thoughtful and appropriate decision making at the earliest stages can be important to resolving sexual harassment complaints and avoiding the expense, distraction, and publicity of litigation.

V&E regularly conducts internal investigations involving claims of sexual harassment and retaliation against senior executives, managers, supervisors, and co-workers, and provides findings and recommendations for disciplinary action where appropriate. We are adept at uncovering the facts and working with the client to develop a strategy for dealing with the complainant, the accused, and opposing counsel.

While our lawyers are skilled negotiators who make every effort to assist our clients in resolving sensitive sexual harassment matters, we are also experienced trial lawyers. We represent employers in federal and state courts across the United States, in arbitration, and before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and state agencies. Our reputation as litigators is premised on the many dismissals and favorable outcomes we have obtained for our clients in sexual harassment cases whether filed by individuals or in class actions.

• Won a dismissal of hostile work environment sexual harassment claims against multiple supervisors and co workers for an international engineering and construction company in arbitration.
• Obtained summary judgment for an airline industry client in a lawsuit involving allegations that an executive sexually harassed female managers.
• Negotiated a favorable settlement for an energy services client in a same sex harassment lawsuit while the company’s motion for summary judgment was pending.
• Negotiated a rapid and favorable settlement in a case involving allegations against a publicly traded company’s CEO brought by a female department manager.
• Represented a number of law firms in sexual harassment claims against partners, obtaining confidential resolutions before suit was filed.
• Successfully defended a financial company sued for sexual harassment by a terminated employee and settled the case for nuisance value during the plaintiff’s deposition.
• Conducted an investigation of widespread claims of sexual harassment against an international company’s U.S. president and successfully negotiated a settlement that avoided litigation.