Overview
(July 31, 2025, Washington, DC) – Steptoe LLP has filed a pro bono amicus brief in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Diemert v. City of Seattle, a case addressing race-based workplace discrimination. The firm represents client The Center for Individual Rights (CIR).
The brief supports appellant, a former City of Seattle employee who alleges that the city's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) created a racially hostile work environment in violation of the Equal Protection Clause. The appellant, who received high performance evaluations and accolades during his tenure, claims he was subjected to years of racial harassment and compelled participation in race-conscious trainings that undermined his dignity and professional standing.
Steptoe's brief argues that the District Court’s ruling, if upheld, would severely limit the ability of future plaintiffs to challenge discriminatory workplace practices. It emphasizes the constitutional implications of compelled racial classification and the broader impact on civil rights protections in public employment.
Notably, the US Department of Justice also filed an amicus brief in support of Diemert, underscoring the national significance of the case.
The Steptoe team includes partner Kevin Garvey and associate Anthony Pericolo.
About Steptoe
In more than 110 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
