Blank v. Sullivan & Cromwell

Brief Fact Summary.

Blank filed a motion to reconsider discovery when she asked for the numbers of men and women hired to a firm under a sexual discrimination in hiring practices claim. 

Synopsis of Rule of Law.

Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 26, a party is entitled to the discovery of information that can be reasonably determined to be admissible evidence. 

Facts.

Blank along with several other woman filed suit against Sullivan and Cromwell alleging sexual discrimination in hiring practices under Title VII. Blank filed interrogatories relating to the number of men and women associates, partners, and the number of men and women offered partner in the firm. The court denied Blank’s discovery request. 

Issue.

Whether a party is entitled to the discovery of information that can reasonably be determined to be admissible evidence? 

Held.

Yes. Sullivan and Cromwell must answer the interrogatories because the Supreme Court held that information that relates to gender hierarchy in Title VII discrimination claims are discoverable.

Discussion.

Determining if more men were hired in a firm over similarly qualified women is adequate to determine sex discrimination.