A former associate lawyer is suing a law firm that specializes in workplace human rights, harassment investigations, and diversity training. Lavinia Latham, 37, claims she was bullied out of her job due to racism and a lack of accommodation during a medical crisis. Latham, a Black woman from Brampton, began her employment at Bernardi Human Resource Law LLP in November 2023. Her tenure ended in December 2024.

In her court filing, Latham describes an extremely toxic work environment. She alleges that she faced anti-Black racism and significant failures to accommodate her medical needs, which included a life-threatening miscarriage, a blood transfusion, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.

Lauren Bernardi, the managing partner of the firm, stated that they will vigorously defend against the lawsuit but did not provide specific responses to the allegations, citing the ongoing legal matter. "We do intend to file a vigorous defence to all the allegations and any further comments will be made directly to the court," Bernardi said.

Latham's attorney, Kathryn Marshall, emphasized the significance of the case, noting that it is uncommon for lawyers to sue their own firms. "We don’t really see a lot of litigation by lawyers suing their law firm, but as we know there is a lot of abuse. It takes a lot of bravery to do this," Marshall said. She added that the legal industry needs improvement, especially among firms that advise clients on human rights law.

Latham's claim states that she was a high performer who received praise after being recruited from her previous role as an equity and human rights advisor with the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Her base salary was $141,000. She alleges that after informing the firm about her IVF treatments, she received verbal support and promises of accommodation, which disappeared once she signed her employment contract.

Latham attributes much of the alleged mistreatment to Bernardi and the firm's Chief Talent Officer, Lisa Watson. She claims Bernardi spoke negatively about racialized lawyers and former employees. Latham also alleges that she was treated as "the Help" and that Watson questioned her about the validity of her hairstyle choices.

In July 2024, Latham suffered a miscarriage that required emergency surgery and a blood transfusion. Upon her return to work, she claims Watson pressured her about her billable hours without regard for her medical situation. Latham alleges that her sick leave for the following year was not pre-approved due to her time off after the miscarriage. Additionally, she claims that financial promises, including participation in the firm's profit-sharing bonus program, were not fulfilled.

Latham ultimately resigned, citing constructive dismissal as necessary for her health and well-being. She claims that the trust in her employment relationship had deteriorated beyond repair. After giving a four-week notice, she alleges that clients and staff were misinformed about her departure, being told she was fired, and that she was escorted out of the office.

Latham is seeking damages for wrongful dismissal and human rights violations, asserting that her termination was influenced by her medical disability, sex, and race. She is requesting $155,100 for lost wages and benefits, along with $750,000 for alleged breaches of the Ontario Human Rights Code, breach of contractual duty, moral damages, and punitive damages.