She claims this was effectively a demotion that limited her career prospects as a solicitor.

On its website Maurice Blackburn claims it is "the country's leading social justice law firm" and "a true champion in the fight for fair".

At Christmas party without carer

Ms Young also claims in December 2015, her supervisor and Maurice Blackburn senior associate Naomi de Costa said the firm required her to have a carer with her at all work-related external events.

Later that month, she attended the work Christmas party accompanied by a friend as a carer. However, the friend had to leave the party at 8.50pm before dessert was served. Ms Young had arranged for another Maurice Blackburn employee to support her when required for the remainder of the evening.

Ms Young claims her supervisor Naomi de Costa reprimanded her for staying at work Christmas party after her carer left. LinkedIn

Ms Young claims that later, she was verbally reprimanded by Ms de Costa for not leaving the party when her carer left at 8.50pm.

She also claimed in October 2016 Mr Simpson called her to request she did not renominate herself for an external work committee because it was a business development activity and her new role did not involve business development.


She replied saying she would renominate for the committee as it was an important aspect of her ongoing career development.

She also says in December last year she was found to have engaged in misconduct because she had said she would renominate with the work committee.

Allegations disputed

Ms Young is asking for an injunction to prevent the law firm from stopping her from rejoining the committee and a pecuniary penalty.

She is also seeking compensation for distress, hurt and humiliation and a psychological injury for which she is being treated.

A Maurice Blackburn spokeswoman said the firm disputes the allegations contained in this claim and the firm tried to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. This included ensuring an independent process from the outset, with every support offered as required, to thoroughly address concerns raised and to seek a resolution, she said.

However, the firm had "no option but to terminate Ms Young's employment in December 2016," the firm spokeswoman said.

"While it is not appropriate to be drawn on the specifics, our firm maintains its long-standing commitment to treating all staff fairly," she said.