CLAIMS of a culture of sexism and lewd comments and jokes in the top-tier law firm Clayton Utz have surfaced following a decision by a young female lawyer to drop her suit for sexual harassment, victimisation and defamation.

Bridgette Styles was seeking damages of more than $200,000 from her former employer, claiming she became suicidal and depressed after she became the target of an office whispering campaign over a fling with a colleague, Luis Izzo. Clayton Utz had denied her claims.

Settled ... former Clayton Utz lawyer Bridgette Styles was seeking damages of over $200,000. Credit:Domino Postiglione

Following mediation, both sides agreed to discontinue the case, part of which was set to be heard before a jury in the NSW Supreme Court next year.

Although the terms of the settlement are confidential, Justice Lucy McCallum has removed a suppression order covering some of the sordid details of the case.