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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RECORD

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Plaintiff alleges former employer Marcum LLP of discrimination and harassment

State Court
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A former receptionist has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging a workplace environment rife with discrimination and harassment. On October 17, 2024, Angelique Paramore filed the complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Marcum LLP. The lawsuit details multiple allegations including gender discrimination, sexual harassment, failure to prevent such misconduct, and wrongful constructive termination.

Angelique Paramore's legal battle began after she experienced what she describes as a "male-dominated corporate culture" at Marcum LLP that perpetuated discriminatory and sexually harassing behavior. According to the complaint, Paramore started working for Marcum in October 2022 with hopes of building a long-term career. However, she soon found herself in an untenable situation when a client named Robert Vargas allegedly began making inappropriate comments towards her starting June 21, 2023. Despite reporting these incidents to her supervisors and requesting not to interact with Vargas further, no protective measures were taken by Marcum. Instead, Paramore was forced to continue working with Vargas who later physically assaulted her on September 14, 2023.

The complaint accuses Marcum LLP of failing to take reasonable steps to prevent discrimination and harassment as required under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). It highlights how other employees like Shannon Lee received protection from similar harassment while Paramore did not. This disparity in treatment left Paramore vulnerable to continued abuse. The suit claims that this neglect resulted in significant mental suffering for Paramore which eventually led to physical symptoms.

Paramore's allegations extend beyond personal grievances; they underscore systemic issues within the company’s handling of harassment complaints. She recounts being assured by Partner Juliet Song that action would be taken against Vargas but later discovered that he remained a client due to alleged terminal illness considerations. This revelation came after months of enduring harassment without adequate support from management or human resources.

In seeking justice through the court system, Angelique Paramore is asking for general damages exceeding the jurisdictional minimum along with special damages yet to be determined at trial. Additionally, she seeks punitive damages due to what she describes as malicious conduct by Marcum LLP intended to cause harm or disregard her rights as an employee. Her legal representation includes attorneys Glenn A. Danas and Zarrina Ozari from Clarkson Law Firm P.C., who have also demanded a jury trial on all triable issues.

The case is being overseen by Judge M. Arechiga under Case ID: 24CV449732 at the Superior Court of California in Santa Clara County.

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