Former Northwestern athletic director vindicated

Client(s) Polisky, Michael

A former cheer squad member filed a lawsuit against Northwestern in January 2021, alleging she and others experienced groping and sexually charged comments from fans and alumni at tailgates and donor events. The lawsuit alleged Northwestern and several employees, including Jones Day's client Mike Polisky, then the deputy athletic director, ignored complaints made by cheer squad members.

After the plaintiff refused to produce documents for many months, the Jones Day team moved to compel discovery from her. The plaintiff was ordered to produce documents, which established the plaintiff's allegations were in some instances false and ultimately served as a basis for a spoliation motion. The plaintiff’s lawyers proceeded to file a dismissal with prejudice, which has delivered some level of justice to the client.

Richardson v. Northwestern University, et al., 1:21-cv-00522 (N.D. Ill.)