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BigLaw business development manager worked 90-hour weeks without overtime pay, suit alleges

By Debra Cassens Weiss

February 19, 2025, 1:57 pm CST

Updated: A business development manager alleges that Reed Smith misclassified her employment status, enabling the law firm to avoid paying overtime for work weeks that often stretched to 90 hours in length.

Phoebe Medeiros sued Reed Smith in California superior court in Los Angeles on Feb. 14, Bloomberg Law reports.

“Although her timesheets state she worked eight-hour days, five days a week, plaintiff regularly worked 90-hour workweeks, including working seven days per week and sometimes working up to 36-hour shifts,” the lawsuit said.

Medeiros said she should have been classified as a nonexempt employee, entitling her to wage protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Medeiros began work at Reed Smith in New York in October 2021. About a year later, she transferred to the firm’s Los Angeles office, where she worked under the “clear and specific directions” of a partner who spent all his time pitching potential clients.

Medeiros “did not exercise independent judgment or discretion in performing most, if not all, of her job duties,” the suit said.

Medeiros left Reed Smith last year. She is seeking compensation of at least $50,000.

Reed Smith responded to the ABA Journal’s request for comment with a statement.

“We are reviewing the allegations in the complaint and will respond in our court filings,” a firm spokesperson said.

Updated Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. to add Reed Smith’s statement.

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