Second Circuit Ruled on Forced Arbitration Law
A federal court determined that the act allows an entire sexual harassment lawsuit to remain in court.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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The Second Circuit ruled that the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Act shields an entire lawsuit from mandatory arbitration. The decision allows a former Texas law firm executive to pursue her full case in court.
Why it matters
The ruling clarifies that the federal act protects the entirety of a suit against mandatory arbitration, rather than just the specific claims of sexual misconduct. This ensures broader court access for plaintiffs bringing mixed-claim lawsuits.
The Second Circuit issued its mandate on September 30, 2026, confirming that the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Act applies to the full suit. The legal proceedings now continue in the court system.
The players
Second Circuit
This is a United States Court of Appeals that hears cases from federal district courts in New York, Connecticut, and Vermont.
The details
The court decided that because the lawsuit includes claims of sexual harassment, the protections of the federal act extend to all allegations within the suit. By preventing mandatory arbitration, the ruling allows the plaintiff to keep her claims together before a judge.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: The Second Circuit issued the court ruling.
Legal Context
This decision clarifies the scope of the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Act within the federal court system. It establishes a judicial standard for how mixed-claim litigation is handled under modern anti-arbitration statutes.
This ruling strengthens the legal leverage of employees who experience sexual harassment while working at large firms. It signals that companies may face public trials rather than private arbitration for cases involving these specific claims.
The takeaway
Plaintiffs with mixed-claim lawsuits now have greater assurance that their entire case can proceed in an open court. This decision highlights a significant shift toward transparency in how law firms and other large employers resolve misconduct disputes.
Further reading
For more on legal developments in this area, visit the Sex Crimes section.
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