Kalpana Kotagal L’05

Kalpana Kotagal is a Partner at Cohen Milstein, a member of the firm’s Civil Rights & Employment practice group, and Chair of the firm’s Hiring and Diversity Committee. Ms. Kotagal plays an active role in the investigation and development of new matters for the Civil Rights & Employment practice group.

Ms. Kotagal is co-author of the “Inclusion Rider,” referenced by Oscar-winning actress Frances McDormand in her 2018 Best Actress acceptance speech, together with Dr. Stacy Smith of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative and Fanshen Cox of Pearl Street Films. Ms. Kotagal is also currently serving as an advisor to noted filmmakers on a film addressing issues of gender pay disparities.

Ms. Kotagal represents employees and other victims of discrimination. Currently, Ms. Kotagal represents female sales employees in a Title VII and Equal Pay Act case against one of the nation’s largest jewelry chains in Jock, et al. v Sterling
Jewelers Inc. Her clients have alleged a pattern of sex discrimination in compensation and promotions. Ms. Kotagal also represents female sales employees in a putative class action against AT&T Mobility in a case alleging pregnancy discrimination, in violation of Title VII, as well as violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Medical Leave Act in Allen, et al. v. AT&T Mobility Services LLC. Ms. Kotagal also represents transgender individuals who are challenging the denial of transition-related healthcare. Ms. Kotagal has also been involved in representing victims of sexual harassment.

Ms. Kotagal has been recognized for her work on the Inclusion Rider and her commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in her legal practice, including being listed in the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2019), named
Law360’s “Employment – MVP” (2018), recognizing the top five most influential employment lawyers in the United States, named one of The National Law Journal’s “Elite Women of the Plaintiffs Bar” (2018), and receiving Chambers Women in Law: USA 2018, “Outstanding Contribution to the Community in Advancing Diversity” Award, as well as A Better Balance’s Distinguished Public Service Award. In 2017, Ms. Kotagal was also recognized by Law360 as a “Rising Star,” an annual list recognizing lawyers under the age of 40 whose professional accomplishments transcend their age.