In a published appeal on an issue of first impression, the New Jersey Appellate Division reversed the grant of summary judgment to two law firms and a managing partner in a former employee’s claims under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.

Rosemary Beneduci was a bookkeeper with the law firm of Graham Curtain for almost thirty years when she took a disability leave to have knee surgery in 2017, according to the opinion. About a month after her return from leave, Beneduci took a second leave due to problems with her other knee which ultimately required knee replacement surgery.