Neiman Marcus faces arbitration over alleged mishandling of lawyer's workplace complaints and cancer leave
Former in-house counsel Erin Borg alleges Neiman Marcus ignored her complaints about a hostile work environment and dismissed her after she was diagnosed with brain cancer.
Erin Borg, a seasoned attorney, contends that Neiman Marcus subjected her to an unsustainable workload from her 2022 hiring and tolerated a hostile atmosphere involving Thomas Mattei, who allegedly made inappropriate jokes about the E. Jean Carroll case, and Hannah Kim, who she says piled on assignments. Borg reported these issues to human resources and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, but the retailer allegedly failed to address them.
Following a glioblastoma diagnosis and a period of chemotherapy, Borg returned to work after the company's acquisition by Saks Global and was subsequently dismissed, according to court filings. She has filed for arbitration against Neiman Marcus, Mattei and Kim, aiming to have her claim considered in the company's bankruptcy case to access any insurance proceeds. High-profile lawyer Ari Wilkenfeld represents Borg, accusing the firm of delaying arbitration fees and attempting to outwait her while she battles stage-four cancer. The dispute highlights concerns about leadership failures and workplace culture at the newly renamed Exemplar Luxury Group.
Why it matters
The case raises questions about corporate responsibility for employee health and workplace harassment during major restructurings.
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