A former Norton Rose secretary, Cheryl Pascal, is claiming unfair dismissal and racial discrimination against the firm, its head of personnel Celia Staples and director of administration Patrick Stone. Stratford Industrial Tribunal heard how Pascal had worked at the firm for eight years before her dismissal in February last year. “There was a systematic attempt either to dismiss me or force me to resign, motivated by dislike and the colour of my skin,” she claimed. Under cross-examination by Norton Rose's counsel Sue Carr, Pascal later revealed that a white colleague had brought a case of racial discrimination against Norton Rose alleging that Pascal had been treated preferentially.The case was adjourned until the beginning of December.