Pillsbury Winthrop has been forced to make a humbling apology to Frode Jensen as part of a settlement with the former partner.
The astonishing climbdown comes nearly seven months after Pillsbury first issued the now infamous press release accusing corporate partner Jensen, who had left the firm for Latham & Watkins, of sexual harassment.
Following a $45m (£28.5m) lawsuit brought by Jensen, both parties reached a settlement through mediation. Although details of the settlement are confidential, Pillsbury made a penitent public statement, issued through Jensen’s lawyers Arkin Kaplan.
The statement reads: “Pillsbury Winthrop deeply regrets making its public statements regarding Frode Jensen and has agreed to a settlement with Mr Jensen regarding those statements.
“Mr Jensen was a valued and respected member of the firm and was one of the firm’s most productive corporate partners. Mr Jensen is an accomplished corporate transactional lawyer, and he made many important contributions during his tenure at the firm.
“Pillsbury wishes him well in all his future endeavours and employment opportunities.”