Protiviti & Robert Half Sued for Sexual Harassment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAWSUIT: PROTIVI SEXUALLY HARASSES AND TARGETS PREGNANT WOMEN, LAWSUIT ALLEGES

A complaint filed in the Northern District of California accuses Protiviti and Robert Half, Inc. (NSYE: RHI) of perpetuating a sexually hostile work environment and firing women because they are pregnant.

NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2026 — A federal lawsuit filed today against Protiviti and Robert Half, Inc. (NYSE: RHI) alleges a disturbing sexually charged hostile work environment in which pregnant women were fired as part of company policy.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by Seppinni Law and Qureshi Law, alleges that the plaintiffs were subjected to a culture of sexual harassment, degradation, and unchecked pregnancy discrimination. After the plaintiffs’ requested maternity leave, the companies flagged them for inclusion in a mass firing because of their pregnancies, according to the lawsuit. The company justified the firings based on “forecasted chargeability,” which the complaint says led Protiviti and Robert Half, Inc. to disproportionately fire employees with upcoming leaves of absence, like maternity leaves.

Employees at Protiviti wrote things like “Protiviti hates pregnant women,” in employee group chats after the layoffs, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit alleges numerous acts of sexual harassment and hostile work environment, including employees being tasked with keeping office affairs secret, an environment where adult women are demeaned as “girls” by male executives, and where reports to HR and management about unwanted sexual touching go uninvestigated.

The plaintiffs filed claims of discrimination (including gender pay discrimination), sexual harassment, retaliation, and FMLA interference.

The plaintiffs are represented by Shane Seppinni, John Crain, and Megan Jones, of Seppinni Law and Will Horowitz of Qureshi Law.

Quote from plaintiffs’ attorney Shane Seppinni

“We look forward to showing the public what things are really like for women at Protiviti and Robert Half, Inc. It’s time for Protiviti to stop hiding behind forced arbitration.”

Quote from plaintiffs’ attorney John Crain

“Whatever HR, corporate doublespeak Protiviti and Robert Half tried to use, basing layoffs on ‘forecasted chargeability’ meant firing pregnant women, period. Women working at Protiviti realized this, and this federal complaint will prove they were right.”

Quote from plaintiffs’ attorney Megan Jones

“Protiviti fired our clients when they were weeks from giving birth when they should’ve had that time to prepare for birth then bond with their newborns. They can’t get that time back, but a jury can hold Protiviti accountable.”

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Seppinni Law is a premier employment law firm representing human interests against corporate interests in cases involving sexual harassment, discrimination, and workplace misconduct.

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The full complaint may be found here.