$11m claim dropped

March 28, 2008 - 9:55AM

A high-profile workplace sexual harassment claim against an accounting giant has been withdrawn after mediation.

No details of any settlement were released when Christina Rich, a former partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, announced she would no longer pursue her case for $11 million in the Federal Court.

"After a mediation with PwC on 20 March 2008, Christina Rich has withdrawn the legal action initiated against PwC in the Federal Court by Ms Rich in October 2005," a statement said today.

Ms Rich sat smiling in court as Judge Catherine Branson wrapped up proceedings and congratulated the parties for coming to an agreement.

Outside the court, Ms Rich told reporters she was happy with the result.

"I would like to thank my family, my friends, my many supporters and my legal team,'' she said. She described her case against PwC as having been a "long process'' and she was glad it was over.

Ms Rich had claimed a boys' club culture held her and other women back during her career with the firm from 1999 to 2004, a claim denied by PwC.

She also claimed to have been sexually harassed, and that offensive notes had been left under her door at a conference.

Ms Rich was employed as the firm's transfer pricing partner and was paid more than $900,000.