Senior Associate Reports Sexual Harassment and Requests Equal Treatment for Christians—Law Firm Terminates Him for Praying with Colleagues

Mid-South Super Lawyers named Shea Hasenauer a Rising Star and his large law firm employer promoted him to Senior Associate Attorney, which is one step below Partnership.  Mr. Hasenauer earned excellent annual employment reviews with no mention of any misconduct.  The employer, Spencer Fane LLP, officially stated that it wanted all its personnel to “feel belonging” and be “confident living authentically.”  Instead of fulfilling its own standard, the employer repeatedly promoted anti-Christian beliefs in the workplace and even helped personnel with LGBTQ attractions promote their beliefs, but did not do this for Christians with Biblical beliefs. 

In September 2024, a Partner sexually harassed Mr. Hasenauer at a company event.  Mr. Hasenauer reported this to Human Resources, who showed little concern with this but great concern that Mr. Hasenauer exercised his right to share his Biblical beliefs with a colleague at dinner.  Mr. Hasenauer demanded that the employer end its discrimination against Christians and provide the equal treatment and opportunity that other groups received. 

Instead of ending its discrimination and taking the required corrective action, the employer responded by terminating Mr. Hasenauer’s employment in the very next meeting.  The company violated its own procedural norm set forth in its Handbook by not including Mr. Hasenauer in a pre-termination investigation and it provided zero warnings regarding him praying with others, which is itself a legally protected action.  

This is an important case regarding religious liberty in the workplace and equal treatment for all persons.  Advocates for Faith & Freedom is litigating this case with McIntyre & Bermudez PLLC.