Shannon Burns, a former technology executive from Boston, is pursuing £76 million ($144.1 million) in damages from Gitpod, a German software company, following her dismissal in 2023. The claim arises after an employment tribunal ruled in her favor on disability discrimination related to her attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Burns was recruited by Gitpod in 2022 but was terminated after an incident during a work trip the following year. She reportedly fell asleep in a sauna room following a company drinks event. Subsequent to the trip, Gitpod CEO Johannes Landgraf expressed concerns during a virtual meeting about Burns’ "lack of professional accountability." Another senior male executive messaged her urging her to "lead the team by example" and "stay in control." She was formally dismissed in a virtual meeting in June 2023.

The case, heard at an employment tribunal in Birmingham last year, addressed claims of both sex and disability discrimination. Employment Judge Rachel Wedderspoon rejected the sexual discrimination allegation, stating that Burns’ conduct was unrelated to her gender. However, the judge found in favor of Burns on her disability claim, affirming that her ADHD—diagnosed in 2015—had significantly contributed to her forgetfulness, including an incident where she lost her hotel room keys during the off-site event.

Burns has described the ruling as “incredibly validating,” underscoring her consistent efforts to approach conflicts collaboratively and with empathy toward all parties involved. She emphasized her attempts to raise Gitpod’s awareness about the illegal nature of unconscious bias impacting workplace decisions.

If successful, Burns’ compensation claim would mark the largest employment tribunal payout in the United Kingdom, surpassing the current record of £4.58 million. The £76 million figure reflects detailed calculations of potential future earnings lost due to her dismissal. Burns’ legal team, led by lawyer Tara Grossman, is currently pursuing appeals on the dismissed sex discrimination claim, while Gitpod’s legal representatives are appealing the disability discrimination ruling.

Gitpod was acquired by OpenAI in June 2023, adding complexity to ongoing legal proceedings. Burns acknowledged the lengthy and uncertain legal process but remains committed to her case, hoping it will ease access to justice for others facing similar workplace discrimination. She highlighted her position of relative privilege and strength, noting the support she has received as well as the broader implications her case may have for disability rights in employment.

The resolution of the case is expected to take several years.