Elite investment bank settles case that put Wall Street's 100-hour weeks on trial
Business Insider
February 22, 2026
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Elite investment bank Centerview Partners has settled a high-profile lawsuit brought by former junior banker Kathryn Shiber, who alleged the firm violated disability discrimination laws by firing her after she revealed her need for eight to nine hours of sleep due to an anxiety disorder. The case, which was set to go to trial in Manhattan federal court, centered on Shiber’s claims that the bank’s grueling work culture—often requiring 60 to 120 hours a week and even 24-hour stretches—contributed to her dismissal in 2020. While the terms of the settlement were not disclosed, Centerview maintained its stance that Shiber’s legal claims lacked merit and emphasized its commitment to workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities.
The lawsuit shed rare insight into the demanding world of investment banking, where junior analysts often face intense pressure to meet deadlines and work unpredictable hours. Court filings revealed that Shiber was assigned to a high-stakes deal known as “Project Dragon,” which required her to work until early morning hours repeatedly. After logging off at 1 am on a Friday without informing her team, she reached out to HR for a work accommodation, which was granted but ultimately led to her dismissal weeks later. The case highlighted the challenges faced by junior bankers in balancing their mental health with the demands of their jobs.
The resolution of the lawsuit avoids a potential trial that could have examined Wall Street’s long-standing culture of excessive hours and its impact on employee well-being. By settling, both parties can move forward without a jury weighing in on issues like workplace accommodations and disability rights in high-pressure industries. The case also underscores the growing scrutiny placed on corporate work cultures, particularly in sectors known for their demanding and often unmanageable schedules.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/22/2026