WASHINGTON — Today, the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), along with co-counsel Kakalec Law PLLC and Harrison, Harrison & Associates, announced it reached a settlement agreement with Zoetis, Inc., one of the world’s largest animal health companies, on behalf of a veterinary pathologist who was significantly underpaid by the company compared to at least two of her male colleagues performing the same job but with far fewer years of experience.

The lawsuit was filed by Dr. Yvonne Schulman, who was paid over $100,000 less than a male veterinary pathologist with six fewer years of work experience and $70,000 less than another male colleague with 19 fewer years of experience. Zoetis refused to raise Dr. Schulman’s pay even after she reported the disparities to HR and other company officials, according to the lawsuit.

“This settlement sends a clear message: Employers cannot shortchange women and expect to get away with it,” said Schulman’s attorney, Rachel Smith, senior litigation counsel at NWLC. “Too often, highly qualified women workers face discrimination because of their gender. Dr. Schulman was severely underpaid despite her extensive experience and qualifications. But today, we get to celebrate her significant settlement and meaningful justice at last.”

Schulman’s lawsuit, which was initially filed in March 2022 in New Jersey federal district court, brought claims against Zoetis for violating the Equal Pay Act and Title VII, as well as New Jersey’s equal pay and antidiscrimination laws. In May 2025, the court denied summary judgment, putting the case on the path to trial. Details of the settlement have not been publicly disclosed.

“While I am pleased with the settlement, this is about more than my own experience. I want to ensure that this type of pay inequity doesn’t continue to happen to other women,” Schulman said. “No one should be paid less because of their gender. I hope this encourages others who are unfairly paid less to speak up and fight back. Companies need to remember that if they break the law, they can be made to pay.”

“We are glad to have partnered with the NWLC, Harrison, Harrison & Associates, and, most importantly, Dr. Schulman, on this case,” said Patricia Kakalec of Kakalec Law PLLC. “Pay equity is critical for women workers in all types of jobs.”

“It was an honor to represent Dr. Schulman who, in addition to standing up for herself, was committed to preventing others from being similarly discriminated against,” said Julie Salwen of Harrison, Harrison & Associates.

NWLC’s fact sheet, A Window Into the Wage Gap, provides data on, as well as causes of, the wage gap and strategies to address equal pay. If you would like to speak to an expert on this case and equal pay, or Dr. Schulman, please contact [email protected].

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