A former senior associate at McDermott Will & Emery has alleged she was unfairly dismissed after pregnancy-related medical problems forced her to take time off, an employment tribunal has heard.

Cheng Tan worked as an intellectual property lawyer at the US firm's London office until she was made redundant in November last year, according to press reports.

She is suing the firm for unfair dismissal, on the grounds of maternity discrimination and indirect age discrimination.

According to reports, Tan claims she was made redundant after taking more than six months maternity leave, following complications relating to her pregnancy in May 2011. The lawyer was told she faced redundancy on 3 November 2011, during a meeting Tan thought would address her return to work.

In a statement, McDermott partner and general counsel Alan Rutkoff said the firm denies the allegations made by Tan, but declined to comment on specific claims.

"McDermott Will & Emery is strongly committed to promoting diversity in the workplace, being a good employer, and providing a healthy and rewarding work environment for our people," Rutkoff added. "We have become a recognized leader in workplace diversity."

"We have implemented practices that create and maintain an inclusive professional environment for the long-term benefit of our colleagues and clients. Our policies play a significant role in our hiring, retention and promotion processes."

London employment partner Katie Clark is acting on behalf of McDermott, and has instructed barrister Thomas Croxford of Blackstone Chambers for the hearing at the Central London Employment Tribunal, which ends today (12 July).

Tan is being represented by solicitor Simon Armstrong of Amstrongs solicitors in Wimbledon, with Outer Temple Chambers' Lydia Seymour advising.

The hearing, at the London Central Employment Tribunal, concluded on Friday (12 July) with an outcome due in the coming months.