A federal judge's decision this week to maintain a long-running sex discrimination suit against Jones Day will likely put more pressure on the parties for settlement discussions, observers say. The decision moves the case, brought by two married former Jones Day associates, toward a trial.

However, it's unclear if both sides will be able to reach a resolution before trial in the 5-year-old dispute. If it does indeed go to trial, it would be unusual, some legal observers say, although part of the reason it may go the distance is the plaintiffs are representing themselves.