A solicitor who was sacked from a prominent law firm has launched an unfair dismissal case claiming she was fired for her religious beliefs.

Ammi Burke was dismissed from Arthur Cox last November after working for the firm for three years as an associate.

Ms Burke has complained about an article which quoted an anonymous source who described Arthur Cox as having sacked a “Christian nutjob” and that the employee had “lost their rag” with those who had used blasphemous language. Ms Burke has denied this and said that she found the comments hurtful.

Ms Burke wrote to the firm on January 2 and said that her dismissal was in breach of the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and in disregard of fair procedures and the requirements of natural justice. She wrote again on January 29, saying “It is apparent that my dismissal is linked with my religious belief and practice”. Ms Burke has since initiated proceedings for unfair dismissal at the Workplace Relations Commission.

Arthur Cox has denied any unlawful behaviour.