Gay Discrimination Suit Filed Against White-Shoe Law Firm
Aaron Brett Charney, an associate at white-shoe firm Sullivan & Cromwell, filed a lawsuit this morning against his law firm, alleging sexual orientation discrimination and retaliation. Mr. Charney, a graduate of Brown and Columbia Law School, works in S&C's famed corporate department. As of presstime, his biography was still posted on the firm's website. According to Mr. Charney, he is still employed at the firm, and is representing himself.
In the documents filed this morning, Charney claims that a partner in the firm tossed a document at Mr. Charney's feet, and said, "Bend over and pick it up—I'm sure you like that."
The complaint also alleges discrimination against Canadians.
An assistant to firm chairman H. Rodgin Cohen said he was in a meeting and could not immediately respond.
The complaint is available here for download--PDF, 3.8 MB. —Anna Schneider-Mayerson
The image of a boss chortling that a member of staff likes to bend over, and also saying there's still some excrement on the document are revolting and, unfortunately, convincing to me. With over 20 years of being employed in stuffy, venerable, and buttoned up old law offices, and being gay, I've been the recipient of such attitudes, words and deeds. While not as glaring as those Mr. Charney has allegedly endured, the sneers, the smirks, the off-color jokes I've been the recipient of have all conveyed contempt at worst or lack of awareness at best. The national origin claim is also a valid one; a put down is a put down and those who believe such a claim is frivolous might consider reevaluating their own prejudices. It is not just a handful of individuals named in this complaint who may be in need of a stern rebuke, but also any environment in which attitudes like theirs are allowed to live on in perpetuity deserve out-and-out criticism. Whether or not Aaron Charney can prove his claims is for the court to decide, if his case makes it that far. I hope that it does.