We’re still trying to get the motion papers in Sullivan & Cromwell v. Charney, the lawsuit S&C has filed against its (former) associate. Unfortunately, we haven’t had any luck just yet.
We’ve contacted some MSM friends who have been following the case, but they either don’t have the documents or aren’t willing to share them. We contacted S&C’s counsel, Zach Fasman of Paul Hastings, to see if he might be able to provide us with copies — which, as we noted in our email, are publicly filed. He wrote back: “No comment” (and with no attachments).
We’re coming up to New York on Thursday, to attend the hearing before Justice Bernard Fried. So we will try to get the documents ourselves, in person, at that time. But we would obviously appreciate it if someone could get copies to us earlier.
In the meantime, we’re curious to see whether S&C’s going on the offensive has affected public opinion. Ever since we opened our Charney v. S&C poll, Aaron Charney has been polling between 60 and 65 percent. But maybe this will change, now that S&C has turned the tables on Charney, accusing him of wrongdoing and misconduct in court filings of its own.
The poll appears below. Please note that you are permitted to change your vote (so feel free to do so if S&C’s countersuit has affected your views):
And, of course, there’s our second poll, concerning the possible monetary value of Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell. We previously thought the poll might be an interesting gauge of the case’s settlement value. But in light of S&C’s apparent brass-knuckles approach, what Charney’s case might settle for is just a matter of academic curiosity.
Earlier: Prior ATL coverage of Aaron Charney and Sullivan & Cromwell (scroll down)
Paul Hastings
- Aaron Charney, Attorney Misconduct, Biglaw, Gay, Paul Hastings, Reader Polls, Sullivan & Cromwell, Zachary Fasman
Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell: Polls Are Still Open
By David Lat- Aaron Charney, Biglaw, Gay, H. Rodgin Cohen, Paul Hastings, Pro Se Litigants, Sullivan & Cromwell, Vicious Infighting, Zachary Fasman
Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell — Or Should We Say, Sullivan & Cromwell v. Charney?
By David LatWe just got back from dinner with lawyer friends, where everyone mourned the apparent passing of Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell. Earlier today, it seemed that this lawsuit — which has riveted legal gossip circles — was on the brink of settlement.
As we pointed out this afternoon, something was definitely going on in the case. Aaron Charney was no longer listed on the S&C website. He wasn’t returning our emails, and when we finally reached him by phone, the usually chatty plaintiff refused to speak to us. When we contacted Sullivan & Cromwell partner Theodore Rogers, he was also quite cagey.
In short, the parties were acting weird — very weird. We felt a great deal of tension in the air. Something was definitely not “normal” (to the extent that anything about this lawsuit could be called “normal”).
We suspected a settlement was in the works (and even asked you to vote in a reader poll about the amount). But it turns out that nothing could have been further from the truth.
Reports of this lawsuit’s death have been greatly exaggerated (largely by yours truly). The legal warfare between Aaron Charney and Sullivan & Cromwell, far from going away, is actually ESCALATING. WOW!!!
Check out the fantastic comments to our last post. Or read this concise summary, emailed to us by a reader:
Sullivan & Cromwell filed its own action against Charney [yesterday] — and it was started by an order to show cause seeking a preliminary injunction!!!!
The case is on for next Thursday, February 8, before Judge Bernard Fried.
I think this means the case is far from settling, if S&C started their own lawsuit. I will try to get my hands on the complaint.
Mr. Charney, S&C is playing hardball — and you’re the ball. Biglaw is about to get medieval on your ass.
You’re going to be bending over for Messrs. Sullivan and Cromwell. And this time around, they won’t ask nicely.
ATL readers: Please email us with any information, tips, or rumors about the litigation. We are ESPECIALLY interested in getting our hands on S&C’s moving papers, which apparently were filed yesterday (February 1).
Treat this post as the open thread for all things Charney-licious. We will add, update, and tinker with it throughout the weekend. Refresh your browser for the latest — and check out the comments, too.
Fasten your seatbelts, everyone. For fans of Biglaw gossip, it’s going to be a bumpy — but hopefully entertaining — little ride.
Update (12:58 AM): Hey, guess what? You don’t need to read all 60+ comments to our most recent Aaron Charney post.
We’ve prepared a handy little digest of these comments. It appears after the jump.
What is going on in Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell? Here are some facts worth noting:
1. Aaron Charney’s bio has been removed from the Sullivan & Cromwell website (even though it remained there for quite some time after his lawsuit was filed). He is no longer listed on the site as an S&C attorney.
2. Aaron Charney has removed the Complaint from his website, www.aaroncharney.com.
Update: That was according to a commenter. But it seems to be back up (assuming if it was ever gone in the first place). See here (PDF).
3. Zach Fasman, the Paul Hastings partner handling the matter for S&C, has not returned our emails or calls.
4. Plaintiff Aaron Charney, who is usually an INSTANT emailer, has not responded to an email we sent him LAST NIGHT.
5. We just got off the phone with Aaron Charney. In the past, he has been very cordial and chatty with us. But today he DECLINED TO COMMENT.
And we could tell, from the sound of his voice on the line, that something is DEFINITELY going on. He was very, very nervous.
We pressed him a bit — “Can’t you tell us ANYTHING?” — but he kept on repeating that he could not comment. He was quite emphatic: “I really, really can’t comment right now.”
WHAT IS GOING ON???
DEVELOPING… DEVELOPING…
Earlier: Prior ATL coverage of Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell (scroll down)
As we predicted, this Friday afternoon is turning out to be eventful in terms of associate salary news. Our last open comment thread is a beehive of activity. We’re in the process of following up and confirming various items.
Verified pay raise announcements from Latham & Watkins and Paul Hastings, after the jump.
If you can vouch for the Gibson Dunn memo posted in the comments to this thread, please send us an email. A blank email from a GDC address will suffice.
Update: Thanks everyone. The GDC memo, now confirmed, also appears after the jump.
As we mentioned earlier today, word on the street is that Sullivan & Cromwell has hired veteran employment litigator Zachary Fasman (at right), chair of the employment law practice in the New York office of Paul Hastings, to represent S&C in connection with Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell.
That rumor has now been confirmed. We emailed Zach Fasman for comment, and we received this response:
David:
I can confirm that I have been retained by Sullivan & Cromwell in this matter. I cannot provide any further comment.
Thanks.
- Zach Fasman
It will therefore fall to Mr. Fasman, and his associate minions, to quiz Eric Krautheimer on his bathroom reading habits. Fun stuff.
P.S. Thanks for all of your astute and amusing comments about Gera Grinberg’s lawyers at Gallion & Spielvogel — whose website is not to be missed.
Zachary D. Fasman [Paul Hastings]
Earlier: Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell: Now Everybody Gets To Bend Over!
Prior ATL coverage of Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell (scroll down)
Why do we say this? Because more lawyers are on the scene, that’s why! And now everybody gets to grab their socks.
(Internal investigations: Fun for the whole family!)
Here’s a quick update on what’s going on in Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell, the lawsuit filed by Aaron Charney against S&C, alleging anti-gay discrimination and retaliation.
On the civil litigation front, Sullivan & Cromwell has a week or two before it must answer Charney’s Complaint (PDF). As we previously mentioned, S&C is conducting an internal investigation into some of Charney’s allegations.
Here’s the latest news:
1. Sullivan & Cromwell associate Gera Grinberg, the purportedly straight associate with whom plaintiff Aaron Charney had a relationship that an S&C partner allegedly referred to as “unnatural” (HOTT!!!), has retained counsel: Gallion & Spielvogel.
Some time ago, we tried to contact Mr. Grinberg. We received this response from his new lawyers:
David Lat:
I understand that you recently have attempted to speak with Sullivan & Cromwell associate attorney Gera Grinberg.
Please be advised that my law firm, Gallion & Spielvogel, has been retained to represent Mr. Grinberg. My partner, Steven Spielvogel, and I are both alumni of Sullivan & Cromwell’s Litigation Department; we have a great deal of experience with internal corporate inquiries and, in fact, our firm specializes in handling such sensitive internal investigations.
As you can well understand, under the circumstances we have instructed our client not to speak directly with any media representatives. To the extent that you wish to contact Mr. Grinberg for any reason in the future, you should direct your inquiry to me at my law firm by email.
I trust that you and other representatives of your organization will refrain from any further attempts to reach my client directly.
Thank you.
Edward R. Gallion
Gallion & Spielvogel
Interesting that Grinberg has hired lawyers who are former S&C litigators (and presumably still on good terms with the firm). We wouldn’t be surprised if the powers-that-be at the firm pointed Grinberg in Gallion’s direction.
Why has Grinberg retained counsel? We’re guessing Gallion is representing Grinberg in connection with Sullivan & Cromwell’s internal investigation. Speaking of which…
2. We previously asked you which outside law firm was handling S&C’s investigation.
We haven’t confirmed this 100 percent. But we are hearing on the street that S&C has retained Paul Hastings. The team is said to be led by Zachary Fasman, a Paul Hastings partner who specializes in employment litigation.
We will contact Mr. Fasman and let you know what, if any, comment he has to offer.
If you have info you can share about this matter, please contact us.
Earlier: Prior ATL coverage of Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell (scroll down)
This is the Paul Hastings memo that went out earlier today (and previously posted in the comments). We have verified it with several sources at the firm.
Date: January 29, 2007
To: Stamford and New York Associates
cc: Stamford and New York Partners, All Office Chairs and AD Chairs, All Recruiting & Development
From: Jim Owens and Elizabeth Noe
Co-Chairs, Attorney Development
Subject: FY2008 Compensation Structure for Associates, New York and Stamford Offices
We are pleased to announce the Firm will be increasing base-level salaries for U.S. associates in Stamford and New York effective as of the new fiscal year which commences February 1, 2007.
FY2008 Compensation by Class Year is as follows:
Seniority Year / Class year
Stamford & New York
Entering 2007 160,000
1st / 2006 160,000
2nd / 2005 170,000
3rd / 2004 185,000
4th / 2003 210,000
5th / 2002 230,000
6th / 2001 250,000
7th / 2000 265,000
8th+ / 1999 280,000
These increases reflect the Firm’s commitment to paying at the top tier of the market in New York. The commitment to compete at the top tier extends to all of our markets. We will be making salary determinations in our other markets over the next several days. In all cases, any increase in base salary levels will made retroactive to February 1.
We thank you for and commend your performance, commitment and hard work throughout the year and your contributions to our success.
Please feel free to contact us or your local Attorney Development Committee Chair or Office Chair if you have any questions.
- Biglaw, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, Cravath, Department of Justice, McDermott Will & Emery, Musical Chairs, Paul Hastings, William Weld
Musical Chairs: 11.17.06
By David LatHere are a few of the most notable moves within the legal profession:
Reunited and It Feels So Good:
* Former Massachusetts Governor William Weld has returned to the New York office of McDermott, Will & Emery. This year, Weld unsuccessfully ran for the chance to get trounced by Eliot Spitzer the Republican nomination for governor of New York.
* Intellectual property lawyer Brian O’Shaughnessy is back at Buchanan Ingersoll — after Womble Carlyle crowed loudly about scooping him up. Nate Carlile of the Legal Times has the story:
O’Shaughnessy started at Womble the day after Halloween, never spent a moment there practicing law, and was gone before the end of the week. (Actually, it appears he cleared out at about the same time Womble was touting his hire.)
How bizarre, how bizarre.
Government to Private Sector:
* Guy Singer — who worked on the Jack Abramoff corruption case, among several other high-profile prosectuions — is heading for the D.C. office of Florida-based Akerman Senterfitt.
New Partners:
* Cravath, Swaine & Moore: Over at the Death Star, four new partners have been announced: corporate lawyer Craig Arcella, litigator Teena-Ann Sankoorikal, corporate lawyer Andrew Thompson, and corporate lawyer Damien Zoubek. The partnership decisions will be effective January 1, 2007.
A tipster tells us that both Craig and Teena are “very good-looking.” (Feel free to send us pictures.)
* Paul Hastings: Sixteen new partners — three more than last year. Evidently they enjoyed working at the firm more than this guy did. Their names appear here.
Firm Names Larger Class of New Partners [NYLawyer.com]
Well-Travelled Politician Rejoins Old Firm in NY [NYLawyer.com]
Abramoff Prosecutor Quits DOJ for Firm [NYLawyer.com]
NY Associates Making Partner [NYLawyer.com]
After Three Days, Flip-Flopping Partner Quits New Firm for Old Firm [Legal Times]
Paul Hastings Elects Sixteen To Partnership [Paul Hastings]
We recently quoted from this reader comment:
Repeat after me: an office wide email is never, ever a good idea.
This advice, while generally sound, is slightly overbroad. We can think of at least one occasion when an office-wide email is appropriate.
When you leave a job, it’s perfectly appropriate to send around a farewell email to the entire office, if you are so inclined. You should talk about how much you enjoyed working there, thank your colleagues for a great experience, mention your future plans, and provide your contact information (if you wish).
Try to refrain from writing things like this:
While I have a high degree of personal respect for PHJW as a law firm, and I have made wonderful friendships during my time here, I am no longer comfortable working for a group largely populated by gossips, backstabbers and Napoleonic personalities. In fact, I dare say that I would rather be dressed up like a pinata and beaten than remain with this group any longer. I wish you continued success in your goals to turn vibrant, productive, dedicated associates into an aimless, shambling group of dry, lifeless husks.
Yep, that’s a quote from an actual good-bye email, which an ex-Paul Hastings associate sent to his former colleagues. You can read the complete email here.
This email is an old one. In the future, the next time you receive a scandalous or funny email message at work, please forward it to us (tips AT abovethelaw DOT com). We love to reprint such emails in these pages. Thanks!
Paul, Hastings: “Gossips, Backstabbers and Napoleonic Personalities” [Gawker]
- Biglaw, Dewy Orifice, In-House Counsel, Musical Chairs, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe, Paul Hastings
Musical Chairs: 11.14.06
By David LatLateral Moves:
* Bankruptcy and restructuring lawyer Adrian Harris, to Chadbourne & Parke (London), from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (where he headed their European insolvency and restructuring practice).
Could his departure be related to the law firm merger that will give rise to Dewy Orifice?
New Partners:
* Paul Hastings (New York): corporate lawyer Richard Denhup, litigator Jodi Kleinick, and corporate lawyer Domenick Pugliese.
In House Counsel:
* Apple Computer’s search for a replacement for Nancy Heinen as general counsel has concluded. The new hire: Donald Rosenberg, former GC of IBM.
Not content to mercilessly mock them in slick TV ads, Apple has to go after IBM’s lawyers, too.
Apple Picks IBM’s Top Lawyer for General Counsel Slot [The Recorder via Law.com]
NY Partners Switching Firms [NYLawyer.com]
NY Lawyers On the Move [NYLawyer.com]
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