Biglaw, Deaths

Former Dewey Partner Commits Suicide, Leaping From His New York Apartment

Our thoughts go out to the friends, family and colleagues of this notable attorney.

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Ken-FreelingTragic news in the Biglaw world. Yesterday Kenneth Freeling, a former Dewey & LeBoeuf partner who was currently of counsel at Covington & Burling, reportedly committed suicide by jumping out of his Park Avenue apartment. He landed on the second floor terrace of the apartment building and was pronounced dead on the scene.

Throughout his career, Freeling made stops at a number of Biglaw firms, aside from the aforementioned Dewey and Covington, as noted by the American Lawyer:

[Freeling] specialized in a broad range of cases, including antitrust, commercial and intellectual property matters for clients in the construction, financial institutions, industrial, media, pharmaceutical and telecommunications sectors. He joined Dewey & LeBoeuf predecessor Dewey Ballantine in June 2007 from Robins Kaplan. He previously worked at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, a firm he joined in 2001, and Kaye Scholer.

Dewey Ballantine merged with LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae in late 2007. For a time, Freeling served as managing partner of the combined firm’s office in Doha, Qatar. In March 2011, Freeling joined K&L Gates in Washington, D.C. Six months later he helped the firm open an office in Qatar.

In 2013 Freeling’s son, Samuel, committed suicide. The New York Post is reporting that police indicated Freeling’s history included mental illness and drug use.

A Covington representative made this statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Ken’s passing,” a Covington spokesman said in a statement provided to The American Lawyer. “He made important contributions to the firm and was a good, earnest colleague who cared deeply about the firm.”

Our thoughts go out to the friends, family and colleagues of Freeling.

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If you are thinking about suicide, or are worried someone you know is, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for help, 1-800-273-8255.

Lawyer jumps to his death from Park Avenue building [New York Post]
Ex-Dewey Partner, Covington Counsel Dies in High-Rise Fall [Am Law Daily]

headshotKathryn Rubino is an editor at Above the Law. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).

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