Lawsuit of the Day: Marinaro v. Greenberg Traurig LLP
Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell isn't the only discrimination lawsuit against a large law firm kicking around New York Supreme Court these days. Earlier this month, a complaint was filed in the case of Yasmin Marinaro v. Greenberg Traurig LLP.
Meet Harley I. Lewin (at right), a shareholder (partner) in the New York office of Greenberg Traurig LLP. According to his firm bio, he's the head of their trademarks and global brand strategies practice.
And according to allegations made by Yasmin Marinaro, a Latina female who previously worked as his administrative assistant, Harley Lewin:
-- described her to two male clients, within her earshot, as a "hot tomato";-- told these two clients that they should "check her out," then called her into his office, "whereupon Lewin and his male guests ogled her";
-- referred to her by the nickname "Chiquita Banana";
-- ordered her into his office, "whereupon he would instruct her to view sexually explicit and inappropriate emails";
"encourag[ed] her to gain weight so that she would be more sexually attractive";
-- attempted to intimidate her into not coming forward with her allegations by sending her an email entitled "Be Careful," in which he urged her to "keep [her] own counsel"; and
-- played a role in her allegedly retailatory firing from Greenberg Traurig.
Juicy allegations -- and there's more in the full Complaint.
Alas, we don't have enough time to do it justice right now. But we'll surely have more to say next week about the case of Marinaro v. Greenberg Traurig LLP. If you'd like to read the Complaint for yourself, we've provided a link below.
Yasmin Marinaro v. Greenberg Traurig LLP [New York Supreme Court (PDF)]
Harley Lewin bio [Greenberg Traurig]
(32) Comments
I know we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but he does look a little..... creepy (at least to me).....
Called her chiquita banana and encouraged her to gain weight. Kinky.
Rapaport (Marinaro's counsel) is an ass kicker. This will be settled very quickly.
You have to figure the lawyer approached the firm and the firm told them to take a hike and that's why they filed. I used to think that meant the defendant might be innocent but not anymore. I think when the defendant is a lawfirm/lawyer, they are probably guilty and just thinking they are hot stuff and nothing can get them. Those days are OVER for law firms adn lawyers though.
Methinks Aaron Charney should hire Mr. Rapaport.
See also: http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=569671&mc=1&forum_id=2
That makes me thik it is only a short matter of time before Charney gets an asskicker lawyer too. Cannot wait to follow this trial but the one against S&C will be so juicy. Any litigators able to tell me how it works with depositions? I recall they are public record, right? Can we read them after there is a transcript?!
I am betting Charney is not gonna be pro se for long. I bet the guy is deciding which of a zillion killer attorneys he wants to turn the reigns over to. Honestly, I am shaking to see the Charney case go to trial. Can you imagine how much fin it'd be to have all those S&C partners sitting under the hot deposition lights? Anyone know what the situation is when there are deposition transcripts taken in an ongoing litigation? I mean, could we get a copy of a transcript to read, like say Korry or Krauthheiner's or the others? How cool would THAT be!
as far as i know, deposition transcripts are definitely not in the public record. we're just going to have to wait for thesmokinggun or tmz to get their filthy hands on them
Lawzer is right, not public.
Can you imagine BigLaw partners getting dragged into a deposition all day though? I bet they'd hate it, especially ones who are trial lawyers themselves. What a waste of billable time too. LOL
TTIWWOP
TTIWWOP
As a Hispanic female associate, I'm not surprised by these allegations.
We put up with a lot in the workplace, both from our peers and particularly our clients.
what on earth is TTIWWOP
Thanks for changing the subject from BigLaw associate salaries! I'd much rather read about some sleazy partner getting in trouble than about BigLaw lemmings (or is it sheep?) Does anyone else think that the reason GT didn't settle is because they realize that they are going to bankrupt themselves with the associate raises?
HEY LAT - When you get back you should start a poll about Charney's Pro Se status? I'm thinking he's gonna get a shark like Rapoprt or even worse any day now. TIA Dude
TTIWWOP = This Thread Is Worthless With Out Pictures
I hear Marinaro is quite saucy.
(Hey, just because it's off by one letter -- that doesn't stop the Punster.)
A few people in this thread seem to think this girl was an associate -- she was an admin. assistant.
Re: depositions being public.
If Aaron Charney attaches the transcripts of the depositions as exhibits to a motion filed with the court, then they'll be public record and accessible to everyone (at least that's how it works in federal court... I'm not familiar with NY state practice.)
So, Aaron, when you get those nice juicy deposition transcripts, don't just attach excerpts... for the sake of your ATL fans, attach the Korry and Krauthheiner and other depositions in their entirety.
Can we get some pics of this chick? And then let's have a poll asking whether we would ogle her if she was marched into our office.
You know what "pics!" People like you are the reason why these lawsuits happen.
I think "pics!" comment goes to the underlying merits of the claim....
I don't see anything wrong with his comments. He's a partner, and she's hot. Get over it.
If what she described actually happened, it is unconscionable behavior. Our noble profession is repeatedly bruised by these episodes, which is unfair to the hard-working honest attorneys, who comprise the vast majority. That is stating the obvious, granted. But can we do anything about it? This question occurred to me on this relatively quiet Friday afternoon: If an associate was witness to the above-described conduct actions how would/should she/he would react? With silence? Take it up directly with the partner? Report it internally (assuming such internal mechanism exists)? It seems to me that the law firm context, perhaps not unlike other professional workplaces, does not facilitate "reporting" egregious behavior by one's peer or superior, especially if you are not its direct victim. (How will you one day make partner if you report that you heard Partner X call his assistant "Chiquita Banana," etc.?) Imagine if in the course of Partner X's long career his colleagues had regularly noticed this behavior but never took steps to end it. Culpability (at minimum in the non-legal, but moral sense , i.e. deserving of blame ) would be widespread, would it not?
If what she described actually happened, it is unconscionable behavior. Our noble profession is repeatedly bruised by these episodes, which is unfair to the hard-working honest attorneys, who comprise the vast majority. That is stating the obvious, granted. But can we do anything about it? This question occurred to me on this relatively quiet Friday afternoon: If an associate was witness to the above-described conduct actions how would/should she/he would react? With silence? Take it up directly with the partner? Report it internally (assuming such internal mechanism exists)? It seems to me that the law firm context, perhaps not unlike other professional workplaces, does not facilitate "reporting" egregious/objectionable behavior by one's peer or superior, especially if you are not its direct victim. (How will you one day make partner if you report that you heard Partner X call his assistant "Chiquita Banana," etc.?) Imagine if in the course of Partner X's long career his colleagues had regularly noticed this behavior but never took steps to end it. Culpability (at minimum in the non-legal, but moral sense, i.e. deserving of blame ) would be widespread, would it not?
Hal--
Your comment addresses statements allegedly made regarding the plaintiff's looks. However, your comment fails to address derogatory comments allegedly made relating to the plaintiff's ethnicity such as "chiquita banana".
Should we get over that too?
Hal must be a Parnet at a big firm. Maybe S&C. LOL
I know Marc Rapaport personally and don't think he would take the case unless he really thought there was merit in it.
Man, this guy is toast.
This Harley I. Lewin fellow has that sleazy, pious, arrogant, self righteous feel and look. His sexist ways make me nauseous. He has that repulsive slimy smile evocative of "sargeant Carter" on "Gomer Pyle"
so did he get to hit it or just get sued and no sticky?
How on earth would INTEGRITY survive without the likes of this Lewin trash or fellow despicable posters here like Hal, Cassandra, Punster, and the like? Knowing firsthand what happened here; that is knowing this filth upcloseandprofessional, one wonders why a pathetic excuse for a human lump of flesh like this Lewin never considers he might get his ASS KICKED by one of Marinaro's friends or family members or perhaps even a sympathizer or empathizer, even if she wins this thing or settles for big? He's not exempt from a real ass whoopin, you know. As CORRUPT as the law is in this country (Spitzer, Bush, McGreevy, Nixon, Clinton) many of us WILL NOT rely on it to satisfy this thing. There are many I know who have only refrained from stepping on this sleaze thus far so that this young lady can have her day in court or receive some bucks without repercussion and he receive his just desserts with venom and bile. She's not his only victim. There are others who want to give HIM some color, i.e., black and blue. "Be careful" says he? Watch your back, say we. And be forever careful yourself, you stench-drenched sack o' shyt -- be VERY careful, indeed!