Ex-Partner Sues Law Firm: Another Partner Had Affair with Wife
Two former partners of Edwards Wildman Palmer, a law firm based in Boston, have sued its managing partner Walter Reed.
The allegations are racy -- and sexy.
The two partners who sued are Jay Rosenbaum and Lawrence Cohen. Cohen is married to Laurie Hall, who is also a partner at Edwards Wildman. Cohen says his wife was having an affair with Reed.
It's the stuff of all associates' fantasies: two law partners, engaging in an illicit love affair. Well, it's either the stuff of dreams of the stuff of nightmares. Take your pick.
Whatever your case, Cohen is suing Reed because he claims he was forced out of the firm last year because of the affair. Cohen says he was excluded from certain firm events. This included weekend leadership retreats.
It probably didn't help his reputation that the "affair" became public in November. Hall and Reed reportedly told firm partners about their relationship. They also announced their intention to divorce their respective spouses.
A classy move, for sure. Though, it probably made for an awkward meeting -- especially if Cohen was invited.
How does Rosenbaum factor into this scenario? No, it wasn't some sort of kinky threesome situation. Instead, Rosenbaum alleges that he lost clients since some were "inextricably linked" to Cohen. Rosenbaum claims he had no choice but to resign after Cohen left.
Cohen and Rosenbaum's suit claims breach of fiduciary duty and constructive discharge.
Though the two attorneys seem to be faring well post-Edwards Wildman. Both are now partners at BigLaw firm Nixon Peabody. In short: they're still raking in the dough.
Related Resources:
- Former Edwards Wildman partner sues, alleging wife and managing partner had affair (Boston Business Journal)
- Divorce Lawyers Love Day After Valentine's Day (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- Deputy Prosecutor Charged for Scratching, Biting Lover's Wife (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)