Attorney sues top
Manhattan law firm for discrimination

Aaron Charney, a fourth-year associate at one of Manhattan's top law firms, Sullivan & Cromwell, is suing the firm for systematic discrimination and retaliation against him because he is gay, reports TheNew York Times.

Charney claims that beginning in 2005 several partners in the prestigious firm subjected him to "lewd and illegal conduct" and demanded that he be fired for having an "unnatural" relationship with another attorney in the firm, a relationship that Charney denies. Charney is seeking unspecified punitive and compensatory damages as well as a trial jury.

The firm issued a statement "categorically denying Charney's allegations of discrimination and retaliation." David H. Braff, a gay partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, said the firm has a culture of acceptance and has taken on numerous cases protecting gay and lesbian rights over the years. (The Advocate)