In a striking development within the legal profession, a recently hired partner at an elite law firm found his tenure abruptly terminated mere months after joining, following the revelation of deeply inappropriate and vulgar social media posts. David Paul Kreisler, 58, had commenced his role in mid-May at Mayer Brown, a prestigious firm, where he was slated to contribute to their global private funds and investment management practice in New York, focusing primarily on fund formation.
Kreisler, a seasoned veteran in the investment funds industry with over three decades of experience, was dismissed in July. His termination stemmed from the exposure of crude comments he had disseminated on X (formerly Twitter) prior to his association with the esteemed white-shoe firm. These offensive remarks came to light through a detailed expose published on Medium, critically titled “Bad Behavior in Big Law — David Kreisler,” which underscored significant concerns regarding professional standards and online conduct.
Mayer Brown swiftly responded to the controversy, issuing a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding Kreisler’s departure. The firm asserted that its “reputable third-party screening” provider had verified his credentials but had not flagged his X account, presumably because it had already been deactivated at the time of the background check. It was only after the Medium article’s publication that Mayer Brown became aware of the problematic posts, leading to his immediate termination as a partner.
Despite being initially praised as a “strong addition” by Mayer Brown executives, Kreisler’s professional conduct online ultimately proved to be a critical liability. His X account has since been deactivated, yet troubling screenshots preserved on Medium captured his activity spanning from September of the previous year through January, painting a clear picture of the unacceptable commentary that led to his downfall.
The incident has reignited vital discussions surrounding workplace conduct and ethics within the legal community. The author of the exposing post, identified as Burns, powerfully articulated the pervasive and insidious nature of sexual harassment in professional environments. Burns emphasized that such behavior, including sexually charged comments and degrading remarks, is unequivocally unacceptable, particularly within a profession that holds a heightened duty to uphold stringent ethical standards and ensure an inclusive environment.
Legal institutions, Burns further noted, carry a profound professional and moral obligation to cultivate a workplace free from any form of harassment and discrimination. This duty extends beyond merely addressing formal complaints, necessitating a proactive approach to foster a culture ingrained with respect, accountability, and an absolute zero tolerance for any sexually charged or demeaning comments. The broader legal community is urged to adhere to the highest professional standards to maintain integrity and trust.
The implications of Kreisler’s actions extend beyond his legal career; he also serves on the board of trustees at Brimmer and May School, a private K-12 educational institution located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. This connection raises further questions about the broader reach of professional accountability and the expectations placed upon individuals holding positions of influence and trust in various sectors.
