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Married lawyer, 45, caught smooching underling, 29, in Central Park could lose tens of millions of dollars as lucrative offer to join rival firm is retracted, sources say
A married lawyer, Nathaniel Cullerton, 45, was reportedly photographed kissing a 29-year-old junior colleague in Central Park. According to unnamed sources, the incident may have jeopardised a highly lucrative move to a rival law firm, potentially costing him tens of millions of dollars.
The article says the rival firm has withdrawn its offer following the publicity surrounding the alleged relationship. It does not provide independent confirmation of the financial loss, the firm involved, or whether Cullerton has commented on the claims.
In short
- Lawyer’s reported job offer was allegedly withdrawn after Central Park photographs.
- Sources say the collapse could cost him tens of millions.
- Key claims have not been independently confirmed.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A firm may reasonably conclude that a prospective senior partner’s highly publicised conduct creates reputational, cultural and client-confidence risks, particularly where it involves a substantial seniority imbalance with a colleague. Partners are entrusted with leadership and judgement as well as legal work, and a firm can argue that it must protect its workplace standards and avoid inheriting a controversy that could distract from clients and staff. On this view, withdrawing an offer is a legitimate assessment of professional fit rather than a judgement on private morality.
The case against
Critics may argue that a consensual personal relationship and an embarrassing public incident should not automatically determine someone’s professional future, especially without evidence of misconduct at work or impaired legal performance. Rescinding a lucrative offer after publicity can appear to punish reputational optics rather than conduct that has been fairly investigated, and may impose an excessive career penalty. This view places weight on privacy, due process and the principle that employers should distinguish personal failings from professional competence.
Explained simply
A married lawyer was reportedly photographed in Central Park in an intimate situation with a junior colleague. The incident became public.
The lawyer had been in negotiations to join a rival law firm in what sources describe as a highly lucrative position, potentially worth tens of millions of dollars. Following the publicity, the rival firm reportedly withdrew its offer.
The case demonstrates the potential professional and financial costs when personal matters become public. It shows how significant the financial stakes can be in such situations.