Call Him Master

Pennsylvania Disciplinary Counsel has filed a petition for discipline charging misconduct involving a person who had consulted with the accused attorney concerning a sexual harassment, gender discrimination and hostile work environment claim against Lumenis Inc.

Respondent referred her to another attorney to pursue the claim.

The alleged victim had a condominium in Broward County, Florida. Respondent made plans to have lunch with her when he was in Broward County.

It is alleged that he came to her condominium on December 8, 2018 and asked to use her bathroom.

It is further alleged he forced her on a bed, pinned her there, climbed on top of her, kissed and licked her neck and ears, stated he wanted to put his tongue in her mouth, and grinded his erect penis against her body.

She allegedly “screamed and cursed at [him] to get off of her.”

After she had gotten him off of her, she asked him to leave; he allegedly advised her they were going out to lunch to discuss her case and threatened he would get her counsel to quit her case if she told anyone.

He also allegedly told her to “lighten up” and “to be more fun.”

They went to lunch and then returned to the condominium.

Respondent allegedly asked to use her wi-fi and use his laptop to check on her case.

He then allegedly asked her “when she would give [him] a good blow job,” said “come on, come on, let me put my tongue in you,” and told her to call him “Master.”

When she screamed and pushed him away, he allegedly “laughed and told her he carried a gun.”

“From time to time thereafter,” he allegedly called her and said he could not “wait to get one of her blow jobs,” would not end the phone conversation until she called him Master, and stated that he and the other counsel would quit the case if she disclosed the condominium incident and that she would lose her case. 

The civil case was removed to federal court.

Respondent entered his appearance and withdrew when she discharged him.

Respondent’s answer to the petition admits the condominium visit and lunch but denies the allegations of misconduct. 

The pleadings can be accessed here. (Mike Frisch)