Wachtell Partner Romancing Associate in Central Park: Let's Talk About Power

 Would red-haired 40-something Nathaniel Cullerton be so appealing to a 20-something if he hadn't been a partner in an elite law firm and she was an underling at that firm? 

That's what most of the coverage of the kissing incident in Central Park by the two Wachtell lawyers doesn't touch. Here is the video by Tik Toker Jay Guapo of their romantic break in the day.

It was foreign-policy expert Henry Kissinger who observed: "Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac." 

Since then, organizations have recognized how that reality can create major problems in the workplace. Typically, those take the form of a manager type engaging in an intimate relationship with a subordinate or at least a person with less status.

Another issue is that such arrangements can breed favoritism. The subordinate gets goodies others don't. The rest of the organization seethes in resentment. 

In addition, it can also trigger penalties for "non-compliance." The subordinate resists the seduction and loses out on a promotion or even is terminated. In 2016, law firm Paul, Weiss was called in by The Murdoch Boys to investigate if that sort of penalty box existed at Fox. 

What we do know is that Cullerton and associate Kelsey Borenzweig were part of the same team at Wachtell who defended OpenAI in litigation with Elon Musk. 

We also do know that in law firms, as in much of professional services, partners have unique power. That's why it's odd that the power dynamic hasn't been put under the microscope in the abundant analysis of this scandal, at least not yet. Both are in other relationships. Cullerton is married. 

Also not yet, Wachtell hasn't commented. Not unthinkable is an internal investigation at the law firm if there had been a misuse of power in the working relationships. Not just between the two but throughout the organization.

In coaching, I warn about the peril of romance, even among peers, in the office. If it sours you still have to show up for work, no matter how awkward or painful that is. When the power is uneven or when romance is against company policy increasingly common are terminations. Big jobs get lost. In 2019, that's exactly what happened at McDonald's. Steve Easterbrook stepped down.

Career Paths? So Over. It’s about Earning a Good Living. No matter what.

Complimentary consultation. No Pressure. Street-smart Guidance. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.


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