In an Associated Press interview that appeared in US News & World Report Partner Joshua S. Bauchner discusses the challenges facing small businesses juggling the demands of a lawsuit while managing their day-to-day operations.
Sending an email to a recipient is insufficient proof that it has been read.
On November 14, “The Uninvited: How I Crashed My Way Into Finding Myself,” was released to great acclaim as a story of redemption by AG&A client Craig Schmell.
Just prior to its release, Mr. Schmell’s employer, Morgan Stanley, terminated him upon learning that he is a recovering alcoholic; a critical part of the book’s storyline. Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC partner, Joshua S. Bauchner, and the firm immediately filed suit alleging unlawful termination arising from the discrimination against Mr. Schmell, a member of a protected class under state law.
The action is captioned: Craig Schmell v. Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., Docket No. MON-L-4077017, pending in the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey, Law Division, Monmouth County.
Mr. Schmell worked as a Senior Vice President with the company from 2006 until his dismissal earlier this year.
Mr. Schmell gained notoriety for his ability to place himself at the center of major events such as the Rangers’ Stanley Cup victory and the Grammys. In his memoir, he recounts those times and the unfortunate role his substance abuse played in his being “uninvited” onto the world’s stage.
Prior to publication, Mr. Schmell allowed his employer to review the book and, upon its request, made significant changes to accommodate Morgan Stanley. Despite his efforts, which included removing any mention of the company and a reference to an arrest at age 16, Schmell was told the book created “reputational risk” for the company and that risk was the reason for his termination, although he has been sober for nearly three decades.
In his suit, Mr. Schmell contends that the real reason for his dismissal was his prior drug and alcohol abuse and his status as a recovering alcoholic. Indeed, Mr. Schmell and the book already have been featured in multiple news outlets, including: Good Day New York, Cheddar, People Magazine, and Advisor Hub.
Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC’s employment group regularly represents individuals and employers in discrimination disputes. For additional information, please contact Joshua S. Bauchner or Michael H. Ansell at (973) 247-9000.
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For more than 85 years, ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC has been dedicated to providing excellent legal representation. In providing zealous advocacy and skilled legal advice to our diverse clientele, our attorneys all practice with a common philosophy… commitment to excellence and commitment to people.
A flood of recent events has brought sexual harassment front and center in the national conscience. With awareness at an all-time high, it is even more important for employers to take proactive steps to both prevent and respond to sexual harassment claims. Ansell Grimm & Aaron, P.C., is pleased to offer a free training session to companies with at least 25 employees to instruct on what constitutes sexual harassment, what can be done to prevent it, and how to adequately respond to complaints. More than just being the right thing to do, an employer who takes these proactive measures may be eligible for discounts on insurance premiums and help insulate themselves from potential liability.
If you are interested in scheduling a free training session, please contact Michael H. Ansell, Esq. of Ansell Grimm & Aaron, P.C., via email at mha@62q.f7d.myftpupload.com, by telephone at 973-247-9000, or visit our Labor & Employment Web page.
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For more than 85 years, ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC has been dedicated to providing excellent legal representation. In providing zealous advocacy and skilled legal advice to our diverse clientele, our attorneys all practice with a common philosophy… commitment to excellence and commitment to people. For more information, visit us at 62q.f7d.myftpupload.com.
ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, P.C. is excited to announce a professional alliance with REMTC, Inc. to provide a new service in the field of security compliance for government contracting work.
REMTC, Inc. has over 20 years of experience and a tremendous success rate in providing consulting services to government contractors large and small to ensure compliance with all applicable eligibility regulations for government contracts and to secure and maintain security clearances. With new regulations coming into effect, even companies with existing contracts and security clearances will need to ensure compliance with the new regulatory framework. Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC attorneys can assist clients in navigating this complex process to achieve the necessary compliance and security clearances to obtain lucrative government contract work.
For more information or assistance regarding our services, please contact Michael H. Ansell, Esq. in the firm’s Woodland Park office at (973) 247-9000 or by email at mha@62q.f7d.myftpupload.com. Additional information concerning REMTC may be found at www.remtcs.com.
