The first question Clayton Halunen had for a young man who wanted to join his prominent Minneapolis-based law firm was unorthodox: "How do you look in a Speedo?"
The candidate landed an internship with Halunen Law, but he and a male co-worker were forced to endure constant flirtations that ultimately led to unwanted sexual contact, according to disciplinary findings that Halunen admitted to this month.
Halunen went to extraordinary lengths to keep his conduct private. State disciplinary records show that Halunen threatened to pursue criminal charges against both men for extortion when they demanded restitution, telling one of his victims that he could be forced to pay millions of dollars in damages if he shared his experiences with anyone, including an attorney.
One of the employees said he was so depressed over his treatment by Halunen that he later tried to kill himself. The man was 19 when was hired as a legal assistant by Halunen, who was then 52 and one of the most successful employment lawyers in Minnesota. Halunen is openly gay and has advocated for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
"I extend my deepest apologies and sincerest regret to these two former employees for the actions described in the petition," Halunen said in a written response to questions from the Star Tribune. "Several years ago, when the events in the [state] petition took place, I was going through a difficult personal period. But I have committed to understanding my actions...
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 2 (ANI): Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Friday rejected Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's allegation that the BJP was involved in a conspiracy to del...