Lawyer Admits to Sexually Harassing Legal Assistants

Bob Brown Jr., the county's first public defender, admitted to the N.C. State Bar that he sexually harassed three women while they worked for him.

In a consent order, signed Friday and posted Monday on the Bar's disciplinary notice site, Brown agreed to surrender his law license for five years.

The order portrays Brown as a public defender who repeatedly made sexual advances toward women who worked for him, wrapping an arm around them, massaging their shoulders and stroking one's stomach. He questioned them about their sexual preferences, the order states, commented on their figures and asked their bra sizes.

Brown served in the public defender's office from 1990 until Jan. 31, 2006, when he agreed to step down under pressure from Judge Orlando Hudson.

In 2007, assistant public defender Danielle Bruno, former paralegal Janice Ingram and former legal assistant Rachel Allen filed a sexual harassment suit against Brown in civil court. (Source >>>)

Comments

[Lynne J. DeVenny, NCCP]

This is an important case for the legal profession. Faith Herndon, attorney for the victims, noted that it is unique because the N.C. State Bar reminded lawyers that they are just as accountable to their staff as they are to their clients. Ms. Herndon's insightful comments can be found at http://practicalparalegalism.blogspot.com/2009/02/former-public-defender-admits-sexual.html. Also, this was an important step in what has been a lengthy and difficult process for the legal staff who pursued their remedies for the attorney's illegal conduct.