Firms often invest substantial time and energy into planning engaging social programs for summer associates. These activities form the battlefront in the competition for fresh legal talent Above the Law reported.
The aim is to offer law students a rewarding professional experience while also providing unforgettable after-hours entertainment. While visiting a strip club could certainly provide a memorable experience, it’s definitely not one a firm should be promoting.
Allegations have arisen that the firm, Gunderson Dettmer, indeed took summer associates to a strip club this year—claims made by a recent Reddit thread. This raises questions about the fine line between acceptable and inappropriate entertainment in a corporate setting.
The key underlying issue is not whether an establishment comes close to being a strip club—this seems a moot point, like debating how many angels can pole dance on the head of a pin. It’s more about clubs or venues that promote more misogyny than modesty. Can they ever be deemed as suitable for work events?
These questions are especially pertinent given Gunderson’s recent controversial actions—deferring start dates and layoffs. The same Reddit thread mentioned earlier alleges that the firm made no offer to about half of its summer associates this year. The thread also suggests that a summer associate who complained about the club outing to HR was among those not made an offer.
The implications of Gunderson’s alleged actions and the silence in response to queries for comment on the matter cast a shadow on the firm’s reputation. Regardless of whether the strip club visit was an official event, lessons need to be learned. Even quasi-sanctioned events can reflect poorly on a company.
Firms should consider these ramifications when planning for social activities. Perhaps a trip to an art museum might be a more culturally enriching and less controversial option? After all, scant clothing on marble statues is far less likely to provoke discontent than in a strip club.