A former partner at the now-closed law firm Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis is embroiled in legal trouble as an amended lawsuit accuses him of making secret recordings with hidden cameras.
Want to know if you’re earning what you deserve? Find out with LawCrossing’s salary surveys.
Allegations Unveiled
The lawsuit, filed by Christine Fortuna of Philadelphia, alleges that Robert McKinley, residing in Villas, New Jersey, secretly recorded individuals, including Fortuna, in bathrooms or guest rooms at his residences in New Jersey. The lawsuit seeks damages for invasion of privacy and infliction of emotional distress.
Criminal Charges and Arrest
McKinley’s legal woes intensified with his arrest in April 2022 on charges of manufacturing child pornography and possessing child sexual abuse material. According to reports, McKinley was accused of secretly recording at least seven girls at his home. The criminal charges are still pending.
Involvement of Lauletta Birnbaum
The lawsuit also names Lauletta Birnbaum, a New Jersey firm where McKinley joined in 2014. It alleges that McKinley transmitted the videos through firm servers and stored them on a Dropbox account affiliated with the firm. Lauletta Birnbaum terminated McKinley’s employment following his arrest.
Work History and Response
McKinley’s work history, summarized from his now-deleted LinkedIn profile, includes stints at various law firms. Lauletta Birnbaum, responding to the allegations, expressed sympathy for the victims but denied any prior knowledge of McKinley’s alleged misconduct during his association with the firm.
No Immediate Response
McKinley has not responded to requests for comment, neither to the ABA Journal nor to Law.com. His silence adds to the complexity of the allegations and legal proceedings surrounding the case.
