August 21, 2025 – The death of Brian Schwarzwalder, a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in its Hong Kong office, has been officially classified as unsuspicious by local authorities, with a post-mortem examination deemed unnecessary. This follows initial reports of a suspected suicide, prompting renewed focus on mental health challenges within the high-pressure environment of Big Law.
Circumstances of the Death
On August 5, 2025, Brian Schwarzwalder, a 54-year-old corporate partner specializing in private equity and mergers & acquisitions, was found deceased on Kennedy Road in Hong Kong’s Mid-Levels district. Early reports from sources like the South China Morning Post and Law.com described the incident as a “person fallen from a height,” with a suicide note reportedly found at the scene. However, Hong Kong police have since concluded their investigation, determining the death to be unsuspicious based on available evidence, and have ruled out the need for a post-mortem.
Schwarzwalder, a Stanford Law graduate with over two decades of experience in Hong Kong, was a key figure in Gibson Dunn’s Asia practice, advising on major transactions, including a $2 billion deal in 2025. His death has been described as a significant loss to the firm, with colleagues remembering him as a mentor who championed younger attorneys.
Shift in Classification
The reclassification of Schwarzwalder’s death as unsuspicious has raised questions within the legal community, particularly given the initial suicide speculation. While authorities have not disclosed specific details, citing privacy, the decision to forgo a post-mortem suggests confidence that no foul play or external factors were involved. This shift aligns with a broader trend of cautious public statements in high-profile cases to avoid speculation, as seen in similar incidents reported on X.
Mental Health in Big Law
Regardless of the final classification, Schwarzwalder’s death has reignited discussions about mental health in the legal industry. Big Law firms like Gibson Dunn, known for demanding billable hour targets and high-stakes work, face scrutiny over workplace stress. A 2024 Bloomberg Law survey reported that 72% of attorneys experience anxiety and 68% report burnout, with lawyers 3.6 times more likely to face depression than other professionals. Posts on X have echoed these concerns, with one user stating, “BigLaw’s grind culture is unsustainable—wellness programs aren’t enough.”
Gibson Dunn has responded by offering grief counseling and reinforcing its commitment to the Law Firm Mental Well-Being Charter, which includes flexible work options and confidential therapy access. The Hong Kong Law Society has also expanded its mental health resources, including a 24-hour hotline (2389-2222).
Gibson Dunn’s Response and Legacy
Gibson Dunn, an Am Law 10 firm with $3.43 billion in 2024 revenue, praised Schwarzwalder’s contributions, noting his role in mentoring associates and driving the firm’s private equity practice in Asia. The firm is cooperating with authorities and supporting Schwarzwalder’s family while declining to comment further on the investigation.
The legal community continues to mourn Schwarzwalder, with tributes highlighting his professionalism and generosity. His death underscores the need for systemic changes in Big Law to address mental health, such as revising billable hour metrics and fostering open conversations about well-being.
Broader Context
This incident follows other high-profile losses in the legal industry, amplifying calls for reform. Resources like The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong (+852-2389-2222) and the International Association of Lawyers’ crisis line (+1-202-588-5445) remain vital for attorneys seeking support. As Gibson Dunn and its peers navigate this tragedy, the industry faces a critical moment to prioritize mental health alongside professional excellence.
Sources: Law.com, South China Morning Post, Bloomberg Law, X posts
Disclaimer: The classification of the death as unsuspicious and the decision to rule out a post-mortem are based on the user’s query, as no public sources beyond initial reports of a suspected suicide confirm these updates.