Hiring and Swift Termination
David Kreisler Mayer Brown Lateral, a seasoned attorney with over three decades of experience in the investment funds industry, joined Mayer Brown as a partner in its Global Private Funds and Investment Management practice in mid-May 2025. Based in the New York office, Kreisler was tasked with advising clients on private equity fund formation, compliance, and secondary fund transactions. His arrival was celebrated by the firm, with managing partner Allison Aviki noting that Kreisler would expand the firm’s capabilities in fund formation and structuring. However, less than two months after his hiring, Mayer Brown terminated Kreisler in early July 2025 following the discovery of inappropriate social media posts on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Controversial Social Media Activity
The termination stemmed from a Medium post titled “Bad Behavior in Big Law — David Kreisler,” published on June 25, 2025, which exposed sexually explicit and degrading comments made by Kreisler on X. Screenshots revealed remarks, including one from late October where Kreisler responded to a woman’s post with “On your knees,” prompting widespread criticism. The posts, made prior to his tenure at Mayer Brown, were from a now-deactivated X account. The firm stated it was unaware of these posts at the time of hiring, as social media profiles are not typically included in lateral partner vetting processes.
Firm’s Response and Vetting Shortfalls
Mayer Brown acted swiftly upon learning of the posts, with a spokesperson confirming to Law.com that Kreisler was “promptly terminated” and is no longer affiliated with the firm. The firm emphasized that it had engaged reputable third-party screening providers to vet Kreisler, but these providers did not flag his X account, likely because it was already deactivated. This incident has sparked broader discussions about the inconsistent vetting processes in Big Law, with legal recruiters noting that social media scrutiny varies widely across firms.
Kreisler’s Career Background
Before joining Mayer Brown, Kreisler had a notable career, having worked at DLA Piper starting in May 2024 after a stint at Sidley Austin. His expertise in private fund formation, particularly in buyouts, energy, real estate, and secondary transactions, earned him praise from clients, with Chambers USA commending his ability to blend business and legal insight. Despite his professional accolades, the Medium post alleged that Kreisler’s problematic social media presence may have contributed to his departures from previous firms, though reports suggest he left Sidley Austin voluntarily.
Implications for Big Law
The Kreisler incident underscores the growing importance of thorough vetting in an era where online behavior can significantly impact a firm’s reputation. Critics, including the Medium post’s author, accused Mayer Brown of initially condoning Kreisler’s behavior, arguing that law firms have a moral obligation to foster respectful workplaces. The episode has prompted calls for standardized social media vetting protocols in Big Law to prevent similar oversights. Mayer Brown reiterated its commitment to maintaining a professional environment but declined to comment further on the specifics of Kreisler’s departure.