George Freeman ‘saddened and shocked’ by layoff
George Freeman, who was laid off as New York Times Co. assistant general counsel on Wednesday, tells Romenesko readers:
After 31 wonderful years at The Times, and working with 6 fabulous executive editors from Abe Rosenthal forward, I am both saddened and shocked. It has been a great run, in as interesting, challenging and worthwhile a job as a lawyer can have, but now I look forward to the chance of a new opportunity in the First Amendment world.
The NYT Legal staff, George in particular, was one of the best things that ever happened to the regional newspapers. A real defender of the First Amendment.
My last story for the Times drew my first lawsuit and George delivered exactly what he promised, getting it laughed out of court in an instant. A terrible way to treat a soldier for truth. But these comment salutes will, I hope, salve the wound at least a little.
George,
Thanks for the sublime advice we all received from you over the years, which I am sure overall saved The Times many times your pay just in avoiding the cost of swatting down frivolous litigation.
George Freeman is a great lawyer and a great man. It’s a crazy loss for the NYT.
a fine man and a skilled lawyer; most disheartening to see this from the times to which he had provided much valuable service