In this powerful episode of Stories of Service, host Theresa Carpenter sits down with Bill Brown, a former Navy SEAL and bankruptcy attorney, and his legal counsel, Chris D'Alessandro, to discuss a lawsuit that has stirred conversation around veteran discrimination in the professional world. Bill’s case against his former employer, the prestigious law firm McCarter & English, is about more than just a wrongful termination—it’s a story of isolation, retaliation, and a call for systemic change.
Meet the Guests
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Bill Brown is a Navy SEAL combat veteran who transitioned into law, building a six-year career as a bankruptcy attorney at McCarter & English. Known for his veteran advocacy and community leadership—including organizing SEAL events in NYC—Bill found himself marginalized, harassed, and eventually terminated, allegedly over a LinkedIn post.
Chris D'Alessandro is an employment attorney and Army veteran who re-enlisted after 9/11. Passionate about defending veterans’ rights, Chris represents Bill in his lawsuit and uses this case to spotlight a broader issue: the consistent underrepresentation and misunderstanding of veterans in corporate DEI frameworks.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Veterans Often Face Subtle, Patterned Discrimination: Bill’s experience wasn’t a one-time incident but a series of slights, from inappropriate comments to exclusion from diversity efforts.
Stereotyping and Retaliation Are Real Threats: After Bill spoke up about unfair pay and representation, he was met with suspicion, assigned distressing cases, and eventually fired—just days after raising concerns.
Veteran Identity Overlooked in DEI Conversations: Chris explains that despite being a federally protected class, veterans are often left out of diversity conversations, especially in white-collar fields like law.
“Lived Experience” Must Apply to All: The post that allegedly triggered Bill’s firing was rooted in his combat experience and global perspective. Chris argues that this same “lived experience” lens, so often valued in DEI, was denied to Bill.
The Fight Is Bigger Than One Case: Bill and Chris are clear: this lawsuit is about every veteran who’s been silenced, stereotyped, or sidelined. They encourage others not to suffer in silence and to seek legal recourse.
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Bill Brown’s story is a compelling reminder that serving your country doesn’t guarantee fair treatment when you return to civilian life. Through this episode, Theresa Carpenter gives voice to a veteran’s struggle—and to a growing call for more inclusive and respectful professional spaces. As this case unfolds, it may help reshape how we think about workplace equity and what it truly means to honor service.
Stay tuned as Theresa continues to follow Bill’s journey. And for veterans facing similar challenges, know that you're not alone, and there are people ready to fight alongside you.
