NationStates Jolt Archive


New York Daily News: Law student in erotic vid

Cogitation
10-04-2007, 21:20
New York Daily News Exclusive
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/04/10/2007-04-10_its_jurisimprudence-2.html
Exclusive

It's juris-imprudence
Holy torts! Law student in erotic vid

BY VERONIKA BELENKAYA
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Posted Tuesday, April 10th 2007, 4:00 AM


Brooklyn Law student Adriana Dominguez, who wanted to 'do something a little crazy' before she graduated, opted to shed her clothes - and her inhibitions - for sexy video.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Brooklyn law student who shed her briefs for a Playboy TV series may have to kiss off her career after the sexy video made its way into e-mail in-boxes all over the city.
Adriana Dominguez - a third-year student at Brooklyn Law School - happily strips naked, gets spanked and holds gavels up to her bare breasts in the provocative clip.

"I wanted to do something a little crazy before I graduate and do become a lawyer ... do something kind of out of character," Dominguez said with a grin as she posed for photographer Andrew Einhorn inside his friend's DUMBO apartment.

"Lawyers can be boring," the 24-year-old later added.

But no one will ever call Dominguez buttoned-up.

The brainy blond with Ivy League credentials was looking for a lark last July when she answered a Craigslist ad for women to appear in the Playboy TV series "Naked Happy Girls."

The episode, called "Rock Star and the Lawyer," aired in January - and was barely noticed.

But in the past three weeks, a 45-second clip spread on the Internet among students and some faculty at almost every New York law school.

"I did not expect it to become so widespread," Dominguez told the Daily News in an e-mail yesterday. "I do not know how it was leaked."

The University of Pennsylvania graduate appeared embarrassed and anxious when The News spotted her coming out of a meeting with a top dean.

"We don't want this to ruin the career of a young lawyer," said law school spokeswoman Linda Harvey.

When she made the erotic video, Dominguez, a California native, seemed unfazed by the idea that it could wreck her future.

"I'm not that shy, so it wouldn't bother me if, say, the opposing counsel has seen these pictures of me. I wouldn't care," she told Einhorn after he asked her if she had any concerns.

"When we shot, she knew what might happen down the road if these pictures might get shown to people in her field," Einhorn told The News.

"But she had this self-confidence to not let that bother her. I don't think that she felt that this would be negative in any way to her career," he said.

The sexy stunt could have dire consequences for the would-be lawyer.

If she applies for the New York State Bar this year, Dominguez could face tough questions from the Committee on Character and Fitness, which examines the personal character of future lawyers.

"It may have an effect. It's a possibility in the worst-case scenario that the person does not get admitted," a committee representative said.

And potential employers are sure to discover Dominguez's striptease with a quick Internet search.

Except for her naughty past, Dominguez has plenty to recommend her: she had a fall internship with the domestic violence unit of the Brooklyn district attorney's office and served as treasurer of her law school's Legal Association of Activist Women.

Her fellow students at Brooklyn Law, who have dubbed Dominguez "Porn Star," said she should have been smart enough to know better.

"It's a striptease. A bit trashy," said one young woman on campus. "I look at her differently. She's definitely smart. It was just a bad decision."

vbelenkaya@nydailynews.com

With Brendan Brosh and Nancie Katz
You occassionally see stories like this in the news from time-to-time; some professional (typically, but not always, female) whose respectability wouldn't be questioned under any other non-criminal circumstances decides to pose nude for a camera, and when the pictures get out, their job and career security suddenly come into question.

For the life of me, I really can't grasp why this should be the case. As I understand it, there wasn't anything criminal about the video, Dominguez's actions, or Einhorn's actions. Dominguez wasn't having an extramarital affair. And yet, many of my fellow Americans are ready to gasp and say "What a scandal!"

Granted, the majority of Americans practice some denomination of Christianity, and in our particular flavor of American Christianity, millions of us have had it rammed into our heads that "Sex is bad, sex is sinful". [Cogitation shrugs and spreads his hands out.] Well, yeah, if you are promiscuous, then you're more likely to catch veneral diseases (which is bad) and have unwanted pregnancies (which results in children who are not raised in loving and stable environments, which is also bad). I've never heard of anyone getting pregnant froma camcorder or AIDS from a flash bulb. So, beyond that, I don't see cause for concern.

With that said, we are talking about a country that has a collective history of being anxious about this sort of thing. So, if you are one of my fellow Americans and you decide to pose nude for a camera, you have to expect that the images will get out (unless your significant other is doing the filming and you keep the only copies in your bedroom drawer) and you have to expect that someone will make an issue out of it. If you're not prepared for the brouhaha, then don't do it. Sadly, it seems Dominguez wasn't as prepared for the brouhaha as she thought she was.

With that said, I'm of the opinion that it shouldn't be an issue. Some individuals are personally disturbed by displays of nudity outside of certain very controlled circumstances. I respect that such things bother such people; their sensibilities should be respected and they shouldn't have to put up with displays of sexuality in contexts that they don't expect to find it in. At the same time, though, this video was intended for circulation amongst people who do want to see such things and, while Dominguez did talk about her career in the video, she did not try to bring her sexuality into her professional life; it was others who did that for her without her consent. As long as Dominguez, herself, didn't try to bring her sexuality into a realm where it doesn't belong (such as the courts or the classroom), then it shouldn't be a factor.

So, Dominguez's initial attitude should have been spot-on; so what if her opposition in court has seen the nude video? It has no bearing whatsoever on her ability to present a case. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, my opposing council has a history of pornographic performances. How can you trust a case presented by such an individual?"

They might as well say "Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, this is Chewbacca (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewbacca_defense)."

Now, if there's a reason why shedding one's clothes for adult exhibition makes one unfit to be a legal professional, then I'll listen to a logical argument explaining why. I'll admit that the above tirade would seem to make me hostile to hearing such an argument, but hey, I'm not perfect. Just because I didn't think of it doesn't mean that it's not possible or sensical. It's quite possible that I'm missing something very basic, very fundamental that connects nude exhibition with the respectability of a professional career. But until then, I can't figure out why there's any connection whatsoever between posing nude for a camera and practicing law.

"Think about it for a moment."

--The Democratic States of Cogitation
Founder and Delegate of The Realm of Ambrosia
UpwardThrust
10-04-2007, 21:28
Yeah and what always gets me is that if a male were to be party to this he would be applauded. At least in private.

It is a sad state where what someone did consenting that has absolutely NO bearing on their current job performance can have the massive potential impact on their future.
Lunatic Goofballs
10-04-2007, 21:29
God made sex, but the Devil made it fun. :)
Cannot think of a name
10-04-2007, 21:32
Was the Bar Association under the assumption that she looked like a Barbie Doll under those clothes and now upset at the shattered illusion?

Though, just so I'm making some sort of argument instead of a stupid joke, the damage so far is speculative, nothing really has happened to her yet except that the video was seen by more people she knows than she expected. While we can comment on the speculation that something might happen, it might also be paranoia of the kind that drives other groups to pre-emptively over-react and then blame it on the people they thought would do something when those people really didn't actually care.

If that made any sense...
Mikesburg
10-04-2007, 21:36
I think it's all kinda silly. If she's perfectly capable of practicing law, then let her. If she has trouble finding employers because of it, than let her deal with that.

Somehow, I doubt she'll have a hard time finding something. I remember something similar happening in Toronto over a decade ago. It wasn't quite as bad, I think the girl appeared as a Sunshine Girl in the Toronto Sun, and she got a lot of flak for it. It certainly didn't stop people from offering her opportunities. For the wrong reason maybe? Perhaps. But let her work it out on her own terms.
Northern Borders
10-04-2007, 21:37
Its always law students who do these shity stunts.

The diference is that here in Brazil they commit crimes, not nudeness.
Curious Inquiry
10-04-2007, 21:39
It does take the steam out of the tactic of imagining your opponent without their clothes on . . .
Cannot think of a name
10-04-2007, 21:41
Its always law students who do these shity stunts.

The diference is that here in Brazil they commit crimes, not nudeness.

They might do nudness, too, but in Brazil no one cares about that. (I assume I should really say...)
Sumamba Buwhan
10-04-2007, 21:52
I couldnt find the video with a quick internet search like the article suggested:(
Accelerus
10-04-2007, 21:59
Now, if there's a reason why shedding one's clothes for adult exhibition makes one unfit to be a legal professional, then I'll listen to a logical argument explaining why. I'll admit that the above tirade would seem to make me hostile to hearing such an argument, but hey, I'm not perfect. Just because I didn't think of it doesn't mean that it's not possible or sensical. It's quite possible that I'm missing something very basic, very fundamental that connects nude exhibition with the respectability of a professional career. But until then, I can't figure out why there's any connection whatsoever between posing nude for a camera and practicing law.

"Think about it for a moment."

--The Democratic States of Cogitation
Founder and Delegate of The Realm of Ambrosia

If there is a reason beside the "sex = bad" view you mentioned already, I suspect it has to do with lawyers wanting other lawyers to avoid rocking the boat. If the public, or even one potential client, knows that your firm hired someone who exposed themselves in that manner, they might be reluctant to pay for the services of that firm. It's silly, but some people would do it.
AB Again
10-04-2007, 22:06
They might do nudness, too, but in Brazil no one cares about that. (I assume I should really say...)

You would be surprised. That thong, thin though it may be, is significant. If it were to be absent, then people would care - or at least make all the same kind of disapproving noises in public anyway.
Curious Inquiry
10-04-2007, 22:08
I couldnt find the video with a quick internet search like the article suggested:(

LOL! QFT :(
Gauthier
10-04-2007, 22:10
Just more of the American Morality that MeansToAnEnd crows is lacking nowadays.

If a female professional gets caught in something porny, she's a filthy hussy who needs to have her sweet ass fired before she infects coworkers with the Skank Ho Virus and keeps the men too occupied with their boners.

If a male professional gets caught in something porny, he's the UberStuf and needs to be promoted to associate or partner.
Cogitation
10-04-2007, 22:23
If there is a reason beside the "sex = bad" view you mentioned already, I suspect it has to do with lawyers wanting other lawyers to avoid rocking the boat. If the public, or even one potential client, knows that your firm hired someone who exposed themselves in that manner, they might be reluctant to pay for the services of that firm. It's silly, but some people would do it.Hmmm.... That makes sense, but it still goes back to the issue regarding public attitudes about sex.

On the other hand, given the prevalance of said attitudes about sex, if Dominguez sticks to her guns, so to speak, and remains confident, it would probably mean that she's resistant to intimidation. I wouldn't want a lawyer who's easily intimidated, so I wouldn't mind hiring a lawyer who's had her face in the newspapers for baring her body in a video and still has the guts to walk into a courtroom to present a case, despite people who think said video is an issue.

Though, just so I'm making some sort of argument instead of a stupid joke, the damage so far is speculative, nothing really has happened to her yet except that the video was seen by more people she knows than she expected. While we can comment on the speculation that something might happen, it might also be paranoia of the kind that drives other groups to pre-emptively over-react and then blame it on the people they thought would do something when those people really didn't actually care.

If that made any sense...Excellent point, one I hadn't considered.

The article admits to no action. So far, there's only been talk. In that case, it might be worthwhile to reserve judgment for a bit and see what happens next.

---The Democratic States of Cogitation
Founder and Delegate of The Realm of Ambrosia

...

I couldnt find the video with a quick internet search like the article suggested:(Just don't post any helpful links here. :p

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation
NationStates Forum Moderator
Zarakon
10-04-2007, 22:27
Why is this news?

YEEEEHAAAA I'M A SP@MQUEEN ADVISOR NOW!

I do that every time I get a new title.
H N Fiddlebottoms VIII
10-04-2007, 23:12
If a male professional gets caught in something porny, he's the UberStuf and needs to be promoted to associate or partner.
And just what is the justification behind these comments? Now I like to drag up the spectre of sexism just as much as the next argumentative asshole, but I highly doubt that Ron Jeremy is going to find himself on the board of directors for Microsoft.
That said, what someone does outside of the workplace and keeps outside of the workplace should be irrelevant within the workplace. Even if it does involve bewbies.

I couldnt find the video with a quick internet search like the article suggested:(
According to my google search, Ms. Dominguez is a Spanish actress in her early thirties. In conclusion: Google is the stuff of lies.
Letila
11-04-2007, 16:40
Remember, though: a sexy lawyer is still a lawyer.
The Nazz
11-04-2007, 16:50
Well, she was more than a little naive to think that this wouldn't get out, but I think it's ridiculous that she'd have to worry about her future job prospects. It just occurred to me that some firms might be hesitant to hire her for fear that some of their other lawyers might use the video to try to give her shit, and that could turn into sexual harassment really quickly. Law firms don't like opening themselves up to liability. Of course, one would think that lawyers would know better, but these are lawyers we're talking about here.
Hamilay
11-04-2007, 16:51
Remember, though: a sexy lawyer is still a lawyer.
Wise words.
Demented Hamsters
11-04-2007, 17:01
I think it's more a case of a client expects their lawyer to be professional in every way. Knowing that your lawyer is the sort of person who would do 'wild crazy' things like getting naked in front of the camera doesn't exactly instill you with a lot of faith in her ability, professionalism and integrity.
That's how most law firms would view it.
And indeed, most clients.

Doesn't matter whether this view is right or not. What matters is if it's the view of the firm's clients. I'd wager it would be, too.

Also, I'd also be willing to bet opposing lawyers would only be too quick to make snide comments about her extra-curricular activity in court, if they thought it might put her off, or sway the jury. Law (and lawyers) is a dirty business, and some use anything they can to win.
Again, a firm looking to hire would consider this when looking at her CV.
The Nazz
11-04-2007, 17:09
Also, I'd also be willing to bet opposing lawyers would only be too quick to make snide comments about her extra-curricular activity in court, if they thought it might put her off, or sway the jury. Law (and lawyers) is a dirty business, and some use anything they can to win.
Again, a firm looking to hire would consider this when looking at her CV.

That's true--but men better be very careful when walking down this road, because if opposing counsel's personal life is going to become an issue, well, let's just say that the personal lives of many male lawyers would be interesting reading.
Greater Trostia
11-04-2007, 17:35
If a male professional gets caught in something porny, he's the UberStuf and needs to be promoted to associate or partner.

Could you indulge me by citing a single example where a man got promoted (in anything other than a porn industry) because he got caught in something porny.

Bonus if they actually do get the promotion to associate or partner.