Wow, That’s a Lot of Highlights

How much does it cost to get sued—twice—for sexual harassment? Celebrity hairstylist and salon owner Andre Chreky is learning the answer the hard way.

Two former employees of the stylist’s K Street salon and spa allege Chreky groped them, propositioned them for sex, and tried to force himself on them. The first case went to trial in March and resulted in a $2.3-million judgment against Chreky.

The woman is also seeking more than $2 million in attorney fees. That result, and the possibility that he’d face additional damages in the second harassment case, prompted Chreky to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy the day before the next trial was to begin.

If Chreky’s pockets are a little light, his lawyers’ are not. According to his bankruptcy filing, here’s Chreky’s running legal tab:

• $116,891.87 still owed to his defense lawyer, John Bredehoft of Kaufman & Canoles.

• $200,000 retainer paid to Holland & Knight, where Washington partner Richard Lear represents Chreky’s company in the bankruptcy. Lear and other Holland & Knight lawyers working on the bankruptcy charge $240 to $570 an hour.

• $100,000 retainer paid to Zuckerman Spaeder, where Washington partner Nelson Cohen represents Chreky in the bankruptcy. Lawyers at Zuckerman bill $325 to $1,000 an hour.

• In just the past six months, Chreky has advanced a total of $850,000 in legal fees.

Through a spokeswoman, Chreky declined to comment.

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Marisa M. Kashino

Senior Editor

Marisa M. Kashino joined Washingtonian in 2009 as a staff writer, and became a senior editor in 2014. She was previously a reporter for Legal Times and the National Law Journal. She lives in Northeast DC with her husband, two dogs, and two cats.