Daniel J. Kaiser stepped down as legal counsel for Chirayu Rana, the former JPMorgan Chase investment banker who alleges a female colleague sexually assaulted him. The resignation came just before Rana’s first court appearance in a harassment lawsuit filed in New York. Rana will now represent himself during the initial hearing.

Kaiser notified the New York Supreme Court of his withdrawal and indicated he would temporarily act as his own counsel, according to a filing. The move leaves the case in a precarious position, as the plaintiff’s legal team had been preparing evidence and witness testimony for the upcoming session. The court will need to appoint new representation.

The lawsuit claims Rana was subjected to repeated unwanted advances and a single assault in 2021, which he says prompted a hostile work environment. JPMorgan’s internal investigations reportedly found no evidence of misconduct by the accused. The case now hinges on Rana’s ability to navigate court procedures without experienced counsel.

This development underscores the volatility of high‑profile harassment cases and the importance of stable legal representation. Investors watching JPMorgan’s compliance culture may reassess risk exposure, while firms with similar claims risk reputational damage if attorneys withdraw mid‑trial. The court’s next step will determine who steps in to defend Rana’s allegations.