Fired for own office rule, co-founder sues $8B asset manager for $30M

William Nieporte, co-founder of $8 billion Bramshill Investments, was fired after skirting a five-day return-to-office policy he helped implement. He is now suing the California-based asset manager for at least $30 million, alleging the mandate was used to force him out.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims Nieporte's move from the firm's Burbank headquarters to Northern California had been approved by senior management. Despite that approval, the firm cited his failure to comply with the five-day in-office requirement as grounds for termination last year.

Bramshill Investments, which manages roughly $8 billion in fixed-income and alternative assets, introduced the policy in 2023 as the industry pushed for a full return to pre-pandemic working norms. Nieporte argues the rule was selectively enforced. The lawsuit says other executives were allowed to work remotely or come in fewer days without facing discipline.

Nieporte co-founded Bramshill in 2013 and served as its chief investment officer until his dismissal. His compensation package, including carried interest and equity, exceeded $30 million over the remaining term of his contract, the suit says. He is seeking damages for breach of contract, wrongful termination, and unpaid earnings.

The case highlights the legal friction return-to-office policies can create, especially when founders and senior staff challenge enforcement. In asset management, where face-to-face meetings with clients and portfolio teams are common, firms have been among the strictest in requiring in-person attendance.