Getting your ears pierced at Claire’s might seem like a simple teenage milestone, but for Joshua Sussberg, a bankruptcy partner at Kirkland & Ellis, it became a symbolic act of commitment in a courtroom. In an extraordinary display of dedication to his client, Sussberg had his ear pierced during a hearing, marking a successful effort to save the iconic accessory retailer Claire’s from bankruptcy.

Claire’s, a store synonymous with youth and fashion trends, faced the threat of disappearing after filing for bankruptcy for the second time in seven years. The decline in sales posed a significant threat not just to the business but to a beloved American tradition. However, Sussberg, along with his team, was determined not to let that happen.

During the critical court hearing, the emotional ties to Claire’s were palpable. Kirkland partner Alexandra Schwarzman and the presiding judge shared their personal stories related to Claire’s, highlighting its cultural impact. It was then that Sussberg made a vow that captured everyone's attention: if he could secure a deal to save Claire’s, he would get his ear pierced as a sign of his personal investment in the cause.

True to his word, Sussberg found a buyer to keep Claire’s afloat. In a follow-up court session, he celebrated the deal by getting his left ear pierced right in the courtroom. The piercing was performed by a seasoned Claire’s store employee, and Sussberg sported a Claire’s crown during the procedure, a nod to the retailer’s target audience.

This unusual pledge not only brought some levity to the usually somber bankruptcy court proceedings but also underscored the lengths to which Sussberg was willing to go to save a beloved institution. His commitment was not merely professional but deeply personal, echoing the sentiments of countless Americans who have fond memories of Claire’s.

The successful rescue of Claire’s by Sussberg and his team ensures that future generations will continue to experience the rite of passage of getting their ears pierced at Claire’s. It’s a reminder of how intertwined businesses can be with personal histories and the lengths some will go to preserve those connections.

The story of a Biglaw partner getting his ear pierced in court is certainly unconventional, but it beautifully illustrates the passion and dedication that professionals can bring to their work, especially when it involves saving a piece of Americana. Sussberg’s pierced ear is not just a fashion statement but a symbol of victory and preservation for a cherished part of many people's lives.