Star Divorce Lawyer Comments on Lululemon Founder's High-Profile Split

Renowned divorce attorney Marilyn Chinitz, whose past clients include celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Wendy Williams, has offered insights into the high-profile divorce of Lululemon founder Chip Wilson and his wife of 20 years, Shannon "Summer" Wilson. The couple, who wed in 2002, are navigating their split without a prenuptial agreement, a factor Chinitz suggests will significantly impact the outcome.

Chinitz, who was recently urged by the late crisis PR maven Howard Bragman to write a book about her experiences, commented on the case, which is being handled in Canadian court. "It’s interesting. We see a multimillion business empire colliding with matrimonial law," Chinitz stated. She highlighted Shannon Wilson's integral role in the early growth of Lululemon, noting that she was the founding lead designer and played a crucial part in building the brand. The company experienced explosive growth between the couple's marriage in 2002 and its public offering in 2007.

Chip Wilson, 71, founded Lululemon in 1998, and Shannon Wilson, 52, was one of its first hires. Chip Wilson's net worth is currently valued at $6.1 billion. Despite the significant financial implications and the couple's years of collaboration in business, no prenup was established. Chinitz pointed out that Wilson had opportunities to secure a postnuptial agreement or place shares in a trust for their children, but did not pursue these options. "He didn’t take any of [those options]…. so why should she not benefit?" Chinitz questioned.

While Chinitz is not directly involved in the Wilson case, she commented on how Canadian divorce law, similar to New York's, treats marital assets. Canadian law does not differentiate between passive appreciation of an asset and direct contributions during the marriage. This suggests that Shannon Wilson could be entitled to a substantial portion of the marital estate, particularly given her foundational role in the company's success and the absence of a prenuptial agreement.

Chinitz, who has been married for 40 years, shared these observations from her Manhattan office at Blank Rome. Her potential book, with a working title of “Shut Up and Settle, and How to Stay Out of a Divorce,” remains unfinished due to her demanding legal career.