Afternoon Briefs: Giuliani considered representing Ukraine prosecutor; US opinion shifts on death penalty
Rudy Giuliani. Photo from Shutterstock.com.
Giuliani reportedly considered taking on Ukraine’s top prosecutor as a client
President Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, reportedly negotiated to represent Ukraine’s top prosecutor at the same time that he was urging the prosecutor to find dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden. One agreement—never signed—called for payment of at least $200,000 to Giuliani’s company, according to anonymous sources who spoke with the Washington Post and documents reviewed by the New York Times. Another never-signed agreement called for Giuliani’s company to receive $300,000 from the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice. Both the prosecutor and the justice ministry were seeking to recover assets thought to have been stolen from the government and routed through U.S. banks. Giuliani told the New York Times that a Ukrainian official had sought to hire him, but he decided representation “would be too complicated” and he “never received a penny.” (The Washington Post, the New York Times)
Most Americans prefer life in prison over death penalty for convicted murderers
Sixty percent of Americans prefer life in prison without parole for convicted murderers rather than the death penalty, according to a Gallup poll. It’s the first time in the history of the 34-year trend survey that a majority preferred the life sentence when presented with the two choices. When asked whether they favor the death penalty for a person convicted of murder, without being given an alternative, 56% say they favor the penalty. (The Washington Post, Gallup)
K&L Gates shrinks even as it adds lateral partners
K&L Gates had a net loss of 56 lawyers in the past year before nearly 30 lawyers left the firm in Australia this month. The law firm responded with a statement indicating that it has been pleased with its lateral hires. “While partners depart law firms from time to time for any number of reasons, K&L Gates has continued to gain strength and momentum in accordance with our strategic direction, including through the lateral markets,” the statement said. (Law.com)
Katten settles malpractice case over payday lending advice
Katten Muchin Rosenman has settled a malpractice case that contended that the law firm failed to give proper advice on consumer protection laws. A receiver for payday lending entities had sued Katten after the entities reached a $69 million settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over their payday lending operations. (Law360)
