Ex-Sidley partner says $69K cab-fare reimbursement was used for firm-related purposes
A former partner of Sidley Austin says in an answer (PDF) to an ethics complaint that he used approximately $69,000 from fabricated cab-fare reimbursement claims over a five-year period “for purposes that he considered related to the firm.”
Lee Mark Smolen also says in his answer that his cab-fare claims, while wrong, were simply “a poorly conceived short cut around the firm’s expense reporting procedures in order to secure more time to address his substantial and demanding commitments to the firm.” The filing says he did not profit personally and has reimbursed Sidley for the $69,000.
Smolen, who was a global real estate practice leader and member of the executive committee at Sidley, is now a partner at DLA Piper.
Hat tip: Legal Profession Blog
See also:
ABAJournal.com: “Ethics case launched over $69K in cab fare reimbursement for former partner”
