FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—May 19, 2006
Contact: Ginny Smith
202-463-5824
Chamber Responds to Indictment of Milberg Weiss Law Firm
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The president of the U.S. Chamber's Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), Lisa Rickard, issued the following statement in response to today's indictment of the law firm Milberg Weiss and a number of its partners by the U.S. Attorney.s office:
"The Chamber has long been concerned about the questionable practices of Milberg Weiss and has repeatedly sought an investigation into their activities by the Federal Government," said Ms. Rickard.
"The government charges Milberg Weiss with 'plaintiff shopping' and kickback schemes in securities cases. We believe the practices outlined in the indictment need to be investigated and support the full prosecution of those who have engaged in misconduct.
"Apparently, the Justice Department based its decision to indict Milberg Weiss, at least in part, on the firm.s refusal to waive its attorney-client privilege.
"The Chamber opposes any attempt to deny the constitutional right to attorney-client privilege to individuals and organizations.
"While there are many ways to demonstrate cooperation in an investigation, it is fundamentally wrong for anyone to be denied the right to consult freely and confidentially with their attorney."
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.