In the Daily Journal article, “Los Angeles federal judge disqualifies firm from major case over conflict, Managing Partner Randall Miller, liabilities associated with mergers.
The conflict of interest, arising from Squire, Sanders & Dempsey and Patton Boggs LLP representing adverse clients in a case illustrates risks of conflicts between law firms during mergers and emphasis the importance of due diligence and disclosure.
Mr. Miller comments that it’s always hard when the disqualification comes late in the game because not only now is the law firm not in the case anymore and not earning fees, they’re now prone to allegations by client that they had to hire new counsel to get them up to speed and spend money education a new lawyer.