HEADLINES – Libby Locke’s law firm profile boasts that she’s “killed flawed articles, storylines, and broadcast segments” about her clients. But, as David Thomas reports, Locke’s client Matt Lauer is making headlines with a letter to Variety disputing rape allegations against the former Today host, described in Ronan Farrow’s forthcoming book “Catch and Kill.” Locke, an ex-Kirkland partner now at Clare Locke in D.C., distributed Lauer’s letter, according to press reports. The letter, which calls the book’s details about ex-NBC News employee Brooke Nevils allegations “dangerous and defamatory,” says Lauer had a “completely mutual and consensual” affair with Nevils.
POLL TAX? The Texas Supreme Court today is set to hear oral arguments in a closely-watched case involving hotshot litigator Bill Brewer, whose firm was sanctioned $177,000 for a telephone survey he commissioned while representing a defendant in a multimillion dollar products liability case. The plaintiffs said it was a “push poll” that tainted the jury pool with biased, inaccurate information. The case raises questions about when zealous representation of a client clashes with the right to a fair, impartial jury.
