A Delaware federal judge has OK’d Howrey’s use of an “ethical wall” between the firm’s U.S. lawyers opposing Wyeth in a U.S. patent case and its European attorneys working with the pharmaceutical company in an unrelated matter.
Judge Sue Robinson’s Tuesday ruling allows Howrey to represent Wyeth opponent Boston Scientific Corp. over Wyeth’s objections. Robinson’s order said she approved Howrey’s arrangement even though Wyeth’s opposition means the firm is technically violating the Delaware court’s local rules and the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct.
