Ann Baskins, Hewlett-Packard’s former general counsel who resigned Sept. 28, could face disciplinary, civil and criminal penalties for her role in the pretexting scandal that has shaken the company and corporate America, according to a Georgia State University law professor.
Baskins’ conduct may violate two provisions of the American Bar Association’s model code of professional conduct, as well as civil and criminal law, said Douglas H. Yarn, a professor at Georgia State University College of Law and former in-house counsel for an investment banking firm. At the same time, he said the rules of attorney-client privilege may explain why Baskins invoked her Fifth Amendment rights.
