A row over gay marriage in the US has illustrated the fallout that can happen when lawyers take contentious positions. But how should a firm evaluate a partner’s wish to represent a controversial client? Ben Heineman and David Wilkins report
How should big law firms decide whether to approve partners’ representation of controversial clients? This is the significant question raised by the recent dust-up between King & Spalding and former solicitor general Paul Clement over Clement’s contract to represent the House of Representatives in defending the Defense of Marriage Act. (DOMA – this Act places the federal government firmly against recognition of same-sex marriage.)
