Kobre & Kim partner Eric Bruce is juggling two clients charged with participating in a foreign bribery conspiracy. The potential conflict wasn’t lost on him. Last year in court, Bruce said he was “comfortable” with his position, adding that he would be happy to explain things further. He’ll likely get that chance. One of Bruce’s clients has decided to plead guilty, setting up the possibility that one man will testify against the other at trial in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act case. On March 24, Bruce asked U.S. District Judge Richard Leon for a hearing to address the potential conflict. Bruce said in court papers he has discussed the issue with his clients — Pankesh Patel and Haim Geri. The latter intends to plead guilty — “on numerous occasions, including in writing,” Bruce said. According to Bruce, prosecutors said the government is not seeking the disqualification of Kobre & Kim “because it did not view the joint representation as giving rise to an unwaivable actual conflict of interest.” The firm, Bruce said, is giving both clients the opportunity to consult with outside counsel at no cost. In preparation for Patel’s trial, which is scheduled for May, Bruce said he is looking for independent counsel to cross-examine Geri. — Mike Scarcella
DOMA DEFENSE
Republican anger still burns brightly over the Obama administration’s February decision to no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act. Solicitor General nominee Donald Verrilli Jr. found that out on March 30 when his otherwise routine Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing became a chance for GOP senators to vent over the administration’s departure from the tradition of defending acts of Congress. “This one really hit me hard,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.). And Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) told Verrilli repeatedly he must be prepared to resign if the president or attorney general tell him to abandon a law he thinks can be defended. Verrilli finally agreed, although he added with a nervous laugh, “I’m not there yet.” — Tony Mauro
HOMELAND INSECURITY
