Updated
Updated · Law.com · Aug 3
Jackson Walker Pays $15 Million to Settle Undisclosed Judge-Partner Relationship Claims
Updated
Updated · Law.com · Aug 3

Jackson Walker Pays $15 Million to Settle Undisclosed Judge-Partner Relationship Claims

1 articles · Updated · Law.com · Aug 3

Summary

  • $15 million will go to former bankruptcy clients under Jackson Walker's settlement of litigation brought by the U.S. Trustee's Office.
  • The case alleged the Texas law firm failed to disclose a romantic relationship between former partner Elizabeth Freeman and former U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Jones of the Southern District of Texas.
  • The settlement resolves claims tied to the firm's work in bankruptcy matters that came under scrutiny because of that undisclosed relationship.

Insights

How did a secret romance between a lawyer and a judge cost a top law firm $15 million in settlements?
Will a massive financial payout truly restore trust in the bankruptcy courts after an undisclosed affair tainted dozens of cases?