Dorsey special counsel Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry reacted in Bloomberg News to the announcement that Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP lawyer Barry O'Brian must pay £59,000 (US$120,000) after admitting it was a conflict to oppose client Marks & Spencer Group PLC on a takeover. Freshfields was barred in 2004 from representing another company in a hostile takeover bid for Marks and Spencer after the High Court found the existence of serious conflict-of-interest issues.
Douglas-Henry, who worked for Marks and Spencer on the Freshfields injunction, expressed concern over the delay in response by legal regulators. "It is unfortunate that it took until October last year for the matter to be referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and until now to get to hearing stage. As one of the few remaining self-regulated professions, we need as lawyers to be seen to act promptly in respect of such matters."
"Freshfields Lawyer Fined After Marks & Spencer Conflict Hearing" was published by Bloomberg News, August 2, 2007.