There was a fabulous article in the May 19 edition of "The New Yorker," headlined: "The Bribe: How the Mississippi Lawyer Who Brought Down Big Tobacco Overstepped." Yes, it's the incredible tale of Dickie Scruggs, who pled guilty a few months ago for trying to bribe a judge in a lawsuit over the division of contingency fees in a Hurricane Katrina suit. It was a disgraceful end to an audacious and amazingly successful legal career, in which Scruggs brought down corporate titans in asbestos, tobacco and insurance. The problem is that while the greedy, arrogant Scruggs went too far, what is the alternative for those with valid claims seeking top legal talent to make their case?
I'd love to link to the full story, but unfortunately the magazine only offers an abstract of the lengthy piece on its Web site. If you can get your hands on a copy, it's a compelling read. In fact, it would make a terrific movie. (It wouldn't be the first legal thriller featuring Scruggs, who was portrayed in "The Insider" about the landmark tobacco liability litigation.)
For your reading pleasure, I'll serve up some of the highlights, and my views on the subject. I invite you to share your take as well.
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