DLA Piper came under fire from two U.S. lawmakers over its representation of a Chinese telecom equipment company, and the law firm fired back.
Last month, two republicans—Frank Wolf, R-Va., and Sue Myrick, R-N.C.—criticized DLA Piper for representing Chinese company ZTE Corp., which is trying to break into the U.S. market. ZTE has been under a congressional investigation for possible securities threats related to interference by the Chinese government.
The two republicans sent a letter to DLA Piper in September, during the investigation, to express their disappointment with the firm for representing ZTE. “By publicly representing and advising ZTE Corporation, your firm is indicating that it values the retainer of one contract over the legitimate cyber-security and supply chain concerns of the United States government …,” the letter reads.
DLA Piper Managing Partner Frank Conner responded to the letter the next day. “DLA Piper is a respected, global law firm, and we represent all of our clients in an ethical and straightforward manner, providing each with the best possible legal advice available,” Conner wrote. “To suggest otherwise is irresponsible.”
Read more about this story on Thomson Reuters.
See more stories on InsideCounsel about law firms making news:
Malpractice suit against Greenberg Traurig thrown out
Kim Koopersmith to become first woman chairperson of Akin Gump
Akin Gump acquires 7 Haynes and Boone partners
Baker & McKenzie becomes first U.S. law firm to open Peru office
2nd Circuit considers Jacoby & Meyers’ challenge to NY ban on outside law firm investment
Law firm mergers rebound in third quarter, involve smaller firms
