Ethics

After six days of jury deliberations, a federal jury in Brooklyn has convicted a prominent New York criminal defense attorney (Robert Simels) and his associate on multiple federal felony counts, including attempted witness tampering.  The testimony in the case brought to light many practices (and alleged practices) of criminal defense attorneys, at least in New York.  The judge presiding over the case, Hon. John Gleeson, a former federal prosecutor, at one point remarked that for Mr. Simels, encouraging a witness to lie was as simple as "passing a box of tissues."  Many observers are concerned that the verdict will chill zealous advocacy by criminal defense attorneys.  The NYLJ story, which is free (no subscription required), is here.