Conflict? — I Don’t See No Stinking Conflict!
Gentle Reader:
Yesterday’s New York Post had an interesting piece on Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s affinity for trail lawyers — after all, he is one.
March 1, 2008 — Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver insisted yesterday there was “no conflict at all” in his naming the head of his personal-injury law firm to a 13-member state judicial- screening panel.
The Post reported yesterday that Silver and Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith tapped Arthur Luxenberg for the bar committee that recommends to the governor candidates for the Appellate Division, Court of Claims and State Supreme Court.
Luxenberg is co-founder of Weitz & Luxenberg, one of the state’s largest trial law firms.
Silver has been “of counsel” to the firm since 2002, leading critics to question whether he couldn’t have found someone else for the panel.
The speaker pointed out that Luxenberg was “very qualified,” was willing to go through the disclosure process, and could devote his time to the unpaid post.
“He works with 12 other practicing attorneys,” Silver said.
“It’s not like he’s the only one.”
Asked if his firm would gain from the appointment, Silver responded: “Absolutely not. The reverse is true. It takes his time to do the functions properly, and I wanted someone who I had confidence would do the necessary background work when they do the screenings.”
Yes, now I see why everyone is so anxious for the Democrats to take control of the State Senate!
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