Nickname: reality checker

Review: Let's be realistic here. The attorneys for the SEC and DOJ would love to stick it to private attorneys who work the same amount they do and earn ten times as much. There is no professional courtesy here. If the government had something, they would use it. This will all depend on the judge's findings. There's no way V&E lets this go to a jury. More importantly, the plaintiff's attorney isn't after vindication, he's after money. V&E doesn't have any. Law firms don't have substantial assets, and their owners - the partners - are not personally liable. Thus, if the judge says V&E is going to trial, there will be a settlement. The plaintiff's attorney knows he's looking at a wasting insurance policy and that an expensive trial will make V&E practically judgement proof. Assuming the judge lets this go to trial, both V&E and the plaintiffs are better off if they settle early.

Date reviewed: Oct 3, 2006 10:37 PM

Nickname: SoxAuditor

Review: It's no surprise that auditors, lawyers and public companies are in bed together. Just follow the money trail. It is time to reform the system and require public companies to pay into a fund intended to pay it's auditors. This would alleviate any obligation the auditors have to serve their clients based on the size of their fees.

Date reviewed: Jun 2, 2006 4:27 AM

Nickname: Skipper

Review: Considering the sheer mass of professionals having participated in creating the world-beating illusion called Enron, the success of the prosecutors and jurors is a truly wonderful thing.

Date reviewed: Jun 1, 2006 5:52 PM

Nickname: AreAitch

Review: It is truly remarkable that given the penalties and sentences imposed on so many other parties, that V&E is unscathed. Even the trustees proposed settlement sounds tiny compared to the billions lost. Where is the Justice Department? Is this a lawyer client privilege issue? Or is this a professional courtesy to fellow attorneys? I hope we hear more.

Date reviewed: Jun 1, 2006 5:25 PM