Good news for the lawyer who told the judge she was “a few French fries short of a Happy Meal”: The judge was in a forgiving mood yesterday. McDermott Will & Emery partner William P. Smith will not be barred from practicing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in South Florida.
According to the Daily Business Review (a sister paper in Miami), the judge ordered Smith to take an online course in professionalism run by the Florida Bar. Smith’s lawyer said his client has already taken the course. Moreover, presumably driven by his newfound humility, Smith will be doing at least 200 hours of pro bono work—in Chicago, where he’s based.
But never fear, South Florida will also taste the fruits of his repentance. Harvey Freishtat, chairman of McDermott, said the firm will be doing more pro bono in South Florida. And Smith will be making a donation to the Center for Ethics & Public Service at the University of Miami School of Law, which (happy coincidence) is the judge’s alma mater.
Threatened with disbarment for a slight comment like that? What has political correctness come to? This is not quite like shouting, "fire" in a crowded theater.
--Jack Payne
www.sixhrs.com
Posted by: Jack Payne | July 13, 2007 at 04:23 PM