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Ben W. Heineman Jr. & David B. Wilkins, Too Hot to Handle?, 33 Am. Law. 49 (2011).


Abstract: The article discusses the factors considered by general service law firms when deciding whether partners may represent controversial clients. It cites the conflict between King & Spalding and former solicitor general Paul Clement over Clement’s contract to represent the House of Representative on the issue of the Defense of Marriage Act. It notes that considerations in client selection include principles screening by the firm’s management and screening by firm management based on the controversy’s impact on the reputation of the business.