REPORT: 'King & Spalding' Law Firm Backing Out of DOMA Case

[jefferson_dem]

Amanda Terkel at the Huff Post is reporting that King & Spalding, the law firm hired to defend DOMA, is backing out of the case, having determined the "process used for vetting this engagement was inadequate."

http://www.towleroad.com/2011/04/report-king-spalding-law-firm-backing-out-of-doma-case.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+towleroad%2Ffeed+(Towleroad+Daily++%23gay+news)

[annabanana]

1. heh

I'm thinking the defense will be as anemic as it deserves

[closeupready]

2. Glad to hear it.

K&R

[Ian David]

3. Clement firm drops DOMA case

Clement firm drops DOMA case

In a real victory for supporters of same-sex marriage -- and marking what seems like real marginalization for its foes -- a major law firm has reversed course and will refuse to represent the House of Representatives in defending the Defense of Marriage Act.

King and Spalding Chairman Robert D. Hays, Jr., whose partner Paul Clement was to lead the defense, said in a statement through a spokesman, Les Zuke:

Today the firm filed a motion to withdraw from its engagement to represent the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group of the House of Representatives on the constitutional issues regarding Section III of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. Last week we worked diligently through the process required for withdrawal.

In reviewing this assignment further, I determined that the process used for vetting this engagement was inadequate. Ultimately I am responsible for any mistakes that occurred and apologize for the challenges this may have created.

The statement is silent on the reasons for the decision, but the firm faced protests at its Atlanta office and a national campaign against it. And now the House majority is looking for a new lawyer.

More:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0411/Clement_firm_drops_DOMA_case.html?showall