King & Spalding Advised Ex-Glaxo Lawyer Charged With Obstruction, Defense Filing Says
A former lawyer for GlaxoSmithKline Plc now facing an obstruction case is seeking information in discovery from a well-known law firm that advised her on her employer’s behalf, according to a defense filing.
But as lawyers for Lauren Stevens apparently prepare an advice-of-counsel defense, the government is arguing that the defense is irrelevant to her case because obstruction doesn’t require a showing of intent, reports Reuters Legal.
Stevens is accused of providing inaccurate information during a Food & Drug Administration investigation of Glaxo’s marketing of its Wellbutrin antidepressant for off-label uses.
A spokesman for King & Spalding confirmed that Glaxo is a client, but declined to discuss Stevens’ case. A Glaxo representative and Stevens’ counsel also declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Ex-Glaxo Lawyer’s Defense in Criminal Case Raises Tricky Privilege Issues for Company, Experts Say”
