UConn Adds $150,000 To Contract With NCAA Law Firm (Courant)

[TouchdownHusky]

In a normal setting, yes. But the NCAA is not normal. We're being investigated because they don't want to investigate Duke, UNC, Kentucky and all the other cash cows.

So very true. Nevermind Michigan State's small mishaps, what about UCONN.

 

[Fairfield_1st]

How do most average, middle class and "lower middle class" americans (ie the majority) even afford decent representation if they need it?

Well, if it's a legal issue we always have "If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you." Outside of that, no clue how you afford one.

 

[8893]

How do most average, middle class and "lower middle class" americans (ie the majority) even afford decent representation if they need it?

That's a big problem for just about anything other than a plaintiff's personal injury case, for which lawyers are paid a contingency fee (usually 1/3) of whatever is recovered.

In Connecticut and several other states there are efforts underway to enact "Civil Gideon" programs to provide legal services to low income people when basic human needs (e.g., shelter, health, safety, sustenance) are at stake.

 

[8893]

Enough work? Say hello to Michigan State, Penn State, Baylor, UNC and Louisville. These programs would require the largest law firms.

Yes, as I said, this was around 20 years ago, and I wasn't contemplating moving out of CT.

 

[auror]

That's a big problem for just about anything other than a plaintiff's personal injury case, for which lawyers are paid a contingency fee (usually 1/3) of whatever is recovered.

In Connecticut and several other states there are efforts underway to enact "Civil Gideon" programs to provide legal services to low income people when basic human needs (e.g., shelter, health, safety, sustenance) are at stake.

 

[UConnJim]

Probably means they were alerted to the investigation in December, which I believe is new info.

And Dave Benedict stopped tweeting on December 19th. Coincidence?

 

[whaler11]

300 bucks an hour? , that is exorbitant. How can that even be justified?

i heart the boneyard

 

[Guapo]

And Dave Benedict stopped tweeting on December 19th. Coincidence?

Good catch.

I would not be surprised at all if the two are connected.

 

[pj]

Now we know why UConn chose an Alabama law firm. Half the price of a Connecticut firm.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

300 bucks an hour? , that is exorbitant. How can that even be justified?

You should see what some basketball coaches make.

 

[HooperScooper]

Third, $300 per hour for the top lawyers at the firm who are working on this is very low, at least compared to rates in the Northeast.

I can attest to that. The partner in Boston that we use for most of our stuff is almost $600 an hour and I just finished something where we needed specific legal expertise and those 2 attorneys were about $1000 an hour. Now that was totally absurd and I did complain.

 

[Stinger92860]

300 bucks an hour? , that is exorbitant. How can that even be justified?

Thats a bargain. I am very concerned about the quality of our lawyers. No Cuse grads I hope, but why else so cheap?

 

[Adios]

Thats a bargain. I am very concerned about the quality of our lawyers. No Cuse grads I hope, but why else so cheap?

I had lawyers tell me they don't think they can win my case. I go into some type of courtroom and a judge lets me represent myself. The judge tells me what constitutes evidence for me to prove my case. I am given time to take care of that and win the case. Was such an easy case, too.

Lawyers just look for really easy money. What a surprise, right? They don't want to do the work unless really paid enough!

 

[8893]

Lawyers just look for really easy money. What a surprise, right? They don't want to do the work unless really paid enough!

Jerks.

 

[whaler11]

I had lawyers tell me they don't think they can win my case. I go into some type of courtroom and a judge lets me represent myself. The judge tells me what constitutes evidence for me to prove my case. I am given time to take care of that and win the case. Was such an easy case, too.

Lawyers just look for really easy money. What a surprise, right? They don't want to do the work unless really paid enough!

Next time please give us a headsup. I want to be in the gallery.

 

[Adios]

Jerks.

I will just say this, "humanitarian lawyer" is an oxymoron.

 

[Dove]

I'm an accountant and I bill out at more than that.

Disgraceful!!

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Disgraceful!!

Yeah I wish I saw more of that too.

 

[temery]

I can only imagine how that initial phone call went:

Herbst: The NCAA is investigation our men’s basketball program, and we need representation.

Law firm guy: ok, we can do that ...

Herbst: What are the likely consequences if they prove our coach has been cutting corners?

Law firm guy: Most likely? You’d have to fire your coach. But don’t worry, we’ll put our best people on this right away so that doesn’t happen.

Herbst: Well, there’s no reason to get carried away.

 

[Robertelamin]

@ will work for rocks

 

[sledog]

Who / what / why is Lightfoot, Franklin & White of Birmingham, Ala?? Is this all they could find?

 

[TouchdownHusky]

Who / what / why is Lightfoot, Franklin & White of Birmingham, Ala?? Is this all they could find?

Why not? Alabama knows a thing or two about cheating (and beating the NCAA) in college sports. UConn should have gotten UNCs lawyers.

 

[Guapo]

Who / what / why is Lightfoot, Franklin & White of Birmingham, Ala?? Is this all they could find?

They have entire practice group devoted to NCAA issues.

I think the choice is just fine.

 

[Guapo]

For those interested:

NCAA Compliance and Investigations « Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC

 

[UConnJim]

For those interested:

NCAA Compliance and Investigations « Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC

I read through the bios. Very experienced with issues with the NCAA and they have been involved with many schools.

From one bio:

"She has extensive, first-hand experience with the major infractions case process, as she played a key role in preparing the universities’ response to the allegations and attended COI hearings on behalf of the University of Southern California, the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina, the University of South Carolina, the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Hawaii and the University of Mississippi. Hallett has also worked extensively on high profile eligibility matters that the firm has handled, including the Cam Newton, Johnny Manziel and Todd Gurley investigations."

Lots of ties to the state of Alabama, so I would guess that Benedict was involved with the choice.