Judge refuses to dismiss charge against law firm
sfgate.com | 4/1/8 | Staff Writer
A federal judge has refused to dismiss a money laundering conspiracy charge against a law firm accused in a lucrative kickback scheme.
Following a hearing on Monday, U.S. District Judge John Walter ruled the law firm formerly known as Milberg Weiss was correctly charged.
Prosecutors say payments were made to people to act as plaintiffs in class-action lawsuits targeting some of the largest corporations in the nation.
Elizabeth Taylor, an attorney for the firm now known as Milberg, argued that the money laundering conspiracy charge was a separate offense from the alleged kickback scheme.
Trial is scheduled for Aug. 12. Four current or former partners of the firm previously admitted criminal conduct.