Biglaw

Former Akin Gump Partner Hires Criminal Defense Lawyer

He didn't go Biglaw for his representation.

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Jeffrey Wertkin

Jeffrey Wertkin

You remember the case of Jeffrey Wertkin, right? He was arrested — while wearing a disguise — at the end of January for allegedly attempting to sell a whistleblower complaint to the target company. The going price for his reputation was allegedly $310,000, and according to authorities he said, “My life is over,” when arrested.

Well, he’s lawyered up, natch.

But while you might expect a big deal partner to tap a mega firm in these circumstances, he didn’t go Biglaw for his representation. Wertkin has hired Cristina Arguedas of Arguedas, Cassman & Headley. But though the firm isn’t “big” it does do a lot of high profile work. Arguedas has represented Barry Bonds, FedEx, was on O.J. Simpson’s “Dream Team” and is on a winning streak, as per The American Lawyer:

Cristina Arguedas

Cristina Arguedas

Arguedas and her team have recently racked up a string of significant wins when pitted against federal and state prosecutors in California. In June, less than a week after Arguedas made opening arguments on behalf of FedEx, federal prosecutors abruptly dropped their $1.6 billion case accusing the company of conspiring with illegal online pharmacies to ship addictive prescription painkillers without face-to-face doctor visits. In December, the defense lawyers won a ruling from a state court judge in Sacramento dismissing online brothel charges against former Backpage.com shareholders Michael Lacey and James Larkin.

Also of note: Arguedas was named the lawyer other lawyers would hire if they got arrested by California Lawyer. It seems Wertkin agrees.

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headshotKathryn Rubino is an editor at Above the Law. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).

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