(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
UPDATE: Mother really did know best. Lisa Bloom has resigned.
Gloria Allred is less than enthusiastic about her daughter’s decision to represent Harvey Weinstein (presumably in the sexual harassment case we suspect is coming any minute now).
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Had I been asked by Mr. Weinstein to represent him, I would have declined, because I do not represent individuals accused of sex harassment.
Make no mistake, Allred isn’t denouncing her daughter or anything like that. In a call with Vanity Fair, Allred was quick to point out that Bloom is a very good attorney and Weinstein is lucky to have her on board. Genuine and kind words, but the disappointment is still palpable.
And ultimately, mother knows best here.
Generally speaking, lawyers shouldn’t be judgmental about who they represent. The sanctity of the legal system rests on lawyers willing to defend anyone and everyone, no matter the accusations. But while that moral high horse is saddled perfectly for the attorney as lawyer, it doesn’t always suit the attorney as businessperson. Building a practice is all about finding that niche, and Lisa Bloom’s success is built on her reputation as an advocate for victims of sexual misconduct. Her clients seek her out, not just for her experience in this field, but because victims who already face an uphill battle with trust can feel confident that they have someone firmly in their corner. In fact, that’s why a mother with a practice focused on showing that consistency releases a statement like this about their daughter. Allred isn’t setting out to undermine her daughter, but her practice requires making clear that she won’t shy away from a harassment claim. Even if her family is on the other side.
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That sort of credibility is not something that can easily survive a high-profile matter like this.
On the other hand, maybe Bloom has other interests as a businessperson:
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: My book SUSPICION NATION is being made into a miniseries, produced by Harvey Weinstein and Jay Z! https://t.co/Z4pu7y0TfX
— Lisa Bloom (@LisaBloom) April 7, 2017
Hmmmm.
There’s one more point Allred wanted to make sure everyone understood:
While I would not represent Mr. Weinstein, I would consider representing anyone who accused Mr. Weinstein of sexual harassment, even if it meant that my daughter was the opposing counsel.
Could we really see a mother-daughter showdown in a high-profile Hollywood harassment case? And isn’t this the plot of Civil Action? That was technically a father-daughter situation, but gender flipping reboots are all the rage in Hollywood.
Maybe if this all goes down, Allred can find another studio to option that story.
Gloria Allred Responds to Her Daughter Lisa Bloom’s Decision to Represent Harvey Weinstein [Vanity Fair]
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Joe Patrice is an editor at Above the Law and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. Feel free to email any tips, questions, or comments. Follow him on Twitter if you’re interested in law, politics, and a healthy dose of college sports news.