Quick Hits (5/4/05)

The prominent and well-respected firm of Preston Gates is dealing with fall-out from former partner Jack Abramoff, who's been accused of helping Indian tribe members funnel tribe funds into personal bank accounts and of paying for a trip by embattled Congressman Tom DeLay.  The firm says it's cooperating with investigators and some of the acts being examined occurred after Abramoff left the firm.     . . . .     An upstate New York law firm under a disciplinary investigation has sued to prevent a Rochester law firm from mentioning the investigation on its website.    . . . .     "Baker Botts was named 'Global Oil & Gas Law Firm of the Year 2005'"    . . . .     A Missouri state court judge will plead guilty to felonies.  Deborah Neal apparently had a gambling addiction and she solicited money and loans from lawyer appearing before her -- in exchange for preferential treatment.  Neal faces up to five years in prison.    . . . .     The New Jersey Supreme Court must decide whether to strike down as unconstitutional its rule that clients cannot publicly speak about pending disciplinary complaints the clients have filed against their lawyers.

UPDATE:  David Giacalone, at f/k/a Ethicalesq, argues persuasively that it's time to strike down the New Jersey rule.