Starr's Law Firm Begins An Inquiry
A Jones-related fax sparks an internal probe
By John King/CNN
WASHINGTON (Feb. 11) -- Sources at Whitewater prosecutor Ken Starr's law firm confirm to CNN that an internal investigation is under way to determine if anyone at the firm did any legal work, formally or informally, related to the Paula Jones sexual harassment-civil rights case.
Any such work by Kirkland & Ellis lawyers could pose a conflict of
interest for Starr, the Whitewater independent counsel.
At issue is a document faxed from the firm's Chicago office to the
Chicago Tribune; the document was an affidavit that soon thereafter was filed in the Jones case.
Clinton attorney Robert Bennett was told about the episode by the
newspaper, and has since subpoenaed Kirkland & Ellis to determine what, if any, involvement it has in the Jones case.
Two Kirkland & Ellis attorneys tell CNN there is an internal inquiry
underway. One of them confirmed a Tribune account that the focus was on Richard Porter, a Chicago-based partner who once worked as an "opposition researcher" for the 1992 Bush-Quayle presidential campaign. Porter did not return a telephone message seeking comment.
Sources say Kirkland & Ellis is fighting the Bennett subpoena.
Starr's office declined comment.
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