Paying for Daniel Webster: Critiquing the Contract Model of Advancement of Legal Fees in Criminal Proceedings

Authors

Regina Robson

Abstract

This article examines the contract paradigm used to structure the advancement of legal fees to employees facing criminal investigation. It posits that the current contract model does little to advance the traditional goals of advancement and prevents consideration of the legitimate purpose of advancement: to support fair and efficient prosecution of white-collar crimes. The article proposes adoption of a duty paradigm as an alternative to the contract analysis of advancement. It argues that the use of a duty model will allow for a reevaluation of the purpose of advancement in whitecollar criminal proceedings and will encourage conscious consideration of legitimate interests beyond those of the immediate parties to the bargain.

Recommended Citation

Regina Robson, Paying for Daniel Webster: Critiquing the Contract Model of Advancement of Legal Fees in Criminal Proceedings, 7 Hastings Bus. L.J. 275 (2011).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_business_law_journal/vol7/iss2/3