On Behalf of My Client: F*$% You
WSJ Law Blog reports that a retired Gibson Dunn partner reportedly sent the following email to the Free Enterprise Action Fund:
“On behalf of Jeff Immelt and other sane people at GE, I say, ‘f**k you.’”
The Fund says this was the email response of Simms (the retired partner) to the Fund's press release announcing victory over GE in a global warming-related shareholder proposal tussle. The Fund publicized the Simms email in a blast to the media. GE and Gibson Dunn disavowed the email. Initially I was skeptical that the email was real. Simms (an ex high level government lawyer and Supreme Court Clerk) does not seem to be the type to drop an F Bomb in a stray email message sent purportedly on behalf of a cient.
I'm sure many potential lessons can be drawn from this episode. Never use the "F word" in an email? Always obtain express authorization before dropping the F Bomb "on behalf" of someone? On the other hand, the email does reflect a streak of California rebellion. Its publication may in some circles elevate the esteem in which Immelt and Simms are held.
Comments