[Vision2020] Two Lawyers Accused of Conflict of Interest

[Tom Hansen]

>From today's (April 26, 2005) Spokesman Review.

Speaking of conflict of interest, where is Jerry Wallace?  He didn't invent
"conflict of interest", he merely perfected it.

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Two lawyers accused of conflict of interest 
Boise attorneys involved in University Place project
Associated Press
April 26, 2005

BOISE - The Idaho State Bar has accused two Boise lawyers of conflict of
interest for their roles in representing both a private development company
and the University of Idaho Foundation in the failed $136 million University
Place project.

Roy Eiguren and L. Edward Miller are named in the case, due to be heard
before the bar association's professional conduct board. The complaints ask
that Eiguren and Miller be suspended and ordered to pay unspecified
investigation costs.

They work for Givens Pursley, the law firm that represented the nonprofit
foundation, which oversaw the project for the school, and Civic Partners
Idaho LLC, the development company.
 
University Place began in the 1990s as the Moscow-based school attempted to
expand in Boise. It ended with just one of two planned buildings - the $43
million Idaho Water Center - being constructed, allegations of illegal
financial maneuvering that are still under investigation, and the 2003
resignation of university President Robert Hoover over an undisclosed loan.

In two separate complaints released Monday, the bar association said the
lawyers' work for the development company and the foundation was compromised
because they were paid by both sides.

"The university and foundation did not receive the benefit of independent
professional judgment, zealous advocacy and candid, diligent advice, and
therefore, suffered from extremely disadvantageous terms," according to the
complaint.

Eiguren, one of Idaho's most-powerful lobbyists whose clients range from
Albertson's Inc. to California utility Sempra Energy, and Miller, now get a
chance to investigate the allegations and present witnesses before a
three-person tribunal.

Calls for comment to the offices of Eiguren and Miller weren't immediately
returned late Monday.

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Take care, Moscow.

Tom "Voting YES for the bond because the alternative scares him" Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

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"When people sin, everybody has to pay."

- Douglas Wilson of Wilson, Inc. (dba Christ Church) (June 7, 2002)

For more details:  http://www.tomandrodna.com/notonthepalouse

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