Law360 Leads Coverage Of Dewey Crisis

Law360 has been at the front of the pack covering Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP’s meltdown, most recently beating the major news outlets to report on the launch of a criminal probe against the firm's chairman.

Law360 broke the news Thursday that a group of Dewey partners had initiated a criminal investigation against firm Chairman Steven H. Davis, asking the Manhattan district attorney to charge Davis with embezzlement, fraud, and other crimes.

Following the article, Dewey issued an internal memo to partners acknowledging the investigation, after which media organizations nationwide picked up on the controversy — almost 24 hours after Law360's report.

Law360 reporter Megan Leonhardt, who has covered Dewey's financial woes and partner defections in recent weeks, learned of the move from sources familiar with the matter.

“I'd love to say that I had clandestine meetings or received ‘burn-after-reading’ memos, but it really came down to honest conversations with sources who were concerned about the ultimate fate of the firm,” Leonhardt said. “I really respect the sources I've spoken with for coming forward about the situation at Dewey. It's a story that needs to be out there.”

Keep watching Law360 for ongoing coverage of the crisis at Dewey, as well other breaking legal news and analysis.