As legal professionals, you may be aware that Dechert’s general counsel, Benjamin Rosenberg, is expected to testify in a lawsuit that alleges the firm’s involvement in a complex hacking operation aimed at a U.S. business executive. This deposition is anticipated to take place on February 29.
The lawsuit in question was brought forward by Farhad Azima, who claims that his law firm abetted a hacking scheme orchestrated by private investigator Nicholas Del Rosso. The scheme reportedly targeted Azima’s computer systems. Information about Dechert’s familiarity with the alleged scheme is likely to be solicited during Rosenberg’s deposition, which, according to insiders, will be held privately. The full background on Nicholas Del Rosso is available for further understanding.
Azima initiated this lawsuit four years ago and also has a separate case against Dechert over allegations of a conspiracy involving the firm and Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. More about this litigation against Dechert can be found here.
Thus far, Dechert has consistently rejected Azima’s claims. Of note, despite the deposition of its general counsel, Dechert is not a named defendant in the dispute with Nick Del Rosso, which is slated for trial in North Carolina this September.
In related news, Dechert recently arrived at a settlement agreement with Azima in a separate lawsuit in the UK. As per the agreement, disclosed on February 2, Dechert will compensate Azima with $3.8 million plus “reasonable costs”. The details on this are accessible with this link.
This continuous dispute is anticipated to further impact the legal industry, enhancing the awareness and addressing of cybersecurity issues within major law firms.