When a normal law firm has a conflict, they should refer the case out. What happens, however, when the State of Nevada is the "firm" with the conflict? Looks like they do the same (only with us taxpayers footing the bill).
After the indictment issued in December, District Judge Elissa Cadish disqualified the attorney general's office from prosecuting Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki because it would create an "appearance of impropriety." Indeed.
Some may argue, however, that the state's choice of "special prosecutor" creates quite another "appearance." The state apparently made their choice based on great hair: Dominic Gentile.
We're not discrediting Gentile's ability, he has to be a great attorney to be billing out at $610/hr over at Gordon Silver. We do, however, question the choice of such a high profile criminal defense attorney for the job. Maybe the state will put him through some sort of prosecutor boot camp where he kicks puppies and takes ice cream from children. That ought to toughen him up.
To help save the taxpayers a little scratch, Dom agreed to cap his hourly rate at $345 an hour. Also, the firm agreed that its total bill wouldn't exceed $415,000. We're guessing that they will come coincidentally close to that number.
Dom doesn't quite have the job yet. The AG's recommendation will be forwarded to the state Board of Examiners, which will consider the proposal in mid-August.
Congratulations, Dom! If you get the job, don't let that Namby Pamby "compassion" you picked up from all those years of criminal defense get in the way of nailing Krolicki to the wall.
(LVRJ)
