Firms double dealing on human rights?

I thought I'd point out this interesting article on the role of law firms in the protection of human rights. The article notes that the wealthiest international law firms are keen to show a commitment to human rights. Some firms, however, profess a commitment to human rights while simultaneously engaging in business practices that undermine fragile communities. Vulture funds have earned their pejorative name by purchasing the sovereign debt of highly indebted countries (often in Africa) at bargain prices, and then demanding the full amount back. US firm Dechert represented two vulture funds at the High Court in London last year, winning a $20m award against Liberia. The article put it succinctly: “For a country such as Liberia, held together at the seams after 15 years of war by international assistance and a good deal of UK taxpayers' money, it's a case of public funding and untold goodwill going in, rich law firm and client sucking it back out”. And while Dechert continues to exploit poverty under the cover of the law, it maintains its corporate image by investing in human rights protection. Earlier this month, Dechert sponsored a summit on global ethics in New York, and the firm is also a member of Advocates for International Development. Food for thought.

Firms double dealing on human rights? guardian.co.uk Fri, Mar 19, 2010