For a new twist on misconduct by Justice Department lawyers, take a look at the “Moonlight Fire” case and the recent developments in the state and federal courts in California.  To catch you up, read my articles on the New York Observer and on Fox News.

A former Assistant United States Attorney blew the whistle on the possible suppression and/or distortion of evidence by state and federal fire investigators and the attorneys for each who pursued a massive multi-million dollar action to recover “costs” and penalties from Sierra Pacific-one of the largest land-holders in the country.  Sierra Pacific, upon discovering new evidence, is turning the tables on the Department of Justice.  A state court judge has awarded $32 million against CAL fire-the state investigative agency.  Now the feds are back in court and on the ropes to defend their actions.

Sierra Pacific is due to file an additional brief on January 15, 2015,  to explain to senior federal District Judge Shubb how the government has committed what amounts to a fraud on the court.  The government has 30 days to respond, and then Sierra Pacific has until March 9 to reply.

Judge Shubb largely ignored the Department’s outrageous attempt to knock all of the defense lawyers off of the case because they had read the affidavit and allegations of government attorney misconduct.   He vacated an order for a hearing on the government’s motion.  In a fair and measured approach, he wants to determine first that Sierra Pacific can seek to set aside the original settlement under the Federal Rule 60(d)(3).  Stay tuned. . . .

Article corrected for due date of briefing @ 1:10 p.m. on 12/5 and further editted

If you’re in need of a holiday gift for a lawyer, banker, stock broker, a client, a teacher, or anyone interested in a good legal thriller, order LICENSED TO LIE: Exposing Corruption in the Department of Justice.  It has received many 5-star reviews and regularly makes #1 on Amazon in law, ethics, white collar crime, and the judicial branch!

Thanks to all readers who have taken time to write a review and to tell their friends about the book.  Here are a few of the comments from the most recent reviews:

1.  Ms. Powell is a true badass. She gives those who have suffered through a malicious prosecution a voice (and where appropriate, a growl). She is brilliant, to be sure, but she is so much more. She is brave, even heroic. To the cases she cites in which justice has been perverted, we must add the inestimable loss of her voice and experience at the bar. We can only hope that when and if she is called upon again to defend the defenseless, she will rise to the occasion. But if she doesn’t, let the blame for her silence rest upon those who have perverted the system she knew and loved.

2.  Until an insider comes forward, everything else is just hearsay rumors and gossip. Sidney does a wonderful job of revealing things in a new light that sheds a new insight of how just unaware I was of the legal system, in this country that prides itself of doing things by the book of law. An eye-opener for sure. Thank you. Peace

By a banker:

3.  I happened to meet Sidney and share lunch with her at a recent event at the George W Bush Library in Dallas. The meeting was attended by many DOJ Officials and I found it appalling that they did not cheer Sidney’s portrayal of the “INJUSTICE” at the DOJ. To the contrary, she was shunned.
Any legal professional should be ashamed and scared of the treatment to the individuals in this riveting book.

LICENSED TO LIE is in the Above the Law Gift Guide.  However, if you would like a personalized and autographed copy for the ultimate gift, there is a link to order it from the author at LicensedtoLie.com.