Reading Room Document
The arrangement John N. Irwin II has made with his law firm, Patterson, Belknap & Webb, to continue in private law practice to the extent permitted by his duties as Special Representative of the United States for Interoceanic Canal Negotiations.
The document is a response to a letter regarding John N. Irvin II's arrangement with his law firm while serving as Special Representative of the United States for Inter-oceanic Canal Negotiations. The conclusion reached is that Mr. Irvin's legal work and his government service do not violate conflict of interest statutes. However, there is a word of caution regarding the appearance of the firm for a client in a matter in which Mr. Irwin has participated personally and substantially as a government employee. The document presents questions about the potential conflict of interest and the appearance of impropriety in Mr. Irvin's continuing relationship with his law firm.
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