Al Jazerra GC “Appears To Be Unlicensed”

The general counsel of Al Jazerra America, which is currently embroiled in some major litigation, passed the New York State bar exam in 1986 but apparently never became licensed to practice law in New York or anywhere else. He has, however, practiced extensively, including in the 1980s as a litigator at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and more recently in a number of in-houses positions with major media organizations. If in fact the GC is unlicensed, it could spell trouble for the company in its current legal battles, which include a sensitive employment discrimination case, if some emails and other communications lose privilege. Al Jazeera America says it has hired Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom to conduct an investigation.