Media Mentions
2008
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in the August 19 issue of the Sun Herald in an article regarding Paul Minor's request for release from prison to care for his terminally ill wife. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied his request on the grounds that he may endanger the public's safety if released pending appeal of his judicial bribery conviction. "Paul and his family are disappointed in the outcome and in the court's lack of explanation. Having spent almost two years incarcerated shows without any doubt that he is sober and safe. We cannot wait for the hearing on our appeal so we can have the entire case reconsidered," said Mr. Lowell, Minor's lawyer.
Abbe D. Lowell, Appellate, Trial
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in the August 8 issue of The Raw Story in an article regarding a brief filed by Paul Minor that appeals a Department of Justice decision that prevents him from visiting his dying wife. Mr. Lowell, Minor's lawyer, noted that Mrs. Minor's condition is worsening. "Her cancer is spreading everywhere," he said. "Even if these prosecutors were so cold hearted and so focused on getting Paul, they should have been humane enough to agree to some release terms that would enable him to be with his very sick wife," Mr. Lowell added.
Abbe D. Lowell, Appellate, Trial
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in the August 6 issue of the Jackson Free Press in an article regarding a Department of Justice motion opposing Paul Minor's request for release pending appeal of his 2007 corruption conviction. Mr. Lowell, Minor's lawyer in the case, noted that Minor's wife is in the final stages of cancer. "The prosecutors have become persecutors in not even allowing a compassionate release so that Mr. Minor can be with his wife in her last days. We hope the court of appeals will see that Paul has raised substantial issues on his appeal and that there are of course conditions under which he could be released," he said.
Abbe D. Lowell, Appellate, Trial
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted on August 6 by WDAM-TV in a report regarding Paul Minor's appeal of his judicial bribery conviction. Mr. Lowell, Minor's lawyer in the case, noted that Minor "was improperly selected for prosecution" by a politicized Department of Justice.
Abbe D. Lowell, Appellate, Trial
Abbe D. Lowell was mentioned on August 1 by the Associated Press in an article regarding Paul Minor's claims that he has been the target of a politicized Department of Justice that forced him into a bribery conviction. Mr. Lowell is Paul Minor's lawyer in the case.
Abbe D. Lowell, Appellate, Trial
Abbe D. Lowell was mentioned on July 31 by WLOX 13 in a report regarding Paul Minor's claim that his bribery conviction is the result of selective prosecution by a politicized U.S. Justice Department. Mr. Lowell is Minor's lawyer in the case.
Abbe D. Lowell, Appellate, Trial
Abbe D. Lowell was mentioned in the July 17 issue of The AmLaw Litigation Daily in an article regarding U.S. v. Rahmani. Mr. Lowell, who represents defendant Roya Rahmani, led an effort to file 15 motions to dismiss the case on the grounds of selective prosecution, due process violations and First Amendment violations. "The prosecutors' attempt to charge our clients, who are accused of helping a group opposed to the current Iranian regime, through an unprecedented twisting and stretching of the laws against terrorism and other charges, has resulted in this unprecedented set of pre-trial motions," Mr. Lowell noted in a press release.
Abbe D. Lowell was mentioned in the July 16 issue of The Washington Post in an article regarding the 2001 disappearance of Chandra Levy. Mr. Lowell served as Representative Gary Condit's lawyer during the investigation.
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted on July 10 by the Associated Press in an article regarding Paul Minor's appeal of his judicial bribery conviction. Mr. Lowell, Minor's lawyer in the case, noted that U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate made several errors during the trial "that ultimately resulted in an unlawful conviction and sentence."
Abbe D. Lowell, Appellate, Trial
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted on July 9 by WLOX 13 in a story regarding Paul Minor's appeal of his judicial bribery conviction. Mr. Lowell, Paul Minor's lawyer, is appealing Minor's bribery conviction on the grounds that U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate made errors in the trial "that ultimately resulted in an unlawful conviction and sentence."
Abbe D. Lowell, Appellate, Trial
Abbe D. Lowell was mentioned in the July 8 issue of The AmLaw Litigation Daily in an article regarding Paul Minor's appeal of his judicial bribery conviction. Mr. Lowell, Minor's lawyer, argues in the appeal that Judge Henry Wingate gave jurors different instructions at Minor's second trial than he did at the first. Mr. Lowell also claims that Judge Wingate improperly used bribery standards when sentencing Minor to 11 years.
Abbe D. Lowell, Appellate, Trial
Abbe D. Lowell was mentioned in the June 30 and July 1 issues of The Biloxi Sun Herald in an article regarding Paul Minor, a Biloxi lawyer who filed an appeal of his judicial bribery conviction with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Minor was acquitted of some charges during his 2005 trial, with a hung jury on others, but a conviction came after a second trial in 2007. "Much had changed from the 2005 trial that resulted in acquittals and a mistrial to the 2007 trial that resulted in a hasty conviction and a significant sentence. This appeal addresses these changes - a series of constitutional, evidentiary, legal and sentencing errors by the district court that ultimately resulted in an unlawful conviction and sentence that cannot stand," Mr. Lowell, Minor's lead defense lawyer, and members of the Firm wrote in the appeal.
Abbe D. Lowell, Appellate, Trial
Abbe D. Lowell authored an article in The National Law Journal entitled "Commentary: Crossing Borders." The article discusses the need for a clear understanding of when a country has implicitly or explicitly agreed that its borders are not sacrosanct in all circumstances. Mr. Lowell calls for consistent, clearly enforced standards that address the circumstances under which invading the sovereignty of another nation or crossing its borders is justified.
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in the June 16 issue of Legal Times in an article regarding Jack Abramoff's sentencing scheduled for September 2008 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. As Jack Abramoff's lawyer, Mr. Lowell noted that while he could face up to 11 more years in prison, his plea agreement anticipates a reduced sentence for his cooperation. "His cooperation to date and the changes he's brought to the system merit as much consideration as any case I'm aware of," Mr. Lowell said.
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in the June 9 issue of The Hill in an article regarding a congressional report that claims the White House inadequately investigated ties between Jack Abramoff and White House aides. The report argues that the White House provided an incomplete review of its contacts with Abramoff and did not interview several White House officials about their contacts with the lobbyist. "Much of what the congressional committees know and what the Justice Department knows result from our client’s cooperation. He continues to work hard to make amends for that of which he has pled guilty," noted Mr. Lowell, Abramoff’s lawyer in the case.
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in the June 2 issue of The Jerusalem Post in an article regarding the trial of former AIPAC employees, Steven Rosen and Keith Weissman. As Rosen's lawyer, Mr. Lowell publicly attacked AIPAC in May, accusing the organization of unfairly abandoning his client due to concern for its reputation. "They [the Justice Department] played for AIPAC's lawyer about a minute or less of one conversation of many, many conversations and took it out of context, and they scared AIPAC, and AIPAC took its actions," Mr. Lowell said.
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in the May 22 issue of the Forward in an article regarding the trial of former AIPAC employees, Steven Rosen and Keith Weissman. As Rosen’s lawyer, Mr. Lowell accused AIPAC and the American Jewish community of mistreating and abandoning his client. "They [the government] played for AIPAC’s lawyer about a minute or less of one conversation of many, many conversations and took it out of context, and they scared AIPAC, and AIPAC took its actions," he said but added that he "would have expected better out of a Jewish organization." Mr. Lowell called on the Jewish community to encourage the government to reconsider the case and to support Rosen and Weissman. "Offer them jobs, offer them support, because they deserve no less," he said.
Abbe D. Lowell was recognized in the 2008 issue of the Legal Times Almanac of Leading Lawyers. Mr. Lowell was recognized for his "ability to help a client in the hot seat" and his work for lobbyist Jack Abramoff, former Speaker of the House Jim Wright (D-Texas) and former Representative Gary Condit (D-California).
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted on May 14 by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in an article regarding the classified information case brought by the government against former AIPAC employees Steve Rosen and Keith Weissman. As Rosen’s lawyer in the case, Mr. Lowell noted that, "The government put a lot of pressure on AIPAC and basically misled AIPAC on what it was that Keith and Steve did." He added, "I would like the community to rise up and, having seen all the public information, as a community start saying to the world, the Jewish world and the non-Jewish world, and the media, to the Justice Department and the attorney general: 'Reconsider. This is wrong. You made a mistake.' AIPAC and other groups that got snookered, they should admit they got snookered, and they should both embrace these men."
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in the April 20 issue of The Dallas Morning News in an article regarding the indictment of former Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill and thirteen others on charges of taking kickbacks from local developers. Mr. Potashnik, the owner of Southwest Housing, is accused of paying bribes to Mr. Hill. As Mr. Potashnik's lawyer, Mr. Lowell said that he is not concerned about comments from co-defendant Allen McGill, who recently plead guilty and is cooperating with government authorities. "Southwest Housing had nothing to do with McGill. He might have tried to extort them, but that was the extent of any connection," Mr. Lowell said.
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted on March 22 by the Associated Press in an article regarding the espionage trial of Steven Rosen and Keith Weissman, former lobbyists of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The trial has been rescheduled eight times, and prosecutors recently revealed that they will appeal a ruling on how classified information will be introduced at trial. As Mr. Rosen's counsel, Mr. Lowell said, "It's now pretty clear that the government does not want to try this case. They filed these charges without thinking them through, and there appears to be no one in government with enough authority or courage to admit they made a mistake." Mr. Lowell was also quoted in JTA and The New York Sun on March 21.
Abbe D. Lowell was mentioned in the March 3 issue of the The New York Times in an article regarding the espionage charges against Steven J. Rosen and Keith Weissman, former senior analysts for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). As Mr. Rosen's lawyer, Mr. Lowell stated that the defense will demonstrate that for years, American policy on Israel and the Middle East has been determined by back-channel conversations between AIPAC and senior policymakers, diplomats and journalists. Mr. Lowell noted that the trial raises "strange and troubling issues, notably the decision to target AIPAC for common and proper behavior that goes on in Washington every day."
Abbe D. Lowell was recognized in the February 2008 issue of American Lawyer as one of 14 Star Laterals of the Year.
Abbe D. Lowell, Trial, White-Collar Criminal Defense
Abbe David Lowell is mentioned in the January issue of Washingtonian magazine regarding his role as lead defender of former AIPAC staff member Steven Rosen. Regarding the classified information case, the article states, "a conviction is by no means a sure thing, due in part to an aggressive three-year fight by the defense team, led by Abbe Lowell for Rosen and by John Nassikas III for Weissman. The lawyers' no-stone-unturned litigation fills a foot-thick file of motions and rebuttals in US District Court in Alexandria."
Abbe D. Lowell, Trial, White-Collar Criminal Defense
2007
The Washingtonian released its fifth list of "Big Guns" in the December 2007 issue. The Washingtonian selects "Big Guns" based on peer recommendations and follow-up interviews. The following McDermott lawyers were named "Big Guns": Bobby R. Burchfield, Joel M. Freed, Abbe D. Lowell and Blake D. Rubin.
Bobby R. Burchfield, Joel M. Freed, Abbe D. Lowell, Blake D. Rubin, Intellectual Property, Media & Technology, Tax, Trial
Abbe David Lowell was quoted in the December 22 edition of the New York Times regarding whether the C.I.A.'s withholding of videotapes documenting the interrogations of two al Qaeda operatives violated federal law. Mr. Lowell said the question of whether the agency had broken the law by omitting mention of the videotapes was "pretty complex," but said he "wouldn’t rule it out." Mr. Lowell also said that because the requests were not subpoenas issued by a court or Congress, C.I.A. officials could not be held in contempt for failing to respond fully. Apart from that, however, it is a crime to make a false statement "in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative or judicial branch," Mr. Lowell remarked.
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in the November 21 issue of Jewish News Weekly of Northern California in response to the federal judge in the classified information case against two former AIPAC staff members wanting to question prospective jurors about possible anti-Semitic views. "In a case like this which concerns the pro-Israel lobby, defendants who are themselves Jewish, events in the Middle East [and] the times we live in, it’s very appropriate that the judge should be sensitive and ask us to be sensitive to a jury selection device that might minimize the risks of selecting jurors with an anti-Jewish bias," Mr. Lowell said.
Abbe D. Lowell, Trial, White-Collar Criminal Defense
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in a November 2 article published by the Associated Press regarding the subpoena of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as well as some of President Bush's top foreign policy advisors in order to testify about their conversations with pro-Israel lobbyists. Abbe commented on behalf of both defendants, who have been accused of receiving secret national security information. "For over two years, we have been explaining that our clients' conduct was lawful and completely consistent with how the U.S. government dealt with AIPAC and other foreign policy groups. We look forward to the trial," Mr. Lowell said. This story appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and other news organizations.
Abbe D. Lowell, Trial, White-Collar Criminal Defense
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in an October 18 article published by The Dallas Morning News regarding the complexity surrounding the trial of Brian Potashnik. Mr. Lowell suggested that Mr. Potashnik would waive his right to a speedy trial so that his lawyers would have time to go through the evidence of more than 30,000 wiretapped phone calls as well as more than 200 boxes of documents. Because prosecutors indicted Mr. Potashnik along with his wife and father, Mr. Lowell stated that the case was both cynical and misguided.
Abbe D. Lowell, Trial, White-Collar Criminal Defense
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in an October 14 article published by newsday.com regarding Robert Toussie's decision to join in the bidding at a two-day auction of surplus land at the Hyatt Regency Windwatch Hotel in Hauppauge. Mr. Lowell commented that after the two days in court following a threat of police arrest at a 2004 sale, the parties had come to a truce resulting in his ability to bid at auction. "What Mr. Toussie wanted is nondiscriminatory access and that's what's been given," Mr. Lowell said.
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in a September 30 article published by the Jackson Clarion Ledger regarding Paul Minor's request to stay all or part of his sentence pending appeal and for more time to pay his fine. In regards to Mr. Minor's sentence, Mr. Lowell stated that, "To hold Mr. Minor in further detention when the other co-defendants remain free is unfair and should be reconsidered." Mr. Lowell went on to comment on Mr. Minor's fine, stating that, "a lump-sum payment of fine, plus restitution, would place serious and undue hardships on him and his family."
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in a September 16 article by The Maryland Daily Record regarding an FBI probe into the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPC) and whether or not they supplied controversial information to Israel. Mr. Lowell commented on the high profile case in which Steven J. Rosen, AIPC's foreign policy director, and Keith Weissman, an analyst, were charged with conspiracy dating as a result of the probe. "It's a very laborious, very labor-intensive, very intricate process that requires an enormous amount of work by the court," Mr. Lowell said.
Abbe D. Lowell, Trial, White-Collar Criminal Defense
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in the August issue of The American Bar Association Journal in an article regarding honest service charges and the courts struggle to differentiate between clear instances of fraud from job duties that naturally involve politics. Mr. Lowell explains that federal prosecutors use the law aggressively in determining how far theft of honest services will go. "One thing about criminal cases that we always counted on is that people should be given fair notice of when their conduct does and does not violate the law. When you start using those rules so broadly, you lose any sense of notice," Mr. Lowell said.
Abbe D. Lowell, Trial, White-Collar Criminal Defense
Abbe D. Lowell was mentioned in a July 13 article published by The Las Vegas Sun regarding Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons opening a new legal defense fund to cover various legal expenses including the recent FBI probe accusing him of taking money and gifts in exchange for helping a Reno company get defense contracts. Mr. Lowell has been hired to advise Mr. Gibbons on FBI questioning.
Abbe D. Lowell, Trial, White-Collar Criminal Defense
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in a June 28 article published by The Clarion Ledger regarding the trial delay of Paul Minor due to the federal government's attempt to enhance his sentencing based on uncharged and untried conduct. Mr. Lowell was Mr. Minor's lead attorney during his first trial in 2005 where he was found not guilty and has been brought on for the sentencing portion of this case. "The government has threatened to make the sentencing hearing unwieldy by seeking a sentence based on uncharged and untried conduct - obstruction of justice, a charge not found by the jury. The government also asks the court to engage in judicial fact-findng to enhance Mr. Minor's sentence because it claims there was a staggering amount of loss and that his offense involved what it deems to be sophisticated means," Mr. Lowell said.
Abbe D. Lowell, Trial, White-Collar Criminal Defense
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in a June 24 article published by US News & World Report regarding the flurry of new legal business due to the Democratic takeover in Congress. Abbe has worked for both the democratic party and defended lobbyist Jack Abramoff. "You can't substitute for knowing people," Mr. Lowell said.
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in a June 18 article published by the Washington Post regarding an informal group of Washington D.C. white-collar criminal defense attorneys. Mr. Lowell commented on the tight-knit group and on their system of referring work to others. "Obviously it is both human nature and a good thing for people to help those who help them. It's a rule of good human resources," he said.
Abbe D. Lowell, Trial, White-Collar Criminal Defense
Abbe D. Lowell was quoted in a June 17 article in Newsday regarding Suffolk County's spending of $1.4 million in their latest legal battle against real estate investor Robert Toussie in order to create a system to recapture old e-mails and archive the county's electronic messages. Mr. Lowell is defending Mr. Toussie's right to buy property after he claimed that his civil rights were violated. "What the county is spending here is unconscionable," said Mr. Lowell. "All my client wants to do is write a check to the county. Instead of spending millions, they could be bringing in millions."
Abbe D. Lowell was mentioned in a June 11 article published by Fox News regarding the federal investigation of former American Israel Public Affairs Committee employees Steven J. Rosen and Keith Weissman. The trial has been postponed after a judges verdict that the evidence against the defendants could not be closed to the public. When asked to comment further on the case, Mr. Lowell did not respond.
Abbe D. Lowell, Trial, White-Collar Criminal Defense
Abbe D. Lowell was mentioned in a June 9 article published by The National Journal regarding attorneys representing corporations and political figures that are facing scrutiny from investigative entities. Mr. Lowell was recently recruited to McDermott and has been working with Nevada's Republican Governor regarding an FBI probe into allegations that he accepted favors from financial donors in exchange for helping obtain government contracts.
Abbe D. Lowell, Trial, White-Collar Criminal Defense
Abbe D. Lowell was mentioned in a May 25 article published by the Associated Press regarding his representation of a client in a recent FBI probe. Mr. Lowell was one of two lawyers working with this client in regards to requirements and controls for legal defense funds. This article appeared in the Reno Gazette Journal and the Las Vegas Sun.
