Digital Camera News

HP Ends Relationship with Legal Counselor

December 18, 2006 – As the boardroom drama of Hewlett-Packard Co. continues to unfold, the imaging and printer manufacturer most recently severed ties with corporate lawyer Larry Sonsini, as reported by the New York Times yesterday.  As the chairman of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati (WSGR) law firm, Sonsini had served as outside counsel for the manufacturer.

Sonsini has been criticized for the failing to prevent the damaging fallout of the HP scandalous boardroom leak, resulting in internal spying, investigations by the California Attorney General and Congress, and a pretexting lawsuit settlement that has cost HP $14.5 million. 

The Silicon Valley lawyer, who specializes in corporate acquisitions, was instrumental in HP’s merger with Compaq Computer, a deal worth $19 billion, reported Forbes.com. 

HP will no longer seek counsel from Sonsini, although HP will continue to utilize the firm for further legal work, according to the New York Times. 

In a separate announcement, HP declared a three-year agreement with Microsoft to produce over 30 new products, according to a Dec. 13 HP press release.  HP has not released specific details other than the new products will be portfolio solutions for "People-Ready Business."