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When does a prosecutor’s pursuit of a target cross an ethical line from the quest for justice into a personal vendetta?  This is the question at the heart of “Billions” — Showtime’s new drama highlighting a federal prosecutor’s investigation of a high flying hedge fund manager.  The show hits such timely issues as prosecutorial misconduct and Wall Street greed and abuse of inside information. The show also explores the destructive impact of the epic struggle between the U. S. Attorney (played by Paul Giamatti) and the hedge fund manager (played by Damian Lewis) on their families and the people who work for them.

The Stanford Center on the Legal Profession will host a program about “Billions” on Saturday, May 14.  This event will be the Center’s fifth program on law and popular culture.   After screening an episode from “Billions,” UCLA Law Professor David Ginsburg will lead a discussion with Brian Koppelman and David Levien, the creators and writers of “Billions.”   Then there will be a panel discussion focusing on the legal and ethical issues highlighted by the show and its real-life inspiration.  Panelists include former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California Melinda Haag, Stanford Law Professor Joe Grundfest, and Duke Law Professor Lisa Kern Griffin.  This panel will be moderated by Stanford Visiting Professor Michael Asimow.

A light lunch will be served.

1 hour Ethics CLE offered

CLE Handout Materials

Billions Powerpoint

Agenda:

Brian Koppelman & David Levien Creators & Writers, “Billions”
David Ginsburg Professor of Law, UCLA School of Law
Melinda Haag Former US Attorney for the Northern District of California Partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Joe Grundfest Professor of Law, Stanford Law School Senior Faculty, Rock Center for Corporate Governance
Lisa Kern Griffin Professor of Law, Duke University School of Law
Michael Asimow Visiting Professor of Law, Stanford Law School