William Lerach

- Full Name: William Shannon Lerach
- Born in 1946
- Alma Mater: University of Pennsylvania
- Was formally a partner in the indicted law firm, Milberg Weiss
- Battling alcoholism
- Donated to the Democratic Party organizations

William Lerach was a lawyer specializing in Class Action|class action]] lawsuits. He formed Lerach Coughlin Stoia & Robbins LLP in 2004, but left the company three years later.Reuters: Lawyer Lerach reports to California prison (May 19, 2008) Lerach is currently serving a two-year prison sentence for his involvement in a kickback scheme that occurred during his time with Milberg Weiss.New York Post: Bill's Dubious Donors (December 21, 2008)
Leach donated upwards of $250,000 to the William J. Clinton Foundation, run by former president Bill Clinton. The transaction history of the Clinton Foundation was being reviewed in advance of Hillary Clinton's appointment as Secretary of State under the Barack Obama Administration.New York Post: Bill's Dubious Donors (December 21, 2008)
Key Dates
1. 2004: Left Milberg Weiss and formed Lerach Coughlin Stoia & Robbins LLP
2. June, 2007: Alluded to possible retirement
3. August 31, 2007: Left Lerach Coughlin Stoia & Robbins LLP
4. February 11, 2008: Sentenced to two years in prison, two years [probation, fined $250,000 and 1,000 hours of community service
5. June 3, 2008: Former partner sentenced to 30 months in prison
6. June 5, 2008: Sought out alcohol treatmentThe Sun: Class Action Lawyer Lerach Seeks Alcoholism Treatment
Milberg Weiss

Milberg Weiss was involved in an investigation on charges of paying millions in kickbacks to clients to induce them to serve as lead plaintiffs in class-action lawsuits. On May 18, 2006, two of the firm's parnters, David J. Bershad and Steven G. Schulman, were indicted on various charges, including racketeering, mail fraud and bribery. Aside from Schulman and Bershad, Lerach and Melvyn Weiss all pled guilty to charges against them.Reuters: Lawyer Lerach reports to California prison (May 19, 2008)