Controversial Sarbanes-Oxley provision important part of corporate reform
ParedesWith the final provision of Sarbanes-Oxley now in effect, lawyers are required to report corporate wrongdoing. Although many lawyers are concerned that this may breach attorney/client privilege, Troy Paredes, associate professor of law at the Washington University School of Law, says, “The requirement that lawyers report ‘up the ladder’ if they are aware of a material violation is an important part of the Sarbanes-Oxley reforms.” Paredes notes that lawyers are an important gatekeeper that the market depends on to help oversee management.