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muriel_volestrangler

(106,207 posts)
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 06:46 PM Apr 2023

Jane Roberts, married to Chief Justice John Roberts, made $10.3m in commissions from elite law firms

Source: Business Insider

And life was indeed good for the Robertses, at least for the years 2007 to 2014. During that eight-year stretch, according to internal records from her employer, Jane Roberts generated a whopping $10.3 million in commissions, paid out by corporations and law firms for placing high-dollar lawyers with them.

That eye-popping figure comes from records in a whistleblower complaint filed by a disgruntled former colleague of Roberts, who says that as the spouse of the most powerful judge in the United States, the income she earns from law firms who practice before the Court should be subject to public scrutiny.

"When I found out that the spouse of the chief justice was soliciting business from law firms, I knew immediately that it was wrong," the whistleblower, Kendal B. Price, who worked alongside Jane Roberts at the legal recruiting firm Major, Lindsey & Africa, told Insider in an interview. "During the time I was there, I was discouraged from ever raising the issue. And I realized that even the law firms who were Jane's clients had nowhere to go. They were being asked by the spouse of the chief justice for business worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and there was no one to complain to. Most of these firms were likely appearing or seeking to appear before the Supreme Court. It's natural that they'd do anything they felt was necessary to be competitive."

Roberts' apparent $10.3 million in compensation puts her toward the top of the payscale for legal headhunters. Price's disclosures, which were filed under federal whistleblower-protection laws and are now in the hands of the House and Senate Judiciary committees, add to the mounting questions about how Supreme Court justices and their families financially benefit from their special status, an area that Senate Democrats are vowing to investigate after a series of disclosure lapses by the justices themselves.



Read more: https://www.businessinsider.com/jane-roberts-chief-justice-wife-10-million-commissions-2023-4?r=US&IR=T



Full article "Jane Roberts, who is married to Chief Justice John Roberts, made $10.3 million in commissions from elite law firms, whistleblower documents show" edited for space
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Jane Roberts, married to Chief Justice John Roberts, made $10.3m in commissions from elite law firms (Original Post) muriel_volestrangler Apr 2023 OP
Don't seem right! dchill Apr 2023 #1
There is a good reason for your opinion. It is not right. TomSlick Apr 2023 #3
"If CJ Roberts had a scintilla of ethical standards, .. Jarqui Apr 2023 #8
How are attorneys reacting to the obvious SC criminally and lack of ethics? Irish_Dem Apr 2023 #18
I've not heard anything in the profession. TomSlick Apr 2023 #29
Yes that is the GOP goal, divide society so people are afraid to speak up. Irish_Dem Apr 2023 #36
I got a tattoo of a crying Lady Justice. Dustlawyer Apr 2023 #58
... Irish_Dem Apr 2023 #59
This message was self-deleted by its author TomSlick Apr 2023 #2
No wonder he didn't want to answer questions about Thomas Jarqui Apr 2023 #4
What did Ms. Jane make prior to her husband's seating on the bench? Freethinker65 Apr 2023 #5
10 Irish Pounds a day reading palms, most likely peppertree Apr 2023 #10
What it is called when a man makes his wife a bribe box? Irish_Dem Apr 2023 #16
The bribegroom? peppertree Apr 2023 #22
You are a genius. Hilarious. Irish_Dem Apr 2023 #24
Why, thank you - and likewise! peppertree Apr 2023 #25
Nothing clever like you. Irish_Dem Apr 2023 #37
Good point peppertree Apr 2023 #38
There you go again. Irish_Dem Apr 2023 #39
The Robbers Court peppertree Apr 2023 #40
Yes JFK was really good. Irish_Dem Apr 2023 #43
They were before my time - but I well up every time I think of those two brothers peppertree Apr 2023 #46
Yes it was the Dulles brothers. Irish_Dem Apr 2023 #49
She was a partner at a major law firm long before he was on the court or married to her FBaggins Apr 2023 #51
Her resume may be legit, but are her business practices? Merlot Apr 2023 #54
An excellent question melm00se May 2023 #66
You could always try reading the link muriel_volestrangler May 2023 #67
That's because being a vendor and being a partner are two vastly different things Zeitghost May 2023 #69
Kick dalton99a Apr 2023 #6
She is selling access and influence, and she has made a bundle on it FakeNoose Apr 2023 #7
Ethics ? republianmushroom Apr 2023 #9
This Isn't Even NEW News... GB_RN Apr 2023 #11
Right, and I think I/we read it longer ago than 'several months.' elleng Apr 2023 #23
Could Well Have Been Longer. GB_RN Apr 2023 #31
The founding fathers were wrong BigmanPigman Apr 2023 #12
They couldn't possibly forsee bluestarone Apr 2023 #13
They also assumed "good behavior" was so obvious they did not define it sanatanadharma Apr 2023 #15
Taking bribes is usually a crime most democratic countries? Irish_Dem Apr 2023 #19
In the US bribery is now legal RocRizzo55 May 2023 #63
Yes our GOP overlords have made all their crimes perfectly legal. Irish_Dem May 2023 #68
Imagine that. 2naSalit Apr 2023 #14
Quite a lot of money in an eight year "stench" . . . Journeyman Apr 2023 #17
And the dipshit wonders why the public holds the court in such low regard. Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Apr 2023 #20
In truth it's 2/3 of the court held in low regard, the media forgets to sort out the respected ones. Alexander Of Assyria Apr 2023 #48
$10,000,000? Now that's what I call a commission or two..... ashredux Apr 2023 #21
So...what is the total of corrupt GOP "Justices" up to now? n/t xocetaceans Apr 2023 #26
Six. jmowreader Apr 2023 #34
Roberts/his wife, Thomas/non-disclosure/his wife, Gorsuch/non-disclosure... brush Apr 2023 #60
Thanks for the comprehensive enumeration. xocetaceans May 2023 #70
Relatively young, courrupt and in the majority. brush May 2023 #71
Seems like I read this story a few months ago. OMGWTF Apr 2023 #27
Nothin' to see here...Move on... Thunderbeast Apr 2023 #28
The best royalty money can buy, they are kings and queens that have say over everything yaesu Apr 2023 #30
Commisions? Aussie105 Apr 2023 #32
The Constitution says there shall be one Supreme Court --- but it does not say where it has to be in2herbs Apr 2023 #33
Clarence Thomas is probably thinking SomedayKindaLove Apr 2023 #35
"They came to do good, and did very well..." Grins Apr 2023 #41
Bullies brakester Apr 2023 #55
Ethics? We don't need no stinking ethics! Novara Apr 2023 #42
I can see the scene with the partners of a firm sitting around the table... ashredux Apr 2023 #44
Wonder why it takes so long for routine criminality or extremely questionable ethics violations msfiddlestix Apr 2023 #45
2025: Pass a broad reaching ethics law update that enforces ethics violations ColinC Apr 2023 #47
Did you think the job was without perks? malthaussen Apr 2023 #50
This shows another reason Roberts Quanto Magnus Apr 2023 #52
corrupt supreme court - no ethics samsingh Apr 2023 #53
Absolutely fucking evil. Initech Apr 2023 #56
Can either Roberts even spell extortion? Hermit-The-Prog Apr 2023 #57
Such a double standard. Mz Pip Apr 2023 #61
Is the entire Supreme Court RocRizzo55 May 2023 #62
It's a big country club Mysterian May 2023 #64
The top 1% pays its top Lieutenants a premium. harun May 2023 #65

TomSlick

(13,013 posts)
3. There is a good reason for your opinion. It is not right.
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 07:02 PM
Apr 2023

CJ Roberts is profiting from a grift being operated by his spouse.

If CJ Roberts had a scintilla of ethical standards, he would recuse from every case involving firms that hired lawyers recruited by his spouse.

We now know why CJ Roberts did not want to talk to Congress. Forget about the separation of powers stuff. He was worried that he would be asked embarrassing questions about his own finances.

Jarqui

(10,908 posts)
8. "If CJ Roberts had a scintilla of ethical standards, ..
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 07:13 PM
Apr 2023

... he would recuse from every case involving firms that hired lawyers recruited by his spouse."

Absolutely.

You don't need a law degree to comprehend those ethics. Most high school kids could grasp the problem with his conduct.

Years ago, he would be expected to resign in shame. He could not survive an impeachment. And a review of the cases where the conflicts occurred would be done.

Unfortunately, the government is too corrupt for that kind of thing to occur. Impeachments won't happen when roughly half of the folks voting on the impeachment are in on the general corruption - party before country.

Irish_Dem

(81,261 posts)
18. How are attorneys reacting to the obvious SC criminally and lack of ethics?
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 07:58 PM
Apr 2023

I don't know if you can answer this question or not in public.

If my profession acted this way at the highest level I would be blowing a gasket.

TomSlick

(13,013 posts)
29. I've not heard anything in the profession.
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 08:49 PM
Apr 2023

Lawyers are like the rest of the society - very polarized.

Irish_Dem

(81,261 posts)
36. Yes that is the GOP goal, divide society so people are afraid to speak up.
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 10:25 PM
Apr 2023

And of course give everyone a gun.
Makes us more afraid to speak out.

It seems that the law has now become separated from basic right and wrong.
Basic morality is no longer part of the legal profession for many attorneys.

The GOP pretends to be moral but it is a lie and fake.
They don't really care about the issues.

The law is used to control and punish others.
But to enrich and protect the wealthy and power elite.

All of America's institutions lie in tatters.
Who benefits?

Irish_Dem

(81,261 posts)
59. ...
Sun Apr 30, 2023, 12:02 PM
Apr 2023

How is it worse than I know?

Worse reaction on the part of attorneys?
Or the nefarious goings on at the Supreme Ct?

Response to muriel_volestrangler (Original post)

Jarqui

(10,908 posts)
4. No wonder he didn't want to answer questions about Thomas
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 07:03 PM
Apr 2023

taking money. It is probably the tip of the iceberg of corruption in SCOTUS.

Freethinker65

(11,203 posts)
5. What did Ms. Jane make prior to her husband's seating on the bench?
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 07:06 PM
Apr 2023

Was she always a top recruiter?

Perhaps she was just always excellent at her job and earned those commissions, or perhaps her connections paid off handsomely.

peppertree

(23,342 posts)
10. 10 Irish Pounds a day reading palms, most likely
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 07:14 PM
Apr 2023

Johnny boy was her lottery ticket - and Jane's become his bribe drop box.

Irish_Dem

(81,261 posts)
37. Nothing clever like you.
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 10:51 PM
Apr 2023

What are men called who send out women to earn money illegally.

Irish_Dem

(81,261 posts)
39. There you go again.
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 11:28 PM
Apr 2023

Clever with words and quick.


Yes exactly Roberts is a pimp and a wimp.
Well Thomas does the same thing.

BTW
When you have a really good, clever line make it your subject line.
Don't bury it in the body of your response.
See how that works.

peppertree

(23,342 posts)
40. The Robbers Court
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 11:33 PM
Apr 2023

They make it so easy.

That said - thanks for the suggestion. You're very good yourself.

And you know who else was good with quips and one-liners? JFK!

I understand that among Washington insiders, his description if the town (at least politically) is still the official, unofficial one:

"It's got southern efficiency, and northern charm."

Irish_Dem

(81,261 posts)
43. Yes JFK was really good.
Sat Apr 29, 2023, 07:14 AM
Apr 2023

Yes perfect example of JFK's Irish witty sarcasm.
Delivered dry and deadpan, then maybe a chuckle.
Ironic and sardonic. All derived with just a few words.

Robbers Court, you are cracking me up.

peppertree

(23,342 posts)
46. They were before my time - but I well up every time I think of those two brothers
Sat Apr 29, 2023, 09:41 AM
Apr 2023

And the culprits? Died scot-free - as so many do.

Irish_Dem

(81,261 posts)
49. Yes it was the Dulles brothers.
Sat Apr 29, 2023, 11:57 AM
Apr 2023

I am not so sure about J Edgar Hoover, but it makes sense.

FBaggins

(28,706 posts)
51. She was a partner at a major law firm long before he was on the court or married to her
Sat Apr 29, 2023, 02:08 PM
Apr 2023

Her resume' is legit.

Merlot

(9,696 posts)
54. Her resume may be legit, but are her business practices?
Sat Apr 29, 2023, 03:59 PM
Apr 2023

Would she have made that much money if not married to a SCJ?

melm00se

(5,161 posts)
66. An excellent question
Mon May 1, 2023, 08:28 AM
May 2023

met by snark because the answer might get in the way of righteous outrage™.

muriel_volestrangler

(106,207 posts)
67. You could always try reading the link
Mon May 1, 2023, 08:37 AM
May 2023

rather than slagging off DUers with accusations of "righteous outrage™". She was not a recruiter before he became Chief Justice in 2005 - she only started in 2007.

Amazingly, she claims that being paid by many law firms that appear before the Supreme Court is less of a conflict of interest than being paid by one firm that might appear before the Supreme Court: https://www.lawdragon.com/legal-consultant-limelights/2021-11-22-legal-consultant-limelights-jane-sullivan-roberts

 

Zeitghost

(4,557 posts)
69. That's because being a vendor and being a partner are two vastly different things
Mon May 1, 2023, 01:17 PM
May 2023

She sells a service, recruiting top talent, to various firms. She has no vested interest in the firm or their cases. Legally, she is no different than the accountant a firm uses or the janitorial service they use.

If she was a partner, she would have a direct interest in the firm and its cases before the court.

FakeNoose

(41,631 posts)
7. She is selling access and influence, and she has made a bundle on it
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 07:13 PM
Apr 2023

This is why John Roberts is just as corrupt as Clarence Thomas, but in another way.

Don't look for John Roberts to suddenly come to Jesus and sanction the other SCOTUS members - I mean the ones who deserve to be sanctioned. He'll never do it.

GB_RN

(3,560 posts)
11. This Isn't Even NEW News...
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 07:20 PM
Apr 2023

I remember reading about this several months ago. Then it quickly and quietly disappeared from the front pages. It’s only making a comeback because of the huge steaming, stinking pile of shit that Clarence “Uncle Slappy” Thomas has left at Roberts’ feet…and the slightly smaller pile that Gorsuck just dropped there, too.

I guess the media felt like Roberts’ ethical issues couldn’t be left alone in light of Uncle Slappy and Gorsuck. Wondering if there’s yet another shoe to drop…

GB_RN

(3,560 posts)
31. Could Well Have Been Longer.
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 09:02 PM
Apr 2023

I just know that this isn't a new revelation about our corrupt Chief (in)Justice and his wife.

Note to all: Not disparaging the OP. This is a news media issue.

BigmanPigman

(55,137 posts)
12. The founding fathers were wrong
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 07:22 PM
Apr 2023

when they assumed SCOTUS positions would be "a fair and balanced" part of our democracy. 2nd Amend issues and life long SCOTUS appointments with no checks is not what they anticipated in the 1780s.

sanatanadharma

(4,089 posts)
15. They also assumed "good behavior" was so obvious they did not define it
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 07:49 PM
Apr 2023

Today still, "good behavior" obviously means more than defined or legal behavior.
The legislature has power but lacks clarity, ethics, and spine.

 

Alexander Of Assyria

(7,839 posts)
48. In truth it's 2/3 of the court held in low regard, the media forgets to sort out the respected ones.
Sat Apr 29, 2023, 10:56 AM
Apr 2023

ashredux

(2,928 posts)
21. $10,000,000? Now that's what I call a commission or two.....
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 08:01 PM
Apr 2023

It stinks to high heaven, along with the rest of the damn republican assholes on the court

 

brush

(61,033 posts)
60. Roberts/his wife, Thomas/non-disclosure/his wife, Gorsuch/non-disclosure...
Sun Apr 30, 2023, 05:07 PM
Apr 2023

Last edited Mon May 1, 2023, 05:14 PM - Edit history (1)

beerboy/hundreds of thousands of debts paid off/non-investigation by FBI of sexual assaults , Alito/my God, referencing 17th Cen. witch burner precedent in the Dobbs Abortion decison, Coney Barrett/the nature of her rushed confirmation by Moscow Mitch itself is corrupt.

So that's six out of six of the SCOTUS Taliban six IMO.

xocetaceans

(4,442 posts)
70. Thanks for the comprehensive enumeration.
Mon May 1, 2023, 04:15 PM
May 2023

My initial thought was six out of six, but it's good to have notes...

(to look back on.);
(upon which to look back.); or
(back upon which to look.).

Prescriptive grammar can make for some weird alterations in word order.

Sorry, if this last bit is flippant.

The majority of the court is corrupt and serving for life. Citizens United continues on as does the daily cost of Scalia's intentional misreading of "...well-regulated militia..." etc. as will the cost of the court's Dobbs decision (in spite of their confirmation-hearing lies regarding stare decisis). Not only all that is the problem, but they are relatively young.

Thunderbeast

(3,819 posts)
28. Nothin' to see here...Move on...
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 08:39 PM
Apr 2023

Us plain folks don't understand the expected lifesyle for the folks like them who GOD clearly annointed with the beauty and wisdom to lead. We should not begrudge a little comfort...

Should we?

Where's my pitchfork? Can I buy a guillotine on Amazon?

yaesu

(9,327 posts)
30. The best royalty money can buy, they are kings and queens that have say over everything
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 08:59 PM
Apr 2023

I thought we lived in a democracy

Aussie105

(7,920 posts)
32. Commisions?
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 09:02 PM
Apr 2023

Or more like . . . here, have some money, and there is a topic we would like you to discuss with your husband?

How much corruption does $10.3 M buy you in the USA these days?

The Founding Fathers were too trusting. The Supreme Court isn't supreme, and it isn't a court.

in2herbs

(4,389 posts)
33. The Constitution says there shall be one Supreme Court --- but it does not say where it has to be
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 09:17 PM
Apr 2023

located. Remember when TFG moved at least one govt agency in an effort to get rid of employees? Do it with the SC. Move it to Alaska where the winters are frigid cold and the justices would have to endure the inconvenience of long hours of travel to get to "civilization."

Otherwise, establish one or more branches of the Supreme Court elsewhere with these branches reducing the power of the collective nine. Locate these branches on both coasts. and the interior. This is how Biden could expand the court. And if the USSC says its unconsitutional -- F'em.

SomedayKindaLove

(1,180 posts)
35. Clarence Thomas is probably thinking
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 10:19 PM
Apr 2023

Dang, 10.3 million? I was only getting 100k a month off my grandma and a few vacation perks.

Grins

(9,459 posts)
41. "They came to do good, and did very well..."
Fri Apr 28, 2023, 11:56 PM
Apr 2023

Old line about the Congregationalist missionaries that came to Hawaii to save the savages. They wound up with HUGE parts of the islands!

And now conservative Republicans doing the same.

ashredux

(2,928 posts)
44. I can see the scene with the partners of a firm sitting around the table...
Sat Apr 29, 2023, 08:40 AM
Apr 2023

I can see the scene with the partners of a firm sitting around the table…

“Sure, why not”

“Well, is he qualified?”

“ Who gives a damn!”

“ How much is the fee to her firm?”

Lead partner says, “ The cost is irrelevant. Long-term, we will make a ton of money.”

msfiddlestix

(8,178 posts)
45. Wonder why it takes so long for routine criminality or extremely questionable ethics violations
Sat Apr 29, 2023, 08:45 AM
Apr 2023

perpetrated by people in the highest positions of power to be reported out. Silly question I know.

Shouldn't ask a question I know the answer to but regardless, I think the media should be confronted with this question as a matter of routine. Hard working investigating reporters who do the very risky ground work but their publishers refuse to publish it out until years after the fact meanwhile eff good governance and transparency.





.

ColinC

(11,098 posts)
47. 2025: Pass a broad reaching ethics law update that enforces ethics violations
Sat Apr 29, 2023, 10:56 AM
Apr 2023

and outlaws further unethical conduct by all federal employees including SC judges. This bill should also involve setting the number of judges to the supreme court to the number of federal appeal courts.

malthaussen

(18,567 posts)
50. Did you think the job was without perks?
Sat Apr 29, 2023, 01:46 PM
Apr 2023

There is no way a red-blooded ambitious American would turn away opportunities to make a buck. A little favor-trading greases the wheels. The people involved would be puzzled and outraged if it were called "corruption," for them it is just the facts of life.

-- Mal

Quanto Magnus

(1,347 posts)
52. This shows another reason Roberts
Sat Apr 29, 2023, 02:16 PM
Apr 2023

doesn't want to investigate Thomas or Gorsuch.... More scrutiny would be put on his graft too.

The regressive side of the court is showing just how corrupt they really are.

Initech

(108,778 posts)
56. Absolutely fucking evil.
Sat Apr 29, 2023, 05:21 PM
Apr 2023

Fuck the Fox News MAGA GQP Fundamentalist Christians Taliban. This is like genocide level evil. And it's not about kids, either. Kids are being used as a scapegoat. They have something far more sinister being planned. Fuck them all.

Hermit-The-Prog

(36,631 posts)
57. Can either Roberts even spell extortion?
Sun Apr 30, 2023, 08:07 AM
Apr 2023

Nice law firm ya got there. Be a shame if it never won another Supreme Court decision.

Mz Pip

(28,454 posts)
61. Such a double standard.
Sun Apr 30, 2023, 05:29 PM
Apr 2023

My daughter in law is a federal prosecutor. She cannot even hold stock in any individual company. Mutual funds are okay but that’s it.

When my son was an assistant district attorney he couldn’t play music in a bar for money because of his position.

But 10.3 million is A OK for the wife of a SCOTUS judge.

 

RocRizzo55

(980 posts)
62. Is the entire Supreme Court
Mon May 1, 2023, 06:00 AM
May 2023

Corrupt?
They really need to be kicked down a few notches.
Why doesn’t Biden just pack the court?

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