Jeffrey Steinfeld Discusses Compassionate Release Win for Client Paul Paradis with the Daily Journal

Winston & Strawn partner Jeffrey Steinfeld was quoted in a Daily Journal article following successful motion practice that secured compassionate release for client Paul O. Paradis, a former attorney and cybersecurity executive involved in the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power “collusive litigation” scandal.  As a result of Winston’s successful motion, Mr. Paradis, who has cooperated with the federal government since 2019 and pled guilty to a single count indictment, was released from prison after serving just 12 months of a 33-month sentence so that he can receive medical treatment for a brain tumor and Cushing’s syndrome. 

The win came after approximately two months of hard-fought motion practice, with the government filing numerous strenuous opposition papers and declarations. At an initial hearing on the motion, the government told the Court that “[Mr. Paradis] is getting great care by great physicians, thanks to the [Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”)]” and with respect to any additional care the “BOP can do it.” Thereafter, Winston filed additional documentation showing the United States Attorney’s Office’s representations were inaccurate and no such care was being provided by the government. Eventually, after Winston’s final filing, the government capitulated and withdrew its opposition.

“We are thrilled at the court’s order granting [Paul O. Paradis’] compassionate relief. We are happy that the government eventually dropped its opposition. It was unfortunate that for nearly two months, the government fought this motion, which has only cost Mr. Paradis important time in obtaining the health care that he needs,” Jeffrey told the Daily Journal.

Jeffrey added that “despite claims by the U.S. Attorney’s office and the assistant U.S. attorneys ... that claimed to be in constant contact with the BOP, none of the things that the government said were occurring actually occurred. There’s been no consultation with an endocrinologist, which is one of the key doctors that needs to be lined up, both for pre-care and post-care. And for all those reasons, because of the BOP’s failure to obtain the necessary care, we made our motion and, thankfully, the court granted it.”

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