Only In OK: Senate Dem Leader Representing Big Pharma Against State’s Opioid Lawsuit
Oklahoma senator defends drug companies against lawsuit filed by state
by Randy Ellis, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma Senate Minority Leader John Sparks is providing legal representation to several pharmaceutical companies that the state is suing for alleged fraudulent marketing practices — prompting some to question whether Sparks has a conflict of interest.
“I’m hesitant to give so quick of an opinion, but I certainly think that it raises a question, yes,” said Dan Murdock, former longtime general counsel for the Oklahoma Bar Association.
“Him being … an employee, basically, of the state and then defending a company that is being sued by the state certainly could create that conflict of interest,” Murdock said. “They say a man can’t serve two masters.”
Speaking on behalf of Sparks, law partner Ben Odom said he doesn’t believe Sparks has a conflict.