[CWG-Stewardship] Client Committee

[Jonathan Robinson]

All,

 

We are following up on the very good news that the Client Committee has
successfully worked with ICANN staff to secure the retention of Sidley
Austin. First, particular thanks are due to Greg Shatan for the
extraordinary effort he has put in to assist the committee with all aspects
of its work.

 

Since the CWG initially discussed and agreed the set-up and composition of
the Client Committee, there has been some e-mail discussion regarding the
functioning of the Committee. As you know, the composition comprises the two
co-chairs and two legally qualified individuals (Greg Shatan and Maarten
Simon) which is a manageable size and contains appropriately qualified
members. The Committee was set up to provide an effective interface between
the CWG and the firm providing the CWG with appropriate advice on the
relevant legal issues. However, prior to that, the first task of the
Committee was to secure the services of a suitably qualified firm and that
job is now complete. Therefore, now seems to be a good time to seek input on
the working of the Client Committee. 

 

The Client Committee remains required in order to provide a coherent
interface between the CWG & the retained law firm because it is not
practical or cost-effective for a group the size of the CWG to continuously
interact with the retained law firm at all times. However, in order for the
CWG (and anyone relying on the work of the CWG) to have confidence in the
work of the Client Committee, the CWG needs to fully trust that the Client
Committee will accurately and effectively transmit and represent the issues
and challenges facing the CWG. And moreover, that there will be
opportunities for the CWG to interact directly with the law firm in order to
enhance that confidence and clarify issues where relevant. As per the
announcement of the selection of Sidley, representatives of the firm will be
at the CWG meeting on Tuesday to both listen and interact. 

 

Therefore, what (if any) changes to the working methods of the Client
Committee should be made so that the CWG can be as confident as possible in
the capabilities and work of the Client Committee as this crucial aspect of
the CWG's work commences in earnest? 

 

Thank-you,

 

 

 

Jonathan & Lise

 

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