Attorney Hired to Probe Work by Lobbyist

Nearly two months after the move was approved by the Los Angeles City Council, the city has hired a private attorney to help investigate the 1994 hiring of former Associate Atty. Gen. Webster L. Hubbell as a lobbyist for Los Angeles International Airport.

Steven G. Madison of Quinn, Emanuel, Urquhart & Oliver, a former federal prosecutor who specializes in government corruption, will be paid up to $25,000 to advise the city controller’s office during its probe. City Atty. James K. Hahn recused himself from the investigation because it involves former Airport Commission President Ted Stein, who is challenging Hahn in the April 8 election.

Hubbell, who just finished a 16-month prison term after pleading guilty to federal fraud charges, was hired by Stein and paid $24,750 for work that records indicate he may not have performed. His hiring in Los Angeles has become a focus of the city attorney’s race. Last week, Stein accused the city of conducting a biased investigation because the lawyer it initially planned to hire had contributed to Hahn’s campaign.

Deputy Controller Tim Lynch said his office had difficulty finding qualified attorneys who were not involved in the campaign, but agreed Friday to hire Madison. He began work on background research over the weekend, and a contract was signed Tuesday, Lynch said.