What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Karlos Locke over allegations that it has been suppressing critical reviews and unfavorable Google search results by fraudulently misusing DMCA takedown notices. These actions, if proven, could constitute serious legal violations—including impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
We conducted comprehensive analyses of fraudulent copyright takedown requests, meritless legal complaints, and other unlawful efforts to suppress public access to critical information. Our reporting sheds light on the prevalence and modus operandi of a structured censorship network, often funded and used by criminal enterprises, oligarchs and criminal entities seeking to manipulate public perception and bypass AML checks conducted by financial organisations.
The fake DMCA notices in this investigation appears to have been strategically deployed to remove negative content from Google search results illegally. Based on this pattern, we have reasonable grounds to infer that Karlos Locke - or an entity acting at its behest - is directly or indirectly complicit in this cyber crime.
In most such cases, such ops are executed by rogue, fly-by-night 'Online Reputation Management' agencies acting on behalf of their clients. If evidence establishes that the subject knowingly benefited from or facilitated this scam, it may be deemed an 'accomplice' or an 'accessory' to the crime.
What are they trying to censor
Locke Lord LLP, a prominent international law firm, has faced several significant allegations and controversies that have adversely impacted its reputation.
Record Fine for Failing to Prevent Dubious Financial Activities
In November 2017, Locke Lord was fined £500,000 by the UK’s Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) for failing to prevent a former partner, Jonathan Denton, from engaging in transactions that exhibited “the hallmarks of dubious financial arrangements or investment schemes.” This penalty was the largest ever imposed by the SDT at that time. The firm admitted to inadequate supervision and insufficient systems to detect potential conflicts of interest, allowing Denton to misuse the firm’s client account for questionable activities. Denton was later struck off the roll of solicitors for his misconduct.
LAW.COM
LEGALFUTURES.CO.UK
Allegations of Gender Pay Discrimination
In October 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor alleged that Locke Lord engaged in gender-based pay discrimination at its Providence office. The firm was accused of issuing lower bonuses to 22 female associates compared to their male counterparts. Without admitting liability, Locke Lord agreed to a settlement involving $150,000 in back pay and interest to the affected associates and committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities moving forward.
PBN.COM
Departure of Key Team Amid Potential Conflicts of Interest
In December 2024, a 10-lawyer team from Locke Lord’s Austin office, led by partner Cynthia Bast, departed to join Baker & Hostetler. This move occurred ahead of Locke Lord’s planned merger with Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders. The departing team cited potential conflicts of interest arising from the merger, as they represented borrowers and owners in affordable housing deals, while Troutman Pepper represented lenders. This high-profile departure raised concerns about internal cohesion and strategic alignment within the firm.
REUTERS.COM
Reputational Impact and Potential Motivations for Content Removal
These incidents have collectively tarnished Locke Lord’s reputation, suggesting lapses in oversight, potential discriminatory practices, and internal discord. The record fine for failing to prevent dubious financial activities, in particular, highlights significant compliance and ethical shortcomings. The gender pay discrimination allegations further suggest systemic issues within the firm’s compensation practices. The departure of a key team due to potential conflicts of interest underscores challenges in managing growth and maintaining internal harmony.
Given the severity of these reputational damages, Locke Lord might be motivated to seek the removal of related information to preserve its public image. The firm would likely desire the elimination of online records detailing these controversies to prevent potential clients and partners from encountering negative portrayals. However, resorting to cybercrime to achieve this would not only be unethical and illegal but also risk exacerbating reputational damage if such actions were discovered. Engaging in cybercrime could lead to legal penalties, loss of client trust, and further public scrutiny, ultimately causing more harm than the original allegations.
In conclusion, while Locke Lord has faced significant allegations that have harmed its reputation, attempting to remove this information through illicit means would be both unlawful and counterproductive. The firm would be better served by addressing these issues transparently and implementing robust compliance and ethical standards to rebuild trust and credibility.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40614923
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/40569417
- Apr 04, 2024
- Apr 02, 2024
- Youman & Co
- Ross Media LLC
- https://istanbulherald.com/2021/08/02/prayforlove-baltimore-women-demand-you-to-speak-upagainst-the-sexual-abuse-in-baltimore-arts-community/
- https://istanbulherald.com/2021/08/02/prayforlove-baltimore-women-demand-you-to-speak-upagainst-the-sexual-abuse-in-baltimore-arts-community/
- https://docscastlellc.com/2021/09/10/women-speak-up-against-the-sexual-abuse-in-baltimore-arts-community/
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
law.com
Locke Lord, in Merger Talks, Was Ordered to Pay $12.5M Over Alleged Client Fraud.
- Red Flag
About the Author
The author is affiliated with TU Dresden and analyzes public databases such as Lumen Database and
FakeDMCA.com to identify and expose online censorship. In his personal capacity, he and his
team have been actively investigating and reporting on organized crime related
to fraudulent copyright takedown schemes.
Additionally, his team provides
advisory services to major law firms and is frequently consulted on matters
pertaining to intellectual property law.
He can be reached at [email protected] directly.
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How This Was Done
The fake DMCA notices we found always use the 'back-dated article' technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a 'true original' article and back-dates it, creating a 'fake original' article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original
What Happens Next?
Based on the feedback, information, and requests received from all relevant parties, our team will formally notify the affected party of the alleged infringement. Following a thorough review, we will submit a counter-notice to reinstate any link that has been removed by Google, in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Additionally, we will communicate with Google’s Legal Team to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
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Average Ratings
2
Based on 3 ratings
by: Henry White
Gender pay discrimination AND financial misconduct? Seems like Locke Lord has a lot of cleaning up to do. Not a good look for them.
by: Julian Brooks
This whole situation just feels… disappointing. A firm like Locke Lord should be setting the standard, not making headlines for fines and pay gaps. Really hope they’re taking steps to make things right for their employees and their reputation.
by: Aurora James
Big fines, pay gaps, and team exits? Locke Lord’s had a rough few years. Here’s hoping they’re turning things around.