Taft Chicago partner Nancy DePodesta is quoted in the Bloomberg Law article, “Illinois Cases Offer SCOTUS Chance to Redefine Bribery Law Again,” published Aug. 9, 2025. The article focuses on the significance and evolving interpretation of the term “corruptly” in federal corruption law, particularly regarding the statute known as 666. DePodesta emphasizes that the definition of “corruptly”—central to former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan’s pending appeal—remains vague, stating it is “absolutely ripe for us to get a more specific, concrete ruling on the definition of ‘corruptly’” from the Supreme Court.

She further comments that recent judicial decisions, including the Supreme Court’s narrowing of federal bribery statutes and the overturning of certain convictions in related cases, reinforce the necessity for clear legal boundaries. According to DePodesta, this specificity is essential for defense attorneys advising clients and litigating cases—so legal professionals can confidently discern what conduct is unlawful, what approaches the line, and what remains permissible.

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DePodesta is a former federal prosecutor and highly regarded white-collar defense attorney and trial lawyer.  She regularly defends clients in investigations conducted by the Department of Justice and other federal law enforcement and governmental agencies.