Ex-Exelon Counsel Testifies About ‘Pressure’ in ComEd Four Trial

Exelon Corp.'s former senior vice president and general counsel Tom O’Neill, told a jury Wednesday that he felt “persistent pressure” to hire a Chicago law firm with ties to former Illinois house speaker Michael Madigan (D).

O’Neill’s testimony in the trial of former Exelon and Commonwealth Edison lobbyists and one of its chief executives focused primarily on interactions with longtime ComEd lobbyist Michael McClain and its former chief executive officer Anne Pramaggiore over recommendations for law firm hires, employee recommendations, and a board appointment. According to the prosecution, ComEd made the offers to appease Madigan in order to advance legislation. ...