"Gifting table" lawyer faces lawmakers

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- The Branford lawyer that was called as a witness in the recent federal 'Gifting Table' trial faced state lawmakers Friday.

She's been nominated by Governor Malloy to be a Superior Court judge.
  
Two of the women that were once her clients were recently convicted in federal court of conducting an illegal pyramid scheme.

The prominent Branford attorney, who is the daughter of former State Democratic Party Chairman Ed Marcus, spent 90 minutes Friday afternoon being grilled by state lawmakers about her suitability for the bench.

"The whole truth, nothing but the truth so help you God under penalty of perjury," said Sen. Eric Coleman, judiciary committee.

"I do," said attorney Shelley Marcus.

Before lawmakers even got to ask the first question, Marcus addressed the issue that everyone has been talking about: her testimony as a one time legal adviser to the so called 'Gifting Table' clients.

"I testified that I never provided tax advice and ultimately when the jury was given its instructions, they were not permitted to consider a defense on advice of counsel with regard to the counts of filing a false tax return," Marcus said.

Two women from Guilford convicted in the gifting table scandal had said they had gotten legal advice that the gifting tables were legal.

"You never told anyone that the 'Gift Tables' were legal, did you ever tell any of your clients that they were illegal," asked Rep. Tom O'Dea, judiciary committee.

"Not using those words, but in so many words...yes," Marcus replied. "I told them that it was most likely a violation of the statute."

"I just want to be clear, from your understanding, you've never been told that you could be a subject of an investigation by the IRS or for any other criminal activity," said O'Dea.

"I can assure all of the members of this committee, as well as your constituents, that I will not be the subject of any such investigation," Marcus said.