Panel Media Contact James M. Kudla (SPC/TriData) 703-351-8238 jkudla@sysplan.com

RICHMOND - Col. W. Gerald Massengill, chairman of the Virginia Tech Review Panel investigating the April 16, 2007, incident at Virginia Tech, announced today that the international law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has been engaged on a pro bono basis to provide legal advice to the Panel. The Panel also includes former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, and nationally-recognized experts in higher education, law enforcement, emergency services, victims' services and mental health.

The Panel was established by Governor Timothy M. Kaine to provide an objective analysis of the circumstances leading up to, during, and immediately after the April 16th tragedy, and to make appropriate recommendations for the future. The Governor, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, agreed to retain outside counsel. "We are grateful that Skadden has agreed to provide advice to the Panel without charge as we continue our work," Col. Massengill said. ̉Assistance from the Attorney General's office was vitally important as the Panel was established and began its work. However, the independent nature of our review suggested that independent, outside counsel would be helpful to us in completing our work."

"As citizens, and especially as parents, we are pleased that we are able to assist the Panel with this very important inquiry," said Michael Rogan, head of Skadden's Washington, D.C. office.

Litigation partners Richard Brusca and Amy Sabrin will be the lead attorneys principally responsible for the matter. Other partners and lawyers in Skadden's 300-lawyer Washington office will be available to assist as needed.

One of the world's leading law firms, Skadden, Arps has approximately 2000 lawyers in 22 offices around the globe. Skadden has extensive experience representing special commissions and boards of inquiry.

The Panel has completed its work and is no longer accepting correspondence via postal mail.