And sometimes we lose or resign from clients over these matters. We take our public interest responsibility very seriously and consciously design and operate our audit practice to make sure that our auditors resist any pressure and get to the right answer. We have extensive consultation networks, second partner reviews, and other resources to provide support for the audit partners dealing with difficult issues so that he or she knows that the firm backs them. In addition, our reputational capital is at risk on every audit. There is no one client, no one audit fee, and no one consulting engagement that has ever been worth compromising the quality of the audit.
Audits are dependent on the integrity, independence of mind and competence of our people.
That doesn't change whether we perform consulting work or not. We understand our responsibilities and do our best to act in the public interest each and every day. I now want to address what I believe will be the defacto restructuring requirement as a result of the proposed rule. Perhaps the worst unintended consequence of the proposed rule is the restructuring or dismantling of accounting firms. This consequence is no longer debatable.