Mr. Clark said the Rose Law firm began a policy of shredding confidential client material in 1992, as the law firm was become the focus of more attention because of Mr. Clinton's campaign.

"Every firm in America destroys sensitive material," he said. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with that." THE FOUR WHO CAME TO WASHINGTON

They were the four closest partners at Rose, working on cases, socializing at the same country clubs and participating in the same charitable and political efforts. Together, they came to Washington to take the some of the most powerful positions in Government. Hillary Rodham Clinton She arrived at the firm in 1977 after teaching for two years at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and became a partner two years later. While at Rose, she served on several corporate boards and state task forces. Vincent W. Foster Jr., deceased. In Little Rock: Courtly and widely respected at Rose among partners and associates, he was Mrs. Clinton's closest confidant. He graduated at the top of his class at the University of Arkansas School of Law and was top scorer on the state bar. He was one of the firm's top litigators. His wife, Lisa, taught Chelsea Clinton how to swim. In Washington: Mr. Foster, who became a deputy White House counsel, continued to handle personal financial matters for the Clintons. He committed suicide in July 1993 and an independent counsel is now looking into the circumstances of his death. Webster L. Hubbell, Associate Attorney General In Little Rock: A former college linebacker drafted to the Chicago Bears, he never made it to the pros because of a knee injury. At the firm he was the top administrative partner in the 1980's and the chairman of the conflicts committee. Mr. Clinton appointed him briefly to serve as chief justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court and he also was the mayor of Little Rock. In Washington: Since he arrived at the Justice Department in the first days of the Clinton Administration, he has been the subject of regular criticism by Republicans who say he is the behind-the scenes-conduit for improper White House influence. He remains a regular golfing companion of Mr. Clinton. William H. Kennedy 3d, Associate White House Counsel In Little Rock: The firm's top administrative partner in the late 1980's and 90's, he was known the firm to be no-nonsense and at times tough. He came to Rose after working as a counsel for Senate Appropriations Committee in the 1977 and at the firm, handled securities and corporate matters. He owns an Italian restaurant in Little Rock. In Washington: A few weeks before Mr. Foster's death, Mr. Kennedy was rebuked in an internal White House report over his role in calling in the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate the staff of the White House travel office.