The attorneys involved in representing the environmentalists in a far-reaching suit against a clay manufacturing company, accused of discharging pollutants into Southern California’s rivers, will get a sum of $3.8 million for their services, as ruled by a federal Judge. Through these legal proceedings, the environmental groups sought justice for the compromised ecosystem and those living within the affected regions.
The law firm that represented the victorious party in the case initially requested a fee of $4.9 million, encompassing all litigation expenses. The request was, however, scaled down by the Judge as the environmental groups involved didn’t succeed in their initial trial.
The case involved two environmental outfits, Inland Empire Waterkeeper and Orange County Coastkeeper, who sued Corona Clay Co. in 2018. The charge was that the clay manufacturer released pollutants into several water bodies, including the Temescal Creek, the Santa Ana River, and even the Pacific Ocean. Of note, the first courtroom battle was not a success, with the Jury initially ruling in favor of Corona. But a subsequent intervention by the Ninth Circuit saw the judgment vacated, and the case got redirected for further proceedings in line with a US Supreme Court ruling.
This case is an illustrative example of the evolving legal landscape related to environmental liability, an area where corporate legal professionals must keep their vigilance sharp to balance business needs with changing societal and regulatory expectations.