A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has reduced the amount owed by an attorney who represented members of the Proud Boys in their January 6 criminal trial to a researcher who sued him over unpaid work. The jury had initially awarded the researcher $77,000, but the judge has now lowered this amount to $30,000.
The attorney had engaged the researcher to assist in the defense of Proud Boys members charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The researcher subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging non-payment for services rendered. After deliberation, the jury sided with the researcher, awarding a sum of $77,000. However, upon review, the judge determined that this amount was excessive and adjusted the award to $30,000.
This case underscores the financial and legal complexities that can arise in high-profile criminal defenses, particularly those involving politically charged events. The reduction in the award highlights the court’s role in ensuring that jury verdicts align with legal standards and the specifics of contractual agreements.
The Proud Boys, a far-right group, have been at the center of numerous legal proceedings following the events of January 6. In a related development earlier this year, a D.C. judge transferred control of the Proud Boys’ trademark to the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, a historic Black church that was attacked by members of the group in December 2020. This decision was part of a $2.8 million default judgment against the Proud Boys for damages incurred during the attack. ([cnn.com](https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/04/politics/proud-boys-dc-black-church/index.html?utm_source=openai))
These legal actions reflect the ongoing efforts to hold individuals and organizations accountable for their roles in the Capitol attack and related incidents. They also highlight the broader implications for legal professionals involved in such cases, including disputes over compensation and the challenges of representing clients associated with controversial events.