Subpoena seeks documents from Cobell lawyers by May 13

Wednesday, May 4, 2011  

Subpoenas issued by the Republican majority on the House Natural Resources Committee demand documents from two attorneys in the Indian trust fund lawsuit no later 12pm on May 13.

The Blog of Legal Times posted a copy of the subpoena issued to attorney Dennis Gingold. It was signed by to Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Washington), the chairman of the committee, on April 25, during the Congressional recess.

The subpoena indicates that Hastings signed it in his hometown of Pasco, Washington, which is part of his district. A similar one was issued to attorney Keith Harper, a member of the Cherokee Nation.

The committee is demanding numerous documents related to the case, including any contingency fee agreements. The attorneys have previously said they have been working on 14.75 percent contingency basis.

According to court papers, that amounts to $223 million in fees for the $3.4 billion settlement. Republican lawmakers say that goes against the settlement that Congress enacted last year, which listed a range between $50 million and $99.9 million.

The final decision on fees rests on Judge Thomas Hogan. If the amount falls between $50 million and $99.9 million, the settlement dictates that neither the plaintiffs nor the Obama administration will appeal.

Get the Story:
Congressman Issues Subpoenas to Attorneys in Native American Class Action (The Blog of Legal Times 5/3)

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