The city of Los Angeles is grappling with a massive legal battle in the aftermath of the devastating Palisades fire. With nearly 7,000 homes destroyed, at least 12 lives lost, and numerous lawsuits looming, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) has taken a strategic step to defend itself. The utility has approved a $10-million contract with the esteemed law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson, signaling a proactive approach to the impending litigation.
Unveiling the Legal Defense Strategy
The decision to hire Munger, Tolles & Olson came in the wake of the Palisades fire, which erupted on January 7, 2024. The law firm was swiftly brought on board on January 12, highlighting the urgency of the situation. As the city braces for a wave of claims and lawsuits related to the fire, partners at the firm will be charging up to $1,975 per hour, while associates will bill between $745 and $1,180 per hour. This move underscores the gravity of the legal challenges ahead and the city’s commitment to mounting a vigorous defense.
Karen Richardson, a spokesperson for L.A. City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, emphasized that the selection of Munger, Tolles & Olson was based on several key factors, including the firm’s specialized expertise and the urgent need for representation during an emergency. The competitive bidding process for repairing the Santa Ynez Reservoir, which has been offline since the fire, is expected to be a focal point of the legal defense. Additionally, claims related to the DWP’s fire hydrants running dry are likely to be addressed by the law firm.
Expertise and Experience in the Spotlight
In a memo outlining the firm’s scope of work, DWP Chief Executive Janisse Quiñones and general counsel Benjamin Chapman highlighted the necessity for thorough investigation and defense in the face of multiple claims. The selection of Munger, Tolles & Olson was deemed “proper and prudent,” given the firm’s track record in handling large-scale wildfire litigation. The law firm’s past involvement in high-profile cases, such as the Maui fires and the Camp fire in Paradise, speaks to their experience in navigating complex legal challenges.
Munger Tolles partner Daniel Levin, who will spearhead the DWP cases, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Having previously defended the city of Los Angeles in a lawsuit involving accessible housing for people with disabilities, Levin is well-equipped to handle the intricacies of the Palisades fire lawsuits. With the city bracing for potentially thousands of claims from various parties, including homeowners, businesses, and insurance companies, Levin’s expertise will be crucial in navigating the legal terrain.
As the legal battle unfolds, the city of Los Angeles remains steadfast in its commitment to defending against the allegations of negligence and liability stemming from the Palisades fire. With Munger, Tolles & Olson at the helm, the city is poised to face the legal challenges head-on, ensuring that justice is served and accountability is upheld.
