A Maui judge limited attorney fees in the Lahaina wildfire settlement to 3–8%, well below the 25% allowed under Hawaii law. Several law firms are appealing, arguing the ruling violates their contracts with clients.
- Judge Peter Cahill capped attorney fees at 8% for pre-settlement cases and 3% for clients who joined after the settlement was announced.
- The judge also set aside $222 million for attorneys he determined did the most work on the cases.
- Law firms Ranken & Shnider, PacLaw Group, and Montegna & Thickstun are appealing, calling the process unfair.
- If the appeal succeeds, the $222 million carve-out would be eliminated and attorneys would revert to contractually agreed fees of up to 25%.
- The outcome of the appeal could significantly affect how much of the settlement money ultimately reaches fire survivors.
Source: Hawaii Free Press
Share this article
