Home / Business and Economy / Alaska Law Firm Deal Canceled Over Conflict Claims
Alaska Law Firm Deal Canceled Over Conflict Claims
14 Jan
Summary
- Alaska terminated a contract with Baron & Budd over conflict-of-interest claims.
- The lawsuit involves firefighting foam chemicals allegedly contaminating water.
- This is the second time Alaska canceled a contract with a firm this year.
Alaska has once again terminated a contract with a national plaintiffs' law firm, Baron & Budd, due to alleged violations of conflict-of-interest provisions. The dispute arises from litigation targeting manufacturers of firefighting foam chemicals, identified as PFAS, which are linked to water contamination.
This decision follows a similar contract termination in October 2026 involving law firm Motley Rice, hired for opioid litigation, which Alaska also accused of violating confidentiality and conflict-of-interest rules. Baron & Budd, a Dallas-based firm, had been representing Alaska in its 2021 lawsuit concerning PFAS, a class of chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and links to health issues.
Baron & Budd stated they disagree with Alaska's assessment, arguing that lawyers routinely handle multiple clients in mass tort cases ethically. The firm highlighted its expertise in PFAS multi-district litigation, claiming it benefited Alaska. The state's lawsuit against manufacturers like 3M, DuPont, and Chemours is currently pending in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina.
