What is the PFAS lawsuit Alaska is involved in?

Alaska is suing manufacturers of firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals, alleging these substances contaminated water supplies.

Has Alaska canceled contracts with other law firms?

Yes, in October 2026, Alaska also terminated a contract with Motley Rice over similar conflict-of-interest and confidentiality allegations.

Home / Business and Economy / Alaska Law Firm Deal Canceled Over Conflict Claims

Alaska Law Firm Deal Canceled Over Conflict Claims

Q: Why did Alaska terminate its contract with Baron & Budd?

Alaska terminated the contract with Baron & Budd due to alleged violations of conflict-of-interest provisions in their PFAS firefighting foam litigation case.

14 Jan

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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 Law Firm Deal Canceled Over Conflict Claims

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.