Wake Up Call: Abuse Case Plaintiffs Say They Were Paid to Sue

Welcome to Bloomberg Law’s Wake Up Call, a daily rundown of the top news for lawyers, law firms, and in-house counsel.

• Some plaintiffs in Los Angeles County’s $4 billion sex abuse settlement say they were paid cash by vendors outside county benefits offices before being connected to Downtown L.A. Law Group, which went on to represent more than 2,700 clients—nearly a quarter of the total. DTLA, a firm once focused on auto accidents and other personal injury cases, has become one of the largest players in the settlement, though it denies authorizing such payments and says all claims are carefully vetted. (Los Angeles Times)
• A lawyer who specializes in death penalty cases with competency concerns will join the team representing the suspect accused of killing a Ukrainian refugee on the light rail in Charlotte, NC. Joshua Kendrick was appointed to represent DeCarlos Brown Jr. alongside federal public defenders Mary Ellen Coleman and Megan Hoffman. Kendrick most recently represented death row inmate Steven Bixby, who has been convicted of shooting officers dead in 2003. (The Charlotte Observer)
• Cliff Johnson, a lawyer and director of the MacArthur Justice Center, said he’s seeking the northern Mississippi Congressional seat currently held by Rep. Trent Kelly (R). In his announcement video, Johnson criticized cuts to health care and policies that he said favor the wealthy and corporations. He also condemned politicians across the political spectrum, casting himself as a Democrat who isn’t afraid to push back against the party establishment. (Associated Press)

Laterals, Moves, In-House

• Josh Hurwit joined Holland & Hart as a partner in its commercial litigation practice in Boise, Idaho. He was most recently the US Attorney for the District of Idaho.
• Katie Lasky joined Jones Walker as a partner in its litigation practice group and bankruptcy and restructuring team in New Orleans.
• John Foote joined Sidley Austin as a partner in its global arbitration, trade, and advocacy practice in Washington. He joins from Kelley Drye & Warren.
• Joseph Andolina rejoined Faegre Drinker as a partner in its investment management group in Philadelphia.