Civil Litigation,
Government,
Ethics/Professional Responsibility
Jun. 24, 2019
How LA’s water bill suit became mired in controversy
The origin story of the $67 million ratepayer settlement was disclosed in 500 pages of transcripts, plus exhibits, from a recent deposition. It’s perhaps the broadest picture yet of what transpired. Allegations of collusion, fraud and kickbacks have stalled the cases, resulting in an ethics investigation and a shakeup within the city attorney’s office.
LOS ANGELES -- On a Friday evening in April, the city attorney of Los Angeles issued a press release accusing Paul R. Kiesel, its special counsel in litigation related to utility overbilling, of a "reprehensible breach of ethics" in an unfolding scandal that includes allegations of collusion with opposing counsel.
Kiesel said he felt blindsided by the city attorney's statement. Within weeks, he sat for three and half days of deposit...
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