Author: Jason Armstrong

SEC Dismisses Action Against Former PwC Auditor over Mattel Audit

Hueston Hennigan has represented Abrahams since the investigation began in 2019. The SEC filed its action against him in October 2022. The firm vigorously defended the matter and was gearing up for a constitutional challenge when the dismissal occurred.

The team includes Thomas Zaccaro, Kelsey Dayton, Stephen Mayer, Alexis Blackmore, Arianna Demas, Mariah Rivera, Jessica Trafimow and Collin Yeung.

Jackson Named Among Daily Journal’s Top 40 Under 40

Among her matters, the Daily Journal noted that Ms. Jackson defended Endo Pharmaceuticals in San Francisco’s litigation against opioid makers and distributors, which settled just before trial. She is currently defending Activision Blizzard against potential arbitration actions alleging consumer protection violations, and she is part of the team defending Amazon against an FTC suit challenging some of its marketing practices for Prime, the Daily Journal noted.

Ms. Jackson’s profile is here (subscription required).

Hueston, Kaba Score Am Law ‘Litigators of the Week’ Honor for Boeing Win

As the publication noted, they and their team helped Boeing “wipe out a $72 million verdict handed down in May by a Seattle federal jury in litigation brought by defunct electric airplane company Zunum Aero Inc.” The American Lawyer’s column with the Q&A is here.

Law360 also recognized the Boeing team in its “Legal Lions Of The Week” column, which is here.

In addition to Mr. Hueston and Mr. Kaba, the team includes Sourabh Mishra, Yegor Fursevich, Emily Michael Munson, Justin M. Greer, Karen Ding, Tate Harshbarger, Cassidy O’Sullivan, Samantha Fidler, Melanie Hess and Chandler Matz.

Hueston Hennigan Advises on Historic $4B-Plus Hawaii Wildfire Settlement

The state turned to Hueston Hennigan to assist with its enormous responsibilities and litigation defense strategies in the wake of the deadly fires, which destroyed the historic town of Lahaina and killed over 100 people. The team has worked hand-in-glove with Gov. Green and AG Lopez over the past year and worked very closely with the mediators and litigants to drive the four-month mediation process leading up to the settlement filed Aug. 2.

The deal also stands out because it’s one of the unusual occasions in recent history that both sides of the political aisle worked together to quickly assist people in dire need of relief. Hueston Hennigan partner Michael Purpura, who has served as counsel to two Republican presidents, was sought by Gov. Green’s Democratic administration to help ensure the negotiation process flowed seamlessly both legally and politically.

“We are honored to have advised on this historic settlement that will help move the state forward and help compensate survivors and their families following this unprecedented disaster,” Mr. Purpura said. “It is a privilege for us to provide counsel to Gov. Green and execute his vision for Hawaii.”

Under the settlement, the seven defendants—the State of Hawaii, County of Maui, Hawaiian Electric, Kamehameha Schools, West Maui Land Co., Hawaiian Telcom and Spectrum/Charter Communications—will pay $4.037 billion to provide compensation to all those who have brought claims arising from the windstorms and wildfires on Maui, including the approximately 2,200 affected parties who filed lawsuits. The State of Hawaii would contribute to the settlement in addition to its $65 million contribution to the One ʻOhana Fund, which the governor established with the help of Hueston Hennigan to create a unique mechanism to resolve wrongful death and personal injury claims on an expedited basis.

The settlement is subject to final documentation and court approval. The agreement is conditional on the resolution of the insurance companies’ claims that have already been paid for property loss and other damages, with no additional payments from the defendants.

In addition to Mr. Purpura, the Hueston Hennigan team includes Rajan Trehan, Stephanie Xiao, Emerson Bursis and Erik Savitt.

In May 2024, the firm was also selected to serve on Gov. Green’s Climate Advisory Team. The committee was formed to tackle the challenges of climate disasters and provide a comprehensive roadmap for Hawaii’s strategy to mitigate the financial impact of climate change.

The settlement has received media coverage in outlets including the Daily Journal, Law.com and Law360.