Examiner Editorial: Greedy class-action lawyers take it on the chin

What do you call a plaintiffs’ attorney who negotiates a settlement that secures $3 million for his clients — and pays him $14 million for his services? Plenty of words come to mind, but none suitable for publication.

Happily, the federal Third Circuit Court of Appeals shares our dismay. This week, the court threw out the settlement, which all told came to $35.5 million. The $18 million remaining after disbursements to the clients and attorneys was to have been paid out as a “cy pres” award — settlement money that is distributed to charities that serve a purpose vaguely related to the plaintiffs’ claims.