Pogust Goodhead to rebrand amid dispute over Mariana dam litigation

London-based litigation law firm Pogust Goodhead has announced plans to rebrand following a public dispute with co-founder Harris Pogust. Mr. Pogust, a US-based lawyer, has issued a notice demanding the removal of his surname from the firm’s identity.

The conflict stems from an intense struggle for control over the £36 billion Mariana dam disaster litigation against mining company BHP. Mr. Pogust criticized the firm’s decision to initiate legal proceedings that name the victims' committee as defendants and demand they cover the firm’s costs if they switch legal representation. He stated on LinkedIn, ‘I have never in my 39-year career sued a client.’

Simultaneously, the firm is facing a challenge regarding its authority over the Mariana case. A new joint venture, Bailey Glasser International, representing a client committee that decided to change solicitors, is contesting Pogust Goodhead’s control. An expedited hearing is scheduled for early October to resolve the matter.