Google privacy class action litigation

A California federal judge is finalizing the legal costs associated with a $425 million privacy class action lawsuit against Google. The litigation, which follows a federal jury order from the previous September, alleged that Google unlawfully collected data from consumer activities on third-party applications even after users had opted out of tracking.

Initially, U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg considered a request from plaintiffs' counsel for over $146 million in attorney fees. The judge noted that while the amount was substantial, it was “an understandable, reasonable request that recognizes the very good work done by the plaintiff side.”

Ultimately, the judge awarded $146.8 million in legal fees to the plaintiffs' attorneys, including firms Boies Schiller Flexner, Susman Godfrey, and Morgan & Morgan. Judge Seeborg described the award as “extraordinary” but justified the decision by citing the “exemplary performance of counsel” and the significant risks undertaken by the legal teams.