Mariana dam litigation legal representation dispute

The litigation regarding the Mariana dam disaster against mining company BHP has been complicated by internal disputes within the legal representation. Initially, the London-based law firm Pogust Goodhead announced plans to rebrand following a dispute with co-founder Harris Pogust. Mr. Pogust demanded the removal of his surname from the firm and criticized the firm for initiating legal proceedings against the victims' committee, stating, ‘I have never in my 39-year career sued a client.’

Following these developments, the firm rebranded as PGMBM. A legal challenge arose when a 17-member Client Committee attempted to terminate PGMBM’s contract to appoint Bailey Glasser International as the new representative. However, the UK High Court ruled that the Committee lacked the authority to rescind the contract on behalf of all affected parties.

The court decision ensures PGMBM will continue representing the Brazilian victims as the litigation moves toward a trial scheduled for April 2027. The ruling also addressed financial risks, noting that rescinding the contracts could expose plaintiffs to approximately £2 billion in costs.