Warren hires outside counsel to pursue PFAS contamination claims

Warren City Council voted on June 9 to retain outside law firms to pursue claims tied to municipal PFAS contamination and to coordinate with lead counsel working on broader regional settlements.

The resolution authorizes the city to engage a lead firm and local counsel to pursue legal claims and obtain compensation for contamination-related damages. Council members asked for details about fee arrangements and whether other firms had been solicited. According to discussion on the record, the firms proposed a contingency-fee arrangement in which legal costs and fees would be taken from any award; city officials said firms would not be paid unless the city receives proceeds.

Council members repeatedly asked for assurances that the city had considered multiple firms and would avoid errors from prior matters. The discussion focused on fee structure and whether a local attorney would receive a portion of contingency proceeds as a referral. City staff and the law‑firm representatives explained that the lead firm had already established liability in related litigation and that local counsel’s share would come from the contingency portion of any recovery.

The motion to retain the recommended firms was approved by roll call. Council members emphasized they expect continued transparency about fee splits and any future recommendations for firm selection in writing to the legal affairs committee.

Next steps: staff will execute retention documents and coordinate with the recommended firms to commence claims evaluation and potential filings. Any awards or settlements will return to council for acceptance and appropriation as required.