UK · EWHCLitigation
High Court hears Pogust Goodhead's challenge to Mariana dam claimants' switch to Bailey Glasser International
A two-day High Court hearing over control of the Mariana dam litigation began on October 5, 2026, after the claimant committee voted to drop Pogust Goodhead and instruct Bailey Glasser International. Pogust Goodhead argued the committee had no contractual right to terminate its agreements and that the switch could leave claimants liable for costs it estimates at £2 billion.
Filing (Law Gazette) → · The Lawyer
Key points
- Lawyers for Pogust Goodhead and the Mariana dam claimant committee clashed in the High Court over future management of the case.Law GazetteThe Lawyer
- The committee voted to replace Pogust Goodhead with Bailey Glasser International as the Brazilian claimants' representatives.Law Gazette
- Pogust Goodhead's counsel argued the committee lacked authority to terminate its conditional fee and litigation management agreements.Law Gazette
- Pogust Goodhead estimated the claimants' potential costs liability if termination stands at about £2 billion.Law GazetteThe Lawyer
- Mr. Justice Waksman dismissed a privacy application by the claimant committee before the substantive hearing began.Law Gazette
- A 22-week second-stage trial on causation and quantum is listed to begin April 6, 2027.Law Gazette