D.C. Lawyers in the W.R. Grace Settlement

Though the lawyers who represented the plaintiffs in this week’s multibillion-dollar W.R. Grace settlement are not Washingtonians, the two Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe partners representing future claimants are.

Roger Frankel is chairman of Orrick’s creditors’ rights and bankruptcy group, and Richard Wyron is a partner in that group. Both practice in Orrick’s D.C. office. They represent the future plaintiffs’ representative in the matter.

After being forced into bankruptcy in 2001 by asbestos liability, W.R. Grace settled with plaintiffs Tuesday. A trust will be set up to pay out both the current and future asbestos claims. As more people come forward with asbestos-related torts against the company, Frankel and Wyron will help them obtain money from the trust.

Frankel says he and Wyron were actively involved in the settlement negotiations, which began months ago. He adds that they are both very pleased with the outcome.

David Bernick of Kirkland & Ellis’ New York office led the talks for Grace. The lawyers representing the plaintiffs were Perry Weitz of Weitz & Luxenberg (New York), Joseph Rice of Motley Rice (Mount Pleasant, S.C.), Steve Baron of Baron and Budd (Dallas), and John Cooney of Cooney & Conway (Chicago).