The model Transparency in Private Attorney Contract (TiPAC) Act, already enacted in more than a third of the states, are meant to shine light and impose basic controls on the cozy arrangements by which private attorneys get themselves hired by state attorneys general to file litigation on behalf of state interests, often on contingency fee. Lawyers in these arrangements are often found to contribute to the campaigns of the AGs that hire them. Typical provisions of the reform package “mandate public bidding, require the posting of contracts on websites, limit attorney’s fees, demand that firms keep appropriate records, and mandate complete control of the litigation by the government.” [Phil Goldberg, Real Clear Politics]
One Comment
Government should not be hiring private attorneys for litigation on a contingency basis, period.
As far as “reform” is concerned, making this thing the subject of some sort of bid (I assume that it will be an RFP, rather than a straight bid which would be unworkable and inadvisable in obtaining professional services) will give the appearance of reform, without the substance.