EXCLUSIVE: ‘Shady trial lawyer pipeline’ funneling millions to Democrats, report
Consumer protection is a vital aspect of ensuring the rights and safety of individuals in the marketplace. However, a new report released by the Alliance for Consumers (AFC) has shed light on a concerning trend known as the “shady lawyer pipeline.” This pipeline involves politicians awarding lucrative public contracts to trial lawyers, who in turn donate millions of dollars to liberal political campaigns.
The report highlights eight major consumer protection law firms, dubbed the “shady eight,” including Morgan & Morgan, Lieff Cabraser, Motley Rice, Baron & Budd, Grant & Eisenhofer, Berger Montague, Cohen Milstein, and Simmons Hanly. These firms have deep ties to the Democratic party and have received profitable public contracts across the country. From 2017 through 2024, the firms collectively contributed around $25 million in political donations, with 99% of the donations going to Democrat candidates or Democrat-allied committees.
In the 2024 presidential election, the shady eight donated $1.4 million to former Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. They also focused on midterm Senate races, with significant contributions going to Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., and former Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Bob Casey, D-Penn., and Jon Tester, D-Mont. Five of the firms showed a 100% commitment to Democrats, generating over $2.5 million in federal donations in 2024.
The AFC report condemns the partisan political giving of these law firms, emphasizing that taxpayer and consumer money should not be used to fund left-wing political campaigns. O.H. Skinner, the executive director of the Alliance for Consumers, called for an end to contracts with these “shady” law firms, stating that it is crucial to protect consumers and uphold the rule of law.
As Republicans in Congress work to rein in activist judges and uphold the Trump administration’s agenda, the exposure of the shady lawyer pipeline serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in consumer protection efforts. It is essential for public officials to prioritize consumer rights over political gain and take steps to ensure that the legal system remains fair and impartial.
