The class action is before U.S. District Judge Rebecca Doherty in Lafayette, La. “From what we understand, she has no conflict,” said Daniel Becnel Jr. of the Becnel Law Firm in Reserve, La., one of several lawyers bringing the case.

Seven of the 12 active federal trial judges in New Orleans — the Eastern District of Louisiana — have recused themselves from oil spill cases citing such conflicts as ownership of BP stock and close relatives who are plaintiffs’ lawyers with oil spill cases.