The state of Texas settled its suit against tobacco companies 10 years ago for $17.3 billion, but a fight over attorney fees stemming from that settlement is going on in two separate courts.
In 1996, then-Texas Attorney General Dan Morales hired five attorneys — including Walter Umphrey — to represent the state in State v. American Tobacco Co., et al., according to the March 22, 1996, memorandum of understanding agreement between the state and the outside counsel. Umphrey is a partner in the Beaumont-based firm of Provost Umphrey.
