By: Associated Press//November 18, 2011//
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – A judge says he was stunned by the incredible legal work done by attorneys who settled a class-action lawsuit alleging price-fixing conspiracies in the concrete industry.
U.S. District Judge Mark Bennett said that in his 36 years as a lawyer, he’s never been prouder than when he saw lawyers for both sides “plying their chosen craft” and putting their clients’ interests ahead of their own.
He compared watching them work to seeing famous pieces of art such as the Mona Lisa and said he was “overcome with a rare and gargantuan sense of awe that will likely last a lifefime.”
Bennett made the comments in an order last week awarding $6.7 million in legal fees to attorneys who represented customers who overpaid for concrete. They negotiated an $18.5 million settlement.