Anne Arundel County has engaged the plaintiff-side firm Motley Rice LLC to investigate and litigate opioid-related claims against drug manufacturers and distributors. This decision is based on a 2017 contingency-fee agreement obtained through a public records request.
Motley Rice LLC is recognized for representing governments in complex litigation, including cases related to opioids, asbestos, and environmental issues. The firm was significantly involved in the landmark tobacco litigation and more recently in nationwide opioid settlements, as reported by The National Law Journal.
The agreement specifies that Motley Rice was retained to investigate, litigate, or negotiate claims concerning the marketing, prescribing, distribution, or sale of opioids. Remedies may include monetary damages, injunctions, restitution, or other authorized penalties. However, the fee terms have been redacted from the document.
According to a July 2025 white paper published by the Washington Legal Foundation and authored by former Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, legal and policy questions have emerged regarding municipalities’ authority to hire private law firms for public-interest litigation. Peterson argues that such arrangements might bypass traditional procurement safeguards and blur public-private legal boundaries. He calls for increased oversight and uniform standards.
The contract stipulates that Motley Rice must maintain strict confidentiality concerning the litigation and prohibits releasing information without county approval. Public statements are reserved for Anne Arundel County officials. Additionally, any subcontracted legal work must comply with these confidentiality terms.
