A prolonged lawsuit over Google’s alleged secret tracking of users' internet activity has reached a critical point, as plaintiffs’ attorneys seek $217 million in legal fees. The firms—Boies Schiller Flexner, Morgan and Morgan, and Susman Godfrey—are pushing for this award as part of a settlement that requires Google to delete billions of records and enhance privacy disclosures for users of its “incognito” or “private” browser mode. While the plaintiffs argue these reforms are worth $3 billion to $6 billion to consumers, Google counters that no damages were won for users, claiming the legal fees should be capped at $40 million.
U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has yet to rule on the fee request but has expressed skepticism regarding some of the plaintiffs' billing, calling certain fees excessive. Google continues to deny any privacy violations and has criticized the fee demands, while the attorneys emphasize the complexity and effort required for the case. Similar claims against Google in California state court are also complicating the matter, as plaintiffs there appeal the denial of their intervention. Despite no damages being awarded, the settlement is still considered significant for privacy reforms.
