#United States #North Dakota #Greenberg Traurig #Dakota Access Pipeline

Greenberg Traurig's Landmark Settlement for North Dakota

In a notable development, Greenberg Traurig, LLP has successfully represented the state of North Dakota in a high-profile legal battle that has reached a conclusive $27.8 million settlement with the federal government. This settlement is tied to the North Dakota's claims regarding the federal government's management of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protests that took place from 2016 to 2017.

The complications surrounding the DAPL protests have made headlines for years, marked by significant civil unrest, environmental concerns, and public safety issues. North Dakota filed lawsuits under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), accusing the U.S. government of negligence, gross negligence, civil trespass, and public nuisance, primarily due to the significant violence and property damage that occurred during public protests on federal lands.

The legal proceedings culminated in a five-week bench trial conducted in 2024, where numerous testimonies were presented, including that of 50 fact and expert witnesses. Ultimately, U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor sided with the state in April 2025, awarding the entire claim of $27.8 million. Notably, this amount takes into account a previous payment of $10 million made by the federal government, bringing the overall recovery for North Dakota to a remarkable $37.8 million.

This considerable financial settlement is being described as a pivotal success for the state. “This settlement is a tremendous result for the people of North Dakota, who bore an enormous and unjust burden as a result of the federal government's actions during the DAPL protests,” commented Paul M. Seby, the lead attorney from Greenberg Traurig who developed the case. He expressed pride in the firm’s commitment to assist North Dakota through every step of this lengthy litigation process, which spanned eight years.

The legal team led by Seby included esteemed partners and specialists such as Litigation Shareholder Paul B. Kerlin from Houston, Environmental Shareholder Christopher L. Bell from both Houston and Washington, D.C., and Environmental Of Counsel Matthew K. Tieslau from Denver. Additionally, support was provided by Litigation Support Trial Consultant Jose Diaz based in Miami and Paralegal Kevin Collins in Denver.

Greenberg Traurig has built a reputation for its robust geographic and practice range, with over 3,100 lawyers operating across 51 offices worldwide. Their capabilities enable the firm to offer innovative legal solutions across various borders and industries. The firm has garnered acclaim and recognition, including a BTI