Quinn Emanuel has a history of representing Elon Musk and his business ventures in court. Quinn was set to represent X Corporation in a lawsuit against Bright Data, but it appears the company has been forced to withdraw from the case due to previous communications with the other side. Law360 reports:
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan law firm can no longer represent social media giant X in its lawsuit against Bright Data after a California federal judge ruled that the firm breached its duty of loyalty to Bright Data by previously representing the company in a “substantially related” lawsuit.
In his ruling on Friday, Judge William Alsup said Quinn Emanuel’s work helping Bright Data in a lawsuit brought by Facebook parent Meta Platforms was enough to disqualify the firm from representing X in a similar lawsuit. The suit relates to Bright Data’s business model, which allegedly involves scraping social media platforms.
“The order finds that the two issues are substantially related and therefore disqualifies Quinn from representing Company X in this litigation,” Judge Alsup wrote. “Because Quinn’s interested attorneys have not changed firms and the former clients have not consented, ‘disqualification indirectly extends to the entire firm’ and is ‘essential.’ In these circumstances, culling attorneys or firms is no solution. Quinn is Quinn.”
As tough as it is to hear from the judge, it may be an even bigger loss if the words “Quinn is Quinn” don’t appear on the firm’s mug. A firm spokesperson said they disagreed with the ruling and are “considering next steps.” If taking those steps keeps Quinn in the case, that would be worth a cup of victory.
Quinn Emanuel banned from representing X in scraping case [Law360]
Chris Williams joined Above the Law as Social Media Manager and Assistant Editor in June 2021. Prior to joining the staff, he moonlighted as a minor Memelord™ in the Facebook group Law School Memes for Edgy T14s. He endured life in Missouri and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. He is a former boat builder and non-swimmer, a published author on critical race theory, philosophy, and humor, and loves cycling, sometimes to the annoyance of his peers. He can be reached by email. [email protected] Tweet this translator.