Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP represented the state of North Dakota in litigation that culminated in a $27.8 million settlement with the federal government, the full amount of the bench verdict, resolving its Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) case arising from the federal government's handling of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protests.

North Dakota sued the United States under the FTCA for negligence, gross negligence, civil trespass, and public nuisance for its role in allowing large protests on federal lands against the DAPL from 2016 to 2017, which brought widespread violence and property destruction to North Dakota. Following a five-week bench trial in 2024 involving 50 fact and expert witnesses, U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor found in North Dakota's favor in April 2025, awarding the state $27.8 million, the full amount of its requested damages after accounting for $10 million previously paid by the United States. The settlement reached this June reflects the full verdict amount and brings the total recovery for North Dakota to $37.8 million.

"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," said Paul M. Seby, who developed the case and led the team from Greenberg Traurig. "We are proud to have stood with North Dakota through every stage of this eight-year litigation to ensure the state was made whole."

The team was led by Seby, an Environmental Practice shareholder in Denver, and included Litigation Shareholder Paul B. Kerlin in Houston, Environmental Shareholder Christopher L. Bell in Houston and Washington, D.C., and Environmental Of Counsel Matthew K. Tieslau in Denver, with support from Litigation Support Trial Consultant Jose Diaz in Miami and Paralegal Kevin Collins in Denver.

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has approximately 3,100 lawyers across 51 locations in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm's broad geographic and practice range enables the delivery of innovative and strategic legal services across borders and industries. Recognized as a 2025 BTI "Best of the Best Recommended Law Firm" by general counsel for trust and relationship management, Greenberg Traurig is consistently ranked among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100, NLJ 500, and Law360 400. Greenberg Traurig is also known for its philanthropic giving, culture, innovation, and pro bono work. Web: www.gtlaw.com.

SOURCE Greenberg Traurig, LLP