A London High Court judge ruled on Monday that the law firm PGMBM, formerly known as Pogust Goodhead, will continue to represent more than 400,000 Brazilian villagers affected by the Mariana dam disaster in their legal claims against BHP, one of the world’s largest mining companies. The ruling came amid a contentious dispute over which legal team should act on behalf of the claimants in what is considered Brazil’s worst environmental disaster.
The case concerns the collapse of the Mariana dam in Brazil, which caused widespread devastation and displacement among local communities. The affected villagers have pursued compensation through litigation against BHP, the company linked to the dam’s operation.
The court rejected a motion to transfer the claimants’ legal representation to the US firm Bailey Glasser. Bailey Glasser’s bid was supported by Thomas Goodhead, a barrister and former cofounder of Pogust Goodhead, who was dismissed from the London firm. The legal challenge highlighted competing interests among prominent law firms seeking to lead the high-profile and complex litigation.
The High Court judge’s decision effectively maintains PGMBM’s role as lead counsel for the plaintiffs, enabling the continuing progress of the claims against BHP under their stewardship. The outcome preserves the existing legal framework for pursuing accountability and compensation on behalf of those harmed by the dam failure.