Quinn Emanuel boosts team for Mariana case

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has confirmed the addition of Richard East to its team in the ongoing Mariana litigation against BHP, where he will work alongside Pogust Goodhead. Mr East, who founded the firm's London office, joins partner Justin Michaelson, bringing with him extensive experience as a solicitor advocate spanning three decades. The strategic partnership with Pogust Goodhead was established in June 2026, with the aim of progressing the case into the quantum phase.

In a statement, Richard East noted “This is a claim of a scale and difficulty that few firms are equipped to see through to the end, and the claimants are entitled to representation that will not falter at the quantum stage. I am joining a team that is already deep in preparation, and my focus is on that preparation and nothing else.” His expertise in high-stakes litigation has been recognised with multiple accolades, including being named Disputes Partner of the Year at the British Legal Awards in 2025 and a place in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame.

Pogust Goodhead continues to represent the claimants in this lengthy legal battle, which has seen them wait for eleven years for resolution. On 4 September 2026, the firm made an application to the High Court seeking declaratory relief regarding the authority of a client committee to direct a change in legal representation. The court's decision is anticipated during hearings scheduled for 5 and 6 October 2026.

Justin Michaelson remarked “Pogust Goodhead’s clients have waited eleven years. What serves them now is a settled, properly resourced team preparing for a trial that begins in April 2027, not a contest between law firms conducted through announcements.” He emphasised that regardless of the court’s ruling on representation, the team’s preparation will adhere to the established timetable for the trial, with evidence presented starting in April 2027 and closing submissions set for March 2028. Quinn Emanuel has opted not to comment further on the representation issue prior to the upcoming hearing, focusing instead on advancing the case.