Judge Awards $215,000 to As You Sow, Denies Defense Bid for Fees

A superior court judge has awarded As You Sow nearly $215,000 in attorney's fees and costs in a long-lasting fight with a paint manufacturer. Additionally, Judge Stuart Pollak rejected defendant Cotter & Co's request for reimbursement of their $53,000 in fees to "protect public interest" against the case. "This is an absolute endorsement of the critical role AYS has played in enforcing this toxics law against the chemical industry," said As You Sow attorney, Clifford Chanler. As You Sow has filed suit against several other paint manufacturers alleging failure to adequately warn California consumers that their products contain toluene, a chemical linked to birth defects.