SW Kansas News

Ford County, Kansas, has engaged senior attorney Todd C. Theodora of the California-based firm Theodora Oringher PC as co-counsel in a contingency-fee lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors. This information was obtained through records accessed via the Freedom of Information Act.

Theodora Oringher PC is a litigation firm with offices in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. It offers litigation and transactional services and claims expertise in managing complex, high-stakes cases. The firm's attorneys include alumni from national firms and top law schools, frequently appearing on professional rankings lists.

According to the agreement, Theodora Oringher PC will receive 20% of any net recovery Ford County obtains through the opioid litigation. The firm is responsible for advancing all litigation expenses and will be reimbursed only if a recovery is achieved. The agreement includes a lien on any award or settlement and specifies that no fees or costs will be charged if there is no recovery.

A white paper released by the Washington Legal Foundation in July 2025 addresses the legal authority of municipalities engaging in public-impact litigation with private law firms. Authored by former Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, it examines how such litigation aligns with the state parens patriae doctrine and analyzes the constitutional and statutory roles of state attorneys general versus local governments.

The contingency agreement permits Theodora Oringher PC to collaborate with additional co-counsel, pending Ford County’s written approval and adherence to applicable professional conduct rules. Any fee division must be proportional to work performed or based on shared responsibility, with the total contingency fee capped at 20% of the net recovery.

The agreement specifies that Theodora Oringher PC was retained to pursue civil claims against opioid manufacturers and distributors for alleged wrongful conduct. These claims may involve public nuisance and other civil remedies related to prescription opioid distribution. It also notes that litigation expenses could be substantial and many relevant facts are not publicly available.