Jackson Free Press

Joey Langston, of the Langston Law Firm in Booneville, Miss., along with former partner Tim Balducci, announced in a statement today (PDF, 56 KB) that they have filed an action suit against State Auditor and lieutenant governor candidate Phil Bryant in response to Bryant threatening to sue the firm to make them return attorney fees totaling to $14 million in a 2005 MCI case.

Langston's suit is an attempt to get the courts to affirm a May 15, 2005, order directing MCI to pay the fees. He accuses Bryant of being unwilling to discuss the matter, and says the suit was meant to be a preemptive action.

"We have attempted over the last few months to address his concerns and to explain the clear legal authority in support of the attorney fee payment, and the potential ramifications he and the State could face should he continue with his unwarranted attacks," Langston said in the statement.

He also suggests that Bryant's attempt to allow MCI to retain the $14 million is part of a political agenda to "shield corporate wrongdoers."

Phil Bryant has not been reached for comment.