Attorneys who represented Oklahoma City television station KFOR in a successful First Amendment lawsuit against state school Superintendent Ryan Walters and his former spokesman, Dan Isett, are asking for over $376,000 in legal fees and costs.
According to recent federal court documents, the legal team is seeking reimbursement for their work on the case.
Background of the Lawsuit: Allegations of Unconstitutional Discrimination
The lawsuit, filed in September, involved KFOR journalists Dylan Brown, Kevin Josefy, and Gage Shaw.
They alleged that Walters and Isett violated their First Amendment rights by preventing them from attending public events based on biased media access decisions.
The lawsuit argued that this was a clear case of unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination.
Settlement Reached Without Admission of Wrongdoing
In December, just before the scheduled trial began, the two parties settled.
The terms of the settlement granted most of what KFOR had requested, but Walters and Isett did not admit to any wrongdoing.
Michael Beason, who represented Walters and Isett, clarified in court that the settlement was not an acknowledgment of violating First Amendment rights.
Judge Approves Settlement, but Legal Fees Remain Unresolved
U.S. District Judge Bernard Jones approved the settlement but left the issue of attorney fees unresolved. KFOR’s attorneys were instructed to submit a request for the legal fees to the court within 60 days.
KFOR’s legal team, which included attorneys from the Institute of Free Speech, filed a request for $366,044.60 in attorney fees and $10,550.14 in costs.
Legal Fee Breakdown and Justification
KFOR’s attorneys argue that the legal fees should reflect the hourly rates of attorneys from Washington, D.C. Attorney Courtney Corbello, for example, charges $655 per hour, while Charles Miller charges $812 per hour.
The legal team stressed the high stakes of the case, particularly given the reputation of Walters and the political nature of the lawsuit.
Courtney Corbello explained in the filing that the case involved a significant First Amendment issue, one that required legal expertise in press freedom and access cases.
The attorneys highlighted that without their expertise, KFOR journalists could have faced continued discrimination and reputational harm.
Dan Isett No Longer Employed by State Department of Education
Dan Isett, who was also named in the lawsuit, no longer works for the Oklahoma State Department of Education. His last day was February 10, 2025.
Read More:
- Attorneys for KFOR Demand $376K in Fees After Successful Lawsuit Against Ryan Walters!
- Oklahoma Man Sentenced for Using Deceased Friend’s Identity to Obtain Social Security Benefits!
Ongoing Legal Expenses for Ryan Walters
This lawsuit is not the first legal battle for Ryan Walters. Previous reports from The Oklahoman have revealed that Walters has been involved in multiple lawsuits since taking office in 2023.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education has faced significant legal expenses as a result of these cases, with taxpayer money funding a portion of Walters’ legal costs.
In May 2024, The Oklahoman requested all billing documents related to legal services provided to Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
While some invoices have been released, many remain missing, leaving questions about the full extent of legal costs incurred by the state.
Conclusion: Legal and Financial Implications for Ryan Walters
The lawsuit against Ryan Walters and Dan Isett serves as a reminder of the ongoing legal and financial challenges faced by Oklahoma’s state education leaders.
As the court considers the fee request, it remains to be seen whether Walters and Isett will be required to pay the full amount of legal fees sought by KFOR’s attorneys.
The case has brought attention to the importance of press freedom and the consequences of government interference with media access to public events.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.
+ There are no comments
Add yours