Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown’s former law firm, Pacifica Law Group, is representing an environmental group suing the state over a voter-approved natural gas measure—while simultaneously holding active contracts with the Attorney General’s Office. The firm’s dual role is raising serious ethical concerns.
Pacifica is currently representing Climate Solutions in its lawsuit against Initiative 2066, a measure passed by voters to protect access to natural gas and block local phase-outs. The initiative was overturned by a superior court but is now under appeal before the Washington State Supreme Court. While Pacifica argues the case is not a conflict, the firm maintains Special Assistant Attorney General (SAAG) contracts worth millions, representing state agencies including the Department of Transportation and the AGO itself.
AG Brown, a former Pacifica partner, publicly stated he disagreed with I-2066 but committed to defending it as the law. Critics, including the Building Industry Association of Washington, say Pacifica’s role in both representing the state and suing it undermines the integrity of the state’s legal defense and the will of the voters.
Documents reveal Pacifica has received over $7.2 million in state contracts since 2022. The firm previously represented the state during COVID-related legal battles, defending vaccine mandates and lockdowns. Despite language in current SAAG contracts acknowledging the potential for conflicts, earlier agreements contained stricter clauses barring such representation.
The Attorney General’s Office has not objected to the arrangement, citing “flexibility” for agencies to choose their legal representation. However, critics argue this tolerance for conflict puts taxpayers and state law at risk, especially when the firm in question is attacking a law passed directly by voters.
The Washington State Supreme Court will hear the case on January 22, 2026.
