Aubrey Harwell Firm: Neal & Harwell, Nashville Client: Pilot Flying J Status: Defendant in multiple civil lawsuits, in more than 20 jurisdictions ranging from New Mexico to New Hampshire. Background: Harwell's firm is leading the defense for Pilot, with oversight responsibilities that include the class-action, individual lawsuits and the criminal case; represented former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo in a case involving an extortion plot by former La. Gov. Edwin Edwards.Don Barrett is a Mississippi trial lawyer who made his reputation - and a lot of money - in the tobacco lawsuits of the 1990s.
After federal agents raided the headquarters of Pilot Flying J on April 15, seeking evidence of fuel rebate fraud, it didn't take long for Barrett to be approached about making a case against the company.
Barrett already knew Aubrey Harwell, the Nashville attorney helming Pilot's legal defense, and called him with a simple proposition.