Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Firm wants lawyer off case pitting Sun against R-J

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Brian Greenspun

The law firm that employs one of the lawyers for Las Vegas Sun Editor and Publisher Brian Greenspun asked a federal judge Tuesday for permission to withdraw the attorney from Greenspun’s antitrust lawsuit against Stephens Media, the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s parent company.

The firm, Lewis Roca Rothgerber LLP, did not provide any reasons for the requested withdrawal of attorney Leif Reid, according to court documents. The firm asked the court to seal reasons for the request because the judge has “broad discretion” to seal documents, according to the filings.

The Sun could not reach Reid late Tuesday.

Prominent San Francisco attorney Joseph Alioto will lead Greenspun’s case through the courts. Lewis Roca Rothgerber LLP has represented Greenspun for approximately nine months.

Greenspun said he had not seen the papers filed by the firm but “certainly objects” to the request.

“Leif Reid is my lawyer, and I will object to his being forced to withdraw,” he said.

At the center of Greenspun’s lawsuit is a joint operating agreement between the Sun’s parent company, Greenspun Media Group, and Stephens Media. Established in 1989, the agreement requires the Review-Journal to print and distribute the Sun while sharing advertising revenues with the Sun.

The agreement is currently set to last until 2040. But in August, three of the Greenspun siblings voted to terminate the agreement, which Stephens found burdensome. If Stephens gets its way, the company would cease publication of the Sun by Dec. 31 of this year.

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