Just about everyone in New Orleans remembers that 3 years ago, just before Christmas, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) threatened Levees.org with a slander lawsuit for creating a spoof of the Army Corps of Engineers’ overly cozy relationship with the ASCE.

Folks also remember that the society became an overnight laughing stock, and quickly retracted its threat after the San Diego-based law firm Cooley LLP offered pro bono representation. The spoof was a fully protected exercise of our right to free speech.

Cooley heads prevailed!

On November 30, 2010, Tony Stiegler, a representative of the law firm sent us a letter officially closing the file.

We used the opportunity to urge our supporters to thank the law firm Cooley LLP for their generous pro bono representation of Levees.org in 2007.

The supporters did just that, and Mr. Stiegler wrote to me again this week letting me know about it. Here is his letter reprinted with permission.

Dear Ms. Rosenthal,

Yes we received many, many hits and notes of thanks from your organizations’ members and supporters and we were delighted by the notes.  We are truly satisfied to have helped you and the great cause for the City of New Orleans.  I am a Tulane Law graduate and have a very fond place in my heart for the city, and for your cause.

I am copying Maureen Alger, who is my co-chair of Cooley’s pro bono practice and I know she too was immensely delighted to see all of those emails come through.

Have a great holiday season and please don’t hesitate to call on us again should the need arise.

–Tony Stiegler

Anthony M. Stiegler, Esq.
Litigation Partner
Cooley, LLP
4401 Eastgate Mall
San Diego, CA 92121-1909
Direct: 858/550-6035 • Fax: 858/550-6420 • Cell: 858/449-4068
Bio: www.cooley.com/astiegler • Practice:
www.cooley.com/litigation

Click here for more details about the fracas.

Click here to see the spoof that caused the fracas.