New Mexico's outside lawyers could collect up to $1.27 billion in Meta case
META•DiCello Levitt could seek up to $1.27 billion in fees if New Mexico ultimately recovers the $25 billion judgment against Meta. Meta has said it will appeal, and the judge is not required to award the maximum fee.
1. Fees depend on recovery
New Mexico hired DiCello Levitt to represent it in a case alleging Meta misled users about access to personal data on Facebook. Under the firm's 2025 contract, it can ask the judge for fees calculated at rates ranging from 20% on the first $50 million recovered to 5% on amounts above $250 million. If the state ultimately recovers the full $25 billion, fees could reach $1.27 billion and would come from the funds Meta pays New Mexico.
2. Appeal could change outcome
A jury sided with New Mexico in September, and a judge ordered Meta to pay $25 billion on Wednesday. Meta denied wrongdoing and said it will appeal; the judgment could be reduced or overturned, and the court is not obligated to award the maximum fees. A New Mexico lawyer who worked with DiCello Levitt said the final outcome could take several years.
3. State legal contracts
Contingency fee awards above $1 billion are exceedingly rare, Fordham University law professor Howard Erichson said. New Mexico has also hired Motley Rice in a separate case against Meta; the firm could seek up to $67.1 million if appeals courts uphold rulings totaling $942 million.
