Two California counties are asking for legal fees even after losing a critical ruling in the Mishewal Wappo Tribe federal recognition lawsuit.

Last month, a federal judge said the arguments presented by Napa and Sonoma counties weren't enough to stop the tribe from being recognized by the Obama administration. But now they say the federal government should pay their legal fees even though they intervened in the lawsuit voluntarily.

The counties each allocated $125,000 for an annual contract with the Nixon Peabody firm, The Napa Valley Register reported. The firm has been working on the case for one year, the paper said.

The tribe hasn't won formal recognition but Chairman Scott Gabaldon expects a settlement with the Interior Department. The tribe argues that it was wrongfully terminated.

Get the Story:
Napa, Sonoma continue to oppose Wappo recognition (The Napa Valley Register 11/9)

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