Community Corner
How Do We Win Our Case Against Edison? Trial Attorney Mikal Watts to Present on March 18.
From a Brand Partner: LA Fire Justice brings Eaton Fire survivors inside the negotiation room.
More than a year after the Eaton Fire reshaped Altadena and neighboring foothill communities, litigation against Southern California Edison is entering a consequential new phase. As the case moves forward, LA Fire Justice will host a public legal update on Wednesday, March 18 at the Pasadena Civic Center to explain in detail where negotiations stand and what comes next.
Titled Inside the Negotiation Room: Outlining Our Edison Settlement Strategy, the evening will provide an in-depth look at how Mikal Watts will use his experience in 22 previous wildfire cases to maximize survivors’ damages claims against Southern California Edison.
Organizers say the goal is to offer clarity about what strategy looks like at this stage of complex wildfire litigation and how impacted residents should be thinking about their own claims moving forward.
LA Fire Justice lead trial attorney Mikal Watts will headline the evening with a presentation covering the legal framework shaping how Eaton Fire claims move toward resolution. Drawing on precedent from comparable wildfire litigation, including the Bobcat Fire, also against Edison, the North Bay and Camp Fires, and the Maui wildfires, Watts will walk attendees through the multiple settlement pathways available to survivors, the proof standards each requires, and how the firm is building its case against Edison.
Watts will also explain the role of AB 1054, the California law that established a fund to compensate victims of utility-caused wildfires, and what it means for survivors pursuing claims. Watts will further cover the mechanics of how large-scale claims are resolved, including individual mediation, group settlement templates, and the role of court-appointed special masters, and how the structure of Edison compensation program could be used to help clients understand how claims might be fashioned to result in fairer outcomes for clients.
Watts will be joined by California wildfire attorney Doug Boxer, who has represented over 17,000 wildfire survivors, and bilingual California attorney Maribel Medina, who will provide insight on the detailed work behind each claim, from documentation and valuation to the strategies that determine how much a client ultimately recovers. LA Fire Justice CEO Chris Holden, former Pasadena mayor and California Assemblymember, will offer community remarks on transparency, accountability, and the firm's commitment to rebuilding alongside the communities most affected by the Eaton Fire.
In addition to the legal presentation, staffed resource tables will offer practical recovery support, including guidance on personal property and insurance documentation, business loss valuation, case management strategy, mental health resources, and new client sign-up assistance. Organizers say the format is intentionally designed to help explain the complex nature of a settlement with tangible recovery support in one setting.
Over the past year, LA Fire Justice has paired active litigation with sustained community engagement across Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and surrounding foothill neighborhoods. Formed in the immediate aftermath of the Eaton Fire, the coalition includes attorneys, case managers, community members, and recovery specialists who provide impacted community members with legal services while also helping them navigate insurance challenges and long-term rebuilding bottlenecks.
As the case against Edison continues to strengthen, the March 18 event is intended to provide a clearer picture of how settlement strategy could be structured and what it means for those seeking accountability and full recovery for their losses in the Eaton Fire.
The event is free and open to the public. Validated parking is available. Dinner will be provided.
Event Details
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM - Dinner
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Presentation
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Resource Tables, 1:1 Assistance
Pasadena Civic Center
300 E. Green St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
More information and RSVP details are available here.
https://itnrwithlafirejustice.rsvpify.com/
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