Boutique Firm Booted From Major Financial Aid Lawsuit

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A boutique law firm has been removed from a high-profile proposed class action lawsuit against several private universities accused of suppressing financial aid offerings. The firm, Gilbert Litigators and Counselors, was found by a federal judge to have made 'untruthful and misleading statements' about its litigation financing arrangement, despite the financing itself not being problematic.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of law firms maintaining transparency and candor with the courts, even on matters like litigation financing that may not be explicitly required to be disclosed. The judge's decision to remove the firm from the case sends a strong message about the consequences of providing misleading information.

The details

According to the 62-page order by Judge Matthew F. Kennelly of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the litigation financing and terms used by Gilbert Litigators and Counselors were not inherently problematic. However, the firm's 'untruthful and misleading statements' about the financing arrangement were deemed unacceptable, leading to its removal from the high-profile class action lawsuit against several private universities.

• The order was issued on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge's decision to remove Gilbert Litigators and Counselors from the case means the firm will no longer be involved in the ongoing litigation against the private universities. The case is expected to continue with the remaining legal counsel.