suspended bar licenses for attorneys involved in the firm
in fines issued by Louisiana Department of Insurance
bankruptcy filed by the firm
Active FBI investigation into the scheme
In the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes of 2020 and 2021, a Texas law firm, McClenny, Moseley, & Associates (MMA), emerged in Louisiana and began exploiting thousands of policyholders and insurers alike.
Matthew Monson spearheaded the effort to expose and dismantle this unethical operation, saving insurers hundreds of millions of dollars and protecting the integrity of the legal system.
In the wake of the devastating hurricanes that tore through Louisiana in 2020 and 2021, thousands of policyholders turned to their insurance companies for help. But lurking in the aftermath of disaster was something no one could have anticipated — an opportunistic law firm ready to exploit the vulnerable.
MMA, backed by $35 million in hedge fund and other financing, unleashed a scheme of unprecedented scale. Through illicit text message campaigns, they preyed on disaster victims, signing up over 15,000 clients — more than all other law firms in Louisiana combined. Offshore call centers were used to sign contracts without the policyholders even knowing, reducing people to mere numbers in a calculated operation.
What made the challenge even greater? The unscrupulous firm had a playbook of unethical practices:
For insurers, the fallout was catastrophic. The manufactured claims drove up litigation costs to unsustainable levels, leading to higher premiums for policyholders and undermining trust in the entire system.
While other law firms chose the easy path — settling quietly to avoid confrontation — Monson stood firm. The scale of the problem was overwhelming, but Monson knew inaction wasn’t an option.
“When ego and greed become lawyers’ guiding principles, we get cases like Franatovich versus Allied Trust. In these consolidated cases, the Court and the parties — indeed, our entire legal community — are confronted with an unprecedented tableau of misconduct by a Texas-based law firm assisted in its misdeeds by an Alabama-based roofing contractor, and an Arizona-based, modern-day case runner.”
– Judge Michael B. North
Hurricane Laura causes widespread destruction in Louisiana, creating an influx of insurance claims.
The founders of MMA entered the Louisiana market, initiating mass litigation efforts.
A second major hurricane increases the number of claims being filed, accelerating questionable legal and business practices.
Hurricane Ida leads to a surge of homeowner insurance claims, further fueling MMA’s aggressive claim-filing strategies.
A text message surfaces, highlighting concerning tactics used in client acquisition and case solicitation.
Evidence emerges of a coordinated effort between MMA and Apex Roofing to steer insurance claims in a particular direction.
William Huye phone call: A key phone call provides critical insights into improper case sign-ups and business arrangements.
A formal complaint is filed against MMA attorneys, raising concerns about legal and ethical violations regarding MMA’s text message marketing.
Further complaints are submitted to the Louisiana Bar and Department of Insurance, regarding MMA’s use of Apex Roofing & Restoration to generate referrals.
Court proceedings expose major inconsistencies in MMA’s case handling and client representation.
Investigations reveal the role of Velawcity in mass client acquisitions, shedding light on irregularities in case filings.
MMA acknowledges in court that it inaccurately claimed that it falsely claimed to represent policyholders when it actually represented Apex Roofing & Restoration 856 times, revealing widespread procedural issues.
MMA attorney William Huye is suspended following findings of professional misconduct.
The Western District of Louisiana orders the suspension of MMA and its attorneys, effectively ceasing operations in the state.
An internal recording surfaces, further exposing behind-the-scenes discussions about case handling and firm operations.
The Equal Access Justice Fund makes a key court admission regarding its involvement in client acquisition efforts.
Law enforcement launches an official investigation into MMA’s business practices and legal activities, crediting Matthew Monson for the information.
Facing mounting legal and financial pressures, MMA files for bankruptcy, signaling the collapse of its operations.
The FBI publicly confirms its investigation into the case, marking a significant step toward accountability.
When Monson decided to take on the largest insurance scheme in U.S. history, the odds were stacked against them. Armed with unwavering integrity and relentless determination, they refused to settle when others chose silence.
Three attorneys at the heart of the firm faced professional consequences, with their licenses suspended by the Louisiana State Bar Association. This decisive action underscored a zero-tolerance policy for unethical practices in the legal profession.
The Louisiana Department of Insurance levied $2 million in fines against MMA and its attorneys, further holding them accountable for their misconduct.
MMA filed a $150 million bankruptcy, effectively ending its improper actions. This marked the end of a scheme that exploited over 15,000 policyholders and caused untold damage to the insurance industry.
The FBI opened an active investigation into MMA’s operations, ensuring that justice would continue to be served on a federal level.
“McClenny, Moseley & Associates, PLLC and its attorneys, in particular Zach Moseley and R. William Huye, III, have engaged in a pattern of misconduct on a scale likely never before seen here. The record in these cases establishes that they have undertaken a brazen, multi-faceted campaign to enrich themselves with ill-gotten contingency fees paid to them by unwitting insurance companies ostensibly on behalf of named insureds that they and their firm did not represent.”
– Judge Michael B. North
The takedown of MMA wasn’t just a legal triumph — it was a defining moment in Monson’s unwavering mission to uphold integrity, combat fraud, and protect both insurers and policyholders from unethical legal schemes. By standing firm against deception rather than settling for convenience, Monson set a powerful precedent, exposing an enterprise of unprecedented scale and sending a clear message across the legal and insurance industries. As a result, insurers avoided hundreds of millions in fraudulent payouts, while policyholders benefited from a renewed commitment to fairness and accountability in the claims process. This case is more than a victory — it’s a testament to the power of truth, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
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