Black Farmer's Defense

The October 3, 2004, edition of The Washington Post Sunday magazine featured a lengthy cover story on one of the firm's clients:  Philip Haynie, II.  

For more than four years, Steptoe & Johnson LLP has represented and/or advised Mr. Haynie and other family members in their fight to obtain relief from the USDA for past discrimination, related bankruptcy matters, and even a related grand jury investigation.  

In 2000, Steptoe won a decision after a trial on the Haynies' behalf that set aside a settlement the court found to have been obtained by duress by the bankruptcy trustee.  Also in 2000, Steptoe filed suit for the Haynies against the USDA for past discrimination in the farmer loan programs.  

After the USDA lost its motion to dismiss in late July 2003, and an intense discovery period last fall, in March 2004, Steptoe attorneys filed a motion for summary judgment for the Haynies on both liability and damages.  

The Haynies' motion, and the USDA's motion for summary judgment, remain pending before Judge Paul Friedman, D.D.C.

The Haynies' civil team consists of Steve Davidson, Ellen Steury, and Kim Gates, and former associate Andrea Evans. Reid Weingarten and Mark Hulkower handled the grand jury matter.

Read "The Promised Land."