Kozinski Returns to the 9th

The NLJ reports Alex Kozinski Returns to the 9th Circuit (as a Lawyer) The former chief judge who retired amid sexual harassment allegations appeared on a brief attempting to revive a copyright lawsuit involving the Academy Award-winning film "The Shape of Water."

In a brief phone interview Friday, Marc Toberoff said that Kozinski has served “of counsel” to his firm, a Malibu-based intellectual property boutique known for taking on cases representing the heirs of superhero creators in disputes with Hollywood studios, but said he couldn’t say when the relationship started. When asked if the representation might create conflicts at the Ninth Circuit, Toberoff suggested that judges leave the bench for private practice regularly.

According to the California State Bar website, Kozinski’s license status changed from “Judge” to “Active” on Dec. 19, 2017, the day after he retired. He’s listed as practicing at the Law Office of Alex Kozinski in Torrance, California.
Asked Friday by text message if he were available for comment on the case or his return to private practice, Kozinski responded: “No, thanx.”