On Friday, September 22, Attorney General Andy Beshear announced his office will partner with the legal firms Morgan & Morgan; Motley Rice; the Lanier Law Firm; and Ransdell, Roach, & Royse PLLC for the investigation and prospective litigation against drug manufacturers, distributors and retailers if there is evidenced they contributed to Kentucky’s opioid epidemic. In June, Beshear issued a public request for proposal for legal services to assist in the lawsuits. Evaluators assessed and scored 17 bids for the contract. The contract provides that the bidder, not the state, will pay the costs of the litigations, with attorneys receiving a share of any verdict or settlements. Beshear said he looks forward to working with the experienced team of local and national lawyers, adding they need the best team possible to repair the harm caused by those who played a role in the opioid crisis.