DESEG LAWYERS SHOULD WORK PRO BONO

Some legislators are worried that lawyers may be dragging their feet in settling the desegregation lawsuit in St. Louis. The reason: The case has proved a real money-maker for far too many people.

Since 1984, the state has paid more than $3.2 million in the St. Louis case to lawyers.

Even higher fees have gone to lawyers in the Kansas City desegregation case, which was finally settled. The lead counsel there has drawn almost $6 million since 1986.

This is just another outrage in a long list of financial disgraces directly related to these desegregation cases.

If the students really count, let the lawyers put their money where their mouths are. The tab is high enough. Let them work on a pro bono basis. Then we'll see how fast this case is settled.