Pogust Goodhead is reverting to its former trading name, PGMBM, after both namesake founders sought to have their names removed amid a bitter dispute over the Mariana litigation.
Co-founder Harris Pogust has welcomed the removal of his name but mocked the decision to revive an old identity, questioning whether it will confuse clients further.
Pogust Goodhead is returning to its former name, PGMBM, after both namesake founders sought to stop the firm using their names amid a bitter dispute over the Mariana dam litigation.
The move follows a public falling-out with the co-founders, who have criticised the firm’s decision to bring proceedings against clients in the battle over who should represent more than 400,000 claimants.
Back to PGMBM
A spokesperson for the firm said the decision followed feedback from its stakeholders.
“We have listened carefully to feedback from our people, partners and those closest to our clients and have decided to move away from the Pogust Goodhead trading name,” the spokesperson told Non-Billable.
“Neither of the former founders has any role in the firm today, and we believe the name should reflect the firm as it exists now.”
The firm said returning to PGMBM would provide continuity for clients during an important stage of the Mariana proceedings, rather than introducing an entirely unfamiliar identity.
The Pogust Goodhead branding remains on its website, but the firm has updated its Facebook page with its new logo.
Founder reacts
Pogust, who stepped down as chairman in 2024, was quick to ridicule the decision.
“I guess my letter worked. The firm has taken my name off!” he wrote on LinkedIn, adding: “Is it me or is this beyond silly.”
He also questioned why the firm had revived an old name associated with five people who, he said, had all left the business years ago.
Pogust also challenged the firm's argument that returning to PGMBM would provide continuity for clients.
“If this was meant to alleviate their confusion I don’t think it will work which is a real shame,” he said. “Shoot, I am more confused and it’s my name.”
He ended on a lighter note, joking that he was glad he had kept his old branded golf shirts and sweatshirts.
A bitter split
The name change follows a public dispute between the firm's former founders and its current leadership over the Mariana litigation.
Pogust had criticised his former firm over a claim form that named clients as defendants and sought costs and expenses if they switched law firms.
“I was embarrassed to have my name anywhere on that document,” he wrote at the time, adding that he had never sued a client in his 39-year legal career.
Tom Goodhead, the firm's other namesake founder, was ousted as chief executive in 2025 and has since joined rival Bailey Glasser International (BGI), alongside more than 15 lawyers with experience working on the Mariana case.
Goodhead had also sought to prevent his former firm from using his name, saying he had filed proceedings in Brazil and was preparing legal action in the UK.
“It is absolutely critical that clients understand neither Harris nor I are associated with a firm who sues the victims of the Mariana dam disaster it claims to represent,” he said at the time.
The rebrand comes as the firm awaits a High Court ruling on whether it or rival BGI should represent more than 400,000 Mariana claimants. Following a two-day hearing this week, the judge is expected to deliver a judgment on Monday.
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