Plaintiff-for-hire sentenced

Prosecutors said Lazar and his relatives -- including his wife, mother-in-law, son and daughter -- received kickbacks ranging from $8,000 to $250,000 for their roles as named plaintiffs in a string of suits against such targets as Genentech Inc., United Airlines and W.R. Grace & Co. Many of the payments were transmitted through lawyers in Palm Springs; Los Angeles; Santa Ana; Portland, Ore.; and Kansas City, Mo. Lazar's relatives weren't charged in the case.

His wife and several relatives and friends filled the back row of the courtroom Monday.

Three former Milberg Weiss partners who have also pleaded guilty in connection with the fraud and conspiracy scheme await sentencing. One of them, securities class action powerhouse William Lerach, will appear before Walter on Feb. 11.

The Milberg Weiss firm and co-founder Melyvn Weiss have pleaded not guilty, as has Palm Springs real estate attorney Paul Selzer, who is accused of laundering the firm's kickbacks to Lazar.

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molly.selvin@latimes.com