(July 24, 2007)--A watchdog group filed formal complaints Tuesday against Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht.

The matter involves the propriety of discounted legal fees Hecht received to defend himself against abuse of office charges.

Hecht wracked up about $440,000 in legal fees, but prevailed in fighting a sanction by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

He was accused of abusing his office to promote his friend, Harriet Miers of Dallas, for a seat on the US Supreme Court.

The former White House counsel later withdrew her name from consideration.

Texas Watch alleges that Hecht received a $100,000 discount on his total bills, paying only $330,000 to the Dallas law firm Jackson Walker.

Hecht attorney Chip Babcock would not confirm the amount, but said he discounted 25 percent of the fees as pro bono, work done for free in the name of the public good.

Hecht didn't immediately return calls for comment.

Texas Watch filed separate complaints to the Texas Ethics Commission, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct and the Travis County public integrity unit.

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