Wait a minute. It seems that Exxon is now taking the Seattle Seven to court. Well, for themselves and their lawyers. Exxon is quite upset about this turn of events. That's why Exxon's lawyers are taking the Seattle Seven to court.
Nobody knows for sure.
The only people who benefit, of course, are the lawyers. I am NOT kidding. Exxon's lawyers got money too. Well, if the tobacco industry settlement is any guide, they probably persuaded Exxon to sign an agreement paying them a percentage of the difference between the maximum amount of liability given a worst case judgement, and the deal that was actually struck. It sounds like they didn't do very well.