These lawyers might make the case that even tobacco companies have rights, and that the public interest actually was served by getting these companies a better bargain.
The lawyers may also argue that even though they have rights, the tobacco companies are still completely at fault. 
mnli hypothesis: The lawyers may also argue that even though they have rights, the tobacco companies are still completely at fault.  premise: These lawyers might make the case that even tobacco companies have rights, and that the public interest actually was served by getting these companies a better bargain.