The similarities led "Cold Squad" series creators Matt MacLeod and Julia Keatley to retain intellectual property attorney Carole Handler, of Los Angeles law firm O'Donnell & Schaeffer, to broker talks with "Cold Case" producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Warner Bros. MacLeod declined to discuss details but said, "We are deeply concerned the shows' similarities...We're taking the appropriate actions." Confirming that written correspondence was proceeding between the producers of the two shows, Handler stated, "We hope to work out the producers' concerns. This is a real issue. My clients are the creators of the original concept." Recourse in the matter included the option of doing nothing, a settlement involving royalties or a format payment, or a lawsuit.