Litigation-Personal
Judge Sanctions Attorneys for ‘Intentionally Misleading Conduct’
NEWS
A King County, Washington, judge has sanctioned two attorneys hired by Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist’s office, citing their “intentionally misleading conduct” during a long-running lawsuit, according to a report in the Tacoma News Tribune.
The 4 Must-Follow Lawsuits Challenging Cruz’s Presidential Eligibility
NEWS
The Texas senator now faces several lawsuits across the country — in Illinois, Texas, New York and Utah — that are bringing the candidate unwelcome distractions.
Texas Lawyer Dismissed from $22M Lawsuit
NEWS
A $22 million lawsuit against Beaumont, Texas attorney Wayne Reaud, along with several others, have been dismissed, reports SETexasRecord.com.
Segal McCambridge Lawyer Leads Team in Editing Personal Injury Handbook
NEWS
The Segal McCambridge team updated each of the Guide’s 14 chapters, which cover every step in the personal injury process, from initial client interviews to closing the case.
Former GC Will Receive $850K for Alleged Defamation by Ex-Employer
Former general counsel Chet Taylor $600,000 in a jury verdict and accepted an additional $250,000 to avoid trying a subsequent punitive damages claim.
Confusing Contracts Language as Litigation Strategy?
Article
Myanna Dellinger of the University of South Dakota School of Law has posted a discussion of a recent case in which a judge faulted Uber with presenting its drivers with a contract that was “likely, frankly, to engender confusion.”
When Can You Rescind a Real Property Purchase Agreement?
Article
Although rescission makes particular sense when recouping the purchase price is more important than living in the house, it’s not always available.
Wyly Billion-Dollar Bankruptcy Trial Concludes
NEWS
The bankruptcy judge hearing the case is expected to take several weeks to rule in the complex bankruptcy trial in which the IRS accused the wealthy Texans of tax evasion and fraud and is seeking $2.2 billion in back taxes, fees and penalties.
Florida Lawyer Permanently Disbarred for Role in DUI Setup
NEWS
Stephen Diaco, one of three lawyers accused of setting up a rival’s DUI arrest, was permanently disbarred Thursday by the Florida Supreme Court, reports The Tampa Tribune.
Jury Orders Wal-Mart to Pay Pharmacist $31.22 Million in Bias Case
NEWS
A federal jury in New Hampshire ordered Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to pay $31.22 million to a pharmacist who claimed she was fired because of her gender and in retaliation for complaining about safety conditions.
Judge Sanctions Prominent Dallas Lawyer for Misconduct
NEWS
Brewer and his law firm conducted a push poll with questions and statements “designed to influence or alter the opinion or attitude of the person being polled,” the judge ruled.
Oregon Man Files Suit Against Fantasy Sports Sites
NEWS
A class-action suit has been filed in federal court in Portland against two daily fantasy sports sites, FanDuel and DraftKings, alleging both businesses are operating illegal online sports betting, reports The Oregonian.
Supreme Court Holds Unaccepted Offers for Full Relief Do Not Moot Class Actions
Analysis
A defendant cannot moot a putative class action by merely offering full relief to the named plaintiff on his or her individual claims.
GM Ignition Switch Trial Ends Abruptly Amid Claims of Fraud
NEWS
A trial that was supposed to help settle hundreds of lawsuits stemming from General Motors’ faulty ignition switches abruptly ended Friday, a day after the judge raised questions about the plaintiff’s truthfulness.
Choose Words Carefully in Dispute-Related Contract Clauses
Article
A couple of words here or there in a contract can make a huge difference, particularly when those words relate to what happens if there is a breach or some other dispute between the parties, writes Shep Davidson.
Supreme Court Says Class Action Lawsuits Can Survive Compensation Offers
NEWS
Justices ruled that offers of full compensation to the lead plaintiff in such a case do not automatically end the legal challenge.
Insurance Partially Covers Merck’s $830 Million Vioxx Settlement
NEWS
The company’s cash payment for the settlement and fees will be about $680 million after reimbursement from insurance policies, Merck said.
CFPB Proposes Banning Use of Pre-Dispute Arbitration Agreements in Consumer Class Actions
Article
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has proposed prohibiting application of pre-dispute arbitration agreements to class litigation involving certain consumer financial products, according to a report published by Carlton Fields on its website.
Judge Voids Ex-Columnist’s $7.1-Million Jury Award Against L.A. Times
NEWS
Former sports columnist claimed that the newspaper discriminated against him because of his age and a disability.
USSC Rejects Refusal to Enforce Arbitration Provision
Article
Arbitration agreements that waive class actions or class arbitration are enforceable. And state-court judges must enforce them.
