The clemency process in the United States has long been criticized for its complexity and perceived biases, long before it became a central focus under President Donald Trump’s administration. Historically, clemency applications have been funneled through the Department of Justice (DOJ), where the Office of the Pardon Attorney oversees a process criticized for being lengthy…
In a significant decision, the California Supreme Court has opted against a proposal intended to automatically expunge attorney discipline records. This decision emerges from a complex backdrop of efforts by the State Bar of California to address historical racial disparities in attorney discipline. The plan aimed to serve as a corrective measure by wiping the…
In a recent turn of events, the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that an expunged juvenile sex offense could be considered in determining lifetime registration requirements for sex offenders. The decision stems from a case where the defendant argued that relying on an expunged record violates both the ex post facto clause and the Eighth…
The State Bar of California has taken a notable step toward reform with its recent proposal to the state Supreme Court, seeking approval for a plan that would allow the expungement of certain attorney discipline records after eight years. This initiative underscores the Bar’s commitment to striking a balance between maintaining accountability within the legal…
North Carolina lawmakers have instituted a streamlined process for state business court filings, aiming to enhance efficiency within the legal system. Additionally, regulations on attorney fees in debt collection lawsuits are under consideration, a move that could significantly impact legal practice in the state. Another closely followed legislative measure proposes easing the attorney discipline process…
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns formally apologized in Parliament House on Thursday to all individuals who were convicted or otherwise affected by laws criminalizing homosexuality, which were decriminalized 40 years ago. This makes New South Wales the last Australian state to issue such an apology, following Victoria and South Australia’s apologies in 2016, and…
In a bid to strike a balance between transparency and privacy rights of attorneys, The State Bar of California’s board of trustees approved a new plan. Under this plan, discipline records of attorneys who have not faced disbarment will be automatically expunged. This initiative aims to ease the professional repercussions suffered by attorneys due to…
Welcome to the daily rundown of top legal news for corporate lawyers, law firms, and in-house counsel. At the forefront is the announcement that Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has been selected as lead plaintiffs counsel in a proposed nationwide consumer class action against Amazon. The case revolves around claims that Amazon has “duped” customers…
Legal professionals are continuously navigating the balance of responsibility between property owners and their lessee when it comes to illicit cannabis operations. The situation is currently under scrutiny in Los Angeles, where lawyers of an elderly property owner argue that their client was unaware that a tenant was using her property for unlicensed cannabis sales….
On December 14, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm EST, a webinar will be held to clarify and explain the recent amendments made by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) regarding expunging customer dispute information. The webinar is hosted by seasoned law professional Michael J. Charlillo and is particularly noteworthy for legal professionals in corporate…
In recent legal events, an interesting issue of discovery has unravelled around the topic of expunged criminal records and their influence in an overlapping civil lawsuit. The primary matter of discussion is based around In re Expungement Petition of Francis A., 2023 WL 5948060, a previously unreported case handled by the Appellate Court of Maryland…
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has had a hectic year. In its vow to operate the most extensive securities dispute resolution forum in the United States, it has undertaken continuous updates to its rules and processes aiming for a fairer, more efficient, and effective modus operandi. There have been five significant developments in the…
As announced, a significant shift in the legal landscapes of financial regulation is slated to occur; the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) new expungement rules will come into effect on October 16, 2023. These rules will significantly alter the manner in which registered representatives manage negative customer-related complaints, arbitrations, and litigation. For clarification, expungement is…
A recent development indicates that Spain has failed to comply with international law, as per the findings of a UN Human Rights Committee on Follow-Up Rapporteur. The findings, which have been published, reveal that Spain did not implement the United Nations Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) decision concerning the case of Baltasar Garzón v Spain. Interestingly,…