Norton Rose Fulbright has bolstered its ranks with the addition of J. David Bournazian as a partner in its product liability and consumer disputes practice located in Los Angeles, according to the firm’s announcement on Tuesday. Bournazian, a seasoned first-chair trial lawyer, will focus on representing high-profile and publicly traded companies in class actions and…
In a strategic move to bolster its employment law practice in Florida, Fisher Phillips has announced the recruitment of Maritza Gomez as a new partner in their Fort Lauderdale office. Gomez, who previously held a significant position at Gap, brings extensive experience in national and international employment law, with specialization in compliance, risk management, and…
Google has enlisted the services of law firm Paul Hastings to represent it in an Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) lawsuit currently pending in the District of Connecticut. The case revolves around allegations of discrimination linked to the termination of a Google employee diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. The plaintiff, Peter Martin, claims…
In a notable transaction in the financial sector, Japanese insurer Dai-ichi Life Holdings is working with legal advisors from Linklaters to acquire a $1.1 billion stake in the British asset management company M&G. This strategic acquisition, marking a 15% share, will establish Dai-ichi as M&G’s largest shareholder. The British firm is receiving counsel from Freshfields…
In a move that underscores Dai-ichi Life Holdings’ strategic effort to diversify beyond its traditional life insurance operations, the Japanese life insurer has confirmed its acquisition of a 15% stake in the British money manager M&G for $1.1 billion. This acquisition will see Dai-ichi become the largest shareholder of M&G and signals its increased focus…
As June approaches, significant appellate action is on the horizon, capturing the attention of legal professionals across diverse practice areas. Upcoming circuit court calendars are featuring pivotal arguments in appellate procedure principles, “click-to-cancel” rules, and government procurement protests. Additionally, key issues concerning judiciary employment protections, litigation risk insurance, and President Donald Trump’s felony convictions and…
In a recent move that has provoked uncertainty among health insurers, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed the Covid-19 vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended immunization schedule. This decision particularly affects the coverage of the vaccine for healthy children and pregnant women, which was previously guaranteed under…
In the latest development in a legal battle involving Zander Group Holdings Inc., a Nebraska federal court has ruled that the insurance firm cannot subpoena the former attorneys of an employee who initiated legal action against the company. The case, centered on the employee’s stock ownership plan, was challenged by Zander but met with a…
In a significant development for the realm of asbestos litigation, a recent decision by the South Carolina Supreme Court has created an avenue for plaintiffs to access legacy insurance policies of asbestos companies. This judicial opinion, of considerable import for affected insurers, establishes a legal pathway that could impact ongoing and future claims related to…
The frequency of malpractice claims faced by major law firms remained relatively stable in 2024. However, payouts for these claims have increased at a rate surpassing general inflation rates. This trend was highlighted in this year’s legal professional liability insurance survey, which revealed that nearly half of the insurers surveyed reported paying at least one…
In a recent ruling, a court has largely sided against major insurance companies Cigna and Aetna in a lawsuit concerning the ‘No Surprises Act’, which aims to protect patients from unexpected medical bills. The court’s decision highlights that Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) awards are enforceable, emphasizing that health plans and insurance companies cannot disregard these…
In a strategic move to bolster its litigation capabilities, Honigman LLP has named Evan Knott as a new litigation partner in their Chicago office. This addition was announced by the firm on Monday, signaling a robust enhancement to their legal offerings, particularly in complex insurance coverage disputes. Evan Knott, formerly with Reed Smith, brings extensive…
Frank Toddre, II has significantly advanced his legal career by joining Cozen O’Connor as a partner in their global insurance department based in Las Vegas. This move, announced on Monday, marks a strategic shift for Toddre, who brings his extensive expertise in areas such as bad faith insurance litigation, Section 1983 civil rights defense, and…
Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. and the law firm Kanner & Pintaluga PA have taken steps to dismiss a proposed class action lawsuit in Texas federal court. The lawsuit accuses both entities of collaborating to unlawfully exchange auto crash victims’ confidential information, allegedly violating state and federal privacy laws. In their defense, both Progressive and Kanner…
As companies increasingly face litigation over their claims related to artificial intelligence, the risks for officers and directors are becoming more pronounced. This trend is exemplified by a derivative suit filed by a shareholder of Sprinklr, a company known for its customer engagement software. The lawsuit underscores the rising threat of personal liability for corporate…
The retired California federal judge serving as the special master for former Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey’s insurance coverage lawsuit has ordered sanctions against Lacey’s legal team. The legal issue arises from an incident in 2020 when Lacey’s husband held a gun at their home’s doorway. The court found that the lawyers involved relied…
Troutman Pepper Locke has strengthened its insurance transactional and regulatory practice with the addition of Marisa Young, who has been appointed as a partner in the firm’s Chicago office. The announcement, which was made on Thursday, marks a significant hire for the firm as it continues to deepen its expertise in key practice areas. Young,…
A recent federal court decision has clarified the rights of non-creditors in the context of bankruptcy proceedings, emphasizing the need for actual notice in specific circumstances. The court ruled that an individual, who was not a creditor of a bankruptcy estate, was entitled to actual notice of an injunction under a Chapter 11 plan that…
In a cautionary tale highlighting the perils of overreliance on artificial intelligence in legal contexts, the law firms Ellis George and K&L Gates have been ordered to pay $31,000. This financial sanction comes after their attempt to use AI for writing a brief in an insurance case led to a significant oversight. The special master,…
Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft LLP has resolved its legal dispute with a Lloyd’s of London syndicate over insurance coverage for litigation related to a 2022 data breach. The case, which was being addressed in North Carolina’s Business Court, has been dismissed with prejudice following a joint stipulation from the parties. For further details, the original…
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has announced the re-engagement of Christopher Lawrence as a partner in its investment finance practice, marking a significant development in the firm’s strategic growth. Lawrence, who joins from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, will be based out of Hartford, Connecticut, and New York, further strengthening the firm’s presence on…
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has recently highlighted the necessity for plaintiffs to formally request a jury trial in a decision likely to resonate across legal circles. The ruling underscores the critical need for plaintiffs to adhere to Rule 38(b)(1), which mandates requesting a jury trial either in the pleadings or…
In a strategic move that highlights its focus on enhancing its finance practice, Morgan Lewis has welcomed back Christopher Lawrence as a partner. Lawrence rejoins the firm to bolster its investment finance practice, bringing his expertise to the Hartford, Connecticut, and New York offices. His reappointment was announced on Thursday. Christopher Lawrence is renowned for…
UnitedHealth Group Inc. is facing legal action from a shareholder who has filed a lawsuit in the New York federal court. The allegations center around claims that the company concealed its reactions and changes to its insurance coverage policies following the fatal shooting of its CEO, Brian Thompson. In the aftermath of Thompson’s death, the…
In a strategic move to enhance its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, the Australian insurance-focused law firm, Wotton Kearney, is set to open its second office in Asia, located in Thailand. This expansion follows the firm’s entry into Singapore last year as part of a broader initiative to address the evolving demands of insurers and…