Kenneth Feinberg, recognized as an American Lawyer Lifetime Achievement honoree, has been instrumental in pioneering alternative dispute resolution (ADR) by mediating significant mass tort cases in the U.S. Over the years, Feinberg has established a noteworthy legacy in legal circles, having played a pivotal role in resolving some of the most complex and high-profile disputes…
Thomas J. Henry PLLC, a prominent personal injury law firm based in Texas, has reached a settlement in a case involving allegations of retaliation made by a former employee, Clarissa Spear. The firm is widely known for its extensive roadside advertising across Texas. Spear, who served as an office manager at the firm, claimed she…
The legal battle surrounding Jones Day and its parental leave policy has reached a crucial juncture. On November 7, 2025, the trial is set to commence as two former associates of the firm, Mark Savignac and Julia Sheketoff, argue that the policy discriminates against male associates by providing new mothers with additional leave time. However,…
Greenberg Traurig News Greenberg Traurig has expanded its international arbitration and litigation capabilities in the United Arab Emirates with the addition of Nassif BouMalhab as a shareholder. BouMalhab, a seasoned expert in complex business disputes within the Middle East, offers significant experience in both international and domestic arbitration and mediation. BouMalhab’s role will include advising…
In the landscape of trust cases, the stability of mediation settlement agreements is crucial. However, contingencies and unforeseen circumstances can arise, creating potential “hiccups” in the implementation of these agreements. To address such issues effectively, there are three types of post-mediation clauses that can be incorporated to ensure the resilience of the settlement. These clauses…
The FBI has agreed to a $22.6 million settlement to resolve claims that female agent trainees were denied jobs due to discriminatory criteria. The settlement process was expedited through mediation, which took place in March, and is now pending court approval. For further details, read the original article on Law.com.
Foley & Lardner LLP has recently bolstered its business litigation and dispute practice by welcoming Rajiv Dharnidharka and Jeanette Barzelay as partners in their San Francisco office. This strategic move aims to enhance the firm’s capabilities within the innovative technology sector. Rajiv Dharnidharka brings a wealth of experience representing both public and private companies across…
Former Wilson Elser Attorney Drops 9th Circ. Benefits Appeal The Ninth Circuit has agreed to dismiss a federal benefits lawsuit from a former Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP partner who claimed he was owed long-term disability benefits tied to chronic fatigue. The decision follows lengthy mediation between the involved parties. The full context…
Negotiating long-term settlements in complex mediation cases can be a daunting task, often consuming several years and significant financial resources. These issues can be especially pronounced in cases involving multiple parties and intricate legal facets, such as those involving asbestos litigation and numerous insurers. The 13-year mediation recounted by John D. Moore, a retired Connecticut…
At her swearing-in ceremony to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 2013, Ketanji Brown Jackson quipped to the group assembled, “It takes a village to raise a judge.” Jackson’s new memoir, “Lovely One” – the English translation of her first and middle names, Ketanji Onyika – pays homage to many of…
In the ongoing bankruptcy case of fire protection equipment manufacturer Kidde-Fenwal Inc., California Attorney General Rob Bonta has formally raised objections regarding the escalating fees associated with the mediation process. Bonta has urged an end to the mediation, labeling the legal fees as “exorbitant” and accusing the company of “unbridled billing.” The objections were filed…
The governments of the United States and Guatemala jointly announced on Thursday that Nicaragua has released 135 political prisoners on humanitarian grounds. The decision comes after prolonged negotiations between the US and Nicaragua. This development follows similar events earlier in the year when the US welcomed over 200 political prisoners from Nicaragua. The released individuals…
California is on the verge of enacting a significant piece of legislation that aims to reshape the rules governing neutrals in arbitration processes. The bill, which has garnered strong backing from plaintiffs’ lawyers, is poised to introduce new disclosure requirements for neutrals and establish a certification program through the state bar. According to coverage from…
Law firms today widely affirm the importance of collaboration in effective decision making. However, the phenomenon known as “collaboration drag” poses a significant obstacle by introducing inefficiencies into the decision-making process. This drag manifests through excessive meetings, overly soliciting feedback from peers, and the absence of clear agendas or assigned decision-making responsibilities. These issues can…
On September 19, The Resolution Center will celebrate its 30th anniversary. This organization, formerly known as the North Shore Community Mediation Center, has long provided conflict resolution and training services to a diverse range of communities north of Boston. To commemorate this milestone, The Resolution Center is hosting an anniversary gala featuring New York Times…
In recent developments, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 230 prisoners of war, facilitated by mediation efforts led by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This exchange took place on the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union, marking a significant moment of international diplomatic engagement amidst ongoing conflict. According to the UAE Foreign Ministry,…
A South Korean prosecution investigation team has dismissed anti-graft charges against first lady Kim Keon-hee, according to local media. Kim was under investigation for accepting expensive gifts, including a luxury Dior handbag valued at approximately three million won (~$2,255), from Choi Jae-young, a Korean-American pastor, in 2022. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office stated that…
Apollo Global Management and Fidelity Management & Research Co. have raised allegations against former bankruptcy judge David R. Jones, accusing him of influencing a bankruptcy settlement that favored his romantic interest to the detriment of the lenders. This development came to light through a filing made on Thursday in the US Bankruptcy Court for the…
In a rapidly shifting legal landscape, the safety and well-being of employees have become paramount. This has been underscored by a recent decision from a UK law firm to prioritize work-from-home (WFH) arrangements due to ongoing riots across the country. The firm has encouraged its employees to stay safe during these tumultuous times, as highlighted…
Kathleen Ruigomez testified about her experience with lawyer Tom Girardi during a 2013 mediation for her lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Co. Ruigomez discovered that Girardi had already settled her family’s case upon her arrival at the mediation. Girardi informed her that he had secured $5 million for her son, Joseph Ruigomez, who was…
In 2024’s edition of “They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40”, Eric Sandberg-Zakian of Covington & Burling has received notable recognition for his work in the fields of white-collar crime, investigations, and crisis leadership. At the age of 39, Sandberg-Zakian has already established a prominent presence at Covington & Burling, operating out of the firm’s…
A split Fifth Circuit panel has affirmed a district court’s decision to set aside a $13.1 million jury award to Dr. Joseph Papin, a medical resident whose contract was terminated following complaints about his workplace behavior. The Fifth Circuit ruling comes after a jury initially awarded Papin $5 million in punitive damages. The district court…
Jackson Lewis attorneys have entered an appearance in a whistleblower lawsuit against U.S. Chess initiated by Jennifer Shahade, a two-time national women’s chess champion. The legal team, led by Joseph C. DeBlasio, a principal and office litigation manager of Jackson Lewis’ Monmouth County, New Jersey, office, has also requested that the case be moved from…
The American Arbitration Association (AAA), in collaboration with Suffolk University Law School, has announced the launch of an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Innovation Clinic. This initiative aims to develop digital tools to assist unrepresented litigants in low-contest divorce and family law cases in Massachusetts. The clinic, set to run for three years, aims to extend…
California’s recent labor law reform, centered on the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), is anticipated to reshape the legal landscape significantly. The effectiveness of these reforms, which aim to provide quicker resolutions and reduced penalties for employers, will be tested by the state’s courts amidst substantial budget constraints. The amended PAGA law introduces provisions for…