In a recent ruling, a California federal judge determined that a widow, who is suing Tesla Inc. for the wrongful death of her husband, cannot seek sanctions against the company. The widow had accused Tesla of unnecessarily prolonging the mediation process. The decision, which highlights the complexities of mediation law, prevents the widow from pursuing…
Tesla Inc. is currently engaged in a legal tussle with a widow over a sanctions bid. The conflict arose from accusations that a company in-house attorney made an appearance at a mediation session concerning a wrongful death case, allegedly without proper settlement authority. Tesla rebuffed these claims, countering that the widow’s attorneys violated confidentiality by…
In her recent piece, Eydith Kaufman from Alternative Resolution Centers reflects on the transformative power of empathy in mediation, emphasizing its role in providing a compassionate resolution to disputes. Inspired by a personal experience of a crash-landing, Kaufman discusses how empathy can significantly impact situations of crisis or stress. Sharing personal vulnerabilities publicly, she argues,…
Tesla and one of its in-house attorneys are currently under scrutiny in a California federal court due to their participation in a mediation session tied to a wrongful death lawsuit. The issue at hand involves the allegation that the attorney attended the mediation without possessing appropriate settlement authority. This situation reportedly resulted in “delay and…
In a recent address to legal mediators, Colorado’s chief federal magistrate judge underscored the significance of optimism in the mediation process. Drawing from his extensive experience overseeing more than 1,400 settlement conferences, the judge emphasized the importance of maintaining composure even amidst chaotic situations. He shared an anecdote where a former postal worker, when faced…
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…