The long-running legal saga surrounding Winter Storm Uri has reached a pivotal moment as the Texas Supreme Court denied mandamus petitions in five bellwether cases. This decision effectively seals a defense verdict in one of Texas’ largest mass torts cases, impacting over 200 lawsuits and approximately 30,000 plaintiffs who sought more than $1 billion in…
JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s asset management division is venturing into new territory by advancing fees for law firms involved in mass tort litigation. This move marks a significant foray into the intricate world of mass tort financing, a practice that helps law firms cover upfront costs associated with large-scale lawsuits, such as those involving defective…
In the complex world of corporate compliance, the recent developments in Maryland underscore the vital importance of comprehensive product liability and toxic tort plans. As businesses navigate a landscape fraught with legal hazards, the situation in Maryland offers a poignant reminder of the perils associated with inadequate risk management strategies in the domain of product…
The Supreme Court recently entertained oral arguments in the case of Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, a pivotal matter addressing whether the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (FAAAA) preempts state laws that permit negligent hiring claims against freight brokers. This legal question has rallied significant interest from industry heavyweights and legal scholars,…
In a significant move for the Indianapolis legal market, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP (GRSM) has announced the addition of a new partner, Scott Carr, to their commercial litigation team. The addition of Carr, a seasoned litigator, promises to bolster GRSM’s capabilities in handling complex commercial disputes. Scott Carr brings a wealth of experience to…
Logical fallacies often surface in legal arguments, requiring attorneys to skillfully navigate and counter them to uphold the integrity of legal proceedings. Recognizing and countering these fallacies is essential for legal professionals seeking to maintain logical coherence in their arguments. A recent case illustrates how mislabeling tickets and ticketing services was dismissed as irrelevant by…
In a closely divided decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the U.S. Postal Service is immune from lawsuits alleging mail withholding, interpreting the Federal Tort Claims Act’s (FTCA) exception to shield the Postal Service from such legal actions. This 5-4 decision underscores the complexities involved in the intersection of federal agency operations and…
In the ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder, Beasley Allen, a leading plaintiffs’ firm, faces a significant challenge. The firm, instrumental in representing plaintiffs who allege that the company’s talc-based products caused cancer, is embroiled in a potential disqualification hearing scheduled for February 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rukhsanah Singh. This…
The Texas Business Court, a specialized judicial body aimed at expeditiously handling complex commercial disputes, has commenced its operations in earnest as it convenes its first jury trial. This development marks a significant procedural step for the court, which was designed to provide swift resolutions to intricate business litigation, thereby reducing the protracted delays often…
The growing deluge of mass tort cases in bankruptcy courts is prompting calls for the appointment of special masters to streamline proceedings and ensure efficiency. This demand comes as courts grapple with complex cases involving large numbers of claims and intricate legal issues. Mass tort cases, which often involve thousands of claimants affected by defective…
A Delaware Chancery Court judge has permitted a lawsuit involving Janus Henderson Group, a notable entity in the asset management industry, to proceed. This legal action arises from allegations made by a mass torts litigation funder, who asserts that a subsidiary of Janus Henderson schemed to take control over its operations. The judge found the…
The recent decision by the White House to post a manipulated photo of Minnesota civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong has sparked controversy and criticism. Armstrong, who was arrested during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a church, became the subject of an edited image that altered her expression to make it…
In California’s Northern District, a new multidistrict litigation (MDL) concerning child exploitation allegations against Roblox Corporation is taking shape. Five esteemed attorneys—W. Mark Lanier, Bryan Aylstock, Sarah London, Alexandra Walsh, and Bob Hilliard—are currently contending for leadership roles in the proceedings. With 85 lawsuits consolidated by Chief Judge Richard Seeborg, the stakes of the litigation…
Elizabeth Burch, a respected professor at the University of Georgia School of Law and an authority on mass torts, has recently brought attention to a controversial issue within the legal system with her book, The Pain Brokers. This insightful work delves into an unsettling scheme that took place during the pelvic mesh litigation, an event…
The legal landscape of 2026 is poised for transformation with several pivotal mass tort trials that could reshape how cases are approached and adjudicated. A key development in this arena is the recent decision by a federal judge to advance Uber’s bellwether sexual assault trial. This decision could have a significant impact on how ridesharing…
The ongoing struggle between insurers and litigation funders is stirring substantial debate in the legal community, particularly concerning liability policies. This clash centers on insurers’ efforts to address the increasing involvement of litigation funders in legal disputes, a trend which some insurers argue is driving up the costs of litigation and settlement values. Recent developments…
Sidley Austin LLP has announced the addition of Paul Boehm as a partner in its Washington, D.C., office, where he will serve as a global co-leader of the firm’s Product Liability and Mass Torts practice. Boehm joins Sidley after more than two decades at Williams & Connolly LLP, where he was a litigation partner. ([sidley.com](https://www.sidley.com/en/newslanding/newpressreleases/2025/12/first-chair-trial-and-leading-product-liability-lawyer-paul-boehm-joins-sidley-as-partner?utm_source=openai))…
The recent debate around the corporate minimum tax highlights a critical aspect of corporate responsibility that major corporations cannot sidestep. The idea behind the corporate minimum tax is to ensure that even the most profitable businesses contribute something to the public coffers. This concept gained traction following revelations that several large companies paid little to…
Litigation funder Certum has announced the launch of a management services organization (MSO) designed specifically for mass tort law firms. This strategic move aims to cater to the operational needs of firms dealing with mass tort cases, enabling them to handle large volumes of complex legal claims more efficiently. The fungibility of litigation resources and…
In a significant legal development, mass tort attorney R. Brent Wisner has initiated a lawsuit aimed at obstructing California’s AB 931, a law poised to effectuate changes in attorney fee-sharing practices starting January 1. Wisner, representing the firm Wisner Baum, has expressed concerns that the legislation will disrupt his legal operations not only in California…
While Delaware’s Court of Chancery often garners national attention, Massachusetts offers a specialized forum for complex business disputes through its Business Litigation Session (BLS) within the Superior Court. Established in 1999, the BLS is dedicated to the efficient resolution of intricate commercial cases, providing a platform for issues such as shareholder derivative claims, intellectual property…
In a significant ruling that may influence future toxic tort litigation, the Georgia Court of Appeals has aligned itself with the standard set by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit regarding the admissibility of expert testimony on general causation. Judge Anne Barnes articulated this decision in a recent opinion, noting the…
In a significant development, a federal appeals court has overturned a pivotal decision related to opioid litigation, marking a new chapter in the ongoing legal battles surrounding the opioid crisis. This decision impacts the liability and financial responsibility of pharmaceutical companies and distributors, which have been at the center of thousands of lawsuits across the…
Legal education primarily focuses on equipping students with the theoretical knowledge necessary for legal practice. Courses on civil procedure, contracts, and torts form the bedrock of law school curricula. Yet, many practicing attorneys often find themselves unprepared for the real-world challenges that extend beyond these academic frameworks. An aspect notably absent from this traditional education…
A recent lawsuit has emerged involving a mass tort funder who has taken legal action against a New York-based law firm over a failed investment tied to high-profile cases against 3M and Johnson & Johnson. The funder alleges that the law firm provided misleading information, impacting their financial participation in mass tort cases linked to…