A recent decision by a Massachusetts state court emphasized its jurisdiction over a significant legal matter involving a former DLA Piper partner. The court concluded that it has the authority to hear an assault and battery claim against the ex-partner, who is accused of raping a former associate from the firm’s Boston office. The alleged…
The recent decision by the Supreme Court in Cisco Systems, Inc. v. Doe I, delivered in June, has substantially weakened the capacity of litigants to pursue remedies under the Alien Tort Statute (ATS). This statute has historically served as a unique legal avenue for victims of human rights violations seeking redress. The ruling marks a…
Kirkland & Ellis LLP, a powerhouse in the legal industry, has strategically bolstered its capabilities by recruiting two seasoned attorneys from Jones Day. The mass torts and restructuring duo, J. Eric Smith and Glen D. Wilkins, will be joining Kirkland’s Dallas office, enhancing its expertise in complex litigation and corporate restructuring. This move is part…
The University of New Mexico (UNM) has reappointed Camille Carey as dean of the School of Law, effective July 1, 2027. This decision, announced by Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Barbara Rodriguez, follows a formal review process conducted under university policies. Rodriguez emphasized the law school’s critical role in preparing attorneys who…
Marc Kasowitz, a prominent lawyer known for his high-profile clientele, is currently confronting a malpractice lawsuit related to a settlement over alleged antisemitism at Columbia University. The complaint, filed in a Manhattan court, accuses Kasowitz and his firm, Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, of failing to secure an adequate settlement in a case brought against the…
Paul J. Napoli, a prominent figure in the legal world known for his pivotal role in mass tort litigation, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 58. Renowned for his work on some of the most high-profile mass tort cases, Napoli’s legacy is indelibly etched in the annals of legal history. His career spanned…
Paul Napoli, a prominent figure in mass tort litigation and founder of the New York-based plaintiffs’ firm Napoli Shkolnik, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 58. Napoli had recently been serving as a co-lead plaintiffs’ counsel in the significant PFAS litigation concerning firefighting foam, which has been linked to widespread environmental and health…
Greenberg Traurig, a prominent global law firm, has recently strengthened its litigation practice in New York by onboarding Scott Leitner as a shareholder. Leitner, who joins from Gordon Rees, has significant experience in complex commercial litigation, adding depth to Greenberg Traurig’s robust litigation team. Leitner’s practice encompasses a wide range of litigation matters, including contract…
BakerHostetler has strategically expanded its litigation capabilities in Dallas by bringing on board two experienced litigators from Spencer Fane. This development underscores the firm’s continued commitment to strengthening its presence in key markets. The addition aligns with BakerHostetler’s broader strategy to enhance its litigation services, particularly in the thriving Dallas market. The new hires are…
The ongoing litigation involving Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer has brought to the forefront the complex interplay between state and federal courts, as well as the intricate nature of mass public harms litigation. At the heart of the dispute is whether federal pesticide regulation preempts state law, a question currently under consideration by the Supreme Court…
An insurer has informed a North Carolina federal court that it will not provide coverage to a nonprofit business loan company embroiled in a legal dispute with a disbarred attorney. The nonprofit, accused of defaming the attorney by alleging he defaulted on a COVID-19 rapid recovery loan, faces a complex insurance denial that adds another…
The opposition to the $7.25 billion Roundup class action settlement has intensified as two co-lead plaintiffs’ counsel in the multidistrict litigation have sought judicial intervention. Earlier this month, these legal representatives filed an injunction motion urging U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria to halt the agreement that was preliminarily approved by Judge Timothy Boyer in St….
Recent developments in the Zantac mass tort litigation have gained significant attention as a Philadelphia judge, tasked with overseeing these cases against GlaxoSmithKline, has once again denied a motion to recuse himself. The request for recusal stemmed from the judge’s wife’s professional connection to a firm representing a defendant in the ongoing litigation. Despite concerns…
The New Jersey Supreme Court has decided not to reconsider a decision that disqualified the Beasley Allen Law Firm from representing clients in a high-profile litigation case concerning Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder. This decision effectively upholds a previous ruling by a lower court, which had removed the firm from the multi-county litigation, a move…
“`html The New Jersey Supreme Court has turned down a request from Beasley Allen, a prominent plaintiff’s law firm, to reenter the ongoing talc litigation against Johnson & Johnson. This decision effectively bars the firm from rejoining the legal battle over claims that the company’s talc products, including baby powder, caused cancer. Beasley Allen’s involvement…
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…