Ann Maher News
Fewer legal fee millions: How would a Nevada lawyer fee cap work in practice?
A proposed Nevada ballot initiative to cap contingency fees in all civil lawsuits at 20 percent of what is recovered would still mean millions for the state’s plaintiff’s lawyers, if fewer of them.
Tacoma trial: ICE detention center will defend claims it doesn't pay detainees enough
TACOMA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) - A jury trial is set to begin today against a privately operated detention center on claims it fails to pay federal detainees minimum wage.
Recall effort aimed at Soros-funded progressive prosecutor in Fairfax County
FAIRFAX, Va. (Legal Newsline) - A campaign to recall Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano started out as a protest of the prosecutor's lax law enforcement budget priorities, according to organizer Brenda Tillett.
Bayer will settle Roundup litigation for more than $10 billion
Bayer announced today that it will pay between $10.1 billion and $10.9 billion to resolve current and potential future Roundup litigation.
Congress should not normalize private attorney actions with law enforcement, witness says at PFAS hearing
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Collaboration between private attorneys and law enforcement in environmental litigation is perverting the justice system, said a witness at today's House Subcommittee on Environment hearing, and if a Democratically-controlled Congress chooses to normalize it today - someday conservative interests this body doesn't favor will use the same tactic.
Chamber supports Ohio AG's fight against private attorneys' representation of cities, counties in opioid MDL
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. Chamber Litigation Center has filed an amicus brief in support of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s fight against a proposed "negotiation class" of private attorneys representing cities and counties in the massive opioid multidistrict litigation.
DOJ raises flag in Kaiser Gypsum bankruptcy; Says it will investigate illegal conduct in trusts
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Legal Newsline) - The Department of Justice has stepped into Kaiser Gypsum's Chapter 11 bankruptcy pending in the Western District of North Carolina over concerns that its reorganization plan lacks sufficient safeguards to prevent fraud.
Hale v. State Farm settles for $250 million
State Farm and plaintiffs have agreed to settle protracted RICO litigation for $250 million on the opening day of what was expected to be a long-running trial at federal court in East St. Louis.
Updated: Duck boat operators sued for $100 million; Case filed on behalf of two decedents
KANSAS CITY - A law firm in Springfield is demanding $100 billion from operators of the Table Rock Lake duck boat that sank July 19, claiming the lives of 17 passengers.
In spite of recent dismissals, City of Baltimore launches climate change suit against big oil
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) - A day after a federal judge dismissed New York City's lawsuit against major oil companies over the alleged effects of climate change, Baltimore City Solicitor Andre M. Davis took aim at 26 companies that transport and market fuels in its waters with similar allegations.
In spite of recent dismissals, City of Baltimore latest to file climate change suit
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) - A day after a federal judge dismissed New York City's lawsuit against major oil companies over the alleged effects of climate change, Baltimore City Solicitor Andre M. Davis took aim at 26 companies that transport and market fuels in its waters with similar allegations.
Mom of victim: Ultimatum from lawyer, paternity test led to regrettable settlement with Tony Stewart
PORT LEYDEN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – The mother of a race car driver killed nearly four years ago by famed NASCAR driver Tony Stewart says she felt cornered into settling her wrongful death lawsuit by her high-profile lawyer who threatened to abandon the case if it went to trial – an allegation disputed by the attorney.
Asbestos report shows St. Clair County taking spot on list of 'top 10' jurisdictions; 96 percent are lung cancer cases
While the number of new asbestos cases in hotspot jurisdictions across the country is declining overall - and in all types of diseases - the docket in St. Clair County is surging almost exclusively with lung cancer cases.
Republican AGs who railed against CFPB anti-arbitration rule, now on board with banning arbitration #MeToo
WASHINGTON - A group of Republican attorneys general who railed against an effort to outlaw arbitration clauses so that consumers could bring class actions against financial services companies now appear to be on board with legislation that would eliminate arbitration from workplace sexual harassment claims.
California Supreme Court denies review of public nuisance lead paint decision
SACRAMENTO - The Supreme Court of California has denied review of an approximate $600 million judgment that holds major paint companies responsible for remediating lead paint across the state.
SEC asked to investigate potential fraud in California bond offerings over climate change risk
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Lawyers for the Competitive Enterprise Institute are asking the Securities Exchange Commission to investigate potential fraud involving inconsistent climate change claims of California cities and counties in their bond offerings.
Ballot initiative would provide $2 billion fund for statewide remediation of wide range of hazards
SACRAMENTO - A ballot initiative to fund a $2 billion bond for statewide remediation of lead paint, mold, asbestos, radon, pests, and other environmental hazards in homes, schools and senior citizen facilities will protect home values and alleviate a state housing crisis, supporters believe.
Lawsuit lenders Oasis and LawCash to pay $2.3 million in Colorado predatory lending settlement
DENVER (Legal Newsline) - Lawsuit lenders Oasis Legal Finance and LawCash (Plaintiff Funding Holding, Inc.) have been ordered to pay in excess of $2 million to settle claims they charged Colorado consumers excessive interest rates.
Manufacturers' group calls ExxonMobil's move toward counter-suing a 'win'
A group that backs the interests of energy producers calls ExxonMobil's recent move toward counter-suing parties involved in California climate change litigation a "win" for manufacturers.
Seeds of anti-Exxon campaign were planted at 2012 climate change conference, company says
LA JOLLA - A 2012 climate change conference in La Jolla, Calif., was designed to impose a uniform perspective on climate policy that has resulted in abuses of government power, according to a major oil producer that says it's been unfairly targeted.