Jacob Bielanski News
Conn. SC affirming higher fees for MERS documents 'somewhat a surprise'
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Despite claims that it violated equal protection and commerce laws, a Connecticut law passed in 2013 that tripled fees for filing a mortgage has been upheld by the state’s highest court.
Ill. appeals court affirms $3 million award to Chicago State whistleblower
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - A former attorney for Chicago State University will still receive $2 million in punitive damages after an Illinois appellate court on March 2 affirmed a jury's decision in a whistleblower case.
Dwolla the target of first data security enforcement from CFPB
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The facts leading to $100,000 in fines were not on the side of the first company targeted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over data privacy concerns, a Reed Smith attorney says.
Tort reform bill, passed by U.S. House, unlikely to become law
The Fairness in Class Action Litigation and Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act of 2016, which passed the House along largely partisan lines in January, most likely will be blocked by the Senate. If it does pass, it almost certainly will be vetoed by President Barack Obama.
Judge tosses claims against Whole Foods based on Consumer Reports' testing of yogurt
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) - A lawsuit alleging that Greek yogurt at Whole Foods contained more sugar than listed on the label was dismissed earlier this month after a judge found the testing methods cited by plaintiffs attorneys were not stringent enough.
Attorney: Guidance needed for cosmetics industry to avoid litigation
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Makers of cosmetics could benefit from certain guidelines in order to avoid class action lawsuits such as one filed in February against actress Jessica Alba's brand, a St. Louis attorney says.
'Castle Clash' maker wins dismissal of class action lawsuit
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – A mobile app maker facing a class action lawsuit over allegations that its game was a form of “gambling” won a dismissal Jan. 26 in Chicago federal court.
Attorney: Seventh Circuit with chance to expand 'umbrella' of previous plaintiff-friendly data breach decision
CHICAGO (Legal News Line) – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit's handling of a data breach lawsuit against P.F. Chang's will, in some form, play off its recent plaintiff-friendly ruling in another case and will have a significant impact on future claims, a Denver attorney says.
Connecticut, New Jersey pass spam-text laws
This November, companies sending text messages to customers could face stricter penalties if they violate a New Jersey law combating text message spam.
Calif. SC not impressed with environmental impact report, halts L.A. County project
A November ruling by the California Supreme Court halted a 12,000-acre development in Los Angeles County, determining that an impact report submitted by a state agency was insufficient.
Texas Indian gambling gets boost from Department of Interior
A recent federal memo and a Texas constitutional amendment could pave the way for an Indian gaming industry that has long been a target of the state's Governor's and Attorney General’s offices.