News from December 2012
Report: Trial lawyers spend $20M in N.Y. politics
ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - Two New York trial lawyer groups have spent nearly $21 million in lobbying and political contributions in the state since 2006, according to a new report.
Illinois AG files suit against Mich. company
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has filed a lawsuit against a Michigan company that purported to have government affiliation in an attempt to con Illinois businesses into paying unnecessary fees.
Mass. AG discusses issuance of $24M in utility storm fines
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley issued a statement regarding the Department of Public Utilities' decision to issue $24 million in fines against utility companies for their failed storm responses.
N.J. AG announces order against fraudulent Sandy reconstruction summit
NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa announced an order Tuesday against the organizer of an allegedly fraudulent Superstorm Sandy summit requiring him to cease operations for the upcoming event.
Pair pleads guilty to conspiracy charges
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The former accounting director and an outside auditor from American Mortgage Specialist have pleaded guilty in Arizona to obstruction of justice and conspiracy to defraud BNC National Bank.
Asbestos bill goes to Ohio governor
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) -- The Ohio House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill meant to stop the duplication of asbestos lawsuits.
Christie makes two N.J. SC appointments
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Monday formally nominated two men to the state Supreme Court.
SEC looking at Chinese accounting firms
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Chinese affiliates of the Big Four accounting firms and another large U.S. accounting firm have refused to produce documents related to China-based companies under investigation by the SEC for potential accounting fraud against U.S. investors.
Brazilian charged with Burger King insider trading
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Insider trading charges have been brought against a Brazilian ex-banker for his part in a scheme to illegally trade Burger King securities.
N.Y. AG sues Buffalo furniture retailer
BUFFALO, New York (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman filed a lawsuit on Monday against a Buffalo-based furniture retailer that allegedly failed to deliver furniture or refunds after going out of business.
Washington AG announces settlement with Backpage.com
SEATTLE (Legal Newsline) - Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna's office has reached a settlement to resolve a lawsuit filed against the state by Backpage.com.
N.Y. AG reaches $5.5 settlement with NYC student housing provider
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has obtained a $5.5 million settlement with Educational Housing Services Inc. to resolve allegations of self-dealing and excessive executive compensation.
Md. SC rules for doctor in settlement case
ANNAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) - The Maryland Court of Appeals has affirmed a Court of Special Appeals decision to allow a physician to pursue contribution from the hospital where he performed treatment that led to an approximately $2.1 million dollar settlement against him.
Ga. SC returns work death case to appellate court
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) - The Georgia Supreme Court has vacated the Court of Appeals judgment on a consolidated set of cases involving the death of a man in a construction accident and sent the cases back to the appellate court for proceedings consistent with its opinion.
Connecticut AG cautions about postal scam
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen and state Department of Social Services Commissioner Roderick Bremby cautioned consumers Friday about a mail scam involving bogus government checks and fraudulent sweepstakes awards.
Mass. AG sues Framingham contractor for illegal practices
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley announced a lawsuit Thursday against a Framingham contractor who allegedly performed contracting services without a license, failed to complete contracted work and misappropriated consumer payments.
Mass. AG announces $15,000 housing discrimination settlement
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley announced a $15,000 settlement Friday with a Newton property owner to settle allegations of housing discrimination.
Conn. SC ruling put GOP at top of Nov. ballot
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) -A Connecticut Supreme Court decision awarded the Republican Party the top line in the November election.
Calif. SC says trial court was correct to exclude expert testimony
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - The California Supreme Court, overruling the Court of Appeal, determined the trial court was correct in excluding the testimony of an expert witness in a breach of contract case against the University of Southern California.
Conn. AG announces $5 million benefit for electric customers from federal settlement
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen announced Thursday that electric customers will receive $5 million worth of benefits as a result of a federal settlement with the Constellation Energy Commodities Group Inc.