News from March 2024
Omid Safa Named 2024 Insurance Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Litigation
Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that partner Omid Safa has been named 2024 Insurance Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Litigation.
The Importance of Having a Business Plan on March 20, 2024
For lawyers having a business plan is an important tool for success in this competitive legal industry.
Amanda Rice named among "Notable Women in Law" by Crain's Detroit Business
Amanda Rice has been named among Crain's Detroit Business' 2024 "Notable Women in Law."
Attorney General Garland Statement on Sentencings of Former Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has issued a statement regarding the sentencing of former Mississippi law enforcement officers who tortured and abused two Black men in Rankin County, Mississippi. Hunter Elward, a former Rankin County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Jeffrey Middleton, a former RCSO Lieutenant, was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison.In his statement, Attorney General Garland emphasized the severity of the crimes committed by the defendants, stating, “These defendants will spend 20 years and 17.5 years in prison for...
Attorney General Hilgers Challenges SEC Climate Rule
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined a multi-state coalition, led by Iowa, in a lawsuit to block the Securities and Exchange Commission’s new rule that unlawfully forces public companies to make climate-related disclosures.
Attorney General James Delivers Over 9,500 Cans of Baby Formula to New Yorkers
New York Attorney General Letitia James secured 9,564 cans of baby formula, with a wholesale value of $200,000, to resolve an Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigation into Walgreen Co. (Walgreens) which illegally raised prices of baby formula during the 2022 shortage.
Attorney General Moody Warns Spring Breakers About Fentanyl Dangers and Provides Naloxone to First Responders
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a stark warning to spring breakers in Florida about the increasing dangers of fentanyl. Speaking at a news conference in Daytona Beach, Moody urged students to steer clear of illicit drugs, emphasizing the lethal risks associated with fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills.In the presence of Volusia County first responders, Attorney General Moody unveiled the participation of various law enforcement agencies in her Helping Heroes program, providing free access to the life-saving drug naloxone for first responders in the...
Ohio court examines pharmacy role in opioid crisis
Two Ohio counties have been awarded a $650.9 million judgment against three major pharmacy chains for their involvement in the opioid crisis.
Tennessee leads states opposing federal DEI rule in apprenticeship programs
On Monday, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti led a coalition of 24 states in challenging the Department of Labor's (DOL) proposed rule to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into the National Apprenticeship System. The group argues that this move exceeds congressional authority, unlawfully promotes racial discrimination, and contradicts the American principle of equality.
Repeat Offender Sentenced to Prison for Federal Firearms Offense in Richmond, Virginia
A Richmond man, Henry Leon Marrow, Jr, 34, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The incident occurred on June 9, 2023, when Marrow was observed conducting a narcotics transaction in a convenience store parking lot on Richmond Highway. Marrow was found in possession of cocaine and a loaded Glock 9mm handgun, leading to his arrest."As a previously convicted felon, Marrow cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition," stated the authorities.Marrow, who has prior felony convictions, pleaded guilty on Nov. 9,...
House members criticize new rules from 'rogue' federal agency, warn of harm to consumers
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Republicans in Congress are growing frustrated with the actions of a "rogue" federal agency that is passing new rules for financial institutions without the approval of lawmakers.
Chocolate doesn't have enough Stevia, class action says
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - Class action lawyers say Hershey advertises its Lily's chocolate products as being made with Stevia but they actually contain more of a different kind of sweetener.
Children's hospital sued over treatment of newborn
ORLANDO, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - Parents are suing a Florida children's hospital over a delay in treatment they say caused their newborn permanent injuries.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on FBI Quarterly Uniform Crime Report
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has issued a statement regarding the FBI Quarterly Uniform Crime Report, expressing optimism about the progress made in reducing violent crime across the country."In May 2021, the Justice Department launched our violent crime reduction strategy aimed at addressing the spike in violent crime that occurred during the pandemic," stated Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, highlighting the Department's proactive approach to combating crime.Reflecting on the efforts made, Garland emphasized, "We know that hard-fought progress can easily...
Attorney General Moody Leads Multistate Amicus Brief Against Biden’s Border-Related Political Gamesmanship
Attorney General Ashley Moody has taken a stand against what she perceives as the Biden administration's questionable tactics regarding border policies. In response to the administration's actions, Moody filed an amicus brief in support of Intervenor States, aiming to prevent what she describes as "shadowy gamesmanship" in handling the border crisis.Moody expressed her concerns, stating, “This administration has repeatedly shown that it cannot be trusted, especially as it relates to defending the sovereignty of our nation and safety of our citizens." She further...
AG Kaul Announces $2.5 Million Judgment Against Timeshare Exit Company and Refunds For Wisconsin Consumers
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) has secured a judgment against Missouri-based timeshare exit company RSI, LLC d/b/a Relief Solutions International and its owners, Philip Russell Turner, II, and Burton Cummings.
Attorney General Miyares Calls on U.S. Senate to Pass Laken Riley Act
Attorney General Jason Miyares joined a 26-state coalition calling on the United States Senate to quickly pass the Laken Riley Act.
TN AG Skrmetti Joins 19-State Coalition Defending Montana’s TikTok Law
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced that Tennessee joined a 19-state coalition filing an amicus brief supporting Montana’s legislation that would prohibit the app in the state unless it separates from its parent Chinese company ByteDance.
Drummond comments on Gov. Stitt veto of SB 1196
Attorney General Gentner Drummond made the following remarks after Gov. Stitt’s veto today of Senate Bill 1196.
AG Platkin Issues a Directive Formalizing the Office of Alternative and Community Responses Within Department of Law and Public Safety
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced a groundbreaking step forward in addressing how New Jersey’s law enforcement agencies respond to mental health and addiction crises by issuing an Administrative Directive to formally establish the Office of Alternative and Community Responses (OACR).