News from 2024
Vermont mental health providers face lawsuits over alleged medicaid fraud
The Attorney General’s Office has filed civil enforcement actions against two Vermont Medicaid providers for alleged fraud. The lawsuits, currently pending in Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Unit, Civil Division, were investigated and brought by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit (MFRAU). The cases allege separate violations of the Vermont False Claims Act.
Michigan company settles with Colorado over illegal business filing solicitations
June 3, 2024 (DENVER) – Attorney General Phil Weiser announced a settlement with ANS Inc., a Michigan-based company operating in Colorado as Workplace Compliance Services. The company had been found to illegally solicit Colorado businesses using advertisements that lacked required legal disclaimers. Under the settlement terms, the company will issue refunds to affected consumers and ensure future ads include the correct disclaimers.
Attorneys general defend firearm makers against Mexican lawsuit
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 3, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond and a coalition of 27 state attorneys general are defending American firearms manufacturers from the Mexican government’s attempt to hold the companies liable for gun violence in Mexico. If a lower court’s ruling is allowed to stand, Americans’ Second Amendment rights could be threatened.
Court denies adoption of uniform consumer debt default judgments act
The Court has denied the adoption of a uniform consumer debt default judgments act. The order denying adoption can be found here: https://portal-api.ctrack.ndcourts.gov/courts/68f021c4-6a44-4735-9a76-5360b2e8af13/cms/case/8503B727-D73B-4992-A7D4-C098A256EE97/docketentrydocuments/16F943EF-9E31-4057-AEE9-8A5E07DECB41
North Dakota Supreme Court seeks applicants for law clerk positions
The North Dakota Supreme Court is inviting applications for law clerk positions for the 2025-2026 term. The annual salary for this full-time position is $77,160, subject to potential adjustments based on legislative actions.
North Dakota court system announces staff attorney opening in Mandan
The North Dakota Court System has announced a job opening for a Staff Attorney in the District Court located in Mandan. This position aims to expand the applicant pool, from which one candidate will be selected to work within the South Central Judicial District Court Judge Chambers.
Animal breeder fined record $35M for welfare and pollution violations
Envigo RMS LLC has pleaded guilty to conspiring to knowingly violate the Animal Welfare Act, while Envigo Global Services Inc. has admitted guilt to a felony charge of conspiring to knowingly violate the Clean Water Act. These pleas are connected to activities at a dog breeding facility in Cumberland County, Virginia, from which over 4,000 beagles were surrendered in 2022 following intervention by the Justice Department.
America First Legal initiates new probe into Manhattan DA's prosecution of Trump
America First Legal continues probing the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office's partisan persecution of President Trump
AGs demand ABA halt racial discrimination mandates in law school accreditation
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, along with 20 other state attorneys general, has issued a letter to the American Bar Association (ABA) demanding an immediate cessation of its requirement for law schools to engage in race-based treatment of students and faculty as part of the accreditation process. The ABA is responsible for accrediting American law schools.
Director Rosie Hidalgo addresses tribal initiatives at NCAI Mid-Year Conference
On June 3, 2024, Director Rosie Hidalgo delivered remarks at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Mid-Year Conference. She expressed gratitude to NCAI and President Mark Macarro for the opportunity to speak.
America First Legal launches new investigations into DOJ's role in Trump trial
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated the second phase of its investigation into alleged improper collusion by the Biden White House and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the trial of former President Donald Trump. This trial, conducted by Alvin Bragg, the New York County District Attorney’s Office, and Judge Juan Merchan, has been labeled a "political show trial" by AFL.
Attorney General Miyares Announces Conviction in Murder of Big Stone Gap Police Officer
Attorney General Jason Miyares announced that Michael Donivan White, age 36, originally of Cross, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to first degree murder of Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler in the Wise County Circuit Court.
AG Ferguson files charges against Clarkston man for judge intimidation, harassment of other local officials
The Attorney General’s Office announced that it filed felony charges against Trevor Lunney, of Clarkston, in Asotin County Superior Court for intimidation of a judge and four counts of harassment against local officials.
Associates Jacqueline Stykes and Alexandra Weissfisch Honored with a Pro Bono Award from Legal Services NYC
Quinn Emanuel associates Jacqueline Stykes and Alexandra Weissfisch were honored with a pro bono award from Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) at the Jazz for Justice Event.
Attorney General comments on Daybell verdict and sentencing
Attorney General Labrador has issued a statement regarding the verdict and sentencing in the Chad Daybell case.
Manchin switches party affiliation to independent
CHARLESTON – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin no long has a “D” after his name.
Lawyer hoarding settlement fees for himself, lawsuit says
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A Florida lawyer won't pay his clients' outstanding medical bills and conceals their settlements, a health care provider is alleging.
Airbnb charging too much for insurance, lawsuit says
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - A class action lawsuit alleges Airbnb's "assistance fee" on travel insurance is a mechanism intended to allow the company to charge more than allowed by California law.
Can't change the rules now, Texas court tells fen-phen lawyer sued by thousands of clients
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) - Having convinced a federal court to dismiss a class action by thousands of disgruntled former clients because the cases were different, Texas attorney George Fleming can’t now argue the cases should be dismissed because he won a favorable verdict in one of them.
California extends 'take-home' asbestos liability to case of brother who lived elsewhere
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - A California Supreme Court decision limiting “take-home” asbestos liability to people who live in the same house doesn’t preclude a man from suing over claims he was exposed to asbestos when visiting at his brother’s house.