NYC: HOSTAGE NO MORE Sep 18, 2008
Even after a Special Master panel (which Freedman herself had appointed) recommended in 2005 an end to litigation, the judge and Banks refused to let go. Then, six weeks ago, Freedman went from the Supreme Court trial bench to the appeals court. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Principle Defense: NIU prof represents Guantanamo detainees Sep 17, 2008
Falkoff: I spent a year working as the habeus corpus special master for the U.S. District Court in Brooklyn with a famous judge named Jack Weinstein. When you are a prisoner convicted in a state court, you can ask a federal court to review the constitutionality of the position. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Two Chevron Lawyers Indicted in Ecuador Sep 13, 2008
And more importantly, in March, a court-appointed special master found that Chevron's liability to residents who lived near the mines is between $7. 2 and $16. (Law.com)
Lawyer Reprimanded for Botching Appeals and Failing to Tell Clients Sep 12, 2008
Special Master John McFeeley III noted in mitigation that Van Syoc takes on the types of cases that most attorneys won't handle and had a heavy caseload, staffing problems and a busy trial schedule at the time of the misconduct. He was also suffering from chest pains, though he did not require hospitalization. (Law.com)
Narrow Zyprexa Class Certified, Sealed Files Released Sep 6, 2008
Weinstein has now ordered the seal removed, though he referred the unsealing to a special master to "avoid any unnecessary embarrassment" to any party. "Based on this country's long-standing tradition of open access to the courts and court records, the enormous number of people who have taken or will take Zyprexa, the involvement of government regulatory bodies, absent class members' interest in the proceeding, and the age of the documents, the motions to unseal are granted," Weinstein wrote. (Law.com)
Nightclub co-owners offering $813,000 Sep 4, 2008
A Duke University law professor has been appointed as a special master to devise a formula for distributing the money. The fire started when Great White's tour manager, Daniel Biechele, lit a pyrotechnic display that ignited cheap foam insulation that the Derderians had installed for soundproofing. (Boston Globe)
Study finds no link to autism in vaccine Sep 4, 2008
A special master is evaluating three different kinds of claims - two of which specifically link the MMR vaccine with autism. Like Wakefield's study, the new study looked for evidence of potential links between MMR vaccinations, autism and the digestive (gastrointestinal, or GI) problems sometimes seen in autistic children. (AZCentral -- News)
Federal Judge Rules Government Can Scour All of Lawyer's Seized Computer Records Sep 3, 2008
Kugler denied Manno's request to appoint a special master, as done in some cases, finding it unnecessary. He noted that Manno did not claim his office was "functionally shut down" by the seizure. (Law.com)
Gonzales mishandled classified data, lawyers say Sep 2, 2008
Since that time he has maintained a low profile, writing an opinion piece on Latino voters for the Los Angeles Times and serving as a special master in a complex business case in Texas. Investigators for the inspector general continue to examine Gonzales' statements to lawmakers about the warrantless wiretapping program and the basis for dismissing the prosecutors. (Boston Globe)
Norton, Soud win circuit judgeships Aug 27, 2008
Norton pointed out that she has worked as a special master for the city, mediating housing disputes, and has worked with prosecutors on a sexual predator ordinance. "I think it's something that we as a community are concerned about, protecting our children," she said. (Florida Times-Union)
Water fight may ripple in Georgia Aug 24, 2008
The U.S. Supreme Court, which hears interstate disputes, appointed a special master to determine whether North Carolina illegally transfers water out of the Catawba River basin ... Supreme Court justices appointed a San Francisco lawyer as a special master to weigh the evidence and make recommendations. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Circuit Judge Group 28: Buttner for bench Aug 14, 2008
She emphasizes that she has experience with appellate courts and has coordinated a large and diverse docket as a special master for the city, presiding over 3,000 code enforcement cases involving people and businesses. Norton has proved herself to be hardworking, an eager learner and driven to excel at whatever she attempts to do. (Florida Times-Union)
Plaintiffs Firms Score $303 Million Class Action Settlement From GM, Deloitte Aug 9, 2008
-based litigator served as special master in a $322 million class action settlement the plaintiffs firm reached with auto parts manufacturer Delphi and Deloitte nearly a year ago. . (Law.com)
Ex-Biopure executive settles lawsuit with SEC Aug 8, 2008
As a starting point, on July 24 they asked a judge to force the state to pay more than $242,000 for the cost of a special master who evaluated cleanup plans, transcript fees, and conference call charges. (AP). (Boston Globe)
Homeless tent gathers protestors tonight Aug 4, 2008
A special master then probably would give the church time to meet the code and set the fine should that not happen. The church hopes to rally community support tonight, inviting members of other local churches for a sleepover in the revival-style tent, Bishop Avis Hill said this morning. (The Palm Beach Post)
Judicial hopefuls tout life's lessons Jul 30, 2008
But Norton pointed out that she has worked as a special master for the city, mediating housing disputes, and has worked closely with prosecutors on the city's sexual predator ordinance. The candidates also were asked about the biggest problem facing the judicial system. (Florida Times-Union)
Scrushy lawyers want juror e-mails investigated Jul 26, 2008
(AP) - A federal appeals court has been asked to appoint a special master to investigate e-mails purportedly sent between two jurors in the trial of former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman and former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy. Scrushy's attorneys filed a motion asking the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to appoint the special master to hold hearings and determine the source and authenticity of the purported juror e-mails. (WSJA.com, AL)
Dead Man's Hand Plays Out in IP Case Jul 25, 2008
Was is the operative word here -- Niro Scavone tried to bolt from the case in March after Patel ordered that a special master oversee discovery from MultiMetrixs. Patel wouldn't let the firm go until Tuesday, when she finally granted the motion to withdraw after the bench trial had been completed. (Law.com)
Steelers don't expect holdouts Jul 22, 2008
Colbert said the signings of second-round draft choices around the league were down because both sides awaited a ruling by a special master on a dispute between management and the players union over complicated guarantees in the uncapped year of 2010. Steelers dates. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Still set on leading Jets Jul 20, 2008
" So in the end, it appears the Colts will have Manning under center when the real games start, but the more pressing concern is likely to be his conditioning level in the first few weeks of the regular season.Staying put, for nowTwo months ago at the NFL's spring meeting in Atlanta, commissioner Roger Goodell indicated that the draft could be hitting the road from year to year, instead of being held annually in New York. He also acknowledged that Los Angeles was a possibility as a host. Yet... (Boston Globe)
Tampering Might Be Hard To Prove Jul 20, 2008
A special master has been assigned to go review the case and render a decision. Related Stories. (VikingUpdate.com)
Lawyer Faces Reprimand for Not Telling Clients He Botched Two Appeals Jul 17, 2008
"For this reason, we enhance the discipline to a reprimand," the board said, accepting the findings of special master John McFeeley III that Van Syoc was at fault for gross neglect, lack of diligence and failure to communicate. One of the clients was Tyrone Nock, a Winslow Township, N.J., police officer whose suit against his department under the Law Against Discrimination was dismissed in April 2002. (Law.com)
Childress Shows His Casual Side Jul 16, 2008
The grievance will be heard by a special master this week, but until a decision comes, some agents may be hesitant to get complicated contracts done before a ruling is rendered. As long as everyone is else is throwing out Favre theories, how about this one: An AFC team works out a deal to trade a third-round pick to the Packers for Favre and then they turn around and trade him to the Vikings or Bears for a second-round pick. (VikingUpdate.com)
Redskins sign WR Kelly to 4-year, $3.3 million deal Jul 13, 2008
The NFLPA notified agents Wednesday to move cautiously on first- and second-round contracts because of a Special Master hearing scheduled for next week involving how to guarantee one-time bonuses with no collective bargaining agreement in 2011. The Redskins were concerned their three second-rounders, including Kelly, could be late for training camp because a decision might come after the team's opening of training camp on July 19. (ESPN -- Football News)
Attorney heading bridge compensation panel Jun 25, 2008
The book, and the question, hold a particular interest for Holden, chairwoman of the special master panel to compensate victims of the 35W bridge collapse. Holden, a personal-injury attorney with , was appointed in May to chair the three-person panel created by the state Legislature to consider claims and make agreements with survivors of the bridge collapse. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Kroger settles discrimination suit for $16M Jun 22, 2008
Nathaniel Jones, retired judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati, will serve as special master to resolve any disagreements between the parties related to the settlement. Kroger operates more than 2,400 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
Berkman Center pioneers steer the course of cyberspace Jun 11, 2008
In 1998, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson asks Berkman's Lawrence Lessig to serve as special master in the landmark antitrust case United States v. Microsoft. Jonathan Zittrain is his clerk. (USA Today -- Tech)
9th Circuit Taps Special Prosecutor for Toxic-Tort Case Jun 10, 2008
A special master has already recommended that attorneys Thomas Girardi and Walter Lack pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in sanctions, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals isn't done with them yet ... In March, acting as a special master, Senior 9th Circuit Judge A. Wallace Tashima recommended sanctioning the two a combined $375,000 for making false statements about their case and filing a frivolous appeal. (Law.com)
New York City Prevails in Gun Shop Nuisance Case Jun 3, 2008
In those deals, the defendants agreed to allow a special master oversee their operations, to refrain from selling firearms to either straw purchasers or people posing as straw purchasers and to subject themselves to additional penalties if found in violation of state or federal laws. Kenneth W. Taber, a partner and co-lead counsel for the city, told reporters that there may be minor differences between the default judgment and the agreements, such as who pays for the special master, noting that... (Law.com)
FedEx Fee Fight Packs $25,000 Sanction May 29, 2008
Waukeen McCoy submitted billing records that his office formulated after the fact, according to a recommendation from Special Master Edward Swanson filed late Thursday. McCoy also deliberately did not produce documents that had been requested, the special master found ... Once brought forward by Bolanos, those records contradicted the fee petitions, the special master found. (Law.com)
3 new groups join lawsuit over Catawba River water May 29, 2008
The San Francisco lawyer hearing the case as a "special master" ruled Tuesday the city can join the case. Special master Kristin Linsley Myles also said Duke Energy and a water system serving Union County, N.C., and Lancaster County, S.C., can join. (The Daily Reflector)
Thomas to high court: Make Bar back off May 28, 2008
Or at the least, he wants the high court to appoint an independent attorney, or "special master," to conduct the investigations. The state Bar licenses attorneys and monitors their conduct; the Supreme Court has oversight of the Bar. (AZCentral -- News)
Palm Beach County votes to double some water fines May 27, 2008
Residents who violate the restrictions could be forced to pay up to $250 for the offense, depending on whether the case is heard in court by a judge or at a county code enforcement hearing by a special master, Verner said. At the county hearing, the special master is allowed to decide on the fine, although code enforcement officers will recommend the $250 penalty, Verner said. (The Palm Beach Post)
Sale of Myers University nears conclusion May 23, 2008
This week, Gaul angered some creditors by ruling that the court's special master, Mark Dottore, will be paid for his work from the proceeds before any creditors get their money. Dottore submitted a bill last week for $37,000 for work he and five associates did during March. (Cleveland.com)
Suggs' franchise tag grievance vs. Ravens settled May 14, 2008
Suggs filed a grievance, asking a Special Master to determine his true position. Being a team player, Suggs showed up at the first minicamp under first-year coach John Harbaugh to show him he was on board with his hiring. (ESPN -- Football News)
Class Action Case Tests Autism-Vaccine Link May 13, 2008
The Office of Special Masters of the claims court has instructed the plaintiffs to designate three test cases for each of the three theories -- nine cases in all -- and has assigned three special masters to handle the cases ... In the end, the families' attorneys hope to convince the special master hearing their case that thimerosal belongs on the list of causes for the inflammation that leads to regressive autism ... The families or the federal government can also appeal the decision of the... (Click2Houston, TX)
Striking a chord for new American musicals (1) May 13, 2008
Friday, May 09, 2008 Edition. "Klein pointed to the popularity of productions like "High School Musical" and "Wicked," which are being performed everywhere from local schools to the bright lights of Broadway. "I saw a high school production of 'Sweeney Todd' in Agoura and it was terrific," Klein said. "The kids were just wonderful. (Malibu Times, CA)
Families make case for vaccine link to autism May 12, 2008
In the end, the families attorneys hope to convince a special master of the U.S. Court of Claims that thimerosal belongs on the list of causes for the inflammation that leads to regressive autism ... The families or the federal government can also appeal the decision of the special master to the Court of Federal Claims or to a federal appeals court. (MSNBC -- Health)
Families of Autistic Children to Sue U.S. Over Vaccine May 12, 2008
In the end, the families' attorneys hope to convince a special master of the U.S. Court of Claims that thimerosal belongs on the list of causes for the inflammation that leads to regressive autism. To win, the attorneys for the two boys, William Mead and Jordan King, will have to show that it"s more likely than not that the vaccine actually caused the injury. Many members of the medical community are skeptical of the families' claims. They worry that the claims about the dangers of vaccines... (Fox News)
Scruggs' ex-partner asking for sanctions Apr 23, 2008
5 million payment - a ruling that went contrary to the findings of a special master appointed to weigh the evidence before trial. On Jan. 7, one of Scruggs' attorneys, Joey Langston of Booneville, pleaded guilty to scheming to corruptly influence DeLaughter in the case. (The Clarion-Ledger)
$18.2M OK'd for abused Lake Worth girl Apr 22, 2008
House Special Master Stephanie Birtman reviewed the case and recommended that lawmakers approve $26. 7 million. (The Palm Beach Post)
Judge kept chaotic Texas polygamist abuse case on track Apr 20, 2008
Before being elected in 1992, the Southern Methodist University law graduate served as a special master in family law, a position that allowed her to hear parts of family law cases in the place of a judge. Choate, who isn't involved in the polygamist custody case but has tried other cases before Walther, said, "She was really made for this case and I thought did a terrific job under incredibly adverse conditions.". (Anchorage Daily News)
Myers U. includes Babylonian antiquities among assets Apr 16, 2008
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer Jim "Mudcat' Grant tips his cap to the crowd as he is introduced, throwing the ceremonial first pitch before last nights game against the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field on April 14, 2008. Grant pitched for the Indians for 5 seasons, 1958-63, becoming the first African-American pitcher to win 20 games in season in the American League. NEWS VIDEO PRINT EDITION HEADLINES FORUMS Discuss today's top stories. Chatterbox Forum by 04/16/2008 12:00 a.m. ET by 04/15/2008... (Cleveland.com)
Myers University could cost taxpayers millions Apr 11, 2008
Mark Dottore, a special master appointed by the court to find buyers, said he kept the school's significant debt in mind when fielding offers. The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, to which Myers owes $5. (Cleveland.com)
Forced Sex Alleged At Compound Temple Apr 10, 2008
Lawyers for the sect had wanted to cut off the wide-ranging search as it dragged on but agreed in court Wednesday to the appointment of a special master who will vet what is expected to be hundreds of boxes of records, computers and even family Bibles for records that should not become evidence for legal or religious reasons. Attorneys for the church argued that a search of the 1,700-acre compound was unconstitutional, reports CBS News correspondent Hari Sreenivasan. (CBS News)
Mystery buyer ready to take over ailing Myers U. Apr 10, 2008
The buyer is a for-profit entity known in legal documents only as Myers Education LLC. It's a legitimate group that on Tuesday signed a letter of intent to buy the 160-year-old institution, said Mary Whitmer, an attorney representing the court-appointed special master overseeing the university's interests ... Gaul's special master, Mark Dottore, has been trying to find a buyer for Myers since it became a ward of the court late last year. (Cleveland.com)
Documents: Girls at polygamist ranch had to have sex in temple Apr 10, 2008
ELDORADO, Texas (AP) - A special master will be chosen to review documents, computers and even family Bibles seized from a polygamist ranch in West Texas ... The special master will vet what is expected to be hundreds of items that might not become evidence for legal or religious reasons. (KSLA.com, LA)
Sect girl, 16, 'had four children' Apr 10, 2008
The temple "contains an area where there is a bed where males over the age of 17 engage in sexual activity with female children under the age of 17,'' said an affidavit released today quoting a confidential informant who left the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Agents found a bed in the temple with disturbed linens and what appeared to be a female hair, said the affidavit signed by Texas Ranger Leslie Brooks Long. The Rangers are the state's investigative law... (Sydney Morning Herald)
Delaware wins high court fight over NJ Apr 3, 2008
A court-appointed special master concluded last year that Delaware has the authority to block the pier. Justice Stephen Breyer did not participate in the case. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
lawfully block a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility proposed on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River Apr 1, 2008
High court appointed a special master to sift through thousands of documents and hear arguments from both sides ... The Court appointed a special master, , to sift through thousands of documents and hear arguments from both sides. (Law.com Newswire)
Insurers Told to Cover NYC's Defense Costs Over Sept. 11 Health Claims Mar 27, 2008
Among the other witnesses expected to testify at the hearing is Kenneth Feinberg, former special master of the federal fund, which distributed money to the families of those killed in the terror attacks as well as those injured on Sept. 11, 2001. Napoli said the Lloyd's decision means there will be more money available to compensate those injured in the cleanup. (Law.com)
Rulings in Scruggs' cases suspect, lawyers say Mar 23, 2008
In January 2006, special master Bobby Sneed, appointed by the Hinds County Circuit Court to evaluate the evidence in Wilson's lawsuit, made recommendations that largely sided with Wilson, leading his lawyers to seek $15 million in legal fees. Three days afterward, Scruggs replaced his lead counsel, Jack Dunbar of Oxford, remarking, according to another attorney, John Jones of Jackson, that "Hinds County Circuit Court is a snake pit, and I need a snake.". (The Clarion-Ledger)
Judge will consider release of Portland archdiocese documents Mar 15, 2008
A federal bankruptcy judge said Thursday she is inclined to agree with an attorney for abuse victims, who argued against sending church documents to another judge to act as a special master to resolve a dispute over their public release. But U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Elizabeth Perris said she will give both sides until the end of August to argue the case. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Special Masters Appointed in Program to Resolve U.S. VIOXX(R) Product Liability Lawsuits Mar 8, 2008
Responsibilities Include Deciding Claimant Appeals NEW YORK, March 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement is from Hughes Hubbard LLP and Herman Herman Katz r, LLP: United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon met this week with the newly appointed Special Master and Deputy Special Masters who will decide any appeals taken from the findings of the Claims Administrator permitted under the resolution program for Vioxx product liability litigation in the United States, and will conduct... (PR Newswire)
Suggs Files Grievance Against Ravens Mar 8, 2008
065 million franchise tag for linebackers, the average of the top five linebackers' salaries in the NFL. An arbitration hearing before an NFL special master to resolve the issue hasn't been scheduled. Suggs contends he played more than 50 percent of his snaps at defensive end last year. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Vaccine settlement complex, may not be first Mar 8, 2008
The case may not be a first, said Gary Golkiewicz, chief special master for the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. He oversees the special "vaccine court" which rules on requests for payments from the vaccine injury fund. (CNN -- Health)
Emotional Favre says his goodbyes Mar 7, 2008
An arbitration hearing before a special master to resolve the issue hasn't been scheduled. Baltimore agreed to terms on a four-year, $4. (Boston Globe)
DE or LB? About $800,000 at stake for Suggs Mar 7, 2008
About $800,000 at stake for Suggs - NFL- nbcsports. About $800,000 at stake for Suggs. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Suggs files grievance over franchise designation Mar 7, 2008
An arbitration hearing before an NFL special master to resolve the issue hasn't been scheduled. Suggs contends he played more than 50% of his snaps at defensive end last year. (USA Today -- Sports)
Barden's options are few for casino garage Mar 3, 2008
It asked the state Supreme Court to vacate the decision and halt building permits for the garage or appoint a special master to decide if the structure complies with city zoning laws. "The issue with this project is that the casino has become a garage and the structure is truly one of the largest to be built on the riverfront in decades with the exception of Heinz Field," Riverlife Executive Director Lisa Schroeder said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
U.S. law firm accused of misconduct in Coke case Mar 1, 2008
A special master, who is making recommendations to the judge, said in a report that shareholder law firm Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins LLP paid for documents stolen from Coke, and then refused to accept responsibility for its conduct. Numerous courts have found that the conduct of counsel was improper in circumstances less problematic than these, Special Master Hunter Hughes said in a report filed Wednesday ... The district court has subsequently ordered the special master's report... (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Meredith Martin Addy Named One of Top 10 Illinois 'Super Lawyers' for 2008 Feb 20, 2008
She also has served as a Special Master and Court Appointed Expert, advising district court judges in complex patent litigations. Ms. Addy is President of the Richard Linn American Inn of Court, one of only five IP-focused Inns in the U.S., and she serves on the 16-member Federal Circuit Advisory Council. (PR Newswire)
Labor leader assails casino, arena foes Feb 20, 2008
Riverlife has asked the state Supreme Court to reverse or vacate the planning commission approval and stop building permits from being issued for the garage, or to appoint a special master to determine whether the design complies with zoning requirements. Mr. Stanizzo said the continuing legal fighting "definitely is sending the wrong message" to developers thinking about coming to the area. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Supreme Court allows Montana lawsuit against Wyoming to proceed Feb 20, 2008
That means the case could be decided more quickly than previously expected, possibly avoiding the need for a court-appointed "special master" -- essentially a hearing officer -- to oversee proceedings. Both sides have welcomed the chance to make their case directly to the court. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Jailed doctor's patients to sue govt. Feb 13, 2008
The lawsuit also asks the court to appoint a special master to oversee the reopened clinic's financial operations to protect it from charges of money laundering. RECOMMEND THIS STORY. (Yahoo News)
