Lawyer News

Corporate Counsel to Candidly Evaluate Law Firms Using Value Index

2009-10-16T02:45:00.000-07:00

The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) will launch the ACC Value Index, a component of the ACC Value Challenge, at its 2009 Annual Meeting in Boston on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at the Hynes Convention Center. In these challenging times, law firms are increasingly under pressure to reduce costs while still performing at the level clients have come to expect, and in-house counsel are under equal scrutiny to monitor costs. The ACC Value Index will allow members of ACC to share ratings of law firms based on client satisfaction so that they can better meet company demands. Details for the launch of the ACC Value Index are as follows:

Who: Interview ACC Value Challenge Steering Committee Members Jeff Carr and Ken Grady, ACC Board Members Vince Gonzalez and Susie Flook, ACC President Frederick J. Krebs, and ACC Senior Vice President and General Counsel Susan Hackett.
What: Exclusive press demonstration of the ACC Value Index
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 from 2:15 - 3 PM Eastern
Where: ACC Value Challenge Booth #240, Hynes Convention Center, Boston

The ACC Value Challenge provides resources to help both law departments and firms meet their unique challenges related to billing arrangements. Now, ACC is taking the next step in the Value Challenge, by introducing the ACC Value Index - a client satisfaction measurement tool where members share evaluations of the law firms they engage. It is also an instrument to help shape the thinking and dialogue between firms and in-house counsel about what constitutes "good value" in legal services. Using a five-point scale (1=Poor, 5=Excellent), members score their outside counsel on the following criteria --understanding objectives/expectations, legal expertise, efficiency/process management, responsiveness/ communication, predictable cost/budgeting skills and results delivered/execution. They also answer the important question: would you hire this firm again? Members will be able to browse or search the ACC Value Index based on firm name, matter type or office location.

About the ACC Value Challenge

The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Value Challenge is an initiative launched to reconnect value and cost for legal services. The Value Challenge develops methodologies and metrics that corporate counsel can use to assess the strengths and weaknesses of law firms; creates tools for in-house counsel and firms to share; and enhances awareness and communicates success stories in achieving value and alignment. The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the world's largest organization serving the professional and business interests of attorneys who practice in the legal departments of corporations, associations and other private-sector organizations around the globe. With more than 25,000 members in over 70 countries, employed by over 10,000 organizations, ACC's community connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel.®

Philadelphia Trial Attorneys Carol Nelson Shepherd and Evan Liu Present Medical Malpractice Mock Trial Course

2009-10-16T02:43:00.000-07:00

Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig attorneys Carol Nelson Shepherd and Evan Y. Liu, M.D., J.D. will participate in a six-credit CLE, "Trial of a Medical Malpractice Case" on December 9, 2009. Participants will learn valuable trial tips and techniques from Shepherd and Liu along with other Philadelphia attorneys while experiencing a mock trial and being a part of the deliberation process. The course will be held at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) Conference Center, on 10th Floor of the Wanamaker Building, Suite 1010, in Philadelphia from 9am - 4:45pm.

According to PBI, "This program received rave reviews in all past presentations and the accolades came from trial lawyers in all areas of law." They said, "Whether you are a medical malpractice attorney, or whether you try other types of civil cases, criminal cases, employment cases, or handle commercial litigation, this course will give you a chance to sit through an actual trial, complete with a judge and jury, and learn from the best. You'll pick up some great tips and have a chance to observe the styles of very successful attorneys who all have their own approach to examining witnesses, addressing juries and managing a trial."

Attendees will have the opportunity to watch the jury deliberate and have a chance to question the jurors after they reach their verdict. Watching the jury process unfold provides trial attorneys with a unique look into something that normally takes place behind closed doors. The demonstrations will include: direct and cross examination of the plaintiff, opening statements, examination of plaintiff and defense expert witnesses, examination of the defendant doctor, closing arguments and jury deliberations.

Carol Nelson Shepherd, a founding partner of the Philadelphia personal injury law firm Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig, has devoted her practice to catastrophic injury claims arising from medical negligence. Shepherd has represented clients in claims against health care providers arising from obstetric / childbirth injury, delayed diagnosis of cancer, improperly performed surgery, psychiatric malpractice and many other cases involving substandard medical care. She has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer every year since its inception in 2004; one of the top 50 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers 2005-2009; and one of the top 100 Philadelphia area Super Lawyers 2008-2009.

Evan Y. Liu, M.D., J.D. is an associate of the Philadelphia personal injury law firm Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig. A graduate of the Widener University School of Law, Liu also serves as a guest lecturer at the university. He covers topics such as the MCARE and Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor acts, patient safety, medical malpractice and errors and the effects of malpractice litigation on physician behavior. Prior to being admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Liu practiced emergency medicine in the Delaware Valley for 15 years. He was a board certified family practitioner, the assistant director of Delaware County Memorial Hospital's emergency department and a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at Hahnemann University Hospital.

About Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig

Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig has handled cases producing some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Pennsylvania. The firm represents plaintiffs in significant personal injury, class action, and other complex civil litigation. Clients include victims of medical malpractice, defective products, unsafe workplaces, motor vehicle accidents, legal malpractice and insurer misconduct.

Khorrami Pollard & Abir LLP Builds its Practice and Contributes to the Plaintiff Law Profession Through Investment in Opportunities for Women

2009-10-16T02:41:00.000-07:00

Khorrami Pollard & Abir LLP (KPA), a national law firm representing plaintiffs, is expanding its support for the professional development of women in the legal field with activities including participation in professional working groups addressing diversity and women's issues, sponsorship of women's caucus receptions and contributions to professional publications.

For KPA, advocacy for women in the legal profession begins with attracting and retaining talent -- more than 60 percent of KPA's lawyers are women. "While women have made significant advances in the legal community, we believe that they are still underrepresented, particularly among plaintiff lawyers," said Shawn Khorrami, founding partner of KPA. "In addition to helping recruit more women to represent consumers, we are investing even more time, expertise and resources in creating and supporting leadership opportunities for women that advance the profession overall."

Key KPA initiatives under way include:

Active participation and leadership roles in professional organizations addressing diversity and women's issues.

Partner Shawn Khorrami serving as an at-large member for the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Diversity Taskforce, as well as a Delegate for the AAJ Minority Caucus.
Attorney Maryam Danishwar serving on the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Domestic Violence Project.
Attorney Bahar Dejban participating on the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) Women's Caucus Committee.

Support of networking and development opportunities for women:

For the second year running, KPA is sponsoring the Women's Caucus Reception at the CAOC Annual Convention in San Francisco being held Nov. 12-15, 2009.
KPA is hosting the Women's Caucus Brunch and Minority Caucus Reception at the AAJ Winter Convention in Maui, HI, Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2010.
KPA will also host the Women's Caucus Brunch and Minority Caucus Reception at the AAJ Annual Convention 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, July 10 - Jul 14, 2010.
KPA hosted the joint CAOC and CAALA Women's Caucus Reception in Los Angeles, Sept. 23, 2009.
KPA recently sponsored the Women's Caucus Reception at the AAJ Annual Convention in San Francisco, July 25-29, 2009.
KPA served as the host for the AAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus Lobby Day Dinner in Washington, May 20, 2009.

Thought leadership focused on publishing in professional journals and online communities.

"In Wyeth, Supreme Court Could Define Implied Federal Preemption," by Deborah Gutierrez, CAALA's Advocate Magazine, February 2009, and Lawdragon.com.
"Effective Use of Objections in Responding to Interrogatories," by Lourdes DeArmas, CAALA's Advocate Magazine, July 2009.
"Post-Claim Underwriting: California's Dirty Secret," Lourdes DeArmas, Law360.com, Aug. 14, 2009.

About KPA

In the past five years, Khorrami Pollard & Abir LLP has obtained more than $400 million in verdicts and settlements for clients throughout the U.S. from companies including Yahoo!, Coca-Cola, Eli Lily and Merck.

As one of the largest plaintiff-only firms in the nation, KPA currently represents tens of thousands of individuals, and handles class actions covering millions of class members, in a variety of cases - including class actions, mass torts, pharmaceuticals, consumer fraud, labor and employment matters, product liability, natural disasters and toxic torts.

Springboard Alerts Consumers to New Law and Designated Hotline

2009-10-16T02:39:00.000-07:00

In response to a new California law prohibiting advanced fees for mortgage loan modification services, Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management has established a specific hotline with more than 50 HUD certified housing counselors to help troubled homeowners.

California Senate Bill 94 (SB 94) signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger takes effect immediately and prohibits any person, including real estate licensees and attorneys, from demanding or collecting an advance fee from a consumer for mortgage loan modification or mortgage loan forbearance services affecting 1 to 4 unit residential dwellings.

Springboard is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1974, a HUD approved comprehensive housing counseling agency and a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, a national organization of nonprofit credit counseling agencies. In 2008, Springboard helped more than 58,000 troubled homeowners evaluate their housing options, open lines of communication with mortgage lenders, and identify solutions and an action plan specific to their situation, all at no cost to the consumer. "Springboard has dedicated the hotline number 800-449-9402 for Californians seeking loan modification help at no cost to the consumer," said Melinda Opperman, Springboard's senior vice president of community outreach and industry relations.

The bill, authored by California Senator Ron Calderon, stipulates that advance fees collected on or after October 11, 2009 must be refunded to the consumer. Further stipulations of the bill state that it is not illegal for companies to provide loan modification services. It is illegal to collect money or other consideration in advance. If loan modification services are provided, certain disclosures are required to be in the agreement. All practitioners should become familiar with the provisions of SB 94, which carries substantial administrative and criminal penalties for violations.

About Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management

SPRINGBOARD® Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit personal financial education and counseling organization founded in 1974. Springboard is a HUD approved housing counseling agency and a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, a national organization of nonprofit credit counseling agencies. The agency offers personal financial education and assistance with credit counseling, housing counseling, debt and money management through educational programs and confidential counseling. Springboard is accredited by the Council on Accreditation, signifying high standards for agency governance, fiscal integrity, counselor certification and service delivery policies. The agency provides pre-bankruptcy counseling and debtor education as mandated by the bankruptcy reform law. The agency has locations in California, Arizona and Nevada and offers face-to-face and nationwide phone counseling services. For more information on Springboard, visit their web site at Credit.org.

Colorado Bankruptcy Attorneys Launch Blog, Fight Just Like an Old Married Couple

2009-10-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

Married Colorado bankruptcy attorneys Gailyn and Michael Wink , co-founders of Wink & Wink, P.C., recently began blogging about consumer rights, Colorado bankruptcy law news and commentary, and the joys of working with your spouse on "He Said, She Said".

"The blog is a resource for our clients and peers interested in learning more about Colorado bankruptcy law and recovering from financial distress," said Michael Wink, co-founding attorney at Wink & Wink. "The blog also represents an opportunity for readers to learn about our personal thoughts and opinions on issues related to bankruptcy such as loan modification, underwater mortgages, foreclosures, life insurance, as well as 401(k)s, IRAs, and other types of retirement accounts. We hope the blog will help people gain perspective on their financial situation and an understanding of how bankruptcy can help them both in the near term and over the long run. "

Wink & Wink is one of the more accessible bankruptcy law firms in Colorado. In addition to blogging, both Michael and Gailyn have active Twitter accounts and a business page on Facebook.

Perhaps even more amazing is the fact that both Michael and his wife and co-counsel, Gailyn Wink, are available on their personal cell phones any time of day.

"We take our client relationships seriously," Gailyn said. "We believe this will become even more evident when our clients read our blog and see that we are dedicated to educating them on how bankruptcy law and related topics apply to their financial situation. It might be fun for them to see how Michael and I rib each other, too."

Wink & Wink clients are located throughout Colorado and range from individuals to small businesses who have suffered from financial distress due to job loss, divorce, illness and related medical bills, the failing economy, and other obstacles. They offer free consultations for new clients.

To read this unique Colorado bankruptcy attorney blog, visit Winkandwink.com/blog. Michael and Gailyn encourage comments and guest blog posts from other legal bloggers too.

About Wink & Wink, PC

Wink & Wink, PC is a small, family operated law firm with an emphasis on counseling individuals and small businesses in bankruptcy matters. The firm is unique in that they create a personal connection with every client ensuring every decision is made with confidence. Michael Wink, Esq. and Gailyn Wink, Esq. specialize in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies and their combined experience covers the law as well as finance and business. Based in Denver, Colorado, Wink & Wink offer free consultations to individuals and companies throughout Colorado. For more information, visit WinkandWink.com.

Fort Worth Bankruptcy Law Firm Welcomes New Associate

2009-10-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

Bankruptcy law firm Robert A. Higgins & Associates is pleased to announce that Ethan Cartwright has joined the firm as its newest associate. He works out of the firm's office in Benbrook providing counsel and legal services to clients considering chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Cartwright earned a Bachelor of Science in political science from Tarleton State University in 2005. He is a 2008 graduate of Texas Wesleyan School of Law in Fort Worth, where he was Associate Editor of the Law Review and a Marshall for the Phi Alpha Delta Legal Society. Cartwright recently completed his Master of Laws in Taxation at the Sturm School of Law in Denver, Colorado.

"I am happy to be back in Texas and beginning my legal career as an associate with Higgins & Associates," Cartwright said. "I look forward to helping clients create a brighter financial future by clearing their burdensome debts."

Cartwright is a member of the Texas Bar Association and a member of the board of directors of Jake Remembered, a non-profit organization that raises money for scholarships. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, playing golf and snowboarding.

"We are pleased to have Ethan join the firm," said Robert A. Higgins, senior partner of Higgins & Associates. "His knowledge and caring heart will be a great asset to us as our firm continues to grow."

The Law Firm of Robert A. Higgins & Associates is a Fort Worth based firm that focuses on personal bankruptcy cases. Its offices are located at 112 Goliad, Suite A in Benbrook and 800 Forest Oak Lane, Suite C in Hurst. More information about the firm is available on its Web site, www.higginsandassociates.com.

Pennsylvania Lawyer Marion Munley Featured As Speaker At AAJ Trial Advocacy College

2009-10-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

Attorney Marion Munley was a featured speaker for the AAJ Advanced Litigating Truck Collision Cases held in Atlanta, Georgia from October 9 - 12, 2009.

In addition to speaking, Ms. Munley was a workshop leader for four hour breakout workshops during each of the four days, with topics ranging from "Deposing the Defendant Driver/Safety Director," to "Crafting the Rules and Themes," to "Jury De-Selection & Challenges for Cause."

A graduate of Temple University School of Law, Attorney Munley is a frequent lecturer on the topic of trucking litigation, trial tactics and strategies for the American Association of Justice, the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, (for which she also sits on the Board of Governors), the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and Lohrman Educational Services.

Marion Munley is board certified by both the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. She is also a Fellow of the National College of Advocacy as well as the Litigation Counsel of America, which is a trial lawyer honorary society that includes less than one-half of 1 percent of American lawyers. Her many successes have led her to be named "Super Lawyer" by Philadelphia Magazine in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; "Law Dragon's" 500 Leading Plaintiff's Lawyers in the U.S. in 2006; and "Law Dragon's" 2500 Leading Lawyers in all practice areas in the U.S. in 2007; as well as a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Among her other professional associations, she was appointed by Chief Judge Anthony J. Scirica of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to serve on the Lawyer's Advisory Committee to comment on proposed rules of the circuit and on certain Judicial Council matters and is a Certified Mediator for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Marion Munley is a partner at the Scranton, PA firm of Munley, Munley & Cartwright, P.C.

Law Firm Walks to Its Heart's Content

2009-10-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

The members of HensonFuerst do more than fight for their clients--they're also fighting for the millions of people affected by heart disease, the nation's leading killer. For the third year in a row, the firm's members will walk to raise funds and awareness during the American Heart Association's Start! Heart Walk in Rocky Mount on Saturday, Oct. 24. The team has raised a total of $2,770 during the past two walks and hopes to increase that amount by at least $1,750 this year.

"We want to show everyone how strongly we feel about being heart healthy and keeping fit," attorney David Henson said. "We're working together to raise money for research and encourage our friends, family, and neighbors to lead healthier lives."

Leading by Example

The members of HensonFuerst know the importance of heart health at any age. Whether it's participating in triathlons, running for a cause, or cycling 100 miles, many firm members--whose ages range from 18 to 70--have participated in athletic events to raise money for various charities. To recognize the importance of being healthy as well as giving back to the community, the firm established the HensonFuerst Health Initiative to encourage the community and firm members to prevent injuries, promote health and fitness, and aid organizations committed to improving health and well-being.

Taking North Carolina's Pulse

One in every three North Carolinians has some form of heart disease.
More than 30 percent of deaths statewide are caused by cardiovascular disease--that's one death every 22 minutes.
Each year, total hospital charges for heart disease exceed $3.3 billion in North Carolina.

American Heart Association's Start! Heart Walk

As the American Heart Association's signature fund-raising event, the Start! Heart Walk promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun family environment. This year, at least 1 million walkers will participate in hundreds of events across the country. The walk has raised more than $600 million nationwide since it was launched in 1994.

About HensonFuerst

HensonFuerst, P.A., is a North Carolina-based law firm focusing on catastrophic injury, nursing home abuse, auto accident, workers' compensation, Social Security Disability, and mass tort cases. For more than 30 years, the lawyers at HensonFuerst have represented those injured by the negligence of others. With successful multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements throughout the state of North Carolina, the team of 11 lawyers and 37 staff members at HensonFuerst offers considerable experience and resources for their clients. For more information about the firm, visit www.HensonFuerst.com.

Staten Island Law Firm Aides in Child Safety this Halloween

2009-10-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

With Halloween fast approaching, Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola, LLP has decided to be proactive this Halloween in helping keep children safe while they are trick-or-treating. Halloween is a great time for children to dress up and have fun but there are many dangers lurking while children are trick-or-treating.

Frank J. Dito Jr., an injury lawyer and partner at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola, LLP, and father of two young children, became very concerned about the safety of children in Staten Island and throughout New York City this Halloween. As a personal injury attorney, Mr. Dito has seen first-hand what can happen to a family when easily preventable accidents happen. Research has shown that children in New York are at too high of a risk for being injured on Halloween - from a child being hit by a car because their costume is too dark to be seen by drivers to a candle flame from a jack-o-lantern being too close to a child's costume. There are many accidents that occur on Halloween that are more likely to injure children than at any other time during months of October or November.

Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola, LLP is making it a priority to educate the Staten Island community this year to keep children safe on Halloween. As part of the T.O.T. (Trick or Treat) Safety Campaign, Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola, LLP is giving out free reflective trick or treat bags and safety glow sticks to help the children stay visible and safe on Halloween night. To educate parents and the local community, Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola, LLP is offering a Stay Safe Halloween Report featuring tips to help parents keep their children safe, free of charge. To help get the children more interested and more involved in wanting to be safe this Halloween, the law firm is also running a contest for the Best Halloween Costume that will be available to all children who use the reflective trick or treat bags and the safety glow sticks on Halloween night. The top three costumes will be given prizes and their pictures will be featured in the Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola, LLP December newsletter.

Parents interested in the T.O.T. Safety campaign are encouraged to go online to www.dddilaw.com/reports/halloween.cfm to learn more about how they can help their children stay safe trick or treating this Halloween.

NJ Criminal and Family Law Attorneys Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. Launch Website

2009-10-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

The Haddon Heights, NJ law firm of Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. recently launched their website, providing a valuable online legal resource to current and potential clients.

The site offers helpful information to remove some of the fear and uncertainty from the legal process, including a glossary of legal terms, a resources page with county-specific information, and answers to frequently asked questions for each practice area.

"While we are always available to answer our clients' questions, we know that sometimes clients like to do research on their own," said Senior Partner, Ron Helmer. "Our new site is designed entirely with our clients and potential clients in mind. We certainly hope they will use it as a resource to answer their initial questions, and then let us guide them through the legal process personally."

Website visitors will also learn how the experienced attorneys at Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. can assist them with their legal case. The firm has developed a reputation for maintaining high ethical standards while aggressively representing clients throughout New Jersey in criminal defense and appeals, juvenile offenses, expungements, family law, municipal court, traffic and motor vehicle, DUI, immigration, real estate, workers compensation, administrative law, and police litigation cases.

About the Firm

Founded in 1992, the lawyers at Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. have more than 200 years of combined experience. For more information about the firm please go to www.helmerlegal.com.

Attorney Mark L. Horwitz Warns the IRS Amnesty Programs Ends October 15, 2009

2009-10-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

Last minute entry into the IRS Amnesty Program can still be accomplished. The Law Offices of Mark L. Horwitz, a criminal defense law firm in Florida, is representing people who reside in the United States and in other countries and helping them successfully walk through the IRS Amnesty Program. Attorney Mark L. Horwitz urges anyone with an unreported offshore account to avoid potential criminal prosecution by entering the IRS Amnesty Program before October 15, 2009.

Criminal Defense Attorney Mark Horwitz stated, "Even though the time is running out, an application to enter the Amnesty Program can still be made. The IRS will except an application over the phone before the end of day on October 15, 2009."

Entering and successfully completing the IRS Amnesty Program involves several factors, including timely application, cooperation with the IRS and filing amended tax returns and FBARs. Horwitz advised, "When large offshore accounts are involved, a person should deal with the IRS through an experienced attorney."

According to Attorney Mark Horwitz, the benefits of the IRS Amnesty Program become clear when compared to the criminal penalties that can result if the IRS learns of the offshore account through its own investigation. These penalties include:
1. Conviction of a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison for not filing the yearly form disclosing offshore accounts over $10,000.00. This form is known as an FBAR.
2. Conviction of tax evasion, a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison for willfully not reporting the income on foreign accounts.
3. Conviction of willfully filing a false tax return, a felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison for false statements on the tax return relating to the offshore accounts and income earned on the accounts.

In addition to criminal prosecution, the civil penalties imposed if the IRS learns of an unreported offshore account with a balance over $10,000.00 are severe and are in addition to criminal penalties. The civil penalty for not filing the yearly FBAR disclosing the offshore account is 50% of the highest value of the account, every year that the FBAR is not filed. Civil penalties for failure to disclose the income earned on offshore accounts can range from 20% to 75%.

The IRS Amnesty Program allows a person to avoid the potential criminal prosecution and significantly reduce the civil penalties. An example of the civil penalties under the Amnesty Program compared to what would happen if the IRS discovers the offshore account reveals the benefit of the Amnesty Program. As an example, if the offshore account contains $1,000,000.00 and earned 5% per year from 2003 through 2008, the civil penalties and taxes on the earnings would be $386,000.00 plus interest under the Amnesty Program. Without the Amnesty Program the taxes and penalties would be $2,306,000.00 plus interest. This figure could be even more if the IRS imposed a fraud penalty on the unpaid taxes.

The IRS has been vigorously pursuing information on offshore accounts. The ongoing case by the United States against UBS is a primary example of this effort. While the time is short to enter the IRS Amnesty Program, it is not too late to act.

About The Law Offices Of Mark L. Horwitz, P.A.

http://www.mlhorwitzlaw.com

With more than 30 years experience, Attorney Horwitz has extensive experience in providing legal representation for clients in the areas of tax evasion, mail and wire fraud criminal defense. Attorney Horwitz is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate of the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is certified as a Criminal Trial Specialist by The Florida Bar. A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and listed in Best Lawyers in America, Horwitz's legal experience includes not only private practice, but also many years as an Assistant United States Attorney. Attorney Horwitz is a member of The Florida Bar, The Colorado Bar and The District of Columbia Bar. Please visit www.mlhorwitzlaw.com for more information about the IRS Amnesty Program and Orlando defense attorney Mark Horwitz.

doeLegal Releases New Matter Management Solution Integrated With doeBilling

2009-10-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

doeLegal, a premier litigation support hosting, EDD, and eBilling software company, announces their electronic billing solution will now have a fully integrated matter management suite of tools. Provided through a secure hosted platform, doeMatters® will expand the functionality of doeBilling® by adding an integrated task and event calendar, contact manager, and document repository bundled together in one package. Locating critical documents, tracking important milestones and reporting on any matter at a moment's notice is now effortless. It is now possible for any corporation to have complete control of all information pertaining to their matters and eBilling in one tightly integrated package.

Presenting a highly user-configurable matter management suite, doeMatters® backs this up with configurable pagelets that allow any user to display the data they need to get their work done. With doeBilling® and doeMatters® integrated as one package, all outside legal spend on matters is completely transparent and will generate reports on virtually any aspect of their cases.

Delivering all the matter and billing information in a single integrated system provides a consistent and efficient way of working. doeLegal's support team provides firm and vendor on-boarding, training, and all support as part of the package price.

Acting as a "trusted adviser" rather than simply a software provider for over 38 years, doeLegal services over 7,000 users in 14 countries around the world and maintains long term relationships with all customers.

Tom Russo, doeLegal President and CEO, states, "Our solutions are designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of legal administration. doeMatters® was developed to deliver greater value through managed data and analytics. This integrated solution facilitates a new discipline to your outside law firms and helps enforce compliance with your requirements. doeLegal strives to become a vital extension of your current legal department and builds key client relationships to deliver our strong value proposition."

For more information on doeMatters®, contact doeLegal at 302.798.7500 ext 2826 or view details at www.doelegal.com.

About doeLegal

doeLegal, founded in 1971, is a premier solutions provider delivering comprehensive online legal services and technology support for corporate legal departments and law firms. The acclaimed legal hosting suite provides all-inclusive hosting and support for eDiscovery, EDD, eBilling, Matter Management, Records Management, and CLE administration as effective solutions to the increasing challenges of document selection and sharing, daily communications, and cost control. Leveraging technology into the flexible, hosted packages ensures that each solution is configured to suit your organization's needs perfectly.

doeLegal is committed to providing the answers to save time, save money, and deliver value to the legal community. Relationships, expertise, and innovative insight position doeLegal as a trusted adviser to its worldwide clients.

doeLegal's Matter Management Solution

Auto Accident Lawyer Wins $2 Million for Deaths on Ohio Turnpike

2009-10-15T06:46:00.000-07:00

Tom and Tess Lee were on the way from their home in Chicago to Cleveland for a family wedding. The couple was traveling in the eastbound lanes of the Ohio turnpike near Toledo. A car driven by retired podiatrist Charles Marlowe, Jr. came from the westbound lanes across the median and into the eastbound lanes striking the Lees' vehicle head-on. The Lees were killed instantly.

Accident Attorney Dennis R. Lansdowne of The Spangenberg Law Firm in Cleveland, Ohio reports that a Federal Court jury in Toledo has returned a verdict of $2,031,196.33 for the deaths of the Lees, a husband and wife on the Ohio turnpike. The award was returned for the five adult children of the couple. (United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Western Division (Toledo), Case No. 3:08CV1739)

Occupant of the other car, Dr. Marlowe, who survived the crash, claimed that he was struck by a sudden medical emergency and was not responsible for the collision. Specifically, Dr. Marlowe claimed he experienced a sudden episode of neurocardiogenic syncope. Ohio recognizes the sudden medical emergency defense which holds that a driver is not liable for a collision if the driver was suddenly stricken with a medical emergency the driver could not anticipate and which causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle. A week before the trial, after a hearing at which a proposed defense expert witness testified, the trial judge rejected the defense because it was not supported by scientific evidence.

Mr. Lee, age 63, was a union rigger and Mrs. Lee, age 62, was a retired nurse. The case was brought on behalf of the Lees' five adult children. "This was a very close and loving family that has been irreparably damaged by this tragedy," Lansdowne said. This 'sudden medical emergency' defense is being raised more frequently by insurance companies according to Lansdowne. "This defense is very dangerous for victims of negligence and must be vigorously challenged," he said. The verdict comprised non-economic damages and funeral expenses.

The Spangenberg Law Firm has consistently proven itself in Ohio Auto Accident Cases

Many of Spangenberg, Shibley & Liber LLP's cases come via word-of-mouth, either from satisfied former clients, or from other attorneys that know the firm is skilled at handling the complex litigation required for their cases. The Spangenberg Law Firm has consistently proven itself a worthy partner in co-counsel arrangements on a range of cases, and willingly accepts any challenges after carefully analyzing the merits of the case. Though the firm has certainly proven its ability with products liability and has some of the best Cleveland personal injury lawyers, it is equally adept in assisting businesses and corporations with the issues that they have involving business disputes and insurance claims.

The Cleveland Attorneys of the Spangenberg, Shibley & Liber Ohio Law Firm have devoted themselves to representing injured persons and aggrieved businesses for more than sixty-five years. They are headquartered at 1001 Lakeside Avenue East, Suite 1700, in Cleveland, Ohio 44114. For more information, you are invited to visit them online at: Spanglaw.com.

New Jersey Home Improvement Contract Law: What Contractors Need to Know

2009-10-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

Craftsman Book Company's Construction Contract Writer is a first-in-class productivity tool used by construction professionals to meet increasingly more stringent state contracting standards. The just-released New Jersey edition of the program helps contractors write construction contracts that comply with New Jersey's home improvement laws.

Free trial software and free construction contract forms available at www.newjerseyconstructioncontract.com
Free trial software and free construction contract forms available at www.newjerseyconstructioncontract.com

Residential contractors in New Jersey and many other states can take a lesson from the recent Supreme Court case between Jo Anne and Tom Heath and Czar, Inc., a Patterson, NJ cabinet shop. Czar Inc. was hired to install kitchen cabinets and woodwork in the Heaths' new home. When the Heaths weren't happy with the cabinets Czar installed, they refused to pay. Czar filed suit to collect (Czar, Inc. v. Heath, 198 N.J. 195, 2009).

The Heaths didn't have to complain about the job or the workmanship. Since the construction contract did not meet certain specifications, all they needed to do was to counter-claim over a defect in the contract. New Jersey Administrative Code sections 13:45A-16.1 to 16.2 (Home Improvement Practices) and New Jersey Administrative Code sections 13:45A-17.1 to 17.14 (Home Improvement Contractor Registration) require that all home improvement contracts for more than $500 be in writing and include very specific disclosures. Failure to include those disclosures in the written contract is a violation of New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act. Penalties include a full refund (New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 56:8-2.11) or treble damages plus legal fees (New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 56:8-19).

The following items need to be in all New Jersey home improvement contracts:
(1) The legal name, business address and registration number of the contractor.
(2) A certificate of commercial general liability insurance.
(3) The total price including any finance charges.
(4) A notice of the right to cancel.

When any one of these items is omitted from a home improvement or home repair contract, New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act comes into effect: full refund, triple damages plus attorney fees. Czar, Inc. lost their Supreme Court case to the Heaths. Legal fees on the way to the New Jersey Supreme Court can run many times the cost of kitchen cabinets. When a job goes bad, having an enforceable contract is essential.

New Jersey isn't unique in this respect. Many states give owners the right to collect for a defective home improvement or home repair contract: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts have similar legislation.

The web site NewJerseyConstructionContract.com offers free New Jersey contracts that favor New Jersey contractors. The contracts are available in PDF (Adobe Acrobat), RTF (MS Word or WordPad), and CCF (Construction Contract Writer) formats. Contractors can create custom contracts that comply with state law with Craftsman's new Construction Contract Writer program, also available as a free trial.

Craftsman Book Company develops software and publishes technical and professional references for contractors, estimators, remodelers, custom builders, architects, engineers, adjusters and appraisers. Craftsman's website also offers free trial software downloads.

United Law Group Helps Joseph Pieciak to Fight for His Home

2009-10-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

Joseph Pieciak’s story reads like that of so many others. When the housing bubble burst he lost 1/3 of his income. He kept his position in research and development for a fastener company but lost the overtime and bonus opportunities, which he’d been using to make his monthly mortgage payments. Fearing foreclosure on his home, this father of four contacted his lender directly. Months of the run-around convinced him that he needed an attorney.

“I started working with United Law Group when I realized that I wasn’t going to get anywhere with my bank,” said Pieciak. “The firm did a great job. They got my lender to respond and even worked out new terms on my loan. Unfortunately, the lender is now telling me that they lost my paperwork and can’t honor the terms. I don’t know if it’s inefficiency or something more insidious, but they cashed my check and lost the paperwork that was sent in the same envelope.”

Initially told he didn’t qualify for a modification because he wasn’t behind in his payments, then because his hardship was too severe, Pieciak and his wife downsized their lifestyle and did what they could to make their payments When his wife lost her job as a waitress four months ago, they went down to one car. The couple has done what it could since then to put food on the table for the family while waiting on the bank to make a decision.

“I went back and forth with the lender on my own at the beginning, but they didn’t make it easy to understand their process,” says Pieciak. “I tried repeatedly to work with the bank then turned to United Law Group.”

“Joseph Pieciak retained United Law Group four months ago,” said Robert Buscho, attorney for United Law Group. “We worked with this family to present a package to Bank of America that met the lender’s documentation requirements. Our one goal was to help the Pieciaks get the terms of their loan changed so the family could keep their home.”

United Law Group is a leading national law firm that litigates cases against banks and lenders to help troubled homeowners. The firm pursues every available legal channel when helping families, like the Pieciaks, who have been victimized by predatory banking practices.

“United Law Group proved itself during this process,” said Pieciak. “They kept us informed about the status of our case and celebrated with us when we thought we’d secured a modification. I can’t say enough about their professionalism and integrity. I just wish I felt the same about my lender. If we lose this house at least we know we did our best.”

United Law Group continues to fight on behalf of the Pieciak family and others like them.

About United Law Group

United Law Group is a national law firm with offices in California, New York, Florida, Ohio, Nevada & Arizona. The firm represents consumers in complex litigation concerning abusive banking practices, breaches of contract and violations of state and federal laws. United Law Group also litigates cases involving bankruptcy, IRS settlements and debt settlements in state and federal courts across the nation. Employing a team of top-notch attorneys, United Law Group leverages leading-edge technology to manage cases, support investigative efforts and ensure accurate, frequent communication with its clients. It puts together class action lawsuits when necessary in order to provide the best legal counsel to individuals who might not be able to resolve their issues without representation.

For further information on United Law Group, visit: www.UnitedLawGroup.com.

Unidev® Introduces a Content Management System Designed for Law Firms

2009-10-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

Auctori:law™, a Microsoft Certified Web Content Management System (WCMS), designed specifically for law firms, will launch on October 15, 2009. Unified Development, Inc. (Unidev®) designed the WCMS in association with several law firms to give attorneys and legal professionals an easy to use, but powerful system to update and maintain their professionally designed website.

"We are very excited about the launch of Auctori:law™," said Greg Alexander, CEO of Unidev®." Our team is very experienced in developing customized legal websites, and we developed this WCMS designed specifically for the legal industry based upon this experience. Auctori:law™ presented itself as an excellent opportunity for our clients to really take control of their websites with an application that truly answers the needs of a legal firm. I am confident that Auctori:law™ is a complete solution for any law firm's online needs."

Auctori:law™ gives attorneys the power to safely and securely update their website from anywhere in the world, at anytime. With Auctori:law™, it is simple to build and edit website content without the help of an IT professional or having had previous experience or knowledge in HTML. By simply logging into a site through a secure, password-protected portal, site administrators can update content, change images, add announcements and make other instantaneous changes.

"While I have worked in database driven content management programs in the past, I continue to be impressed by the level of sophistication and ease of use of the CMS as built by Unidev® for our law firm. Through Unidev®'s CMS I am not only able to freely edit content throughout our site, I am now in charge of navigation items and graphics, previously outside the realm of my editing parameters," said Kelly Annis, Client Relations Manager for The Stolar Partnership, LLP.

Auctori:law™ is a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution providing all of the benefits of cloud computing. Unidev®'s solution provides firms with the opportunity to strengthen their Internet presence and their overall brand reputation by giving lawyers a professionally designed site and the power to maintain their content in real time. In addition to standard content management features, Auctori:law™ is equipped with an attorney biographies module, news and articles module, and an images module. Auctori:law™ adheres to all Search Engine Optimization best practices in order to maximize website traffic and usability.

Unique features of Auctori:Law™ include:

* Attorney and professional biography builder with profile photos, dynamic V-card generation, customizable fields, and professional PDF printing functionality
* Flexible content pages and navigation structure for creating practice areas and industry sections
* News and articles module to create and archive publications, resources and events.
* Multi-lingual
* Print-ready PDF documents
* Secured document libraries

"The Auctori:law CMS Solution has been a fantastic collaboration between the Auctori team and several of our legal firm clients. We have been able to integrate controls that make editing articles, biographies and documents as well as the general maintenance of the content of your website very straightforward and less time consuming," said Andrea Bemis, Brand Manager for Auctori:law.

To see two excellent examples of Auctori:law™ in action, please visit The Stolar Partnership, LLP www.stolarlaw.com and Paul J. Passanante, PC & Associates at www.passanantelaw.com.

About Auctori:law™

Auctori:law™, a Unidev® solution, is a high capacity, high performance Web Content Management System (WCMS) built for search engine optimization and designed for the legal industry. Auctori:law ™ gives the legal professional an easy to use tool for managing their web presence. For more information on Auctori:law™ or for a free demonstration, please visit www.auctorilaw.com.

About Unidev®

Unified Development, Inc. (Unidev®) is a diversified IT company, focused on the application of technology to business. Founded in 1990, Unidev® has a long history of successfully meeting the customers' needs with proven, reliable and cost-effective solutions. Unidev® provides productivity applications, custom software development and technology consulting services to both business and government. For more information on Unidev®, please visit www.unidev.com.

California's First Lady Gets Free Gift Offer in Return for Breaking the Law

2009-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today's news that Maria Shriver, the wife of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, has been photographed multiple times driving without a headset has driven Mike Faith, CEO of San Francisco based retailer Headsets.com, to spring into action to improve driving safety for California's first lady.

"I've been sending my favorite headset to our governor for many years now as his birthday gift from me -the last one being just three months ago on July 30th, so there's no excuse," commented Faith upon seeing these incriminating photos. "Because of this, we're now offering to send free headsets to Maria Shriver if she'll in-turn make a single promise to me: to remain hands free while driving."

In the past, Headsets.com gained notoriety for giving out free headsets to anyone who received a ticket for driving without one. They also take the controversial stance that drivers shouldn't even talk on their phones at all when driving, even with a headset.

"I've been laughed at by my colleagues for thinking that," explained Faith, "but studies have shown that people's driving is distracted even when using a headset. We believe in being safe above even our own sales. However, we're realistic. If people are going to talk on the phone when they drive, at least use a headset. This isn't rocket science, and even politicians need to abide by the law, and use common sense with regard to other people's safety. We hope the governor and his wife will take us up on our offer, as we'd be happy to outfit the entire Schwarzenegger family as well."

About Headsets.com

Headsets.com, Inc., founded in 1997, is the largest independent specialist headset retailer in North America offering over 400 types of headsets through its website and Customer Care Center, located in San Francisco, CA.

New York Boating Accident Kills Three, Alarms Personal Injury Lawyer

2009-10-15T05:58:00.000-07:00

On Sunday night a 40-foor powerboat hit marshland off Long Island's southern shore, killing three people and injuring four others, according to a report by Fox News. Unfortunately, these types of boat accidents are not new to New York personal injury lawyers.

The speedboat was navigating a channel in an area well-known for its boggy salt marshes when it ran up on land. Based on its location when discovered, the boat was estimated to be traveling at a high rate of speed. The overturned craft, which was designed for racing, was located on top of a marsh, approximately 150 feet from the water.

At least two people were airlifted to nearby hospitals. The accident is under investigation.

Although the most reported type of boat accident in New York is collision between vessels, New York personal injury lawyers note that capsizing and falling overboard is a cause of over half the fatalities. Other common causes of serious accidents, according to the United States Coast Guard, are due to recklessness, driver inexperience, driver inattention, intoxication, and excessive speed.

"Boating-related fatalities now rank second only to car crashes as the cause of transportation-related deaths in the United States and we've represented many in New York," personal injury lawyer Perecman added.

About David Perecman and The Perecman Firm, PLLC

For the past 30 years, the New York personal injury lawyer, auto accident, construction accident, and medical malpractice lawyers at The Perecman Firm, PLLC have championed all types of cases for personal injury accidents. David Perecman, founder of the Firm, is a Board Director and the past Secretary and Treasurer of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA) and a chair of its Labor Law Committee. Mr. Perecman's achievements have brought him recognition as an Honoree in the National Law Journal's Hall of Fame, in New York Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in America" and The New York Times Magazine "New York Super Lawyers, Metro Edition" for the years 2007-2010.

The Firm has recovered millions of dollars for its clients. Among the more recent victories, Mr. Perecman won a $15 million verdict* for a construction accident, a $5.35 million dollar verdict** for an automobile accident, and a $40 million dollar structured settlement for medical malpractice.

*later settled while on appeal for $7.940 million
** later settled for $3.5 million
"Lawyer Advertising"
"Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome."

Baton Rouge Personal Injury Attorney Steve Marks of Marks and Lear PLC Earns Highest Rating for Ethics and Legal Ability

2009-10-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

Personal injury lawyer Steve M. Marks of Marks and Lear PLC has received an AV® Peer Review Rating(SM) from Martindale-Hubbell.

An AV® Rating is the highest rating available through Martindale-Hubbell®, which allows attorneys and judges to anonymously review their colleagues' ethical standards and professional ability.

Lawyers are awarded an AV® rating when they are ranked at the highest level of professional ethics and experience by their peers. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings(SM) are based on an attorney's:

* Legal knowledge
* Analytical capabilities
* Judgment
* Communication ability
* Legal experience

Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings(SM) serve as an objective indicator that a lawyer has the highest ethical standards and professional ability and are used by buyers of legal services to select legal counsel.

A practicing attorney for more than 30 years, Mr. Marks has been the managing partner of Marks and Lear PLC since 1985. He oversees the firm's litigation and day-to-day operations.

Mr. Marks successfully challenged the constitutionality of laws limiting recovery in Louisiana for the catastrophically injured. He was the first attorney to convince a Louisiana court to accept the expert testimony of a neuropsychologist to confirm brain injury when neurologists and neurosurgeons could find no injury using traditional tests such as EEGs, MRIs, or CAT scans. This decision ended the era of serious closed-head injuries being compensated as routine post-concussion syndrome cases. Mr. Marks also handled the case that established the rule of law in auto insurance policy interpretation that prevents an insurance company from enforcing a policy clause that deducts medical payments benefits from uninsured/underinsured protection.

About the Firm

The experienced attorneys at Baton Rouge, Louisiana's Marks and Lear PLC have represented clients in personal injury cases in state and federal courts for more than 25 years. Listed on the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers™, the firm focuses on cases involving personal injury, automobile accidents, industrial accidents, catastrophic injuries, and maritime law. Contact them at www.markslear.com or call 1-888-259-7208 today for a free consultation.

Philadelphia Trial Attorneys Carol Nelson Shepherd and Evan Liu Present Medical Malpractice Mock Trial Course

2009-10-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig attorney's Carol Nelson Shepherd and Evan Y. Liu, M.D., J.D. will participate in a six-credit CLE, "Trial of a Medical Malpractice Case" on December 9, 2009. Participants will learn valuable trial tips and techniques from Shepherd and Liu along with other Philadelphia attorneys while experiencing a mock trial and being a part of the deliberation process. The course will be held at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) Conference Center, on 10th Floor of the Wanamaker Building, Suite 1010, in Philadelphia from 9am - 4:45pm.

According to PBI, "This program received rave reviews in all past presentations and the accolades came from trial lawyers in all areas of law." They said, "Whether you are a medical malpractice attorney, or whether you try other types of civil cases, criminal cases, employment cases, or handle commercial litigation, this course will give you a chance to sit through an actual trial, complete with a judge and jury, and learn from the best. You'll pick up some great tips and have a chance to observe the styles of very successful attorneys who all have their own approach to examining witnesses, addressing juries and managing a trial."

Attendees will have the opportunity to watch the jury deliberate and have a chance to question the jurors after they reach their verdict. Watching the jury process unfold provides trial attorneys with a unique look into something that normally takes place behind closed doors. The demonstrations will include: direct and cross examination of the plaintiff, opening statements, examination of plaintiff and defense expert witnesses, examination of the defendant doctor, closing arguments and jury deliberations.

Carol Nelson Shepherd, a founding partner of the Philadelphia personal injury law firm Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig, has devoted her practice to catastrophic injury claims arising from medical negligence. Shepherd has represented clients in claims against health care providers arising from obstetric / childbirth injury, delayed diagnosis of cancer, improperly performed surgery, psychiatric malpractice and many other cases involving substandard medical care. She has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer every year since its inception in 2004; one of the top 50 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers 2005-2009; and one of the top 100 Philadelphia area Super Lawyers 2008-2009.

Evan Y. Liu, M.D., J.D. is an associate of the Philadelphia personal injury law firm Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig. A graduate of the Widener University School of Law, Liu also serves as a guest lecturer at the university. He covers topics such as the MCARE and Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor acts, patient safety, medical malpractice and errors and the effects of malpractice litigation on physician behavior. Prior to being admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Liu practiced emergency medicine in the Delaware Valley for 15 years. He was a board certified family practitioner, the assistant director of Delaware County Memorial Hospital's emergency department and a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at Hahnemann University Hospital.

About Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig - Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig has handled cases producing some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Pennsylvania. The firm represents plaintiffs in significant personal injury, class action, and other complex civil litigation. Clients include victims of medical malpractice, defective products, unsafe workplaces, motor vehicle accidents, legal malpractice and insurer misconduct.

Charles D. Ray and Thomas J. Rechen of Mccarter & English Selected as Fellows of The Litigation Counsel of America

2009-10-15T05:53:00.002-07:00

McCarter & English, LLP, is pleased to announce that Charles D. Ray and Thomas J. Rechen have been invited to become Fellows in the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA), an honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in the LCA is by invitation only and membership is based upon effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels. Ray and Rechen will be attending the LCA Fall Conference and Induction of Fellows on October 29th and 30th in Charleston, SC. Both attorneys are partners in the Hartford office of McCarter & English.

"We congratulate Tom and Charlie on this distinguishing honor," said Eric E. Grondahl, Hartford's office managing partner. "To be recognized by the LCA for their accomplishments is a reflection of the quality of their work and a strong commitment to their profession."

Ray counsels clients primarily on appellate advocacy and procedure. He appears regularly in the Supreme and Appellate Courts of the State of Connecticut and has handled a number of appeals before the United States Courts of Appeals for the First, Second and Federal Circuits. Ray's practice also extends to litigation in administrative appeals, in which he handles tax and land use matters. He has successfully represented numerous corporations and individuals involved in all aspects of appellate matters.

Rechen is an accomplished trial lawyer and business litigator with over two decades of experience litigating commercial disputes on behalf of public and private companies across the nation. His practice is focused on intellectual property, business tort, trade secret, restrictive covenant, trade regulation and unfair competition claims. Rechen has extensive experience in state and federal courts and arbitral forums, and is a seasoned appellate lawyer, having briefed and argued appeals before the Connecticut Supreme and Appellate Courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second, Fifth and Federal Circuits.

With membership limited to 3,500 Fellows, the composition of the LCA is aggressively diverse, with recognition of excellence among American litigation and trial counsel across all segments of the bar.

About McCarter & English

McCarter & English, LLP, established more than 160 years ago, represents Fortune 500 and middle-market companies in their national, regional and local litigation and on important transactions. Its 400 attorneys are based in offices in Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Stamford and Wilmington.

Medical Malpractice Reform Advocates Are Not Telling The Truth, Asserts Leading New York Personal Injury Lawyer

2009-10-15T05:53:00.001-07:00

The endless barrage of allegations by Republican lawmakers and big insurance companies who blame medical malpractice lawsuits for the skyrocketing cost of healthcare in this country are all lies, according to one New York medical malpractice lawyer who has spent an entire 38-year career fighting for the rights of patients, many of whose lives have been ruined, even ended wrongfully, by careless doctors and negligent hospitals.

"The truth is," said Richard Gurfein, a partner in the New York-based law firm of Gurfein Douglas and a former president of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, "the cost of medical malpractice litigation, including the amount of money doctors pay for medical malpractice insurance premiums, the costs of defense lawyers and their investigations and the insurance company payments to patients, in aggregate, represents only about 1% of the total cost of healthcare in this country. But to hear republicans in Congress, and their insurance industry collaborators talk about it, you would think that malpractice litigation is the only factor responsible for driving up the cost of healthcare, and that tort reform is the only solution to the problem."

In countless statements made by insurance industry executives and their republican sympathizers over the past 25 years, including the constant drubbing taken by trial attorneys during the 8-year reign of George W. Bush, the American public has come to believe that juries in medical malpractice lawsuits are just giving money away to plaintiffs "for the hell of it." "That, too," Gurfein said, "is a lie."

"These people are making a mockery out of our civil justice system," Gurfein said. "The fact is, 70% of all malpractice cases in New York State are won by the defendant, the doctor. Which is not to say that cases plaintiffs lose are frivolous. On the contrary, it underscores the tragic situation we find ourselves in today. The American public has been so brainwashed by the relentless onslaught of misinformation disseminated by doctors and their insurers, in the form of TV commercials, advertisements in newspapers and magazines, and other public relations tactics funded in large part by the insurance industry lobby and the business council, that it's almost impossible for plaintiffs to get a fair trial, and thus receive fair compensation for the injuries they have suffered at the hands of negligent doctors. Just try and add up what it might cost a family over the lifetime of child who was brain-damaged at birth by a careless doctor."

According to Gurfein, the high cost of malpractice insurance has almost nothing to do with lawsuits, or jury awards.

"High insurance premiums," Gurfein explained, "are a result of four things: one: medical malpractice committed by doctors; two: greedy insurance companies writing policies they shouldn't write; three: poor investment choices and a weak stock market for the insurance industry; four: the high cost of maintaining a catastrophically injured patient. Changing the civil justice system for malpractice cases won't change any of these cost factors.

"There is no better system of justice," he added, "than to have a jury of your peers hear the evidence and decide the truth of the claims. Built into any other alternative proffered by the tort reformers, such as having panels of doctors decide if a plaintiff's claim merits legal intervention, is innate bias and prejudice. If you let doctors decide if a malpractice claim is valid before it's allowed to reach the courts, our civil justice system would become a bureaucratic nightmare and the patient would have no one to take their side.

"What doctors want is absolute immunity from suit. They never believe they've done anything wrong, even in cases where their behavior has been abominable. What they are really saying is they want absolute immunity from personal responsibility, and let everyone else (you, the taxpayer) share the cost of their mistakes. The point that people seem to be missing is that if the doctor who causes the problem isn't held accountable, the cost of caring for the damaged patient falls on the state, which is paid for with our tax dollars. Remember, 50% of all malpractice is caused by less than 10% of the doctors. If there was no piper to pay, these same doctors would maim and damage patients routinely."

KEL Attorneys Files Groundbreaking Lawsuits to Represent California Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

2009-10-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

The Law offices of Kaufman, Englett and Lynd LLC, (KEL Attorneys), the nation's expert law firm in foreclosure defense and loan modifications, is now representing California homeowners facing foreclosure. KEL will set cases in motion by filing lawsuits on behalf of homeowners against lenders. Homeowner's legal claims against lenders will be based on TILA Violations, RESPA Violations, Fraud in the Inducement and Predatory Lending Practices.

California is a non-judicial state. In non-judicial states, the lender is not required to pursue cases through the court system before selling a property in a foreclosure sale. KEL Attorneys will move for injunctive relief so the lender is prevented from proceeding with the foreclosure until the homeowners claims are heard by a judge. We will file in state court and federal court if necessary.

KEL Attorneys will be the first law firm to file these lawsuits on a massive scale. These lawsuits could change the way foreclosures are handled in the State of California for the foreseeable future. For more information on these groundbreaking lawsuits please contact Matt Harrison at 407-513-1900 ext. 7159.

Top Georgia Family Law Firm Announces Opening of Second Office in Athens GA

2009-10-15T02:22:00.000-07:00

Offering services in Georgia divorce, child custody, child support, division of assets, domestic partnerships, prenuptial agreements, adoption, and more, the law firm of Kitchens, New & Cleghorn, LLC is pleased to announce the opening of its Athens office at 264 Jackson Street, Athens, Georgia 30601. The office is located just one block northeast of the University of Georgia arches, across the street from the courthouse, and is adjacent to Jackson Street Books. The attorneys at Kitchens, New & Cleghorn have over 50 years of combined experience in helping families and individuals through complex issues during life-changing circumstances.

"Our Athens divorce lawyers believe that it is our job to help individuals focus on what their choices are, what the facts are, and what appears to be in their best interests so that they can make informed choices at this very vulnerable time in their lives which will work for them today, tomorrow, and in the future," said attorney Joyce E. Kitchens.

The Athens office is served by GA divorce attorneys Joyce Kitchens and Michele Harris. Kitchens is a graduate of the Emory University School of Law, and has offered her professionalism and expertise in the fields of family law, employment discrimination, personal injury, medical malpractice, and contract disputes to the public for over 25 years. Kitchens is a former President of the Federal Bar Association and was appointed guardian of the property for forty-seven wards. She has also served as a mediator, arbitrator, and court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem.

Harris is a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law, and a former prosecutor in both Athens-Clarke County and Gwinnett. She is a veteran trial lawyer experienced in all phases of litigation.

Speaking about the type of service to expect from the firm, Kitchens and Harris state: "You do not get assembly line law here. You get individual people here who have a lot of experience, a lot of expertise, and who care about you. That is our job and that is what we do."

For more information on the subject of Georgia divorce, child custody, child support, division of assets, domestic partnerships, prenuptial agreements, alimony payments, adoption, and other services offered by the Atlanta and Athens law offices of Kitchens, New & Cleghorn, LCC visit http://www.divorcelawyersathens.com.

Boston Family Law and Litigation Firm Relocates to Lynnfield

2009-10-15T02:21:00.000-07:00

DiPiano Godson LLP, a law firm concentrating in family law and civil litigation moved its main office from Boston's West End to Lynnfield this September.

"With the uncertainty in the real estate and stock markets, we were reluctant to sign another lengthy lease," states John G. DiPiano, a principal of the firm. "We saw a unique opportunity in this market to move into an ownership position, provide easy access to our clients, including free parking, remain within 20 minutes of downtown Boston, and provide long-term location stability," says DiPiano. "DiPiano Godson LLP does not want to be moving from location to location, as we see other firms doing over the past few years, but wish to be in one place for a very long time so that we can focus on our jobs, which is representing clients who have family legal and other legal issues," DiPiano maintains.

DiPiano Godson LLP also expanded during its transition, adding Attorney Anne L. Berger, of Berger & Small as "Of Counsel" to the firm. Attorney Berger is a very experienced divorce lawyer who has been practicing in the greater Boston area for over 30 years. She is a member of the American and International Academies of Matrimonial Lawyers.

In addition, DiPiano Godson LLP added former Probate and Family Law Clerk Lisa M. Geoghegan as an asociate to its practice.

"We are very fortunate to be experiencing growth in our capabilities in this environment, it is a testament to our commitment to provide our clients with the best representation we can provide," says DiPiano.

DiPiano Godson LLP is a full service law firm concentrating in family law and civil litigation. The firm is located at 210 Broadway, Suite 202, Lynnfield, Massachusetts 01940. For more information or to consult with any of the lawyers, please contact DiPiano Godson LLP at 781-780-7080 , or visit www.bostonllp.com for more firm information.

Philadelphia Trial Attorney John Dodig Presents Keys to Personal Injury Depositions

2009-10-15T02:19:00.000-07:00

Attorney John M. Dodig of the Philadelphia personal injury law firm Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig will educate fellow attorneys on the "Practical Aspects of Personal Injury Depositions" on December 8, 2009. Course participants will learn new techniques and best practices from Dodig and others to test and improve their deposition skills. The event will take place at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) Conference Center in the Wanamaker Building, Suite 1010, in Philadelphia from 12:45pm - 5pm.

"Depositions always play an important role whether cases settle or go to trial. This unique program provides insight into the 'work horse' aspect of the litigation process and includes practical tips that will be of assistance to all personal injury litigators irrespective of their experience," said Mr. Dodig.

With more than 22 years experience, Dodig represents plaintiffs in various types of complex litigation, including medical negligence, product liability, construction accidents, consumer class actions, motor vehicle accidents and civil rights claims. He has successfully obtained multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in several cases.

Dodig was elected by his peers to serve as President of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association in 2006 and 2007. He is a frequent lecturer in courses designed to teach practicing lawyers practical skills, such as trial advocacy. He has also served on the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association.

Dodig received his Bachelor of Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and his law degree from Nova University. He also received a Masters of Law in Trial Advocacy from Temple University. Dodig has been recognized by Philadelphia Magazine as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for five consecutive years, including recognition as one of the top 100 Super Lawyers in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.

About Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig

Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig has handled cases producing some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Pennsylvania. The firm represents plaintiffs in significant personal injury, class action, and other complex civil litigation. Clients include victims of medical malpractice, defective products, unsafe workplaces, motor vehicle accidents, legal malpractice and insurer misconduct.

Sokolove Law Enhances Resource Center to Better Serve Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families

2009-10-15T02:18:00.000-07:00

Sokolove Law LLC, the leader in the reinvention of how people obtain legal services, today launched the redesign of its online support forum for mesothelioma patients and their families, MesoRC.com. The site was designed to assist and provide information to those whose lives have been affected by mesothelioma and asbestos exposure. With the innovative redesign of the site, content has been expanded and information has become easily accessible to users with a fresh, new layout.

Thousands of people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. While there is no known cure, new research and treatment is being developed which increases survival and quality of life for mesothelioma patients.

MesoRC.com has added new topics to its extensive resources. In the Exposed to Asbestos Section consumers can learn about Second Hand Exposure and How Can I Get Tested. It's expanded the Legal Section with information about How the Legal Process Works and What Are My Legal Rights. In addition, the Living with Mesothelioma Section now includes more resources on coping, care giving, and planning. Sokolove Law also officially named Mellissa Hayon, LICSW, their in-house social worker, as the face of MesoRC.com and its blog.

"We are proud of the work we've done over the last three decades on behalf of those who've been afflicted with asbestos-related illnesses," said Jim Sokolove, Founder, Sokolove Law. "By creating a more efficient and useful place for information and communication, we hope to assist even more victims and their families."

About Sokolove Law

For nearly 30 years, Sokolove Law has reinvented how people obtain legal services. Our mission is to provide equal access to the civil justice system while ensuring superior quality legal representation. As a pioneer in legal advertising, Sokolove Law has grown to be the largest marketer of legal services in the country. Our proven business model matches particular client needs to the more than 400 law firms that we work with. The result is success for our clients and co-counsel. Sokolove Law operates as a limited liability company in all states except Virginia, California, Michigan, and Tennessee, where it operates as a limited liability partnership. Learn more about Sokolove Law at www.sokolovelaw.com.

About MesoRC

The Mesothelioma Resource Center is a resource for patients and their families with helpful information gathered from leading mesothelioma authorities. This mission has never been more pertinent than it is today, as thousands of newly diagnosed victims strive to cope with devastating diseases like mesothelioma and asbestos related cancers. The Mesothelioma Resource Center, has since served as a community of support - a place where victims can meet and talk with others who share their burden and where they can turn to for the most up-to-date information on everything related to mesothelioma. The Mesothelioma Resource Center is part of Sokolove Law, LLC who has been reinventing how people obtain legal services for over 30 years. Our continuing mission is equality of access, regardless of ethnicity or income, and superior quality of representation and service within our civil justice system. For more information, please visit www.MesoRC.com.

Kentucky Personal Injury Attorney Alerts Consumers to Hazards of Zinc Exposure from Denture Creams

2009-10-15T02:16:00.000-07:00

Denture creams used by millions of people have been linked to an overexposure to zinc, which can lead to a dangerous nerve disorder, warns Frank M. Jenkins III, a prominent personal injury attorney in Lexington, Kentucky.

"Zinc is an essential element to healthy living, but many denture creams introduce a hazardous amount of the element into the body," said Jenkins, of the Frank Jenkins Law Office in Lexington, KY. "Because many people apply denture cream every day, or even several times each day, the amount of zinc they ingest can reach levels that damage the nervous system."

Popular denture creams such as Poligrip® or Fixodent® contain zinc, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require manufacturers to disclose this information in packaging, and consumers are not aware that they may be getting too much zinc in their system, Jenkins said.

In 2008, the American Academy of Neurology published a study that concluded some denture wearers had excessive zinc levels. The study concluded that zinc in the denture adhesives was apparently absorbed through the gums or swallowed each time the patients ate or drank something, exposing them to as much as 340 milligrams of zinc daily -- far in excess of the recommended daily allowance.

Overexposure to zinc can lead to neuropathy, a disorder of the peripheral nervous system that can impair motor function and mobility and cause severe pain, according to the study. More information about zinc, denture creams and neuropathy can be found on the firm's Web site.

About The Frank Jenkins Law Office

The Lexington, KY personal injury attorneys of the Frank Jenkins Law Office handle injury and accident cases, including denture cream cases, motorcycle accidents, car accidents, wrongful death, workplace accidents, construction accidents and Social Security disability. For more information, contact the Frank Jenkins Law Office today at 800-227-9732 or through the firm's online contact form.

NY Personal Injury Firm Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C. Launches New Bronx Medical Malpractice Web Site

2009-10-15T02:13:00.000-07:00

Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C., a well-known New York personal injury law firm, has unveiled a new Web site designed to serve medical malpractice victims living in the Bronx borough of New York City.

The new Web site is http://www.bronx-medical-malpractice-lawyer.com/.

"The Bronx is home to more than 1.3 million people and they deserve a source of information about medical malpractice that is dedicated to their needs," said Steven J. Schwartzapfel, founding partner of Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C. "This Web site provides essential local Bronx resources as well as information about common types of medical malpractice."

The new Web site includes content such as:

Bronx Hospitals: A directory of hospitals located in the Bronx and detailed information about the services provided at each hospital.
Erb's Palsy: An explanation of this life-altering birth injury in the context of medical malpractice.
Cerebral Palsy: Important information about this birth injury that affects more than 5,000 babies each year.
Failure to Diagnose Cancer: An essential resource about diagnostic errors and the devastating consequences that can result from a delayed diagnosis.
Surgical Errors: Information about a wide variety of surgical errors, the cause of as many as 10 percent of deaths among patients who die within 90 days of surgery.

Schwartzapfel Partners has offices conveniently located throughout the New York area, including a Bronx location at 888 Grand Concourse.

About Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C.

Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C. is a well-respected plaintiff personal injury and estate litigation firm in New York. With more than 150 years of combined experience and highly competent co-counsel throughout the country, Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C. serves all your legal needs.

The firm focuses on all types of personal injury cases, including medical malpractice, construction accidents, vehicle accidents, workers' compensation, Social Security disability, defective products, and trust and estate litigation.
For more information, visit www.bronx-medical-malpractice-lawyer.com or the firm's main Web site at http://www.fightingforyou.com/.

Fatal Distraction: It Could Happen to You, a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer Warns

2009-10-15T02:08:00.000-07:00

Distracted driving remains a serious threat to everyone on the highway, as the recent criminal conviction of a driver talking on a cell phone underscores, a Texas personal injury lawyer says.

"The consequences of distracted driving can have profound and devastating effects, as this sad case hammers home," said Jack Zinda, a founding partner of Heselmeyer Zinda, PLLC, a Texas personal injury law firm. "One life is lost, another ruined and their families and loved ones devastated."

In October, Jeri Dawn Montgomery was convicted by a Texas jury of criminally negligent homicide for causing a three-car crash that killed a 25-year-old man in March 2008, according to the Houston Chronicle. Montgomery was talking on a cell phone at the time of the accident, prosecutors said.

On Oct. 5, Montgomery was sentenced to 30 days in jail, 10 years probation and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine, according to the Chronicle article.

"Some people don't realize how dangerous it is to talk on a cell phone or send a text message while driving until it's too late and there is a fatal distraction," Zinda said. "Pull off the road in a safe spot if you need to talk on the phone in a car, or let someone else drive."

Across the nation, distracted driving is a growing threat to traffic safety. In 2008, 5,870 people died and another 515,000 people were injured in police-reported crashes in which driver distraction was listed as a cause, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The proportion of fatal accidents associated with distracted driving increased from 11 percent in 2004 to 16 percent in 2008, according to federal statistics.

The dangers of driving and talking on a cell phone or sending text messages have received attention with some states acting to ban certain activities while driving. Other secondary tasks such as eating, drinking and talking with passengers also can cause distractions.

A 2007 national survey found that 81 percent of people ages 16 and older have a wireless phone in the vehicle while they are driving. Of those with cell phones, 85 percent said they keep the phone on during all or most of their trips, and two-thirds usually answer incoming calls.

The age group with the greatest proportion of distracted drivers is the under-20 age group. Sixteen percent of drivers under 20 in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving.

About Heselmeyer Zinda, PLLC

The Austin and Dallas personal injury lawyers of Heselmeyer Zinda, PLLC have experience and expertise in the areas of personal injury law, business law and family law.

John C. (Jack) Zinda, a native Texan, was selected in 2009 by Texas Monthly magazine as a "Rising Star" among up and coming attorneys. He is a graduate of Southwestern University and Baylor University School of Law. He is a founding partner of the law firm. In his law practice, Zinda focuses on cases involving catastrophic personal injury, injuries due to product defects, wrongful deaths, 18 wheeler accidents, commercial litigation and family law.

Cindy Marcus Files Lawsuit in Hawaii against Centex Homes and its Agents

2009-10-15T02:03:00.000-07:00

A lawsuit (Civil No 08-1-0865-04) was filed by the law firm of Hempey & Meyers LLP on behalf of Cindy Marcus in the Circuit Court of the First Judicial District in Hawaii against the developer, Centex Homes, a national company headquartered in Texas. The lawsuit alleges that Centex devised a variety of revolving schemes to deceive buyers and then hired agents who allegedly used these deceptive tactics to coerce people into buying property based on false promises. The plaintiff has asserted claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing, unfair or deceptive business practices, negligence and intentional misrepresentation.

According to court records and the Centex contract, the builder did not allow buyers to be represented by independent agents, nor did they list their properties in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), forcing buyers to rely on its in-house agents exclusively.

Hempey states in the Complaint filed in the 1st Circuit Court, "Marcus was fraudulently induced into entering a contract to purchase a condominium from defendant Centex Homes. After a major earthquake in Hawaii, Marcus lawfully and rightfully cancelled the contract to purchase the condominium. However, to date, she has not received her deposit back as required by the contract and state law. Centex caused escrow to disburse Marcus' deposit money to Centex without notice to Marcus. Marcus did not learn that the money had been disbursed to Centex until approximately 18 months after the money had been disbursed."

In addition, after the earthquake in Hawaii, the lawsuit alleges that Centex failed to make the proper disclosures. Since the area was declared a federal disaster area, according to court records, lenders required engineering reports and certification that there was no damage to the property. Also in court records, although Centex did admit there were cracks in the new buildings after the earthquake, they also claimed that the cracks were cosmetic, raising more concerns of nondisclosure.

According to court records, when people tried to cancel their contracts, many people said that they were coerced into closing against their will because Centex told them they would lose their deposits. Witnesses named in the court records have stated that Centex eventually sold the units of those people whose deposits they kept and they enriched their pockets with money gained from other unsuspecting victims. They allegedly kept many people's deposits which sometimes represented people's entire retirement and bankrupted those who had worked hard all their lives for a piece of the American Dream.

Sheri Hess, one purchaser of a Centex home in Hawaii, said, "Centex agents, using misrepresentation and harassing phone calls, enticed us into purchasing a condo in Hawaii and then forced us to close on it which forced us into bankruptcy and to lose our own personal home." Hempey has the names of other witnesses and their files as they, too, would like their money back.

According to complaints received by Home Owners for Better Builders (HOBB) and the court records, Centex' defense in lawsuits is covered by insurance which serves the developer well by enabling them to settle claims for nominal amounts of money and put gag orders on people to hide Centex' misdeeds. According to Marcus who has spoken to many of the people who lost money to Centex, many people were either intimidated or did not have the time or the money to hire an attorney or needed to move on with their lives.

Janet Ahmad, the president of HOBB, said, "Too many people have unjustly lost their money to Centex. It is time that this issue gains public attention so potential buyers are made aware of the tactics used by developers to enrich themselves at the expense of unsuspecting consumers."

For more information go to Home Owners for Better Builders http://www.hobb.org.

Intellectual Property Law and Making Ethanol More Profitable

2009-10-13T02:08:00.000-07:00

Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP partner, Richard B. Hoffman will present: "Protecting Your Intellectual Property" at the 2nd Annual Commercial Ethanol Technology and Research Workshop on Thursday, October 29 (http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/bfj_conference.html). The workshop and Hoffman's presentation will focus on improving the ethanol industry's bottom line with legal strategies connected to breakthrough technologies such as displacing natural gas for energy savings, fractionation, and the addition of new co-products to increase profitability.

"While breakthrough improvements in the ethanol industry are moving at light speed, a legal maze threatens to impede their protection and progress. And it's also critical to protect the industry's exposure to infringement of pre-existing rights," said Hoffman.

Highlights of Hoffman's presentation include:

Utility Patents are Central for Biofuels: These patents can exclude others from making, using, selling, offering for sale and importing the claimed subject matter.
Common Costly Patent Misconception: While a patent gives the "right to exclude others," it does not give a company the right to use and practice its own claimed subject matter.
Combining Trade Secret Protection with "Secret" Patent Applications: Provides best overall protection until finally time to decide if you will follow trade secret or patent protection approach.
Block Out Competitors with a Patent Thicket: To best thwart competitors, file initially on primary or core technologies and file later on lesser and/or secondary byproducts or processes.
Patent Interests of Biofuel Investors: Investors want to exclude entry of competitors, leverage opportunities for licensing revenue streams, increase acquisition valuations and cross-license capability.

About the Presenter

As a patent attorney, Richard Hoffman
(http://www.marshallip.com/professionals-41.html) provides information and counseling to executives and entrepreneurs in emerging cleantech fields on the various options available to business owners for protecting their intellectual property by utilizing cost-effective solutions suitable to facilitate, protect and defend commercial success.

For more than 50 years, Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP (www.marshallip.com) has maintained an exclusive focus on the practice of intellectual property law. The firm's experience includes patent and trademark prosecution, copyrights, trade secrets, transactions, licensing, litigation and technology transfer. Its attorneys have been at the forefront of legal issues involving emerging technologies, biotechnology, nanotechnology, computer sciences and engineering. Clients include FORTUNE 250 corporations, universities, research foundations and international companies.

South Florida Patent Attorney, John Rizvi, will be Giving a Presentation Entitled "Patent Pitfalls for the General Practitioner"

2009-10-13T02:07:00.000-07:00

On October 16th, 2009, South Florida patent attorney, John Rizvi, will be giving a presentation entitled "Patent Pitfalls for the General Practitioner" at the 2009 Broward County Bench-Bar Convention held at the Broward County Convention Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Although many inventors do approach Florida patent attorneys for legal assistance, others initially go to one of Florida's many excellent general practice lawyers for preliminary assistance. Even if these general practitioners ultimately refer the matter to a patent attorney, John believes there is still a need for such non-specialists to be aware of certain statutory deadlines and other pitfalls of practice in the specialized area of patent law.

The Broward County Bench-Bar Association has been working diligently to ensure that this year's convention surpasses even the great successes of previous years. The convention is designed for all attorneys, regardless of their field of practice. There will be a total of 114 different seminars and breakout sessions covering a wide variety of legal subjects. The theme for 2009 convention is "Practicing Law in the 21st Century." The Bench-Bar Convention is intended to give judges and lawyers an opportunity to discuss 21st century technology and the problems facing the legal system today. Featured speakers include Bar president Jesse Diner and Bar Foundation president Adele Stone.

Two dozen exhibitors will also be displaying their products and services, and will be available in the conference area from 7:30 AM until the convention ends at 6:30 PM.

John Rizvi is a founding partner of Gold and Rizvi, P.A. In addition to practicing patent law in Florida for almost a decade, John spent several years as a patent attorney at the internationally renowned intellectual property law firm of Fish & Neave in New York City. With over 200 intellectual property attorneys, Fish & Neave (now merged with Ropes & Gray) is recognized as one of the top patent firms in the world and was retained by Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, the Wright Brothers, and Alexander Graham Bell when they desired protection for their ideas. John has written a number of articles on intellectual property and regularly cited in patenting journals and legal newspapers on the subject. He regularly speaks to authors, inventors, and business groups as a Miami patent attorney and is knowledgeable in implementing international patenting strategy.

John is AV Rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, the highest rating possible, and focuses his practice on the preparation and prosecution of U.S. and international patent and trademark applications, patent and trademark validity and infringement opinions, licensing, transactional support, and all aspects of intellectual property litigation.

http://www.ideaattorneys.com/

Five Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp Partners Named 2009 New York Super Lawyers

2009-10-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

The New York office of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp (MS&K) today announced that five of its partners from four areas of practice have been selected for the 2009 New York Super Lawyers list. They are:

* Christine Lepera, Entertainment & Sports
* Paul V. LiCalsi, Intellectual Property Litigation
* Paul D. Montclare, Business Litigation
* Jane G. Stevens, Business Litigation
* Lauren J. Wachtler, General Litigation

Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Polling, research and selection are performed by Law & Politics, a publication of Key Professional Media, Inc., and only five percent of New York metro attorneys have been named to the Super Lawyers list. Law & Politics has been publishing legal magazines since 1990 and Super Lawyers since 1991.

"Our attorneys are focused on doing the best possible job for clients, but it's very gratifying when their work is recognized by a third-party research organization," said MS&K Managing Partner Thomas Lambert. "We congratulate them for their richly deserved honors."

The New York office of the Los Angeles-based law firm opened in March 2008 and has since grown to nine lawyers focused on intellectual property, business litigation, entertainment law and real estate.

For more than 100 years, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP has maintained a reputation for excellence in providing sophisticated legal and business solutions for its clients in areas that include: Litigation, Intellectual Property & Technology, Labor & Employment, Entertainment & New Media, Immigration, Corporate Transactions, Homeland Security, Tax, Trust & Estates, Real Estate, and International Trade. Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP has offices in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit http://www.msk.com.

Is It Legal To - Legal Forum Surpasses 10,000 Members in Under 10 Months

2009-10-13T02:03:00.000-07:00

Is It Legal To (http://www.isitlegalto.com), a leading free legal forum, today announces reaching the 10,000 member milestone.

Is It Legal To founded 12/25/08 now has over 10,000 members in less than 10 months. Is It Legal To is growing leaps and bounds thanks to its tremendous member base and active forum participation. Is It Legal To legal forum is currently serving in excess of 1,500+ unique visitors daily some of the latest, freshest and greatest legal thoughts, discussions and news.

Thanks to its legal forum members, Is It Legal To has proven to be a valuable legal community and resource and is helping countless people daily.

Is It Legal To was developed with the intention to be a free legal forum and legal resource to enable people to learn and discuss the law. The goal of Is It Legal To is to become a "tremendous and valuable free resource on legal topics and answer is it legal to questions". Knowing legal rights is essential to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Is It Legal To is designed to help answer those one off legal questions about legalities.

Is It Legal To currently has expanded forum areas for United States Laws including one law forum for each US State. The state law forums include: Alabama Law, Alaska Law, Arizona Law, Arkansas Law, California Law, Colorado Law, Connecticut Law, Delaware Law, Florida Law, Georgia Law, Hawaii Law, Idaho Law, Illinois Law, Indiana Law, Iowa Law, Kansas Law, Kentucky Law, Louisiana Law, Maine Law, Maryland Law, Massachusetts Law, Michigan Law, Minnesota Law, Mississippi Law, Missouri Law, Montana Law, Nebraska Law, Nevada Law, New Hampshire Law, New Jersey Law, New Mexico Law, New York Law, North Carolina Law, North Dakota Law, Ohio Law, Oklahoma Law, Oregon Law, Pennsylvania Law, Rhode Island Law, South Carolina Law, South Dakota Law, Tennessee Law, Texas Law, Utah Law, Vermont Law, Virginia Law, Washington Law, West Virginia Law, Wisconsin Law, and Wyoming Law. There is also a General US Law section.

Is It Legal To also has a section for Other Country Laws where community members can ask and answer questions about laws and legalities and compare laws from one country to another.

In addition, Is It Legal To has a section on Stupid Laws from around the world where crazy, strange or weird laws can be discussed.

Registration to the Is It Legal To Forum is free, easy and only takes a minute to complete. It is simple to become a part of the Is It Legal To Community and contribute to this free legal resource. Register now at http://www.isitlegalto.com/register.php.

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri will Co-Sponsor Workshop, Reception During National Pro Bono Celebration

2009-10-13T02:01:00.002-07:00

In conjunction with the American Bar Association's National Pro Bono Celebration (October 26-30, 2009), Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM), the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and its Pro Bono Committee, Washington University School of Law and the Gephardt Institute will co-sponsor a free workshop entitled "Pro Bono for the People and Justice for All" from 1 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. Wednesday, October 28 at Washington University School of Law.

"This is the local part of a nationwide celebration that highlights the amazing pro bono work being done in communities throughout the country," said Jennifer Schwendemann, an attorney at Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP who is serving as Chair for the workshop and reception. "We want to make attorneys aware of all the different ways there are to get involved and make a difference."

"The St. Louis region is fortunate to have a generous legal community dedicated to pro bono service," said Jim Guest, Director of LSEM's Volunteer Lawyers Program and Co-Chair of the event. "Volunteer attorneys in our midst have done remarkable things in the last year and have transformed the lives of clients and families who could never hope to afford an attorney but whose most precious rights were at risk. The work of these attorneys deserves to be celebrated."

Open to the public, the pro bono workshop will provide critical CLE-approved training on a variety of legal topics touched on in many pro bono referrals, including:

* Orders of Protection and Domestic matters (1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.)
* Immigration matters (1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.)
* Introduction to Guardianships (2:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.)
* Criminal Law Contempt in the Family Court (2:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.)
* General Issues in Property Foreclosures (3:30 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.)
* Pro Bono Mediation (3:30 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.)

"These workshops will be led by active, experienced pro bono practitioners and are designed to provide sufficient training to make attorneys feel comfortable in getting involved in these important cases," Guest said.

Following the workshop, a special reception will be held from 4:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Washington University's Knight Center featuring Josh Kezer and Bryan Cave Partner Charlie Weiss. Kezer, who spent nearly half his life in prison for a murder he did not commit, was released from prison in 2009 thanks to the work of Weiss and his team of pro bono attorneys.

"The Josh Kezer case continues to draw national media attention and really is a shining example of how attorneys can make a difference through pro bono work." said Zoe Lyle, Executive Director of BAMSL.

Cost of the reception is $15. For more information about the free workshop and the reception, please visit the BAMSL website at www.bamsl.org or contact Alex Braitberg at 314-421-4134 or abraitberg(at)bamsl(dot)org. To learn more about pro bono opportunities with LSEM's Volunteer Lawyers Program, please contact Jim Guest at jhguest(at)lsem(dot)org.

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is an independent, non-profit organization that has provided high quality legal assistance in civil cases to the low-income community for more than 50 years. In 2008, LSEM represented over 6,500 clients in 21 counties.

TASC to Address Proposed FTC, Illinois Laws at Financial Services Collections & Credit Risk Conference

2009-10-13T02:01:00.001-07:00

The Association of Settlement Companies today announced that Legislative Director Wesley Young will respond to both the Federal Trade Commission's and Illinois treasurer's recent proposals to regulate the debt settlement industry at the Source Media Financial Services Collections & Credit Risk Conference, held Oct. 18-20 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

The FTC proposed recently banning debt relief companies from charging fees before a settlement is finally funded and documented as such by the creditor. This week, Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias made a similar proposal by calling for legislation that would limit the fees debt settlement companies may charge.

Young will explain to attendees how these proposals will put debt settlement companies out of business and ultimately hurt consumers who are struggling with their finances.

"Consumers should have more options in dealing with their debt--not fewer--especially in these economic times," Young said. "The consequence of these proposed fee structures would not only disenfranchise the consumer but also credit card companies and collectors that received more than $2.2 billion in settlement payments from debt settlement companies last year alone."

Young will be joined by TASC Vice President Dave Leuthold and Executive Board Member Teresa Schumann-Dodson, all of whom together will present on Sunday "Understanding the Debt Settlement Industry and Leveraging Debt Settlement Accounts to Increase Recoveries in a Distressed Economy."

All three also will discuss leveraging debt settlement as a recovery channel with four other industry veterans.

More information on this presentation and the conference, which is put on by Source Media, can be found at http://www.sourcemediaconferences.com/FSCC09/compworkshop.html.

About The Association of Settlement Companies

The Association of Settlement Companies (TASC) promotes fair business practices, consumer protection and industry standards for the debt settlement industry. TASC, founded in 2005, serves to protect consumers through an organization seal that represents best practices and standards of reputable companies. The organization also protects its member companies through lobbying efforts at the state and national levels, as well as awareness initiatives to educate consumers on debt settlement as a financial solution. All TASC member companies pledge compliance to strict association bylaws governing business practices and ethics. For more information, visit www.tascsite.org.

Prominent New York Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Urges Family Members to Watch for Signs of Bedsores

2009-10-08T02:18:00.000-07:00

Tragedies, like the recent highly-publicized death of an elderly Bronx woman at Sutton Park Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, underscore the need for family members of nursing home residents to keep a watchful eye on the care their loved one is getting, and to follow four important steps before choosing a nursing home, or other long-term care facility, advises Michael Glass, a New York nursing home abuse lawyer and partner in the Long Island law firm of Rappaport, Glass, Greene & Levine, LLC.

"If a family has someone in a nursing home," Glass said, "it is very important to have a family member perform body checks on the resident, no matter how reputable the nursing home might be."

Glass recommends that family members regularly check their loved one for early signs of bedsores, particularly on the bottom of the feet and back.

"If you find redness, or blistering," he said, "families should demand a wound care consultation. "Most of the time bed sores are caused by staff inattention, and their failure to turn and position a resident who can't roll over, or get out of bed, by themselves."

One lesser-known reason why bedsores can be so dangerous and sometimes hard to treat is because the resident is malnourished and is not receiving proper nutrition.

"This happens in a lot of nursing homes," Glass said. "Harried staff remove meal trays even if the resident hasn't eaten. Especially vulnerable to bedsores that don't heal are patients who have circulatory problems, or diseases like advance stage diabetes and cancer."

In situations where the resident does develop a bedsore, Glass advises that intervention should be started immediately, such as the use of special medications, protective devices and pressure-relieving mattresses.

Glass also advises family members to take photographs of the resident's wound either with the camera in their cell phone, or with some other device. He said having photographs are especially useful in situations where legal intervention may be required.

"The photograph is all the testimony a family might need to prove a case of abuse," he said.

Glass, who has represented dozens of victims of nursing home abuse in his 30-plus years in legal practice, advises families to take the time, and the necessary precautions, when choosing a nursing home for a loved one.

He strongly recommends that family members follow these four important steps:

Step 1: Find nursing homes in your area.

Medicare's Nursing Home Compare website has information to help family members find and compare nursing homes. Visit: www.medicare.gov/NHCompare. Family members can search by nursing home name, city, county, state, or ZIP code.

Ask people you trust, like your doctor, family, friends, neighbors, or clergy. If your loved one is already in an acute care hospital, ask the hospital's discharge planner, or social worker, for a list of local nursing homes. They should be able to help you find an available bed.

Step 2: Compare the quality of nursing homes you are considering.

It is important to compare the care that nursing homes give in order to make the best nursing home decision for your loved one and your family. One way to compare nursing homes is to look at the information about nursing home quality at the website referenced earlier: www.medicare.gov/NHCompare.

This website has information about nursing homes in the State of New York (and anywhere else in the country) that are certified to participate in Medicare and/or Medicaid.

You can compare the nursing homes you are considering, using the Five Star Quality Rating system. Look at health inspection and fire safety inspection reports, nursing home staffing rates, quality measures and other important information.

Step 3: Visit the nursing homes you are interested in, or have someone visit for you.

Before make a decision about a nursing home, family members, and the resident if he or she is able, visit the nursing homes that interest you whenever possible. A visit gives you the chance to see the residents, staff, and the nursing home setting. It also allows you to ask questions of the nursing home staff, and talk with the residents and their family members.

If you can't visit the nursing home yourself, you may want to get a family member or friend to visit for you. If a family member or friend can't visit for you, you can call for information. However, a visit gives you a better way to see the quality of care and life of the residents.

Before you visit, consider what is important to you. Issues such as: quality of life; religious and cultural preferences; language (is your loved one's primary language spoken at the nursing home by staff or residents?); security; preventive care (does the nursing home make sure that residents get preventive care to help keep them healthy?); does the nursing home have a screening program for immunizations such as flu and pneumonia?; hospitals (does the nursing home have an arrangement with a nearby hospital for emergencies?); can your doctor care for the resident at that hospital?; resident/family/staff satisfaction (talk to staff, residents, and family members if you can. Ask them if they are satisfied with the nursing home and its services.

Step 4: Choose the Nursing Home That Meets Your Needs

When you have all the information about the nursing homes you are interested in, talk with people who understand your personal and health care needs. This might include your family, friends, doctor, clergy, spiritual advisor, hospital discharge planner, or social worker. Trust your senses. If you didn't like what you saw on a visit, like if the facility wasn't clean or if you weren't comfortable talking to the nursing home staff, you may want to choose another nursing home.

For more information, send for, or download to your computer: The "Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home" prepared by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Or, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or visit www.medicare.gov to get the most current information.

South Florida Law Firm Steinger, Iscoe & Greene Offers Around-the-Clock Free Legal Advice to Broward General Contaminated IV Patients

2009-10-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

Last night's NBC 6 Miami 7pm news broadcast broke the story "Broward (General) health officials have confirmed that a veteran nurse may have used IV bags contaminated with other patients' fluids while administering saline solution to patients who came to the hospital for cardiac chemical stress tests. …the nurse routinely used the same bag on different patients. As many as 1,851 patients may have been impacted."

Over the weekend Broward General Hospital sent 1,851 certified letters to the potential victims of this bodily fluid backflow scare asking that the patients contact a physician immediately to administer Hepatitis B and C and HIV/AIDS screening.

Managing Partner of the Fort Lauderdale law office of Steinger, Iscoe & Greene, William McAfee notes, "Preventable medical errors are the cause of up to 98,000 deaths in the United States annually. These preventable errors cost society up to $29 billion in a single year; but it's the lives of innocent people who pay the ultimate price. We want to help those people recoup their quality of life."

The Agency for Healthcare Administration reports that only 1 in 6 medical errors in Florida hospitals are ever even filed. According to federal Institute of Medicine (IOM) data upwards of $1.6 Billion in disability, healthcare and lost income costs resulted from medical malpractice in Florida in a single year!

In an effort to educate and protect the Fort Lauderdale, Broward County and South Florida community at large, Steinger, Iscoe & Greene is offering around-the-clock free legal advice to any and all of the potentially infected Broward General Medical Center patients. By calling 1.800.561.1111 callers will be connected with a legal intake professional directly - 24/7. Says Michael Steinger, Founding Partner of Steinger, Iscoe & Greene, "Our firm is actively investigating cases of possible contamination from IV fluid transfers at Broward General. Patients who received the IV may be at risk for contracting Hepatitis or HIV/AIDS. Our firm wants to help in any way we can during this time - 12 years and 18,000 clients strong, we want to lend our legal experience to those who need it the most right now."

The recent medical error of the veteran Broward General nurse that may result in the transfer of Hepatitis and/or HIV/AIDS follows by only months another South Florida hospital negligence case which required the medical screening of near 10,000 Veterans who came to VA Hospitals for standard colonoscopy procedures, according to a CNN article.

As reported on CNN, "in a letter to Gen. Eric Shinseki, the secretary of Veterans Affairs, Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, requested that the VA Office of Inspector General 'begin an investigation into the potential problems of contamination; whether any patient has contracted an infection from unsterilized equipment; and, most importantly, how we can prevent such problems from happening again.'" It seems the precautionary measures to which Sen. Bill Nelson aspired in his statement of this past Spring did not come soon enough and the same fears of patient bodily fluid transfer due to lax sterilization procedures is all too real for an estimated 1,851 innocent South Florida residents.

About Steinger, Iscoe & Greene

Founded in 1997, Steinger, Iscoe & Greene is one of the leading plaintiffs' litigation law firms in North America. A legal team of 26 attorneys and 100 legal staff, Steinger, Iscoe & Greene has represented more than 18,000 injury victims to date, with offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Port St Lucie. The Firm provides legal representation to Florida accident and injury victims specializing in auto, motorcycle, and truck accidents, defective products, premises liability, workers' compensation, wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.

For more information, visit www.InjuryLawyers.com

PricewaterhouseCoopers Releases Benchmarking Results for Law Firms

2009-10-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

he Law Firm Survey Group of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a leading provider of comprehensive benchmarking information on a broad range of law firm management issues, recently announced the results of three critical benchmarking law firm surveys. These surveys include the firm's inaugural release of the Cultural Awareness and Inclusion Survey (CAIS), which focuses on diversity at law firms; the annual Law Firm Statistical Survey (LFSS); and the bi-annual Billing Rate & Associate Salary Surveyplus (BRASSplus).

An update of BRASSplus – showcasing additional metrics on terminations and partner compensation -– is now underway. Results of the Mid-Year Release of the BRASSplus will be distributed in October; interested law firms are still welcome to participate.

“In these times of economic instability, providing your firm with key benchmarking insight on rate erosion, borrowing levels and employee retention can prove helpful when measuring up your competition,” said Laurie Lieb, Director in the PwC Law Firm Survey Group. “Participants in these surveys obtain objective knowledge of where they stand among competitors and can use the data to develop strategies to assist them in navigating through these difficult and changing economic times.”

All benchmarking reports will include data displayed by firm size, location, profitability and practice specialty. As with any PwC Law Firm Survey, participants can create customized peer groups for benchmarking purposes.

A thought leadership article summarizing the findings from each Survey will be made available to the public in the coming weeks. More information about each of PwC's law firm survey offerings is available on the Survey website at www.pwc.com/lfsurveys.

Cultural Awareness and Inclusion Survey (CAIS)

The CAIS was developed with significant input from PwC’s Cultural Transformations Advisory Group and members of the Law Practice Management Section of the American Bar Association, as well as law firms recognized for their public commitment to expanding diversity efforts.

In order for the Survey to provide a broad picture of a firm’s diversity, the final report includes two sections. Section One provides detailed gender and minority statistics (by office and/or practice group) for law firm timekeepers in areas such as headcount ratios, utilization, revenue, promotions and turnover. Section Two summarizes firm-wide diversity efforts in five key areas, including leadership, programs/initiatives, recruitment, retention and promotions, and client management.

Billing Rate & Associate Salary Surveyplus (BRASSplus)

The BRASSplus provides data to its participants on the entire spectrum of the client billing process -– from a firm's published rate and agreed-upon rate to the actual client 'billed' rate. This benchmarking across the entire rate cycle allows firms to gauge the levels of rate erosion experienced during this tough economic period.

Participants can chose to benchmark on both geographic and practice group levels and can customize results by peers, groups and/or geographic locations.

“The BRASSplus results provide participants with information to strategize on ways to stay competitive in managing rates in their respective local markets and regions,” explains Lieb.

Law Firm Statistical Survey (LFSS)

The LFSS focuses on a firm's expense management. Participants receive an overall summary report which provides information on revenue and expense metrics covering each administrative function. In addition, each participant receives a supplemental Detailed Operations Report, which benchmarks a firm's individual expense components within each broader expense category.

This year, the Survey added four “Hot Topics,” which were identified by participants as key areas influencing their firm’s growth in the current economy, including:

Client Concentration
Bank Borrowings & Credit Lines
New Partner Capital Buy-In
Treatment of Non-Equity Partners

“This survey allows law firms to assess how well their firm is managing its debt, expense and staffing ratios while maintaining a competitive stride,” said Lieb.

PricewaterhouseCoopers has nearly 100 years of experience servicing law firms and 50 years of providing critical benchmarking information to the legal profession.

PricewaterhouseCoopers works with a majority of the leading private companies in the U.S. Our 2,000 private company individuals focus on understanding the strategy and business objectives of private companies and their owners, working together to add value while reducing risk. Our professionals are provided with cross training to enable them to connect the dots across a number of private company issues such as compliance, controls, access to cash flow, expansion, exit strategies, succession, wealth management and the many areas that can help build or diminish long-term success and value. For more information about PwC's private companies services please visit pwc.com/pcs.

PricewaterhouseCoopers provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for our clients and their stakeholders. More than 163,000 people in 151 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

MS&K Attorneys Russell Frackman and William Cole Named to Elite Lists of Leading California Attorneys

2009-10-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles-based law firm Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp (MS&K) today announced that two of its partners have recently been recognized by a pair of prestigious lists of elite California attorneys.

Russell Frackman, an experienced litigator specializing in intellectual property, entertainment and technology matters, and William Cole, Chair of MS&K's labor and employment law practice, were both selected for the Los Angeles Business Journal's "Who's Who in Law" issue.

Published today, the special report from the weekly newspaper spotlighted the most prominent attorneys in Los Angeles County in a variety of practice areas. Frackman was recognized for Media & Entertainment and Cole was recognized for Labor & Employment. Both lawyers were also feted in "Who's Who in Law" by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2007 as well.

In addition, Frackman was named to the Daily Journal's annual "Top 100 Attorneys" list in a special issue published on September 23, 2009. The elite list of the 100 most influential attorneys in the state of California recognized attorneys in private practice, corporate law departments, non-profit organizations and academic institutions. This was the fifth consecutive year that Frackman has been named to the Daily Journal Top 100 list.

"These recognitions of Russ and Bill are very rewarding because they illustrate the serious respect they have earned among their peers and other members of the California legal profession," said MS&K Managing Partner Thomas Lambert. "We're proud of their accomplishments, but more importantly we are proud that they are part of a team of dedicated lawyers at MS&K who serve a wide range of business legal needs for our clients."

Frackman has been a "go-to" lawyer for the entertainment industry through his stewardship of many of the most important copyright and trademark cases to have been litigated in recent years. He is recognized as one of the nation's leading entertainment and intellectual property litigators, having successfully represented clients in a number of landmark cases in state and federal trial and appellate courts, and was lead counsel for the record company plaintiffs in the seminal Internet file sharing litigation, A&M Records, Inc. v. Napster. Recently, Frackman was lead counsel in two precedent-setting decisions involving the scope of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, a landmark case of first impression which applied the First Amendment to the use of trademarks in video games, and more than 100 related copyright infringement cases arising from the alleged unauthorized "sampling" of musical works in musical compositions and sound recordings, the largest series of such cases ever brought. He currently serves as Chair of the USC Gould School of Law 2009-2010 Intellectual Property Institute.

Cole has served as lead counsel in numerous employment discrimination, whistle blower, ERISA, LMRA Section 301 and wrongful termination cases, labor arbitrations, National Labor Relations Board hearings, and other administrative proceedings. He has also defended a number of employers in wage and hour and employment discrimination actions, served as the chief negotiator in numerous private and public sector collective bargaining negotiations, represented multi-employer Taft-Hartley Benefit Plans, and advised employers regarding ERISA issues. Cole regularly represents the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and its member companies in connection with advice regarding labor negotiations with all of the entertainment guilds and unions throughout the United States, as well as in industry-wide arbitrations, in litigation before state and federal courts, and before the National Labor Relations Board.

For more than 100 years, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP has maintained a reputation for excellence in providing sophisticated legal and business solutions for its clients in areas that include: Litigation, Intellectual Property & Technology, Labor & Employment, Entertainment & New Media, Immigration, Corporate Transactions, Homeland Security, Tax, Trust & Estates, Real Estate, and International Trade. Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP has offices in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit http://www.msk.com.

Corboy & Demetrio Secures $7 Million Record-Setting Settlement for Woman Injured at Target by Faulty Automatic Doors

2009-10-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Department store owner and operator, Target Corporation, (Target), as well as a prominent mechanical door manufacturer, have agreed to pay $7 million to an 81 year-old woman injured when an automatic door at the Target store in Rosemont, Illinois, malfunctioned and knocked her to the ground. It is a record settlement in Cook County, Illinois, for a brain injury to a woman 60 years old or older. Chicago personal injury lawyers, Philip Harnett Corboy, Jr., and Kenneth T. Lumb of the Corboy & Demetrio law firm, represented the injured woman.

On June 21, 2007, Claire Putman was entering the Target store located at 7000 Mannheim Road in Rosemont. As she walked through the entrance, the door malfunctioned and closed before she successfully maneuvered through the entry. Putman, a slight woman, was knocked over and hit her head when she fell to the ground. Her head was hit a second time by the door when it continued to open and close.

Putman was taken to Lutheran General Hospital and eventually diagnosed with a subdural hematoma. The bleed “blossomed” to the extent that she needed a craniotomy and evacuation of the hematoma. As a result, she has suffered brain damage that has left her with some cognitive deficits. She has lived in a nursing home since the incident because of the injuries she sustained.

Prior to being injured, Putman was retired and living on a fixed income with her 59 year-old daughter, who was semi-dependent upon her for care.

Corboy & Lumb contended that Target, the owner and operator of the mechanical doors, failed to inspect and properly maintain the doors at the store, while also failing to properly follow the safety guidelines provided by the door manufacturer, co-defendant, Besam USA, Inc., (Besam). They also maintained that Besam, the company that designed and manufactured the door and its component parts, failed to design and manufacture a system that would prevent purchasers – like Target – from turning off its failsafe system and failed to provide external noise and sound alerts when the system malfunctions, much like it malfunctioned in this situation.

Personal injury lawyer Corboy stated:

Claire was a lovely, spunky woman who had advanced into her senior years with grace and a dedication to her two children, especially to her 59 year-old daughter who lived with her for a number of years due to her special needs. As a result of what happened two years ago, Claire has been robbed of that ability to take care of her oldest daughter, as well as to enjoy the remaining years of her life the way she had planned. The three Putman ladies are a portrait of a family that will circle the wagons and provide love, care and attention to each other despite this life-changing event. I have all of the faith in the world that this settlement will allow Claire to live out the rest of her life with dignity at the home she’s lived in for over 50 years.

The settlement order was signed by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Deborah Mary Dooling.

The Northern Trust Company and Kay Putman, as Co-Guardians of the Estate of Claire Putman, a disabled person v. Target Corporation, a corporation, and Besam USA, Inc. Case number 07 L 7255B.

About Corboy & Demetrio

Corboy & Demetrio is one of the nation’s premier personal injury law firms. It represents individuals and their families in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases and is renowned for its achievements in the courtroom and for its contributions to the community. The rights and concerns of its clients are at the core of Corboy & Demetrio’s practice. That commitment, dedication, compassion and relentless drive has resulted in exceptional service and exceptional results for its clients. The firm has acquired more than $3 billion in settlements and verdicts and has attained almost 600 settlements and verdicts in excess of $1 million.

For further information, contact Mary Neville, Communications Director at 312.346.3191 or mjn (at) corboydemetrio (dot) com.

Minnesota Attorneys - Meshbesher & Spence Unveil New & Improved Website at www.meshbesher.com

2009-10-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota law firm Meshbesher & Spence unveiled a new website, www.meshbesher.com. The new site reflects the firm's depth of experience practicing law in Minnesota, highlighting the many achievements of the expert attorneys on staff at the firm's four Minnesota locations, and the commitment these attorneys maintain to serving individuals and families in crisis.

Meshbesher & Spence was founded by Ron Meshbesher in 1961. For over 50 years since, the firm's small staff has worked diligently to preserve and maintain the welfare of Minnesotans through its personal injury and wrongful death, criminal defense, class action, and civil litigation practices.

The new website includes extensive information about the firm's practice areas and in-depth profiles of each attorney on staff. Key Meshbesher & Spence cases that have defined Minnesota law throughout the last fifty years, as well as courtroom victories that were personally significant for the attorneys who worked on them, are described as well.

The website also includes a section of very practical free legal resources, including articles about how to choose a personal injury lawyer, what to do if you are in a car accident, and how to calculate the potential value of your claim, among others.

Meshbesher.com was developed in conjunction with the technology gurus at ArcStone Technologies, a Minneapolis technology consulting firm that has been serving Twin Cities-area businesses since 1997.

"We feel very honored to be working with the prestigious Minnesota law firm of Meshbesher & Spence. We hope to showcase the kind of compassionate people the lawyers at Meshbesher & Spence truly are", reported David Carnes, President & CEO of ArcStone Technologies.

Meshbesher & Spence is proud of the tradition of excellence upon which their practice is built and continues that tradition in a relentless pursuit of justice for each individual and family in need of their expert representation. The firm's work is based upon the belief that the lawyer you choose truly does make a difference, and the Minnesota attorneys of Meshbesher & Spence believe that every Minnesota family deserves the very best.

Ontario DUI Lawyers are Now Also Qualified Breath Technicians

2009-10-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

When charged with a serious criminal offence that could lead to a criminal conviction, it is vital to seek the best legal counsel possible, preferably a law firm that specializes and is experienced in defending similar cases. Nothing can replace specific knowledge obtained through years of legal practice and study. This is especially true when fighting an impaired driving charge. The best legal representation to fight a drinking and driving charge comes from a team of law professionals with expertise in the area of the law that is custom and specifically tied to a case. It is essential to have the best representation in order to reduce the chance of a criminal conviction that can incur serious consequences, including substantial fines and penalties, loss of driver's license, and even jail time.

Aitken Robertson (http://www.fightthecharges.com), an Ontario criminal law firm that specializes in helping clients fight impaired driving charges, has gone one step further to represent their dui clients. To become thoroughly knowledgeable on how breathalyzers work and of the entire breathalyzer processes, two of the Ontario law firm's dui legal team has been trained as Qualified Breath Technicians.

Defence lawyers Richard Aitken and D. Edwin Boeve, of Aitken Robertson, are two of only a few Ontario lawyers who are also Qualified Breath Technicians. Qualified Breath Techs analyze breath samples using an approved instrument, such as the Intoxilyzer 5000C which is commonly used on Ontario. To establish whether a motorist should be charged with having a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit, the breath technician will test at least two breath samples.

"Our training on the Intoxilyzer 5000C, give us a unique advantage when legally assisting our clients for over 80 or excess blood alcohol charges. Our training gives us an insider's knowledge into the workings of breathalyzer instruments used by police. We know the device's short comings and possible problems that may occur in its use. A drinking and driving case can be overturned by proving that the breath test was improperly administered or that there was a problem or discrepancy with the results obtained from the device," states Richard Aitken.

In Canada, the number of accused drunk drivers that go to court to fight impaired driving charges and win is on the rise, according to a recent study by Ottawa's Traffic Injury Research Foundation. However, changes to the Criminal Code last year have made it more difficult for lawyers to defend drinking and driving charges. In order to use the argument that a client's breathalyzer test is false and the results invalid, the law now requires that the defence must prove that there was a mistake made, such as the device not working properly or operator error. A legal team with expert knowledge of breathalyzers and how they work is in a much better position to fight an impaired driving charge. "To successfully fight a case it is important to have a thorough understanding of the law. By understanding the relevant science as well, the chances of obtaining a success outcome are greatly improved," adds Aitken.

The province of Ontario has some of the toughest drinking and driving laws in North America. Each year, approximately 35,000 Ontario drivers have their licenses suspended as a result of Criminal Code convictions. Impaired driving offences account for roughly three quarters of these convictions. Due to the very severe penalties imposed on those convicted of impaired driving charges, it is predicted that more accused drivers will decide to fight the charges in court.

About Aitken Robertson, Barristers & Solicitors: With a total of 45 years of combined legal experience, the Ontario law firm of Aitken Robertson, Barristers & Solicitors specializes in the criminal defence of drinking and driving cases and all DUI offenses. Aitken Robertson uses a unique team approach, offering clients individual attention, aggressive representation and a vigorous defence to achieve the best possible outcome. Practicing in Toronto, Peterborough, Oshawa, Lindsay, Coburg and Kingston, Aitken Robertson offers free initial consultation and reasonable payment plans. For more information call 1-800-668-1657 or visit their website http://www.fightthecharges.com.

New Website Launches Geared to Helping Consumers Find Reputable Florida Personal Injury Lawyers

2009-10-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

Jason Deitch, Esq. announced today the launch of a new website iNeedAPersonalInjuryLawyer.com to help consumers navigate the confusing waters when looking for Florida personal injury lawyers.

"How do you know the lawyer you found via the internet, a T.V. commercial, lawyer referral service, or the yellow pages is the right lawyer for you?" said Jason Deitch. "I created ineedapersonalinjurylawyer.com to take all of the guess-work out of hiring a lawyer. The hiring of a lawyer is a crucial decision for one who's life has been dramatically altered as the result of serious injuries caused by the negligence of another, and choosing a lawyer that is not up to the challenge of a particular case can have disastrous consequences. The problem is that with all of the fancy websites and other lawyer advertisements, it is easy to end up with the wrong lawyer. So often, people make decisions to hire lawyers based on impressions."

Having run a personal injury law firm for 15 years, Mr. Deitch has an "insiders" perspective on what makes a great lawyer and created the website to combat the problems inherent in selecting the best possible Florida personal injury attorney for a particular individual. He also understands that it is not always the injury that determines what an insurance company might pay to settle a claim. "I can't count how many times an insurance adjuster has stated to me that before they even look at the claimant's injury, they look to see who the lawyer is, then look at who the doctors are" says Mr. Deitch.

Many times, a person goes to a Boca Raton personal injury attorney who will then refer them to a doctor for treatment. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why the Boca Raton Personal Injury lawyer may have chosen that doctor, not all of which have anything to do with the nature of the client's injury.

About iNeedAPersonalInjuryLawyer.com

Clients of ineedapersonalinjurylawyer.com are referred to Florida personal injury attorneys who participate with the company by invitation only, and have been thoroughly vetted by, or are personally known to Mr. Deitch, to provide the highest quality of legal care available.

Belluck & Fox Partners Joseph W. Belluck and Jordan Fox Named to Super Lawyers

2009-10-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

Belluck & Fox is proud to announce that partners Joseph W. Belluck and Jordan Fox have once again been named to the Super Lawyers list of "Top Attorneys in the New York Metro Area."

The Super Lawyers selection process is a rigorous and objective assessment of an attorney's legal abilities that includes peer nominations, independent research and blue ribbon panel review. The inclusion of Mr. Belluck and Mr. Fox to Super Lawyers again confirms their status among New York's premier asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys.

Joseph W. Belluck has prosecuted numerous major cases involving injuries from asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint, including a recent asbestos case that settled for over $12 million. He has lectured on product liability, tort law, and tobacco control policy and is a highly qualified consumer law and tort litigation attorney. Mr. Belluck recently co-chaired HB Litigation Conferences' 2009 National Asbestos Litigation Conference.

Jordan Fox is one of the nation's most experienced product liability litigators. Over the past 17 years, Mr. Fox has represented and counseled victims of asbestos exposure, lead paint exposure and other environmental injuries. He has prosecuted thousands of asbestos cases and has settled hundreds of millions of dollars in claims. On two occasions, his verdicts were featured as The National Law Journal's Largest Verdicts of the Year.

About Belluck & Fox

Belluck & Fox, LLP is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as victims of crime, medical malpractice, motorcycle crashes, lead paint and other serious injuries. We provide personalized and professional representation and have won nearly $225 million in compensation for our clients and their families. Partner Jordan Fox has been named to the Best Lawyers in America and to Super Lawyers and on two separate occasions his verdicts were featured as the National Law Journal's Largest Verdict of the Year. Partner Joseph W. Belluck is a Super Lawyer who has prosecuted numerous cases involving injuries from asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint, including a recent asbestos case that settled for over $12 million.

Belluck & Fox sponsors www.mesotheliomahelp.net, one of the Web's leading sources of information about mesothelioma. The website features in-depth information on the diagnosis and treatment of pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma, as well as detailed information on the disease's rarer forms. MesotheliomaHelp.net also features patient profiles, biographic and contact information for mesothelioma specialists throughout the country and a daily blog where the latest research on asbestos and mesothelioma is reported on.

QuisLex, a Premier Offshore Legal Services Provider, Receives Prestigious HIPAA Certification

2009-10-07T00:43:00.000-07:00

QuisLex, a premier offshore legal services provider, today announced that it has received its Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (1996) (HIPAA) certification from HIPAA Conformance Certification Organization (HCCO), Inc., a U.S. certifying agency. QuisLex is the first and only pure-play LPO to have received a HIPAA certification.

HIPAA compliance addresses the security and privacy of personal health information by requiring administrative, physical and technical safeguards and emphasizing stringent security standards and implementation specifications. "Global healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are increasingly seeking out our services," stated Sirisha Gummaregula, COO of QuisLex. "Our HIPAA certification allows our clients to share confidential patient information with us while still complying with their own HIPAA obligations."

Since its inception, QuisLex has been at the vanguard of the LPO industry with its quantitative and process-driven approach to quality. "Achieving HIPAA certification is the latest in a series of security and quality benchmarks QuisLex has set for the industry," said Michel Sahyoun, CTO of QuisLex. "Three years ago, we were the first LPO to receive the ISO 27001 certification, and earlier this year we were the first LPO to be recognized as a SAS 70 Type II service provider. This latest certification gives our clients added confidence that our rigorous processes, advanced technological infrastructure and culture of confidentiality will keep their critical data safe and secure."

QuisLex provides offshore legal support solutions including litigation document review, contract management and analysis, and M&A due diligence to its clients, which include global technology corporations, global pharmaceutical and health care companies, global financial institutions, major telecommunications companies, Fortune 100 corporations and Am Law 100 law firms. "Our HIPAA certification extends across all our services, especially document review, where our clients entrust large volumes of data to us," added Gummaregula.

About QuisLex

QuisLex, Inc., headquartered in mid-town Manhattan, is a premier offshore legal services company providing specialized services in litigation/investigation/antitrust document review, contract management & negotiations and M&A due diligence, among others. QuisLex was founded by seasoned lawyers from Skadden Arps, Shearman & Sterling and Sidley Austin and is certified ISO 9001:2008 compliant for its proprietary quality management system and ISO/IEC 27001:2005 compliant for its information security management system. QuisLex is a SAS 70 Type II entity and is also EU Safe Harbor self-certified. For more information on QuisLex, visit http://www.QuisLex.com.

Patricia C. Collins of Antheil Maslow & MacMinn, LLP Gives WOGL Radio Interview on Employment Law

2009-10-07T00:42:00.000-07:00

Antheil Maslow & MacMinn, LLP, a Bucks County-based full-service law firm, announced the July 26, 2009 appearance of Associate Patricia C. Collins on Brad Segall’s WOGL radio show, “"The Philadelphia Agenda." Collins has been practicing law since 1996 in the areas of Employment Law, Health Care and Litigation. Ms. Collins drew from her employment law expertise to discuss employers’ use of background checks and the sources used to perform them for job applicants;, and the management of employees’ use of computers and the Internet at work for non-work purposes and the implications of usage policies and computer monitoring. Segall’s radio show airs every Sunday morning from 6 to 7 am on WOGL-FM 98.1. To hear the interview in its entirety, visit http://www.ammlaw.com/news-events/patricia-collins-gives-wogl-radio-interview-on-employment-law-topics.html.

Collins’ knowledge of employment law includes the Employee Retirement Income Security Act; federal and state employment discrimination laws, and employment contracts and wage claims. She received her B.A., summa cum laude, at Chestnut Hill College, and her J.D., cum laude, from Temple University. She is a member of the Pennsylvania and Bucks County Bar Associations, and is frequently invited to speak to employers about employment law, and provides training for their employees. She was Research Editor for the Temple Law Review at Temple University School of Law, and currently assists in publishing an employment law newsletter for the firm’s clients.

Celebrating 16 years in business, Antheil Maslow & MacMinn, LLP is a full-service law firm that offers sophisticated, proactive, timely and cost-effective legal advice. The Firm has a broad range of practice areas in Business & Finance; Death & Serious Injury; Estates & Trusts; Health Care; Labor & Employment; Litigation; Nonprofits; Real Estate & Land Use; Tax; and Bankruptcy. The Firm works with high net worth individuals, small to mid-sized, privately-held companies, nonprofits and health care organizations in the Greater Philadelphia and New Jersey areas. Antheil Maslow & MacMinn, LLP is headquartered in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with a branch office in Princeton, New Jersey.

Minnesota Top 50 Law Firm Chooses WinScribe Over BigHand

2009-10-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

After a careful selection process comparing vendors WinScribe and BigHand, fast growing Minnesota law firm Hellmuth & Johnson have chosen WinScribe's Digital Dictation solution. "We simply liked the WinScribe solution better than BigHand's and have come to expect great support from MacTek, our local WinScribe supplier" said Susan Marsh, Chief Operating Office at Hellmuth & Johnson.

With a pressing need to replace aging analogue equipment the law firm decided to investigate the current offering from WinScribe Inc and to compare it to the current BigHand product. By having attorneys using portable digital devices to dictate and with both attorneys and legal assistants enjoying timely results early on, Hellmuth found the decision straightforward. "Our attorneys and legal assistants love the WinScribe solution and we found Mactek very good to deal with," said Marsh.

Additionally, the firm has been able to take advantage of WinScribe's unique and secure internet based components to allow their busy attorneys the ability to submit work from anywhere at any time. Marsh further explained, "We have seen improved turnaround time in the submission of lawyer dictations and document creation with the WinScribe Digital Dictation solution. WinScribe has allowed our attorneys to work from anywhere and that has been just great. Attorneys within our firm that travel can submit their work quicker creating a smoother transition internally."
Coupled with Hellmuth & Johnson's superior client service, the WinScribe Digital Dictation solution has been able to provide additional value to the firm's staff and ultimately their clientele.

About Hellmuth & Johnson

Hellmuth & Johnson, PLLC offers a range of legal services to meet both corporate and individual needs. Named among Minnesota's 50 largest law firms, Hellmuth & Johnson holds the highest possible Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell -- the AV® Peer Review Rated designation. For more information, visit www.hjlawfirm.com or call (952) 941-4005.

About WinScribe

WinScribe is a world leading provider of digital dictation software supporting business requirements for digital dictation, transcription, voice recognition, and workflow management. Founded in 1995, WinScribe has offices in the USA, UK, New Zealand, Australia and Switzerland, with more than 100 sales partners in over 25 countries supporting more than 350,000 users worldwide.

The WinScribe solution is built on Microsoft architecture, to ensure easy integration and maintenance. WinScribe also supports a wide range of manufacturer-independent dictation devices and is scalable from small, single office locations up to large multinational corporations. WinScribe is fully customizable to meet the needs of a number of significant vertical markets including Legal, Law Enforcement, Healthcare, Transcription, Insurance and Government Sectors.

About MacTek, Inc.

MacTek, Inc. is a leading provider of recording equipment and communications tools to organizations in the upper Midwest. Their commitment to the integration of innovative recording technologies has enabled them to provide cutting edge products to companies representing a variety of industries. Located in the Twin City area, MacTek's certified staff has over 60 years combined experience in managing implementations from planning and configuring the best solution, to installation, training and ongoing support.

Virginia Attorney Obtains $1 Million Settlement for Estate of Woman Killed in a Drunk Driving Accident

2009-10-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

A $1 million wrongful death settlement has been obtained on behalf of the family of a South Richmond woman who was killed by a drunk driver on May 24, 2008.

Kathryn Jones, 44, was fatally injured when a truck driven by Carmen Alejandro Garcia-Hernandez left a residential roadway and hit a parked vehicle. The parked vehicle spun around and struck Ms. Jones, who was standing in a front yard during a Memorial Day gathering. A man standing with Ms. Jones, Joseph Owens, 44, was also struck and killed.

The survivors of Ms. Jones, represented by Charles H. Cuthbert, Jr. of Cuthbert Law Offices in Petersburg, VA, filed suit against the driver and his employer, R.J. Biringer Construction Co. Inc., to whom the truck was registered.

Ms. Jones, who worked as a security guard, is survived by a 17-year-old daughter and a 26-year-old son.

"Ms. Jones died a tragic death and it is a disheartening that those responsible for her death were not initially willing to accept their responsibility," said Mr. Cuthbert. "This settlement will help her children and family deal with their loss and provide them a sense of closure."

The chief contested issue involved permissive use. In the days after Ms. Jones was killed, the construction company's owner, Ronald J. Biringer, claimed Garcia-Hernandez had used the company truck in violation of Mr. Biringer's explicit instructions to return the truck to the workplace at the end of the Saturday work day. The accident happened at 11:15 p.m. that Saturday on the long Memorial Day weekend.

Several complications made it particularly difficult for Cuthbert to prove permission. To begin with, all of the plaintiff's witnesses spoke little or no English, and the testimony of a pivotal eyewitness, speaking through an interpreter, seemed to change each time he was questioned. Furthermore, the key defense witness was under federal indictment for alleged immigration offenses but the court record was sealed. This limited Cuthbert's ability to attack the witness' credibility.

Nonetheless, after months of investigation and negotiation, Biringer Construction's insurer, Erie Insurance Exchange, agreed to a $1 million settlement with the estate of Ms. Jones.

The case is Constance D. Ragsdale, et al., v. Carmen Alejandro Garcia-Hernandez and R.J. Biringer Construction Co., Inc. (Richmond Circuit Court; Case No. CL08-2887).

About Cuthbert Law Offices

For more than 30 years, Cuthbert Law Offices has successfully litigated cases for clients and their families throughout Virginia. The firm handles personal injury claims including car and truck accidents, medical malpractice and wrongful deaths. The firm also helps clients obtain disability benefits that the Social Security Administration has denied.

Charles H. Cuthbert, Jr., firm partner, focuses his practice on representing victims of serious injuries. He is a graduate of Harvard College. He received a joint JD/MBA degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. He is a member of the bars in Virginia and North Carolina as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.

To contact Cuthbert Law Offices, telephone the Petersburg Office at (804) 733-3100 or the Richmond office at (804) 643-3100 or reach the firm online with the electronic contact form at http://www.cuthbertlaw.com/contact-us.asp.

Family Files Suit Against Ford in Police Officer Death

2009-10-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

Today the widow of a Euclid Police Officer filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ford Motor Company in Cuyahoga County, Ohio Cause No. CV 09 705917. George Brentar, a 22 year police veteran, died in a fiery crash when his 2007 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (CVPI) crashed into a highway exit sign pole.

Officer Brentar was pursuing a speed violator on Lakeland Avenue when his vehicle veered off the road. The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that Ford was negligent in failing to equip the 2007 CVPI with an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system and for locating the fuel tank in the rear crush zone of the vehicle.

The lawsuit was filed in Cuyahoga County, Ohio by Brad Lakin and Charles Chapman of LakinChapman, LLC on behalf of their clients. Lakin said, "The Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is a specialty car manufactured by Ford. Two simple safety features would have prevented this tragedy altogether. First, the CVPI should've been equipped with an ESC system that would have prevented Officer Brentar's car from veering out of control. Second, no fire and no burns would have occurred had Ford not located the CVPI fuel tank in the rear crush zone."

Lakin said there have been over 50 other fiery crashes involving the CVPI and the panther platform vehicles that have resulted in severe burns and/or death, 4 in Ohio since 2006. LakinChapman, LLC also represents Officer Ross Linert, an Austintown, Ohio police officer, who survived a fiery crash in November 11, 2007. Linert suffered burns to over 40% of his body. The case is pending in Mahoning County, Ohio. Two other Ohio State Patrolman, Sgt. Dale R. Holcomb and Tpr. Joshua P. Risner, died in a CVPI fire in September of 2006 in Gallia County, Ohio

Officer Brentar is known in his community for his work with children and helping start the "Get Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs" program. George Brentar is survived by his wife and two teenage children.

Lakin's firm is no stranger to Ford. His firm won a $43 million verdict against Ford in 2005, for an elderly couple whose Lincoln Town Car erupted into flames after being rear ended.

Michael P. Fleming Admitted as Solicitor in Republic of Ireland

2009-10-06T05:24:00.000-07:00

Michael P. Fleming, the founder of the law firm Michael P. Fleming & Associates, P.C., and former Harris County Attorney, was recently admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in the Republic of Ireland. A solicitor is equivalent to an attorney or lawyer in North America.

Fleming was recently notified that he had passed the battery of tests to be a member of the Law Society of Ireland and is investigating the process of creating an office in Ireland.

"Ireland has maintained a very attractive business climate for international companies," Fleming said. "The reason I did this is to better serve clients who wish to do business in Ireland and those there who wish to do business in Texas. This is all part of an effort to literally and figuratively expand the borders of the firm."

Fleming said the move made sense, especially since smart businesses and innovative business leaders will be looking for global opportunities as the international economy tries to mend itself. A certified mediator, Fleming also noted that this would enhance his international mediation practice.

Michael P. Fleming & Associates, P.C. is a Houston-based civil litigation, real estate and business law firm that is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Fleming has practiced law in the Houston area for over 22 years. Prior to forming his own firm in 2002 and shortly after leaving public office, Mr. Fleming was a partner in the litigation section of Bracewell & Patterson, L.L.P. (now Bracewell & Giuliani).

Fleming has represented clients in the state and federal trial and appellate courts, including arguing and winning a case before the Supreme Court of the United States of America. He is Board Certified as a specialist in both Personal Injury Trial Law and Real Estate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

For more information on Michael P. Fleming & Associates, P.C., please visit www.flemingattorneys.com.

Seidman Law Offices of Chicago Launches New Websites for FELA, Railroad Injury, and Civil Rights Claims

2009-10-06T05:22:00.000-07:00

The Chicago attorneys of Seidman Law Offices have launched two new websites to inform Illinois residents of the law firm's practice in the areas of FELA and railroad injury claims as well as civil rights litigation. The Seidman attorneys are established personal injury lawyers who now offer details about the full scope of their practice. Seidman Law Offices seeks to improve its accessibility through this enhanced presence on the Internet.

"The Federal Employers Liability Act, or FELA, is a 1908 law that protects railroad workers, from Amtrak engineers to EL train conductors," founding partner Steven J. Seidman explained. "To get properly compensated for your injuries you should engage an experienced Chicago FELA lawyer," he added. Seidman Law Offices is also familiar with the laws that provide relief to train passengers, pedestrians, and vehicle drivers who are injured in train accidents. The firm's legal practice in railroad injury litigation is discussed in detail at the new Seidman Law Offices FELA law website.

Seidman Law Offices also practices civil rights law in Chicago. "We pursue claims if your civil rights have been abused," Mr. Seidman said. "You have the right to protection of your speech and religion under the First Amendment, and the right to protection from unlawful search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment," he continued. The Illinois law practice also handles police brutality cases and wrongful conviction reversals. More information about the firm's work in civil rights law can be found at the new Seidman Law Offices civil rights law website.

Seidman Law Offices continues to offer representation for a full range of personal injury claims, including car accidents, construction accidents, catastrophic injuries, medical malpractice, unsafe premises, defective products, nursing home negligence, birth injuries, wrongful death, and workers compensation.

About the Firm

Seidman Law Offices is a Chicago personal injury law firm whose lawyers have been serving the needs of personal injury clients since 1986. Attorneys Steven J. Seidman and Christopher D. Freeman have more than 30 years collective experience handling personal injury claims. A main area of their practice is FELA and railroad accidents, representing injured automobile drivers, railway passengers, pedestrians, firemen, conductors, engineers. Seidman Law Offices also handles civil rights complaints, from discrimination and harassment to hate crimes and police brutality.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Attorney James C. Gardner, Sr. Joins Multi-District Litigation of Contaminated Chinese Drywall Cases

2009-10-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

Mississippi Gulf Coast attorney James C. Gardner, Sr. has joined a consolidated lawsuit seeking damages for hundreds of Gulf Coast residents whose homes are contaminated by Chinese drywall. Gardner has partnered with lawyer Jim Reeves of Biloxi, who is on the steering committee of the Chinese drywall Multi-District Litigation (MDL). Gardner and Reeves have confirmed more than 30 cases of contaminated Chinese drywall damage in South Mississippi for the consolidated federal lawsuit, and they are expecting many more.

Attorney Gardner explained that Chinese manufacturer Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin shipped drywall to the Gulf Coast in 2006 and 2007 during the rebuilding period after Hurricane Katrina. The numerous Chinese drywall lawsuits allege that the material is contaminated with a sulfurous gas which destroys the electrical and plumbing systems in houses. It is believed that Mississippi homes are behind only Florida and Louisiana in the prevalence of the contaminated drywall product, Gardner continued.

"I attended the Harris Martin Chinese Drywall Litigation Conference in June, and the evidence I saw and heard convinced me that people whose homes have been affected should speak to a Chinese drywall lawyer," Gardner said. Later that month, the New Orleans Federal Court was selected as the venue for consolidation of all the hundreds of federal Chinese drywall lawsuits--similar to a class action. The Environmental Protection Agency is tracking the drywall problem, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission is studying the Chinese drywall for evidence of toxic health hazards, Gardner added.

"In Hurricane Katrina, the Gulf Coast fell victim to this country's worst natural disaster in recent memory," Gardner said. "Now those residents who rebuilt and unknowingly used contaminated drywall have been made victims again. I am glad to represent these people and I intend to hold the responsible parties accountable."

In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation is filed as case No. 2047 with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation.

About the Firm

Gardner Law Firm is a personal injury law practice representing Mississippi Gulf Coast plaintiffs from offices in Pasacagoula, Biloxi, and Hattiesburg. The firm handles maritime claims under the Jones Act, including injuries on vessels and offshore rigs. Gardner Law Firm's other areas of personal injury litigation include auto and truck accidents, premises liability, workers compensation, and Chinese drywall exposure. Gardner Law Firm has been protecting the rights of Mississippi Gulf Coast residents for over 30 years.

Notre Dame President Emeritus Calls on House Judiciary Chairman and U.S. Attorney General to Meet with Embattled Legal Reform Activist

2009-10-06T05:17:00.000-07:00

Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame at South Bend, Indiana, recently wrote U.S. Representative John Conyers, Jr. and Attorney General Eric Holder on behalf of Notre Dame graduate and good government advocate, Zena Crenshaw-Logal. Noting that he welcomed President Barack Obama to the university's campus for its 2009 commencement address but had yet to meet them, Hesburgh encouraged Representative Conyers and Attorney General Holder to meet with Zena, describing her as "a young woman with whom I have much in common."

Reverend or Father Hesburgh as he is also known, has been a priest of the Congregation of the Holy Cross since 1943. He served as Notre Dame's president from 1952 to 1987; accepted sixteen presidential appointments in the interim, including to chair the U.S. Civil Rights Commission; remains a national and international figure at more than 90 years of age; and is arguably the best known educator of the twentieth century. Hesburgh's 150 or so honorary degrees stand as a Guinness Book record. Added to his awards are the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, and West Point's distinguished Sylvanus Thayer Award.

Zena wrote Father Hesburgh after he spoke this summer at a dinner honoring her and others during Notre Dame's "2009 Black Alumni Triennial Reunion". Zena's letter to Hesburgh overviews problems following her public challenge, "with substantial community support (of alleged) bias by courts of Lake County, Indiana against minority lawyers prosecuting relatively complex, potentially lucrative personal injuries claims." Zena asserts "(i)n the process our clients experienced staggering losses in increasingly unpopular personal injury matters such as civil rights cases and marginalized victories in routine personal injury disputes such as those premised on minor auto accidents."

The specter of judicial and political bias prompted the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Representative Conyers, to investigate the U.S. Department of Justice. In an October 2007 letter, political insider Paul Minor made an impassioned plea, claiming only Conyer's committee ". . . can help (him, i.e. Minor) prove that the Bush Justice Department's prosecution of (him) and Justice Oliver Diaz, Jr., and Judges Wes Teel and John Whitfield was politically motivated." The U.S. House of Representatives is addressing the high profile Mississippi prosecutions and convictions as evidenced by a joint hearing this summer on "Allegations of Selective Prosecution: The Erosion of Public Confidence in Our Federal Justice System".

Writing as Executive Director of the grassroots reform group known as POPULAR (Power Over Poverty Under Laws of America Restored), Zena points out in a February 2009 letter to Conyers that "(w)ealthy or once wealthy lawyers such as Minor (not to mention former coroners, governors, and judges) are better positioned to correct trial and/or appellate error without legislative action than most American litigants, respondents, and defendants." In fact teaming with the ACORN 8, a nonprofit organization characterized as the people's movement to reform ACORN, Zena explained by press release that "relative lack of wealth literally defines the most vulnerable segment of American society", noting "(w)hen it comes to resources for effectively fighting serious corruption, the overwhelming majority of Americans are poor; not in the sense of being impoverished, but as compared to certain corrupt forces we are compelled to resist."

In his referenced letter, Minor suggests various reasons why a federal judge's handling of his second trial may have been outcome determinative. Zena subsequently advised Chairman Conyers that "(s)uch questioning of the judiciary substantially curtailed if not ended the legal career of every POPULAR founder outside of our advisory board members". Largely at Zena's behest, renowned civil rights activist and former constitutional law professor Thomas N. Todd, called on Conyers to pursue a national administrative agency to regulate speech among lawyers. In August 2007 Todd explained that the reality of 50 different states providing "various interpretations of the federal standard" for a lawyer's free speech can spawn local abuse and a "chilling effect"; particularly when lawyers represent "very, very unpopular clients, . . . as they did in the South."

A March 2009 Washington Post op-ed mused that "(t)he president is . . . trapped between these two realms - - the governing elites who decide things and the people who are governed", asking "(w)hich side is he on?" According to Zena the answer remains to be seen, but she adds "it speaks volumes that only Father Hesburgh intervened; this despite an era of change personified by President Obama, attorney Todd's earlier rallying for First Amendment protections, and the numerous domestic and international leaders I beseeched for the proverbial little guy."

An online newsroom of POPULAR and the ACORN 8 links to detailed accounts of what Zena describes as "compelling pleas for assistance that at best prompted form letters declining investigation by federal authorities." The socio-economic background of those featured seeking help is so diverse that Zena defines the group as "Americans, grappling for justice without the benefit of wealth and prestige beyond accomplishments substantially stripped by arguable abuses of power and certainly under questionable circumstances." That common denominator inspired an op-ed by Zena, concluding in response to the announced fortification of Holder's Civil Rights Division that "(a)nyone legitimately pressing beyond local officials to our federal government for relief, needs a DOJ committed to First Amendment as much if not more than anti-discrimination enforcement."

To read Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh's letter to Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich) and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on behalf of Zena Crenshaw-Logal and learn more about POPULAR as well as the ACORN 8, visit http://www.popular4people.org/OLTW_newsroom.html

Dozier Law Group, LLC Settles Atlanta Personal Injury Case for $475,000

2009-10-06T00:40:00.000-07:00

Dozier Law Group, LLC (dozierlawgroup.com) has settled a premises liability personal injury case for $475,000 involving a fall at a national car wash company in Gwinnett County State Court. Dozier Law Group is an Atlanta law firm known for its Atlanta personal injury attorneys as well as its focus on business, commercial and employment law.

About the Personal Injury Case

The plaintiff worked for a company that supplied products to the car wash industry. During a service call to one of the defendant's car wash locations in metro Atlanta, the plaintiff fell between fiberglass flooring grates in the car wash tunnel, cutting and injuring his leg. Due to the chemicals and contaminants in the runoff water, a horrible infection developed which resulted in numerous painful medical procedures and permanent disfigurement.

The plaintiff filed suit against the car wash company, asserting that it unreasonably failed to provide a safe environment by having gaps in the fiberglass flooring grates which were not detectable. As a result, the plaintiff could not appreciate the hazard, fell between the flooring grates, and was seriously injured as a result of a dangerous condition that could have been easily remedied at minimal expense.

Premises liability claims occur when a visitor is injured after encountering an unsafe condition on a property. Premises liability claims can involve, for example, a slippery substance on the floor, a concealed hole or gap in a flooring surface, a railing or step that unexpectedly gives way, improperly stacked or secured merchandise that falls from shelving, or other hazardous conditions. But these aren't the only problems that can lead to a premises liability claim. Others include:

- Failure to warn about an unsafe condition
- Inadequate security in a high-risk business or neighborhood
- Assaults, shootings or other violent attacks by employees or third parties
- Inadequate or no fire suppression equipment
- Insufficient crowd control measures
- Balcony collapses
- Inadequate lighting
- Improperly maintained store fixtures
- Improperly maintained escalators and elevators
- Allowing unrepaired or unsafe equipment to be used

If you, a family member or a loved one have been injured as the result of another's carelessness or negligence, you probably have a number of questions and concerns. Contact the Atlanta personal injury lawyers of Dozier Law Group (dozierlawgroup.com) at (404) 9... to learn more about your legal rights or to discuss your particular situation. We encourage you not to delay speaking with counsel, as personal injury cases must be brought within the statute of limitations and can be lost forever if not pursued timely.

About Dozier Law Group, LLC

Dozier Law Group represents clients in and around the Atlanta metro area, including Alpharetta, Fairburn, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Lithonia, Druid Hills, Dunwoody, Tucker, Marietta, Smyrna, Vinings, Duluth, Acworth, Fayetteville, Marietta, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Norcross, Chamblee, Snellville, Woodstock, Gainesville, Morrow, Carrollton, College Park, Peachtree City, Riverdale, Newnan, Conyers, Covington, Canton, Milton, John's Creek, Stockbridge, McDonough, Douglasville and other cities throughout the state of Georgia.

The Mulligan Law Firm Is Investigating Injury Claims Involving Paxil And SSRI Antidepressants And Their Potential Link To Birth Defects

2009-10-06T00:36:00.000-07:00

The Mulligan Law Firm is a national law firm located in Dallas, Texas, providing information and resources for injured individuals and their families in all 50 states. The firm has successfully resolved over $600,000,000 in claims for its clients since 1995.

The Mulligan Law Firm is currently investigating injury claims involving the possible role of Paxil® and SSRI antidepressants in infant Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN) and other birth defects. Anyone prescribed Paxil or another SSRI whose baby has PPHN or other birth defects should consult with a legal professional immediately. t

The Mulligan Law Firm takes all cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means the prospective client does not pay for our services unless an award or compensation is received.

A public health advisory was issued by the FDA on December 8, 2005, based on reports that taking Paxil during the first trimester of pregnancy could possibly increase the risk of heart defects.

Since the FDA health advisory, it is alleged that Paxil and other SSRI drugs may cause other birth defects, including defects of heart, lung, brain or body. It is important to note that several of these defects are alleged to have been reported in connection with other SSRI antidepressants also: Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, Effexor and Symbyax.

A second study cited by the FDA was published in the New England Journal of Medicine on February 9, 2006. It reports that babies whose mothers took SSRI antidepressants after the 20th week of pregnancy were six times more likely to develop PPHN. PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension) is a life-threatening condition where the infant's lungs fail to make the normal transition after birth.

Babies born with PPHN (Persistent pulmonary hypertension) are not able to get enough oxygen into their blood because of high blood pressure in the lung blood vessels. A circulatory transition that normally takes place after birth never happens. Statistically, 1 to 2 babies per 1000 born in the United States develop PPHN, and require critical care.

About Paxil and the SSRI Class of Drugs

Paxil (Paroxetine) is in the SSRI class of pharmaceuticals. Released in 1992 by GlaxoSmithKline, the drug is used to treat major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic, and anxiety disorders in adults.

SSRI is an acronym for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. Simply put, it means that this class of drugs increases the amount of Serotonin available to the brain, balancing the patient's serotonin level. Serotonin is a naturally occurring brain chemical that assists in the regulation and improvement of mood. It is used primarily in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.

SSRIs are the most widely prescribed antidepressants in many countries. Some commonly prescribed SSRIs are Paxil, Prozac®, Zoloft®, Lexapro®, Celexa®, Effexor® and Symbyax®.

Consult with your physician before you stop taking any medications, including Paxil or any other SSRI antidepressant.

For more information on the Mulligan Law Firm, visit www.mulliganlaw.com.

Schwartzapfel Partners Lawyers Among New York Super Lawyers For 2009

2009-10-06T00:35:00.000-07:00

Three members of the New York law firm of Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C., have been selected for inclusion in the 2009 New York Super Lawyers magazine.

Steven J. Schwartzapfel, Robert B. Marcus and Duane Fiedler were chosen for the 2009 New York Super Lawyers list, which is compiled by Law & Politics, a division of Key Professional Media Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn. The list represents no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state.

"It's flattering when our professionalism and hard work on behalf of our clients is recognized," said Steven J. Schwartzapfel, founding member of Schwartzapfel Partners, a New York personal injury law firm.

Each year, Law & Politics undertakes a multi-phase selection process that evaluates each candidate on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement.

The review process includes a statewide survey of lawyers, independent evaluation of candidates by Law & Politics' attorney-led research staff, a peer review of candidates by practice area and a good standing and disciplinary check. The objective is to create a credible and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel.

Schwartzapfel earned a B.A. with honors from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1977 and graduated from Pace University School of Law in 1980. His practice focuses on personal injury, wrongful death, construction site litigation, medical malpractice and mass torts.

Schwartzapfel has been a member, director, officer and Past President-elect of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. He currently serves as a director emeritus. He is a founding member, director and First Vice-President of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. He has been awarded the prestigious AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell, was selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the American Trial Lawyers Association and previously named to the New York Super Lawyers list. He is member of the Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Robert B. Marcus, a partner in the firm, also is a repeat member of the Super Lawyers list. Marcus received a B.A. from the City University of New York in 1975 and a J.D. degree from Pace University School of Law in 1979, where he was a member and associate editor of the Pace Law Review and a classmate of Schwartzapfel. His practice focuses on catastrophic personal injury, construction accidents, mass torts and medical malpractice.

Marcus serves on the Board of Directors of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. He also is a member of the Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum and was previously named to the New York Super Lawyers list. He has been awarded the prestigious AV rating in Martindale-Hubbell.

Duane Fiedler, another member of the Schwartzapfel legal team, earned a B.A. degree from Syracuse University in 1975. He attended New York University School of Law where he received a J.D. in 1978. Fiedler concentrates his practice in the areas of medical malpractice and negligence litigation. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association for Justice.

Fiedler has been chosen as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the American Association of Trial Lawyers and selected as a member of the Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He has also been included in the Best Lawyers in America, New York Super Lawyers, New York Magazine's Best Lawyers issue and Best Trial Lawyers in Westchester.

About Schwartzapfel Partners

Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C. is a prominent and well-respected plaintiff personal injury firm in New York. With more than 150 years of combined experience and highly competent co-counsel throughout the country, Schwartzapfel Partners serves a variety of legal needs.

The firm concentrates in all types of personal injury litigation, including motor vehicle accidents (auto, truck, motorcycle, taxi), medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, wrongful death, defective products and drugs, construction accidents, workplace injuries, workers' compensation and Social Security disability. To contact the law firm, call 1.800.966.4999 or go to www.fightingforyou.com for more information.

California Personal Injury Lawyers File Wrongful Death Action Against Caltrans

2009-10-06T00:32:00.000-07:00

The California personal injury lawyers of BISNAR | CHASE (www.BestAttorney.com) have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Caltrans, Holly Ann Lee, Gaylene Lee, Victoriana Vazquez and Miguel Alvarez.

The suit alleges that the lack of lighting on an high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane resulted in a dangerous condition that precipitated several collisions and resulted in the demise of 22-year-old Kimberly Anne Downes. Additional allegations of DUI and speeding fall upon motorists Holly Ann Lee and Victoriana Alvarez for the death of Downes. Gaylene Lee and Miguel Alvarez are named as owners of the vehicles involved in the collisions. The action was brought against the defendants by James R. Downes and Myung Sun Kim, Kimberly's parents.

A Cascade of Collisions and a Preventable Fatality

On February 13, 2009, Kimberly Anne Downes was driving to work in her 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe within the speed limit on SR-60 in the Los Angeles County city of Diamond Bar when, for unknown reasons, she swerved to the left, striking the center concrete median wall and overturning in the HOV lane. Shortly thereafter, Holly Ann Lee, driving a 2007 Toyota Yaris, struck Downes' Hyundai. Downes was at that time standing outside of her Hyundai, close to the collision of the two vehicles. Immediately following this collision, Victoriana Vazquez, driving a 2003 Jeep Liberty, struck Downes, who may have been thrown into the eastbound lanes of SR-60, fatally injuring Downes.

Suit Alleges Caltrans Failed to Provide Safe Lighting

The plaintiffs contend that Caltrans was negligent in its duty to provide a safe public roadway. They allege that Caltrans failed to ensure that the double armed center median lights east of the Grand Avenue overpass near SR-60 (the Pomona Freeway) were turned on at the time of the accident--at approximately 3:30 a.m. The plaintiffs further allege that Caltrans neglected to perform regular and routine inspections of the lighting on SR-60 just east of the Grand Avenue overpass and that they neglected to warn motorists of this dangerous condition.

"Before this tragic car accident occurred, Caltrans undertook traffic surveys and scene analysis studies in the immediate vicinity of the crash site," noted Orange County personal injury attorney Brian Chase, a partner at BISNAR | CHASE. "Line-of-sight and vision issues prompted Caltrans to erect four double-armed high-intensity light poles in the center median of SR-60, immediately east and west of the Los Angeles county car accident site, and just east of the Grand Avenue overpass. The lack of lighting prior to construction resulted in a dangerous condition of darkness, which was compounded by the impaired line-of-sight overpass at Grand Avenue."

DUI and Speeding Alleged as Contributing Factors

The plaintiffs contend that the dangerously dark conditions and poor line-of-sight visibility prevented defendants Lee and Vazquez from seeing Downes and her vehicle so as to take evasive actions to avoid colliding with Downes. The plaintiffs also contend that Lee was negligent and careless in operating the Toyota Yaris, since she was driving at an excessive and unsafe speed and allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. The plaintiffs further allege that Vazquez was driving at an excessive and unsafe speed when she struck Downes.

The wrongful death case (number KC056861) was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, East District. The action seeks economic and non-economic damages for the wrongful death of Kimberly Anne Downes.

About BISNAR | CHASE

The BISNAR | CHASE law firm's Los Angeles personal injury lawyers represent people who have been very seriously injured or lost a family member due to an accident, defective product or negligence throughout California. The law firm has won a wide variety of challenging personal injury and product liability cases, involving car accidents, on-the-job accidents, dog attacks and defective products made by Fortune 500 companies. For more information, visit www.BestAttorney.com and www.CaliforniaInjuryBlog.com.

Toyota Apology & Recall Too Late For San Jose Father Of Five According To The Mann Law Firm And Franecke Law Group

2009-10-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

The Mann Law Firm and The Franecke Law Group helped the family of Troy Edwin Johnson settle a claim against Toyota Motor Corporation this summer (Santa Clara County Superior Court Case #1-08-CV-110696) after Johnson was killed instantly and his body burned beyond recognition in July 2007 when his vehicle was struck by a Toyota Camry traveling out of control at approximately 120 miles per hour.

Toyota's largest-ever U.S. recall to address problems with a removable floor mat that could cause accelerators to get stuck and lead to a crash is too late for Johnson's family. "It is sad that Troy's children will grow up without a father due to a defective design with Toyota floor-mats", .said his wife Melodie Renee Bohuchot. "I lost my best friend, the children lost a father that really cared about and a father that really loved them and wanted to be a part of their lives ", said Bohuchot.

Attorneys Mohinder Mann and Gary Mann, The Mann Law Firm, along with Lou Franecke, Franecke Law Group, helped Bohuchot settle her lawsuit against Toyota for an amount not permitted to be revealed.

"Toyota was and must be held accountable for their design engineering mistakes", said Attorney Mohinder Mann. When an accident is caused by the defective design or manufacturing of a vehicle, the manufacturer can be held liable for damages to the injured party. "Toyota did the right thing by issuing the recall and apologizing for the needless deaths and suffering", said Franecke. "This accident points to the tragic consequences when defective cars are let loose on the streets", added Franecke.

Johnson was killed when in a fiery accident on July 26, 2007 along Interstate 280 at Race Street in San Jose. Initial CHP reports indicated that excessive speed and dangerous driving, including passing in the center divider, may have been the cause of the accident. On further investigation, the CHP found that the Camry's floor mat could possibly jam the gas pedal down, causing the car to speed forward. Investigators found evidence that the driver had indeed tried to slow down the car, but had failed.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began an investigation in March 2007, four months before Troy's accident, after receiving five complaints from owners of the 2007 Lexus ES 350 about unintended acceleration. The agency's investigation in 2007 made it clear the automaker had a problem with the design of the accelerator pedal and the all-weather, rubber floor mats that were an option.

About Attorney Louis Franecke

Attorney Louis Franecke specializes in product liability cases involving airplane and vehicles. In his more than 35 years in practice, Franecke has been involved in numerous high profile national cases including the early Corvair rollover cases.

About The Mann Law Firm

The Mann Law Firm has been serving their clients for over 30 years with their extensive litigation experience. Over the years, the firm has helped their clients recover millions of dollars for cases ranging from injuries suffered in car collisions to manufacturing and design defects against automakers to dangerous conditions caused by public entities.

Andrew B. Lustigman, Sheldon S. Lustigman, have been named by New York Super Lawyers - Metro Edition as Top Attorneys

2009-10-06T00:29:00.000-07:00

Andrew B. Lustigman and Sheldon S. Lustigman, principals of The Lustigman Firm, P.C., a leading advertising and marketing boutique law firm in New York, have been named by New York Super Lawyers - Metro Edition as two of the top attorneys in their practice area -- media and advertising law. Only five percent of New York metro attorneys are named to the list after being selected through an extensive process of peer nominations, blue ribbon panel review and independent research. Both Andrew and Sheldon have been selected for inclusion into the current edition of New York Super Lawyers - Metro Edition 2009.

Andrew is a nationally recognized attorney and frequently appears in publications such as the National Law Journal, Mobile Marketer, DM News, and Response, discussing important new cases and trends that advertisers and marketers need to know. He contributes to other publications, including the Promotion Marketing Association's Promotion Marketing Law treatise and American Bar Association publications and frequently speaks on subjects relating to advertising and promotional marketing law topics. Andrew is the Chair of the ABA Special Committee on Promotion and Marketing Law and actively serves on the law committee for the Promotion Marketing Association and the ABA Consumer Protection Committee, as well as the Consumer Affairs Committee for the Association of the Bar of the City of New York. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from The American University, Washington College of Law where he was Managing Editor of The American University Law Review. Andrew is the past president of the New York Chapter of the International Network of Boutique Law Firms. He is a member of the New York and New Jersey Bars. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell and has been selected by Chambers USA as a Notable Practitioner.

Sheldon S. Lustigman is the founder of The Lustigman Firm, P.C. For over 40 years, he has concentrated in advertising law, promotional marketing law, and regulatory matters. Sheldon is highly respected for providing practical advice that clients can incorporate in their marketing and business practices. He enjoys an excellent reputation with many regulatory agencies throughout the country and frequently handles litigation brought by federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. Sheldon also represents clients in private disputes involving marketing and other related matters in federal and state court. Sheldon serves on numerous bar committees on marketing topics, including the law committee of the Promotion Marketing Association. Sheldon is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Law. He is a member of the New York and New Jersey Bars. He is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

The Lustigman Firm, P.C.'s practice is focused on advertising, Internet, and promotional marketing law. Clients include many of the country's most creative niche advertising and promotion agencies, direct marketers, Internet and interactive marketing agencies, as well as suppliers that support the advertising and marketing industry. The Firm provides clients with legal guidance to help ensure that an advertising campaign complies with federal and state laws and regulations, with a particular focus on Internet and other direct marketing campaigns. In addition, the Firm provides substantial advice and assistance in the development of promotional marketing campaigns, such as sweepstakes and games of skill. A significant portion of the practice involves defending investigations and challenges brought by federal and state regulatory agencies regarding national advertising campaigns. The Firm also defends and prosecutes private false advertising challenges in federal court and before the National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau. Given this dual practice emphasis, The Lustigman Firm is able to provide its clients with keen insight regarding the latest developments in both the marketplace and the regulatory environment. The Lustigman Firm prides itself on finding creative solutions to its clients' legal challenges. For more information, visit http://www.lustigmanfirm.com

Super Lawyers is a comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys, representing a wide range of practice areas, firm sizes and geographic locations. Only 5 percent of the lawyers in each state or region are named Super Lawyers. Law & Politics performs the polling, research and selection of Super Lawyers in a process designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Bentley Law Firm Immediately Reduces Printing Costs by 33%

2009-10-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

RAZAR Technologies, a leading provider of cost reducing green technologies to the legal market, today announced that the Bentley Law Firm has implemented RAZAR's print cost savings software. PretonSaver, RAZAR's unique software solution for reducing toner use and wasted print, has created a 33% reduction in print consumable costs for the firm. This will add up to thousands of dollars of savings for the firm while significantly reducing waste and making a positive environmental impact.

"RAZAR's print savings has reduced our firm's print consumables by approximately 33%," said Randall Bentley, Sr., managing partner at Bentley, Bentley and Bentley. "It was installed in less than an hour and is transparent to our users. When printing bills we are able to apply an even higher level of savings - over 40%. I would recommend this solution to any law firm, big or small."

The solution works with no change to existing print processes or hardware. PretonSaver is a patent pending advanced algorithm that identifies where to remove pixels to achieve the highest print quality while using the least amount of toner possible. The software's print management features are robust. Preton provides a complete audit trail of every print job in the enterprise including who printed, how many pages, what printer, was it color or monochrome, how much money was saved and what application it was printed from. This allows management to apply print rules or fleet management based upon the data in these reports.

Tom Levesque, RAZAR Technologies chief solution specialist asserts, "Law firms have a high volume of print on a per employee basis. Many have implemented some sort of print management solution in order to charge back printing costs to clients. However, all of these solutions fall short on the largest cost factor of printing - reduction of toner use. Preton reduces the toner consumption, increasing the bottom line profitability of law firms by potentially tens of thousands of dollars or more."

"Print Savings & Management software isn't just for small firms. The impact grows exponentially with larger firms because of sheer volume. The stress on the environment caused by printing is tremendous and our belief is that all organizations use our valuable natural resources, therefore all organizations should look into cost effective ways of lowering their carbon footprint. Our print savings technology is the perfect solution because it provides immediate cost savings while at the same time a reduction of the environmental stress caused by printing."

For additional information on how RAZAR is helping organizations reduce print costs and be better stewards of the environment, visit http://www.razartechnologies.com/print-optimization-&-printer-management.php.

About RAZAR Technologies

RAZAR Technologies is a leading technology firm serving the legal market, insurance, healthcare, financial services, distribution and public sectors. The Company sells software products that help companies reduce costs while increasing productivity. With a Green-Tech only portfolio of products and services, these technologies include print savings, printer management, multi-user pc virtualization, document automation, document management, workflow, collaboration and intelligent electronic forms. RAZAR is dedicated to providing an unequaled customer experience. For more information, contact RAZAR Technologies at 1.888.50.RAZAR or visit www.razartechnologies.com.

Lawsuit Funding in the Form of Non-recourse Cash Advances is Now Even More Accessible with help from Orchard Funding, LLC

2009-10-02T01:33:00.000-07:00

Orchard Funding, LLC provides information and access to lawsuit funding via non-recourse cash advances at their new website, www.OrchardLegalFunding.com. Kurani Interactive, an award winning internet marketing and strategy company, designed the brand, website and internet marketing strategy. The goal is to help connect plaintiffs with outstanding lawsuits or pending settlements with the resources they need to get a cash advance while their case progresses through the legal process.

While a lawsuit or settlement progresses through the legal process plaintiffs can find themselves short on cash. Basic living expenses like food, medical bills, and mortgage or rent payments add up quickly. With no firm timetable to reach settlement, plaintiff's can find themselves with unanticipated financial burdens. With the help of lawsuit funding in the form of a non-resource cash advance, plaintiffs can maintain their standard of living while their lawyer works to get them the best possible settlement.

Cambridge Management Group, LLC (CMG) is the exclusive underwriting partner and funding source for Orchard Funding, LLC. They offer Orchard and their clients the benefits of preferred review of their case. Not all cases are eligible for cash advances but those that qualify for a lawsuit funding will receive a lump sum cash funding from Cambridge within 24 hours. The case review process only takes about a week, so people in need can get the cash they need more quickly than they may realize. "We want to help people with personal cash flow problems by providing relevant, easy to understand options through lawsuit funding", says CMG's principal, Jim Giordano.

Many types of lawsuits are eligible for cash advances including:

Personal injury cases like slip and fall, wrongful death, and motor vehicle accidents (MVAs)
Employment cases such as sexual harassment, wrongful termination and age discrimination
Medical malpractice cases that include birth injuries and failure to diagnose

To learn more about how someone with a pending lawsuit or legal settlement may be able to better manage their living expenses with the help of lawsuit funding from a non-recourse cash advance, visit www.OrchardLegalFunding.com.

KURANI Interactive

KURANI Interactive is an internet marketing agency that has won dozens of awards in the areas of online strategy, website development, and internet marketing campaigns. Visit www.Kurani.com to discuss your internet marketing strategy with KURANI Interactive.

Orchard Funding, LLC

Orchard Funding, LLC helps plaintiffs get lawsuit funding in the form of non-recourse cash advances. To get the cash you need while your lawsuit or settlement is still pending visit www.OrchardLegalFunding.com.

Andrews Kurth Partner Judge Scott A. Brister to Speak at The Federalist Society, Houston Lawyers Chapter

2009-10-02T01:31:00.000-07:00

Andrews Kurth is pleased to announce that Judge Scott A. Brister will be presenting at The Federalist Society, Houston Lawyers Chapter meeting on October 14, 2009.

Judge Brister will give an annual review of the key cases decided during the recently concluded term of the Texas Supreme Court, he will also discuss trends in the Court's docket and the impact of changes in the judges.

Event Information:

- Event Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2009
- Time: Registration and Buffet begins at 11:30 am; Program begins at 12:00 pm
- Location: Houston Club, 811 Rusk #700
- Cost: $35 paid online in advance; $20 for government employees, paid online in advance
- RSVP: Monday, October 12, 2009
- CLE credit requested, seating is limited.

Click here to RSVP and pay in advance.
Email RSVPs accepted at houston(dot)fed(dot)soc(at)swbell(dot)net.

About The Federalist Society

Founded in 1982, the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies is a group of conservatives and libertarians dedicated to reforming the current legal order. We are committed to the principles that the state exists to preserve freedom, that the separation of governmental powers is central to our Constitution, and that it is emphatically the province and duty of the judiciary to say what the law is, not what it should be. The Society seeks to promote awareness of these principles and to further their application through its activities.

About Andrews Kurth LLP

For more than a century, Andrews Kurth has built its practice on the belief that "straight talk is good business." Real answers, clear vision and mutual respect define the firm's relationships with clients, colleagues, communities and employees. With 400 lawyers and offices in Austin, Beijing, Dallas, Houston, London, New York, The Woodlands and Washington, DC, Andrews Kurth represents a wide array of clients in multiple industries. For more information about Andrews Kurth, please visit www.andrewskurth.com.

Miami to Vero Beach one South Florida Law Firm is Dressing 'down' to 'raise' Breast Cancer Awareness and Research Funds

2009-10-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Since its birth in September 1997, the South Florida personal injury law firm of Steinger, Iscoe & Greene has been a benchmark of professionalism and legal tradition in its practice and appearance. This Friday, October 2, 2009, for the first time in its 12-year history, the West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami offices of Steinger, Iscoe & Greene will be dressing down to raise breast cancer awareness and research funds. Clients from Miami to Vero Beach will see denim in the hallways, at the desks, and in the conference rooms--all for a cause that transcends professional etiquette and appearances; reaching far beyond office walls and "business as usual" into the lives and hearts of breast cancer survivors, fighters, and their families.

Just one year before Steinger, Iscoe & Greene came into existence, Lee National Denim Day was initiated, and in its first year had a goal of raising $1 million as they invited companies to go casual for a cause. In the last 13 years, the initiative has raised more than $75 million toward resources and research and will unite nearly 1 million supporters across thousands of U.S. businesses this Friday, Oct. 2, 2009.

The social conversation around breast cancer and its hold on an increasing percentage of grandmothers, mothers, sisters, daughters, and nieces throughout South Florida and national communities, has permeated the walls of the firm itself as legal staff have fought and won against the disease. Breast cancer research and awareness continues to be an important cause for the members of Steinger, Iscoe & Greene, who have put rubber to the road as they walked as a Team SIG in both the 2008 and 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure walks in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida. The firm is proud to support this worthy cause and will continue to fight alongside others until a breast cancer cure is found. This week the firm is bringing the fight into its Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Port St Lucie offices.

The entire Steinger, Iscoe & Greene legal team of near 100 will be in SIG red, breast cancer awareness pink and Lee-inspired denim all day long. Founding partner, Michael S. Steinger states, "We want to ensure that our firm does all it can toward inspiring and achieving positive change and hope throughout our community." To this end Steinger, Iscoe & Greene partners are matching each $5 donation by the firm's more than 100 legal professionals. Steinger, Iscoe & Greene looks forward to donating at least $1,000 to support Christina Applegate's Right Action for Women and the National Breast Cancer Coalition through their Lee National Denim Day participation.

About Steinger, Iscoe & Greene

Founded in 1997, Steinger, Iscoe & Greene is one of the leading plaintiffs' litigation law firms in North America. A law firm of more than 20 attorneys and 100 legal staff, Steinger, Iscoe & Greene has represented more than 15,000 injury victims to date, with offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Port St Lucie. The Firm provides legal representation to Florida accident and injury victims specializing in auto, motorcycle, and truck accidents, defective products, premises liability, workers' compensation, wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.
For more information, visit www.InjuryLawyers.com.

Reputed Trademark Law Firm Announces Launch of Flat Fee Trademark Registration and Copyright Website, FlatFeeTrademark.com

2009-10-01T03:30:00.000-07:00

Florida-based business and intellectual property law firm Minott Gore, P.A. recently announced the launch of its dedicated trademark and copyright services website, www.FlatFeeTrademark.com. The website offers current and prospective users the opportunity to learn more about the trademark registration process, begin a trademark application online, check the status of pending trademark applications and obtain answers to frequently asked questions about trademark law and intellectual property protection.

Minott Gore co-founder and Managing Attorney Serena Minott says the firm created the FlatFeeTrademark.com website and brand as a collateral business service to meet the needs of clients not just in South Florida, but throughout the United States and internationally. "Our goal is to educate clients and business owners about the importance of protecting their most valuable business asset - their brand identity. Our trademark registration website allows us to serve clients more efficiently and also to expand our legal services model to a broader audience, namely business and tech savvy consumers who are increasingly using the internet to educate themselves about trademarks, the importance of brand protection and their options for affordable legal representation in the trademark process," Minott says.

That model of legal services, Ms. Minott explains, is based on high quality legal representation for individuals and businesses through experienced trademark attorneys at competitive rates. As the name suggests, FlatFeeTrademark.com offers flat fee pricing for all trademark and copyright services, including federal and comprehensive trademark searches, attorney-prepared clearance opinions, copyright and trademark registration, trademark monitoring, international trademark protection, responses to Office Actions from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and trademark litigation. Flat fee pricing allows trademark owners to plan and budget accordingly for intellectual property protection services without the expense of hourly billing traditionally associated with legal service.

All of the services offered through FlatFeeTrademark.com are conducted by licensed attorneys. This is a key feature that sets the website apart from most of its competitors. "We are not a document preparation service. Clients select our service because they want an attorney to guide their trademark registration process, making it as smooth and efficient as possible," Minott says. "Our breadth of knowledge and experience in trademark law and with the USPTO means we know the common pitfalls for trademark applications and how to avoid them. And if something arises that requires legal representation, our clients don't have to look any further; they already have a trademark attorney who can address the issues in a timely manner, for a flat fee price with no surprises."

FlatFeeTrademark.com offers flat fee trademark registration services for individuals and companies seeking the services of experienced trademark attorneys at competitive rates. For more information, please visit the FlatFeeTrademark.com website or Minott Gore, P.A.

American LegalNet and Hyperion Global Partners Announce Partnership to Bring Law Firms Increased Efficiency and Reduced Cost

2009-10-01T03:28:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles-based American LegalNet, the premier provider of 'Desktop to Courthouse' workflow technologies that reduce risk and minimize cost, and Hyperion Global Partners, a global consultancy to the legal and intellectual property professions, today announced a partnership. The companies are joining forces to bring the legal market a revolutionary set of workflow products and services to help law firms increase their efficiency while reducing their costs.

"We are excited to be partnering with Hyperion. They truly understand law firm best practices and with their expertise and our product offerings, we will be able to provide a revolutionary set of tools for law firms to increase their total efficiency," stated Erez Bustan, CEO of American LegalNet. "In addition, this offering will reduce costs for law firms - a necessity in today's economy."

The companies will each be calling upon their areas of expertise to create a joint framework for new workflow solutions to the legal market. Through this strategic partnership the companies -- American LegalNet, the leading forms and docketing solutions provider in the market, and Hyperion, the consultancy widely recognized for thought leadership and experience in technology and process improvement initiatives for the AmLaw 200 law firms -- will work together to bring practical and actionable best practice solutions to the global legal marketplace.

"American LegalNet is known for their easy-to-use workflow technologies and we are pleased to be partnering with them," stated Eyal Iffergan, President and CEO of Hyperion GP. "Both our companies strive to help our clients realize meaningful process efficiencies and practice effectiveness by addressing the tasks on the ground. By leveraging our combined core competencies, we can bring focused new products and services to our legal community to help our colleagues deal with the real-life problems lawyers face every day."

About American LegalNet

American LegalNet, the premier provider of 'Desktop to Courthouse' workflow technologies, has been delivering innovative, high-quality legal products, content and services to enhance workflow efficiency, minimize risk and reduce cost for more than 12 years. American LegalNet provides an industry-leading suite of products: eDockets, Forms WorkFlow and eFiling Portal; and offers a robust menu of supporting professional services. American LegalNet is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. For more information, visit www.AmericanLegalNet.com.

About Hyperion Global Partners

Hyperion Global Partners is a premier global consultancy to the legal and intellectual property professions. Hyperion GP works with AmLaw 200 law firms and Global 1000 corporations to manage the challenges of their business - operational, process, organization and technology management issues - in key business management and applications areas that Hyperion knows better than anyone else. Hyperion is focused on helping our clients maximize return on their existing investments and to make smart, considered decisions about implementing new systems and processes designed to produce the most value on day one. For more information, visit www.hyperiongp.com.

Mesa / Phoenix Law Firm Announces Recent Amendments in Anti-Deficiency Statute are Repealed

2009-10-01T03:21:00.000-07:00

Less than two months after signing into law amendments to Arizona's existing anti-deficiency statute, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed legislation repealing those changes.

The statute (A.R.S. § 33-814(G)) provides residential property owners security from personal liability for loans on foreclosed property sold in a trustee sale. As long as the property was less than 2.5 acres of land and used as a single one- or two-family unit, lenders have no legal recourse in Arizona to collect a deficiency amount, which is the difference between the balance of the loan and the amount the property was sold for in foreclosure.

The amendments to this statute (SB 1271), which were to become effective September 30, 2009, would have drastically changed protection for investors, says attorney Charlotte Johnson of Gibson Ferrin & Riggs, PLC.

Under these amendments, only borrowers who have lived on the property for at least six months and been issued a certificate of occupancy would be provided anti-deficiency protection should the property be foreclosed, she explains.

"Unless investors could prove they had occupied the completed residence for at least six consecutive months, the statute, in most cases, would not have protected them from collections," says Johnson.

The new requirements were causing widespread panic among Arizona investment property owners, she says.

"Several investors have contacted me over the last month worried that they were going to be sued because they were falling behind in their mortgage loan payments," she says.

Others were also worried about the impending effects of the legislation.

In July, soon after the bill was signed into law, the Arizona Association of Realtors called upon Governor Brewer to amend her call for a special session of the legislature to discuss state budget issues to also address issues pertaining to the passage of SB 1271.

"SB 1271 dramatically alters well settled Arizona law on the relationship between Arizona residential real estate owners and their lenders. Undoubtedly, those who voted in favor of this legislation could not have known about its far reaching legal and practical impacts," stated the letter that was signed by CEO Tom Farley. He listed that effects of the amended statute could include a dramatic increase in foreclosures, litigation, falling real estate prices and a prolonged recession in the state.

Apparently, lawmakers agreed.

Just one week after Mr. Farley asked the legislature and governor to reconsider, Senator Steve Pierce, R-Prescott, once a sponsor of SB 1271, announced his support for the bill to be revoked.

According to a press release from his office, Sen. Pierce indicated that the bill was "intended to protect community banks," but "has some serious flaws." The sparsely-worded legislation left a great deal of confusion and uncertainty, he said.

Lawmakers acted to repeal the legislation and to fix the problem they had created.

"With SB 1271 repealed, the anti-deficiency safe harbor is back in place," says Johnson. "Arizona residential property investors can rest easy, for now."

However, Sen. Pierce indicated that he, the governor and other interested parties still intend to collaborate on a better solution for the problem.

Call attorney Charlotte Johnson at 480-633-8100 with any questions concerning Arizona's anti-deficiency law or to schedule a confidential and comprehensive consultation. For more information, see Arizona HB 2008, 49th Legislature, Third Special Session (2009), or Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-814(G).

The attorneys at Gibson Ferrin & Riggs, PLC concentrate their practice on serving individuals, families and small business owners with business-related issues, family law and estate planning. They can help identify and assess the interests that matter most to their clients and work to preserve, protect and promote them. Visit their website at www.gfrlegal.com and their blog at www.biziboom.com. The firm's expertise in commercial litigation and business, family and estate law is recognized throughout the Phoenix / Mesa area.

New York Construction Accident Attorney Wins a $9.36 Million Verdict for Injured Construction Worker

2009-10-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

A Bronx jury awarded $9.36 Million to a construction worker who fell two stories while working on the exterior block wall of a building. The jury decided on the award after about an hour of deliberations.

The approximately one week long trial leading up to the jury verdict centered on the worker's injuries. Justice Alan Saks had previously found that the developer and general contractors of the building, located at East Clark Place in the Bronx, were responsible for their failure to provide the workers with any fall protection as required by New York's worker protection Law, Labor Law section 240(1).

New York construction accident attorney David Perecman produced the worker's treating physicians as well as a radiologist, economist and life care planner, all highly qualified experts in their fields. He also introduced impressive visual aids including illustrations of the worker's current CT scans which made Justice Nelson Roman and the jury aware of the accident's life-altering effects on the worker's life. The verdict covers past, present and future medical bills, pain and suffering, as well as the worker's future needs for home care.

The accident occurred in March 2006. The worker fractured numerous bones in both of his feet and in his knee. His injuries required several surgeries. Mr. Perecman claimed he will require further surgery and his doctors testified he will eventually require a wheelchair.

The worker's lawyer, David Perecman of The Perecman Firm, PLLC had alleged that there were no lifelines, safety harnesses, nets or other protection to prevent the worker from falling.

Construction is a hazardous occupation, ranked highest in the United States for number and rate of fatal occupational injuries, according to a 2008 report by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

By law, employers are bound to protect against the dangers inherent in construction work. This includes ensuring that safety equipment is provided and used by the construction team. New York construction accident attorneys know that under Labor Law section 240, if the equipment required by law is not provided and used, or fails, there is strict liability and the injured worker is entitled to compensation for damages caused by the violation.

Mr. Perecman is the attorney who several months ago tried the case against Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy of The Sopranos) for allegedly beating up his then fiancée.

About David Perecman and The Perecman Firm, PLLC

For the past 30 years, the New York construction accident attorneys, personal injury, auto accident and medical malpractice attorneys at The Perecman Firm, PLLC have championed all types of cases for personal injury accidents. David Perecman, founder of the Firm, is a Board Director and the past Secretary and Treasurer of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA) and a chair of its Labor Law Committee. Mr. Perecman's achievements have brought him recognition as an Honoree in the National Law Journal's Hall of Fame, in New York Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in America" and The New York Times Magazine "New York Super Lawyers, Metro Edition" for the years 2007-2010.

The Firm has recovered millions of dollars for its clients. Among the more recent victories, Mr. Perecman won a $15 million verdict* for a construction accident, a $5.35 million dollar verdict** for an automobile accident, and a $40 million dollar structured settlement for medical malpractice.

*later settled while on appeal for $7.940 million
** later settled for $3.5 million
"Lawyer Advertising"
"Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome."

Tennessee Online Law Firm Launches Website Helping Tennessee Parents With Essential Estate Planning

2009-10-01T03:17:00.000-07:00

Tennessee virtual law firm Ferraris Law Group is pleased to announce the launch of EveryParentNeedsAWill.com, a website designed to help every Tennessee parent with essential estate planning matters.

The website includes links to various estate planning resources from across the web, as well as a listing of various options for creating estate planning documents, from hiring a lawyer to do-it-yourself kits.

To further decrease the financial barrier that may prevent young parents from completing this essential task, Ferraris Law Group has greatly discounted its Estate Planning Package fees for the rest of 2009, making estate planning affordable for all Tennessee parents.

According to attorney Tim Ferraris, "I feel a responsibility to make sure that every parent in Tennessee and everywhere else knows that they need a will. It's not important that parents do their estate planning with me. It's important that they do their estate planning."

About Ferraris Law Group's Online Office

Ferraris Law Group is transforming and improving the practice of law in Tennessee by utilizing internet technology to improve access to and the affordability of legal services.

Furthermore, accessing legal services through ferrarislawgroup.com is entirely secure, employing similar encryption technology to online banking services. By providing clients with their own secure web page, FLG enables them to safely and conveniently contact their attorney at any time using any computer with internet access or, similarly, any web-enabled handheld device such as an iPhone or Blackberry.

To learn more about Ferraris Law Group's range of services, please visit its website at: http://ferrarislawgroup.com.

3BView Surveys the Legal Market on Mobile Device Usage and Document Security

2009-10-01T03:16:00.000-07:00

3BView, a global leader in metadata removal, today announced they will be conducting a survey aimed at attorneys to better understand how mobile devices are being used in their day-to-day practice.

"We are seeing a significant increase in the use of business applications via mobile devices by attorneys," says Cathy Brode, Founder and Vice President of Product Marketing at 3BView. "Our goal with this survey is to better understand the way these devices are being used, so we can ensure the attorneys who are using them are not putting their data or their practices at risk."

The sophistication of today's mobile devices such as Blackberry, iPhone, PDAs and Netbooks now presents a practical and cost-effective alternative to laptops. Leading mobile devices can access internal systems and business applications, and enable the review, edit, and forwarding of documents. This survey is focused on understanding how these business applications and these devices are being used.

The survey is available for all legal practitioners. They can access the survey at http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB229PNSVQD9C through October 23, 2009. All participants will be entered into a drawing to win an upgraded phone of their choice - either a Blackberry Storm 9530 or an iPhone 3GS 32GB. Results will be available after the survey has concluded to all participants who request final results.

About 3BView

3BView is a global leader in metadata removal across multiple device types and access methods, enabling enterprises and government agencies to secure their documents, avoid commercial and reputational risks, and comply with regulatory requirements. For more information, please visit www.3bview.com.

Law Professionals/Graduates Submit Resumes to BCGSearch.com

2009-10-01T03:08:00.000-07:00

BCGSearch.com is one site that allows its members to make the best use of online job search. In fact, it is a portal that is presently being used by hundreds of people from all over the world. Al you have to do is to fill up an online form and create a membership account with BCG Attorney Search. With the help of BCG membership, you will be able to make the recruiting agents at BCG Search aware of the kind of jobs you are looking for. The jobs will be provided on the basis of the following aspects:

Matching and compatibility of your settings
Modifying your search settings
Submission of a new resume
Taking advantage of the helpful features

In fact, law professionals and aspirants are submitting their resume in large numbers on BCG Search and are receiving many responses by doing so. The aim of this law jobs search site is to ensure that the lawyers are recruited to the best positions based on their qualifications, interests as well as skills. More than this, they should also be culturally inclined towards performing the job. The site is user friendly and this is why you are required to provide them with your personal details. Once you post your resume here, BCG Search team carries out an evaluation process whereby your job search parameters are understood and appraised.

If there is an opening in the law firm clients of BCG Search, the portal informs its members and provides them with their contact details for application purposes. Garth a fresh law graduate recently submitted his resume on BCG Search. He said, "I am glad I found this legal job search site. I have already got many responses and am glad legal recruiters are noticing me. I am 100% sure of getting my first job soon."

Another starter, Teresa, is of opinion, "I can't thank BCG Search enough for their best job search services. They not only helped me make my resume professional but also provided useful information about how to face legal job interview." For more information, please visit us at www.BCGSearch.com.

Best Lawyers in America Selects Three Attorneys from Boston Law Firm Lubin & Meyer

2009-09-30T01:51:00.000-07:00

ubin & Meyer PC is pleased to announce that three of its Boston trial attorneys have been named to the 2010 edition of Best Lawyers®, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.

Founder Andrew C. Meyer, Jr. has been named every year since Best Lawyers inception in 1995 in both Medical Malpractice Law and Personal Injury Litigation. Robert M. Higgins, has been named each year since 2008, and is selected in the category of Medical Malpractice Law. This year, William J. Thompson joins their select company, named to Best Lawyers® 2010 under the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation.

About Lubin & Meyer

Lubin & Meyer PC, recognized nationally as one of the country's leading medical malpractice and catastrophic personal injury law firms, has won more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of their clients in just the past ten years. Lubin and Meyer has achieved some of the largest personal injury verdicts in state history, including:

$40 million: Largest personal injury verdict in state history (MA, 2005)
$30 million: For baby's injuries at birth (MA, 1992)
$23.8 million: Child born with cerebral palsy (MA, 2005)
$14.5 million: Largest medical malpractice verdict of year (MA, 2008)
$1.75 million: Largest medical malpractice verdict of year (NH, 2008).
Located in Boston, Massachusetts at Government Center, the firm's lawyers are licensed to practice in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

About Best Lawyers

First published in 1983, Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive annual peer-review survey. For the new U.S. edition, more than 24,126 leading attorneys cast more than 2.8 million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in the same and related specialties.

Because of the rigorous and transparent methodology used by Best Lawyers, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.

Steven Naifeh, Managing Editor of Best Lawyers, says, "We continue to believe -- as we have believed for 26 years -- that recognition by one's peers is the most meaningful form of recognition in the legal profession."

For more information on Boston, Massachusetts law firm Lubin & Meyer PC, including news on medical malpractice verdicts and settlements the firm's lawyers have achieved on behalf of their clients, please see the firm's web site at lubinandmeyer.com.

Litigation Support Industry Pioneer Jay Koza Joins IDS Legal

2009-09-30T01:49:00.000-07:00

IDS Legal, an ISO 27001 and ISO 9001:2000 certified leader in discovery LPO (legal process outsourcing), announced today legal support services industry veteran Jay Koza has been named president of IDS Legal. In his new role, Koza will lead IDS Legal's global operations and will advance the company's mission to strengthen its position as a leader among discovery-focused LPO service providers.

As a pioneer and leading discovery LPO, IDS Legal leverages highly skilled resources and 24/7 operations to deliver high-quality, comprehensive document review and e-discovery services to corporate legal departments of the Fortune 500 and their outside counsel, as well as other premiere litigation support and e-discovery services providers. Expanding IDS Legal's U.S.-based sales and management team is part of a strategic growth initiative to better support both existing and prospective new clients.

Mr. Koza is among the foremost authorities of the litigation support industry, bringing almost 30 years of experience working with law firms and corporate legal departments to leverage technology and proven processes in the delivery of comprehensive litigation support services. As the industry has evolved, so too has Koza's range of expertise which includes document review, all aspects of electronic discovery, outsourcing and global processing.
Koza recently served as senior vice president and managing director of discovery services for Pangea3, where he managed key strategic relationships and new business development. Prior to that, he worked in business development for Huron Consulting Group, Superior Glacier, Inc., Merrill Corporation and Uniscribe Professional Services. He began his career in the legal support services industry with Aspen Systems, where he worked for 18 years and served as vice president of litigation support.

"As a leading discovery LPO, IDS Legal's ability to attract industry veterans of Jay's caliber is among the qualities that set us apart. His expertise and contributions will help IDS achieve our objective of expanding IDS Legal's presence in the U.S. and maintain our commitment to delivering high quality service and unmatched value for our clients," said Partap Aggarwal, CEO of IDS Infotech Ltd.

Mr. Koza is a member of the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and The Sedona Conference. He received his J.D. from St. John's University School of Law.

About IDS Legal

IDS Legal is a division of IDS Infotech Ltd., (www.idsil.com) an ISO 27001 and ISO 9001:2000 certified IT solutions provider with operations in the U.S., India and Europe. A pioneer in the legal process outsourcing (LPO) industry with expertise in document review and the discovery phase of litigation, IDS Legal has been serving the needs of Global 2000 corporations and leading law firms worldwide since 1999. Visit us at www.IDS-Legal.com.

South Florida Victim's Rights Attorney Welcomes Victim Advocate to Practice

2009-09-30T01:46:00.000-07:00

Known for victim advocacy and high profile cases involving crime victims, personal injury and wrongful death, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin today announced that a member of its practice, Nefra MacDonald, has received state certification as a Victim Service Practitioner.

"Nefra's training and ability as a victim advocate further promotes the firm's goal of pursuing justice with compassion for our clients," said attorney Jason Turchin.

Certified Victim Advocates traditionally serve the public sector through local and county police departments and State Attorneys' Offices, but are not commonly found in private law practices.

"We want to stay far away from the 'ambulance-chasing' stigma some people still attach to the personal injury field and focus more on victim's rights. When someone is injured or killed as a result of another's negligence, these people are victims. We should treat them as such," Turchin added.

"We need to fight for answers and just compensation, and try to empathize with our clients. They didn't ask to be in the unfortunate situation. The least we can do is care."

The Law Offices of Jason Turchin limits its practice to representing victims of accidents, personal injury, crime and wrongful death. Jason Turchin has handled over 4,000 cases and serves as a subject matter expert in these practice areas to the media. His main office is in Weston, Florida, with satellite offices in Miami, Key West, Orlando, Washington, DC and New York.

Recession Has Hurt Most Elder Law Firms, Survey Finds

2009-09-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

To the surprise of some, elder law firms have been hit hard by the recession, according to the results of a new survey by ElderLawAnswers, the Web's leading source of consumer and professional information on elder law.

Most surveyed elder law firms (71 percent) have experienced a decline in business due to the economic downturn. Firms have seen an average 25 percent decline in business, although about 20 percent have had to cope with a precipitous 40 to 50 percent drop-off. "Anything (clients) can put off they will put off -- including their estate plans," commented one respondent.
"We're surprised at the results," said ElderLawAnswers president Harry S. Margolis, an elder law attorney in Boston, Mass. "We were assuming that the practice of elder law would be better insulated from recessionary forces because of the necessity of the work these attorneys do."

The survey found that to make up for revenue shortfalls, firms have had to trim bonuses, cut staff, reduce salaries and even delay paying bills. Pruning bonuses has been the most common cost-cutting move among surveyed firms, followed by laying off support staff and reducing salaries.

Firms have also been forced to shift the focus of their practices. More than three-quarters of respondents (77 percent) say that as a result of the slump, they are concentrating more on practice areas that clients are less likely to defer. Topping the list of new areas of focus is estate administration, followed by crisis Medicaid planning and special needs planning.

Firms ranked estate administration, guardianship and conservatorship and crisis Medicaid planning as the best-performing practice areas compared to last year. Advance long-term care planning and fiduciary litigation were ranked lowest.

ElderLawAnswers also asked elder law attorneys how long they think it will take for the economy to rebound. Twenty-seven percent predict one year, 32 percent think it will take two years, 21 percent say it will be three years, 5 percent say four years and 8 percent expect to wait more than four years. An optimistic 5 percent say we'll be out of the woods in six months.

Finally, most of those surveyed believe that even after the economy recovers, the practice of elder law will never be the same, due both to the recession and to other changes in the market for legal services, such as the rise of the Internet. In an open-ended answer section, respondents explained how they believe the practice of elder law will be altered in the years ahead.

Detailed survey results will be published September 28, 2009, in the October 2009 issue of ElderLawAnswers Monthly, with a circulation of 7,500 elder law professionals.

About ElderLawAnswers

ElderLawAnswers (ELA), found at www.elderlawanswers.com, is the leading provider of Web-based practice development tools for [elder law attorneys on the Internet. ELA employs the latest Web 2.0 applications to provide its members with customizable content such as e-newsletters, blogs, podcasts and consumer articles to increase members' Web presence and position them as the elder law experts in their communities.

In addition to providing support to elder law attorneys, www.elderlawanswers.com provides consumers with clear information on legal issues facing older Americans. Consumers may find qualified elder law attorneys searchable by state or telephone area code. The site offers primers on key topics including Medicaid, Medicare, estate planning, and long-term care planning, as well as useful calculators and checklists.

Massachusetts Lawyer Launches New Blog Regarding DUI, License Suspensions, Hardship Licenses, and the Ignition Interlock Device

2009-09-29T08:04:00.001-07:00

The Law Office of Brian E. Simoneau, a firm Massachusetts law firm which specializes in Registry of Motor Vehicles, ignition interlock device, license suspension appeals, and Mass. DUI law is pleased to announce the launch of its new Mass. RMV news blog. The blog will inform Massachusetts motorists about current issues regarding the Mass. RMV, Massachusetts DUI, ignition interlock, hardship license, and suspension issues.

Many Massachusetts motorists have important legal questions regarding Massachusetts DUI and license suspension laws. These laws as well as the Registry's license reinstatement procedures and requirements can be confusing and intimidating. Attorney Simoneau's blog will serve as an important self-help legal resource for those who need practical and timely information regarding Massachusetts license suspensions and other legal topics involving the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles or the Board of Appeal.

The new online journal allows readers to discuss and debate current events such as proposed new laws regarding elderly drivers and the controversial but innovative new measures which Registrar Kaprielian has taken to save money, increase efficiency, and improve operations at the RMV. Each blog post has links to Attorney Simoneau's Suspended License Website, which contains helpful and practical information regarding Massachusetts DUI, Ignition Interlock and License Suspension issues.

Bloggers will be able to ask legal questions, engage in interactive discussions, and post information regarding license suspension and Registry of Motor Vehicles issues. Hopefully, this new blog will allow Massachusetts drivers to share their experiences, exchange ideas and learn about license suspensions, Melanie's Law, ignition interlock violations, and how to get a Massachusetts Hardship License.

Representing clients throughout Massachusetts, at the Registry, Board of Appeal, and in various courts, Attorney Simoneau specializes in appeals and legal matters involving Massachusetts license suspensions, ignition interlock devices, and DUI related issues. Attorney Simoneau has been recognized as an authority on Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Law and driver's license related legal matters. He has a proven track record of success and routinely advises other lawyers regarding Massachusetts license suspensions.

Attorney Brian Simoneau is a private practice attorney who specializes in Registry of Motor Vehicles cases. He is not affiliated with or employed by the Massachusetts RMV. Also, the new blog is not sanctioned by the Registry or connected with it in any way.

United Law Group Provides Over $1 Million in Pro Bono Litigation Services to Homeowners in Need

2009-09-29T08:03:00.001-07:00

United Law Group proved itself to be a leader in homeowner protection by handling litigation services for cases that furthered the cause for California homeowners at its own expense. Focused on compelling judges to establish precedents for California Civil Code Section 2923.5, the firm went to court on behalf of over 30 clients with expenses exceeding $1 million.

“We took on cases that had the potential to shape California law to help homeowners through this crisis,” said Vito Torchia, an attorney for United Law Group. “The newly enacted laws are untested in the judicial process. By pushing the courts to review them for application in real-world situations, United Law Group is blazing the path for homeowners to benefit from the very laws that were designed to protect them.”
Under CA SB 1137, California Civil Code Section 2923.5 offers protections to homeowners holding residential mortgage loans made from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2007, inclusive. The bill requires banks and servicers to make a greater effort to explore options that avoid foreclosure.

“The cases we litigated showed clear violations of the terms of this law,” said Torchia. “Unfortunately, because there has not been review of the law by the appellate courts, the judges were reticent to rule in favor of the homeowner.”

Recently judges have shied away from supporting arguments that expand homeowner rights by modifying the foreclosure process. Even though 2923.5 clearly requires the courts to take additional steps to help homeowners, most deny requests to stay foreclosure or eviction proceedings pending the outcome of litigation. United Law Group has filed appeals in several cases where the firm believes appellate review will benefit California homeowners.

“We deal with people in need everyday,” said Torchia. “United Law Group attorneys and staff are committed to helping individuals and advancing the homeowner protections wherever possible.”

In one pro bono case, the firm covered expenses for a hotel room and transportation for a disabled client who was facing imminent eviction proceedings. After a request for a five-day stay of eviction was denied, the firm paid for transportation and shelter for this client until the individual received their disability check and could secure temporary housing.

About United Law Group

United Law Group is a national law firm with offices in California, New York, Florida, Ohio, Nevada & Arizona. The firm represents consumers in complex litigation concerning abusive banking practices, breaches of contract and violations of state and federal laws. United Law Group also litigates cases involving bankruptcy, IRS settlements and debt settlements in state and federal courts across the nation. Employing a team of top-notch attorneys, United Law Group leverages leading-edge technology to manage cases, support investigative efforts and ensure accurate, frequent communication with its clients. It puts together class action lawsuits when necessary in order to provide the best legal counsel to individuals who might not be able to resolve their issues without representation.

For further information on United Law Group, visit: http://www.unitedlawgroup.com or call Corvi Urling, Executive Consultant for United Law Group at (800) 680-5717.

As Autumn Begins, the Nation's Largest Tax Law Firm is Increasing Community Outreach Efforts

2009-09-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

Building on the law firm's commitment to community service, Roni Lynn Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation took part in The Great American River Clean Up this month. Several employees, along with family and friends, spent their Saturday beautifying the American River in Sacramento County, CA.

"The Great American River Clean Up was a fantastic event," explains Nicole Elton, Creative Marketing Writer for the law firm. "Our group consisted of several employees and their families who were all excited to be giving back to the community. I was pretty amazed at the number of children who came to the event. It is great to see the value of community service being instilled at such young ages. After only a few hours of work, the river and surrounding trails were absolutely spotless. I feel grateful that our law firm was able to participate, and we will definitely be back next year."

"The Community Action Committee was created to give my employees more opportunities to get involved with the community," notes The Tax Lady Roni Deutch. "Already this year they have volunteered for the Sacramento Children's Home, provided meals at the Martin Luther King Village, and volunteered at the SPCA Doggy Dash. They truly are committed to making a difference in our local community, and I am proud of all that they have accomplished so far."
On the morning of Saturday, September 19th, employees of the law firm and their family members spent the day with other volunteers along the American River. Their team worked on a section of the river located near Watt Ave and Highway 50.

"The committee chose to participate in the Great American River Clean Up because it was a fun way to get involved in the community," continues Elton, "and it allowed our volunteers to impact an entirely new segment of the community. The committee was excited to be involved in this particular event, and we are already working on our next outreach project."

Millions of people recognize tax attorney Roni Deutch as The Tax Lady®. She has been helping taxpayers nationwide resolve their tax liabilities for over 18 years. As an industry leader, she has saved her clients tens of millions of dollars and has helped thousands of families settle their back taxes. To learn more about The Tax Lady Roni Deutch, you can visit her blog or YouTube profile.

About Roni Lynn Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation

Roni Lynn Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation is a nationally recognized law firm that has been helping clients find solutions to their back tax liabilities for over 18 years. To find out more about the law firm or its IRS tax relief services, visit their website at RoniDeutch.com or call 1-888-TAX-LADY.

Martin, Harding & Mazzotti Attorneys Loosen Their Ties for Charity

2009-09-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Employees at the personal injury law firm of Martin, Harding & Mazzotti have paid the price for comfort this summer. The firm offered employees dress-down Fridays during the summer months in return for a minimum donation of five dollars each week to a charity selected by the firm. Martin, Harding & Mazzotti sent its July collection of $460 to the Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, NY and $345 to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York for August.

"Everyone wins in this type of situation," said Paul B. Harding, managing partner of Martin, Harding & Mazzotti. "The two foundations continue to provide our area with truly wonderful services, and we get to loosen our collars for the day. A worthwhile combination if you ask me."

The Double H Ranch, co-founded by Paul Newman, provides specialized programs and year-round support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses.
"We would like to thank all of the partners and employees of Martin, Harding & Mazzotti for their generous gift to the Double H Ranch," said Victor Hershaft, Chairman of the Double H Board of Directors. "The campers and their families will certainly put this donation to good use."

The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York continues to help feed the poor in our communities by collecting large food donations from local businesses and manufacturers and distributing them to charitable agencies.

"The Regional Food Bank is extremely grateful for the donation from Martin, Harding & Mazzotti," said Mark Quandt, executive director for the Regional Food Bank of NENY. "We are happy to accept their gift which will help us continue to feed our hungry neighbors."

Martin, Harding & Mazzotti chose the Double H Ranch and the Regional Food Bank as the recipients of the dress-down Fridays program in their continued effort to support local charities and foundations.

About Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP

Founded in 1994, Martin, Harding & Mazzotti is a personal injury law firm with offices in Upstate New York and new offices in Utica and Manchester, VT. The firm has attorneys licensed in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Michigan, District of Columbia and California. The firm sponsors and supports extensive community outreach programs promoting personal safety and will continue to do so in the future. Martin, Harding & Mazzotti is honored to have been voted "Best Law Firm" in the 2008 Times Union Readers' Poll. For more information, visit www.1800LAW1010.com.

Legal 500 Law Firm Muckle LLP Switches From Dictaphone To BigHand

2009-09-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

BigHand, the leading provider of voice technology for the global legal community, has today announced that Legal 500 commercial law firm Muckle LLP has replaced its Dictaphone standalone digital dictation system with BigHand's 3-tier digital dictation workflow technology. The switch to BigHand, incorporating 100 lawyers and personal assistants (PAs), has seen an increase in the firm's productivity.

Robert Porter, Head of IT at Muckle LLP commented:

''We experienced various technical difficulties and restrictions with our previous system and over time simply lost confidence in it. We encountered a number of reliability issues, including the loss of dictations on a number of occasions which resulted in our lawyers having to re-dictate work. When PAs were on leave, our IT team had to manually intervene in order to re-allocate dictations and this inevitably became quite a time consuming process. As well as being unable to share dictations between virtual teams of PAs, Dictaphone did not facilitate mobile or remote working.

''Once we had taken the decision to switch to a more advanced workflow system, it was important that we selected a provider committed to software development and with superior technical support capabilities. We undertook a review of the BigHand and competitor systems to ensure the selection of a system that could evolve and adapt in line with the firm's requirements. BigHand offers direct access to development and support whereas other providers operate through multiple resellers. It was on this basis that we selected BigHand.

''Having completed the implementation, I can say that BigHand is a fantastic system; it works exactly how we want it to. Administration is far easier than with our previous system, lawyers and PAs can very easily reallocate or escalate dictations when required. Furthermore, every single dictation recorded has reached its intended recipient. The number of hours lost by lawyers having to re-record dictations with the previous system has been regained, therefore instantly increasing productivity.''

Voted 'Mobile Product of the Year' at the CNET Business Technology Awards 2008, BigHand voice technology is used by over 850 professional service and public sector organisations worldwide at sites ranging from three to over 3,000 users.

Contact:
Jo Beckwith, BigHand. Tel: +44 (0)20 7940 5946

About BigHand

BigHand is based out of Chicago, London, Sydney and Toronto. BigHand is the leading digital dictation vendor in the global professional services sector. BigHand3 was awarded 'Best of Breed System of the Year' at the Legal Technology Awards for 2008, and BigHand Mobile (BlackBerry Edition) was voted 'Mobile Product of the Year' at the CNET Business Technology Awards 2008. BigHand has also been nominated in the Sixth Annual Law Technology News (LTN) Awards for 2009 as 'Dictation System of the Year' and 'Mobile Tool of the Year'. Further information is available at http://www.bighand.com

Novus Law Announces Winners of Its Legal Document Challenge and Launches Newly Improved Website

2009-09-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

Novus Law, LLC, a leading global legal services firm providing document review, management and analysis, announced the two winners in its Legal Document Challenge, which coincided with the firm launching its new website.

Peter T. Berk with McDonald Hopkins LLC and David F. Underwood, Ph.D., with Underwood & Associates, LLC were the first two participants to correctly identify the six images on the firm's homepage. Those images represent the Code of Hammurabi, Codex Justinianus, Magna Carta Libertatum, U.S. Constitution, Napoleonic Code and the Constitution of India. Each document is an historically significant legal text which shaped the current legal landscape.

As winners of the Legal Document Challenge, Novus Law will donate $1,000 to Peter's and David's favorite charity in their names. A third donation will be made to The Novus Foundation, established by the founders of Novus Law to support educational and other community-strengthening initiatives in the places where the firm conducts business.
"Challenging participants' legal IQs about historically important legal documents seemed like the perfect way to celebrate Novus Law's new website. We were thrilled with the participation and believe that the Legal Document Challenge was so successful because it highlighted Novus Law's defining values: a commitment to the law, respect for the past combined with enthusiasm for innovation, and social responsibility," said Novus Law co-founder and CEO Raymond Bayley.

Peter selected the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services, as his charity of choice. David chose Friends of Spring Creek Forest Preserves, an organization dedicated to the long-term restoration and conservation of healthy woodlands, prairies and wetlands in the 4,000 acre Spring Creek Forest Preserves located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, to receive the donation on his behalf. Providing financial support to these charities was the most rewarding part of the challenge for Novus Law.

"We take social responsibility very seriously and are delighted to support Peter's and David's wonderful charities," said Bayley.

The contest coincided with Novus Law unveiling its redesigned and improved website, which features enhanced tools for its clients and a Knowledge Center that offers thought leadership from the firm and resources about the legal industry. The new site also provides insightful and expanded information about Novus Law's services and the cutting-edge Novus Process™, the firm's comprehensive document review, management and analysis process for litigation, investigations, bankruptcies and mergers and acquisitions.

In 2008, the Novus Process™ received a global InnovAction Award from the College of Law Practice Management and Novus Law was inducted into the College's hall of fame, which is the first time either distinction has been awarded to an organization other than a law firm. Using the Novus Process™, clients have reduced costs for legal document review, management and analysis up to 60-80%.

"We're excited about this new website because it offers a more dynamic tool for our clients and the firm. A key component of our mission is understanding and analyzing critical information and we wanted our website to meet this goal by delivering key details about Novus Law, our expertise and experience and the services we can provide for law firms and corporate legal departments," said Bayley.

Raymond Bayley is available to speak with the media about the Legal Document Challenge, Novus Law's new website, and the firm, which provides award-winning process and quality management at reduced costs for corporate counsel and law firms. Further information on the historic legal documents referenced in the challenge can be found at the Novus Law website: http://www.novuslaw.com.

About Novus Law, LLC

Novus Law, LLC is a global legal services firm focused exclusively on providing corporations and law firms with measurably and demonstrably superior document review, management and analysis services for litigation, contract management and corporate governance. By using award-winning processes, certified quality control programs and cutting-edge knowledge management and collaboration systems, Novus Law provides its clients with quality, schedule and cost predictability and certainty. Novus Law's quality management systems are the first in the legal industry to achieve ISO 9001:2008 certification, the global benchmark for quality, from Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.novuslaw.com.

New York Personal Injury Lawyers Comment on Taxi Slamming into a Horse-Drawn Carriage, Injuring Two

2009-09-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

When word came in over the newswire that a horse-drawn carriage had been struck by a taxi near Central Park in New York, personal injury lawyers, who thought they had seen it all, were reminded they hadn't.

"Every day, this city will invent interesting new ways for residents and visitors to require New York personal injury lawyers and we need to be prepared for them all," said David Perecman, founder of the Perecman Firm, a Manhattan based law office staffed with personal injury lawyers intimately familiar with New York.
According to the New York Post, the cabby allegedly suffered a seizure when he slammed his cab into the empty horse-drawn carriage, smashing it before crashing into a wall.

Both the drivers of the taxi and the carriage were hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries. The horse was unhurt.

"Our New York personal injury lawyers are ready to work for their clients and get them the maximum compensation they deserve no matter what the situation is," explained Perecman. "To be a successful personal injury lawyer in Manhattan means you have to expect the unexpected. And we do that."

About David Perecman and The Perecman Firm, PLLC

For the past 25 years, the New York personal injury lawyers, construction accident, auto accident and medical malpractice attorneys at The Perecman Firm, PLLC have championed all types of cases for personal injury accidents. David Perecman, founder of the Firm, is the past Secretary of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA) and a chair of its Labor Law Committee. Mr. Perecman's achievements have brought him recognition as an Honoree in the National Law Journal's Hall of Fame, in New York Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in America" and The New York Times Magazine "New York Super Lawyers, Metro Edition".

The Firm has recovered millions of dollars for its clients. Among the more recent victories, Mr. Perecman won a $15 million verdict* for a construction accident, a $5.35 million dollar verdict** for an automobile accident, and a $40 million dollar structured settlement for medical malpractice.

*later settled while on appeal for $7.940 million
**later settled for $3.5 million
"Lawyer Advertising"
"Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome."

New Orleans-Based Law Firm Ranks In Top 10 For Insurance Litigation

2009-09-29T02:20:00.000-07:00

New Orleans-based law firm, Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith, PLC, was recently named to the LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Top 10 Insurance Litigation Law Firm List for the 24th consecutive month. Click on the following link to view the insurance litigation law firms featured on the list.

The LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Top 10 Insurance Litigation Law Firm List highlights the top 10 law firms according to the total number of insurance litigation cases in which each law firm has represented clients in U.S Federal District Court cases and is updated monthly. Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith, PLC, is one of only three U.S. insurance litigation law firms to be featured on the list for 24 months.

"We handle our clients' matters as if they were our own-focused on the result, achieved as cost effectively as possible," says Thomas Smith, director of Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith, PLC.

Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith, PLC is a premier New Orleans-based litigation law firm in the Gulf South with over 90 attorneys in office locations spanning Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Mississippi and Missouri. Since 1987, Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith, PLC has successfully achieved results for its clients by aggressively representing thousands of insurance litigation cases in dozens of industries throughout the world. Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith, PLC attorneys represent a broad array of legal areas of practice, including: insurance litigation, maritime, products liability, employer liability, workers' compensation, general casualty, automobile liability, professional liability, construction, environmental law, energy industry, and corporate law. With convenient and easily accessible office locations around the Gulf Coast, the New Orleans-based law firm specializes in insurance litigation, maritime litigation and energy litigation.

For more information about the New Orleans-based law firm or to inquire about insurance litigation services with Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith, PLC, please visit the law firm online at: http://www.gjtbs.com.

Feldman Law Center Supports Attorney General's Efforts on Behalf of Homeowners

2009-09-29T02:18:00.000-07:00

The Feldman Law Center, one of California's premier loan modification law firms, has announced its support of California State Attorney General Jerry Brown's intentions to defend homeowners from underhanded loan modification companies.

California loan modification attorney Steve Feldman, who heads the The Feldman Law Center, said "Efforts to protect homeowners from shady and even illegal loan modification companies are important. While we may haggle over the details, our California loan modification attorney team is as dedicated as the California Attorney General in protecting the public."

Mr. Feldman went on to say, "The Feldman Law Center's loan modification team has actually gone out of its way to help people who were previously taken advantage of by unethical loan modification companies. We feel a sense of responsibility to help these homeowners who have been taken advantage of and have no place else to turn."

The Feldman Law Center holds itself to the highest ethical standards, striving to provide homeowners with effective solutions to their foreclosure problems. Our attorneys are dedicated to assisting distressed homeowners who have been taken advantage of by banks, mortgage servicers or by other loan modification companies.

Loan modification companies can take advantage of homeowners in a many different ways:

They can be thieves who take money up front for work that never gets done.
They can guarantee results that are never realized.
They may be truly limited in what services they are able to provide under state and federal law.

Top-Notch Loan Modification Attorney Team

The Feldman Law Center has been assisting homeowners stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure proceedings throughout this entire crisis. The California State Attorney General's focus on the loan modification industry has been welcomed by the Feldman Law Center and other legitimate loan modification companies.

Mesriani Attends Largest Regional Meeting of US Plaintiff Attorneys in Nevada

2009-09-29T02:17:00.000-07:00

Rodney Mesriani, founder and principal lawyer of the Mesriani Law Group, has joined thousands of other lawyers to attend this year's convention sponsored by the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) at The Venetian and Palazzo Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 3 to 6.

This year's prestigious annual convention - which is dubbed as the largest regional meeting of plaintiff attorneys in the United States - will showcase some of California’s legal luminaries and respected trial lawyers who will speak and discuss issues about legal ethics, elimination of bias, and substance abuse prevention, among others. The legal sessions are also part of the mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE) program for lawyers.

Mesriani, a well-experienced trial lawyer and a long-time CAALA member, has been attending various legal conventions and seminars as part of a continuing effort to enhance and further boost the quality of service of the Mesriani Law Group, a firm that has been in the forefront of legal practice for more than 15 years and now, one of Los Angeles’ leading law firms.

The 3-day event is expected to provide new information and insights to men and women in the legal profession, which includes an exhibit that will feature 100 legal service providers.

ABOUT MESRIANI LAW GROUP

Mesriani Law Group is a full service law firm operating out of Los Angeles, California, with several distinct and independent divisions, each of which specializes in a different branch of the law. Mesriani and Associates currently maintains divisions specializing in Business and Corporate Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation, Social Security Disability (SSD/RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims, and Employment/Labor Law. For more information about Mesriani Law Group, please go to www.mesrianilaw.com.

QuisLex, A Premier Offshore Legal Services Provider, Opens Second Facility in Hyderabad

2009-09-29T02:15:00.000-07:00

QuisLex, Inc., a premier offshore legal services provider, today announced that it has added a second execution center in Hyderabad, India. This new, 200 seat facility will complement QuisLex's existing 250 seat facility.

"We are extremely pleased to nearly double our capacity," said Sirisha Gummaregula, COO of QuisLex. "This is the latest example of our client-driven growth and will allow us to more efficiently meet growing demand for our services."

QuisLex's new facility features an advanced technological infrastructure as well as multi-tiered physical and electronic security measures, including biometric access controls. Michel Sahyoun, CTO of QuisLex, stated, "Our second facility will be fully compliant with our rigorous ISO/IEC 27001:2005 certified controls."

Both of QuisLex's execution centers are highly secure, state-of the-art Class A facilities in the prestigious HITEC City area of Hyderabad, India. "The new facility expands our ability to provide high-quality, secure, cost-effective, process-driven solutions for our clients," added Gummaregula. QuisLex's clients include global technology corporations, global financial institutions, major telecommunications companies, Fortune 100 corporations and Am Law 100 law firms.

About QuisLex

QuisLex, headquartered in mid-town Manhattan, is a premier offshore legal services company providing specialized services in litigation/investigation/antitrust document review, contract management & negotiations and M&A due diligence, among others. QuisLex was founded by seasoned lawyers from Skadden Arps, Shearman & Sterling and Sidley Austin and is certified ISO 9001:2008 compliant for its proprietary quality management system and ISO/IEC 27001:2005 compliant for its information security management system. QuisLex is a SAS 70 Type II entity and is also EU Safe Harbor self-certified. For more information on QuisLex, visit www.quislex.com.

San Jose Jury Understands the Severity of Traumatic Brain Injury

2009-09-29T02:13:00.000-07:00

Recognizing the staggering costs of healthcare associated with traumatic brain injury, a San Jose jury awarded Drew Dakota Bianchi $49,123,375.87 late Monday afternoon (September 21, 2009). The verdict, which was delivered in Santa Clara County Superior Court, Action No.: 1-08-CV-104548, followed a hotly contested five-week trial involving two truck drivers who collided on State Route 152 (Pacheco Pass), one of whom thereafter struck the car in which plaintiff was a passenger.

Plaintiff, Drew Dakota Bianchi, was a 21-year-old passenger in a Toyota Avalon, when, on May 3, 2007, he was struck by a Peterbilt truck driven by defendant, Samuel Bimbela. Evidence at trial established that Mr. Bimbela, driving his Peterbilt truck, and codefendant Mr. Michael Demma, driving a Gordon Trucking 18-wheel big rig, struck each other at or near the centerline on State Route 152. No pre-impact evasive maneuvers were undertaken by either driver.

Mr. Bianchi, whose injuries necessitate a lifetime of 24/7 care, brought suit against both truck drivers/trucking companies, as well as the State of California.

Representing attorney Randall M. Scarlett of San Francisco noted: "This is a situation where the jurors fully understood the long-term implications of a traumatic brain jury case."

The jury, recognizing the devastating cost of future care for an individual sustaining traumatic brain injury, awarded $3.4 million in past medical expenses, $27.6 million in future medical expenses, $4.5 million for future lost wages, and $13.5 million in general damages.

The jury attributed fault in the amount of 35% to Gordon Trucking/Michael Demma, 60% to Samuel Bhnbela, and 5% to the State of California.

The verdict is thought to be one of the highest non-punitive verdicts in the State of California for an individual sustaining traumatic brain injury.

Plaintiff was represented by Randall H. Scarlett of San Francisco, California and Thomas Wm. Malone of Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Scarlett dedicates his career to individuals sustaining brain injury. He actively serves as a Board Member on the California Brain Injury Association, and dedicates both his professional and personal life to improving the lives of those sustaining traumatic brain injury.

The Scarlett Law Group are National Trial Lawyers based in San Francisco, California with outstanding results in cases involving traumatic brain injury, head injury, personal injury, catastrophic personal injuries, mass torts, medical malpractice, professional negligence, big rig accidents, trucking accidents, class actions, civil rights, environmental disasters and wrongful death.

Nationwide Tax Law Firm Receives Web Marketing Associations Outstanding Achievement WebAward

2009-09-24T04:33:00.000-07:00

The Tax Lady Roni Deutch and her team were honored with the Legal Standard of Excellence award for their outstanding web development efforts by the 2009 WebAwards.

"I was delighted to find out that our website had won this prestigious award," notes Justin Hein, managing attorney for Roni Lynn Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation. "We are very proud of our web presence and make an ongoing effort to keep all of our sites modern and functional. In addition to providing valuable legal advice in blog entries and informative articles, we also offer our clients additional functionality in the 'Client Login' section of the site. Our team puts a great deal of effort into keeping our site updated, and I was ecstatic to see our hard work recognized."

The Web Marketing Association announced their 2009 WebAward winners on September 16th, 2009. http://www.ronideutch.com/[Roni Lynn Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation was recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Web Development and was honored with the Best of Industry: Legal Standard of Excellence award. To learn more about the award, and see a list of the contributing team member's from Deutch's firm, checkout this page on WebAward.org.

According to the site, "the Web Marketing Association's annual WebAward Competition has been setting the standard of excellence for Website development since 1997. Independent expert judges from around the world review sites in 96 industries. The best are recognized with a WebAward which helps interactive professionals promote themselves, their companies, and their best work to the outside world. The WebAward Competition is the premier award recognition program for Web developers and marketers worldwide."

Millions of people recognize tax attorney Roni Deutch as The Tax Lady®. She has been helping taxpayers nationwide resolve their tax liabilities for over 18 years. As an industry leader, she has saved her clients tens of millions of dollars and has helped thousands of families settle their back taxes. To learn more about The Tax Lady Roni Deutch, you can visit her blog or YouTube profile.

About Roni Lynn Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation

Roni Lynn Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation is a nationally recognized law firm that has been helping clients find solutions to their back tax liabilities for over 18 years. To find out more about the law firm or its IRS tax relief services, visit their website at RoniDeutch.com.

Bar Exam Solution During Economic Downturn

2009-09-24T04:32:00.000-07:00

MyBarPrep has been recognized by the leading consumer protection agency in North America with a perfect score for results and customer service.

"This is a great example of how our company has enjoyed increased popularity during these tough economic times," said Lennox Chase, Esq., General Counsel at MyBarPrep.

MyBarPrep is an online bar review program that focuses on the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE). The MyBarPrep bar review program allows students to take multiple practice bar exams. When students join MyBarPrep, they receive a username and password to access a members-only bar review website. The MyBarPrep bar review program contains practice bar exam questions from the National Conference of Bar Examiners, outlines, flashcards, and legal summaries. MyBarPrep is a pioneer in the field of bar review. Our course was the first to offer a complete MBE review online in 2001, while other courses only offered flashcards or outlines.

Developed based on the feedback of past bar applicants, MyBarPrep is an effective solution for the bar exam. The MyBarPrep software allows bar exam students to focus on their weak points while being guided to cover the most frequently asked questions on the MBE. By optimizing the overall performance of bar applicants, the MyBarPrep bar review program ensures the success of bar exam takers.

MyBarPrep has been used by students from over 100 law schools from North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Energy Security and Industry Accountability Targeted in New Legislation by Bipartisan Senate Group

2009-09-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

The Revenue Watch Institute urges the Senate to take swift action on the bipartisan "Energy Security through Transparency Act of 2009," introduced today by Senators Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.). The bill, which will revise U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines, is a small change that will spark great rewards in financial and political stability for the energy sector worldwide and here in the United States.

The legislation will require oil, gas, and mining companies to disclose how much they pay foreign countries and the U.S. government for oil, gas, coal and other minerals. Three other senators are original co-sponsors of the bill, including Senator Charles Schumer, (D-N.Y.), who introduced a similar bill last year, along with Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Russ Feingold (D-Wis.).

Revenue Watch Institute Director Karin Lissakers said the adjusted reporting guidelines are "a win-win proposition for investors and for communities in resource-rich countries," where corruption and the suspicion of corruption frequently undermine the public trust, efficient oil and mining operations, and even national stability. "When companies publish what they pay to governments, they give investors decision-useful information, help local communities keep their leaders honest, and foster the stability that keeps investments flowing and secure," said Lissakers.

The rule change, if approved by Congress, would mark the first time energy companies were required to release raw materials expenditures on a country-by-country basis.

Sarah Pray, of the Publish What You Pay-US coalition, said the improved reporting rule is an idea whose time has come. "Citizens in the poorest nations shouldn't pay the price for their government's mismanagement of their most valuable resources. With these simple changes, Congress can help improve the lives and livelihoods of communities in the developing world while also enhancing U.S. energy security."

The Revenue Watch Institute (www.revenuewatch.org) is a non-profit policy institute and grantmaking organization that promotes the responsible management of oil, gas and mineral resources for the public good. With effective revenue management, citizen engagement and real government accountability, natural resource wealth can drive development and national growth. RWI provides the expertise, funding and technical assistance to help countries realize these benefits.

Insurance Companies Will Now Lowball Clients to Settle Cases for Less Says WV Attorney

2009-09-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

WV attorney Jeffrey T. Jones said in a statement this week that victims of accidents should be careful because it is likely that their insurance companies will try to give them a lowball figure in order to get them to settle out of court for less than the case is worth. He says that one of the main reasons why this nefarious practice is now becoming more common is due to the current recession which has the companies low on profits.

Instead of losing a significant amount of money, he stresses the importance of hiring a law firm such as his to handle their case for them. Even the high ranking insurance company Allstate has admitted that accident victims stand to earn a much higher settlement by hiring an attorney. "Getting a West Virginia personal injury attorney will help consumers get what they deserve, "said Jones.

To learn more, visit www.jeffreytjones.com.

About Jeffrey T. Jones

Jeffrey T. Jones is a WV attorney who founded his law firm in 2000 serving primarily those who have been injured or had family members killed in auto accidents. In addition he also specializes in medical malpractice suits, employee injury suits and helping individuals who are having difficulties with the IRS. Early on in his practice Jones made it his goal to provide special attention to each of his clients in order to resolve their cases to the best of his ability. In addition to his private practice, he has been handling cases in State and Federal courts since 1986.

Polk, Prober & Raphael Announces Name Change to Prober & Raphael, A Law Corporation

2009-09-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Celebrating twenty-five years as a nationwide creditor protection legal services provider, Polk, Prober & Raphael, announced effective September 1, 2009 it is now Prober & Raphael, A Law Corporation. The law firm, whose practice areas include nationwide real-estate and consumer bankruptcy protection, asset recovery, civil litigation, and unlawful detainer matters will continue to be managed by principals, Dean R. Prober and Lee S. Raphael.

"Prober & Raphael has achieved a national reputation of representing financial institution and individual clients in a bold and aggressive style throughout the country," said Dean R. Prober, senior partner, who oversees the firm's California consumer and commercial litigation practice. "Although our firm name has changed, Prober & Raphael is still committed to exceeding client expectations and providing distinguished financial representation."

Prober & Raphael originally gained recognition as the first law firm to address the nationwide bankruptcy needs of the mortgage banking community. Today Prober & Raphael has evolved to provide legal representation to an array of financial institutions that include: mortgage lenders, loan servicers, auto financiers, consumer and commercial creditors, credit unions, utility companies, collection agencies, debt buyers and sellers.

"The consistency of our firm's approach prompts many non-California and other nationally based clients to send their local-state bankruptcy matters to Prober & Raphael," said Lee S. Raphael, managing partner who oversees the firm's nationwide bankruptcy protection practice. "Unlike most nationwide bankruptcy law firms who 'farm-out' matters to other attorneys outside of their home state, Prober & Raphael is truly unique in that we prepare all bankruptcy pleadings and documents filed in all courts, regardless of the collateral's location."

For more information about Prober and Raphael's legal services please visit our new website at www.pralc.com or call 818-227-0100.

About Prober & Raphael, A Law Corporation

Since 1984, Prober & Raphael (formerly known as Polk, Prober & Raphael) has been representing a wide range of financial institutions and individual clients in bankruptcy, collections, asset recovery and civil litigation matters. Headquartered in Woodland Hills, California, Prober & Raphael is active with numerous organizations, including the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, United Trustees Association, National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys and the Commercial Law League of America.

Despite Safety Changes to SUVs and Pickups, Highway Threats Remain, Says NY Lawyer

2009-09-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

Even though automakers have just redesigned sport utility vehicles and pickups to make them less deadly in collisions with other cars, older model SUVs and trucks on the highway still pose a serious threat in crashes, a New York attorney says.

"A vehicle design defect or flaw can cause or certainly contribute to a serious accident or make the injuries much worse," says Steven J. Schwartzapfel, founding partner of Schwartzapfel, Truhowsky Marcus P.C., a New York personal injury law firm that represents victims of car accidents. "We welcome advances in automotive safety, but the roadways remain a dangerous place. We deal with the death and devastation caused by crashes involving smaller cars and heavier SUVs every day."

Occupants of passenger vehicles including cars, minivans, pickups and sport utility vehicles represent by far the largest number of deaths in motor vehicle crashes, according to an analysis of U.S. Department of Transportation data by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In 2008 alone, 25,428 people died in crashes in passenger vehicles.

Frontal impact collisions account for more half of those deaths, side impact collisions represented 28 percent of fatalities and rollovers accounted for most of the rest, according to the Insurance Institute.

People in lighter vehicles remain at a disadvantage in collisions with heavier vehicles. In multi-vehicle crashes involving cars and SUVs or pickups, the occupants of the cars are more likely to die, and their vehicles usually sustain greater damage.

On the other hand, pickups and SUVs are proportionately more likely to be in fatal single-vehicle accidents, especially rollovers, the Insurance Institute said. Crashes in which a vehicle overturned represented 35 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2008 and claimed more than 9,000 lives.

Overall, more than 280,000 rollover accidents are reported each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Auto manufacturers had a deadline of Sept. 1, 2009 to redesign their SUVs and pickup trucks to make them less deadly in frontal and side-impact collisions with passenger cars. The safety changes were to address the problem of taller SUVs and pickups overriding smaller cars' bumpers so that the car frame could not dissipate the energy of a crash, causing more harm to passengers.

Automakers notified the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration earlier this year that all vehicles would be in compliance by the deadline, according to The New York Times.

About Schwartzapfel Partners

Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C. is a well-respected plaintiff personal injury and estate litigation firm in New York. With more than 150 years of combined experience and highly competent co-counsel throughout the country, Schwartzapfel Partners serves all your legal needs.

The firm concentrates in all types of personal injury litigation, including motor vehicle accidents (auto, truck, motorcycle, taxi), medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, wrongful death, defective products and drugs, construction accidents, workplace injuries, workers' compensation and Social Security disability. To contact the law firm, call 1.800.966.4999 or go to www.fightingforyou.com for more information.

United Law Group Recruits Veterans to Help Distressed Homeowners

2009-09-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

United Law Group, the leading provider of legal foreclosure prevention and foreclosure litigation services today announced its participation in the Camp Pendleton Fall Career Fair. The event will be held this Thursday, September 24, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the South Mesa Club, Building 202850.

The semi annual Camp Pendleton Career Fair hosts over 100 employers. The event offers major companies within high-growth, high-demand industries the opportunity to connect with veteran military personnel who are actively seeking positions. United Law Group hopes this event will support its efforts to hire additional employees to help distressed homeowners from its Irvine, CA offices.

“United Law Group is actively recruiting personnel to help its clients deal with fallout from the mortgage crisis,” said Vito Torchia, attorney for United Law Group. “The U.S. Congress recently managing subcommittee held a hearing on September 9, 2009 to evaluate the effectiveness of the Making Home Affordable (MHA) program. There is more pressure than ever on banks to prove they are working with homeowners. United Law Group needs additional staff to support troubled homeowners.”

Bloomberg recently ran a story on the outcomes of a recent report, which notes alleged issues with the biggest banks, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Increased scrutiny increases the pressure on banks to help homeowners seeking to prevent foreclosure via to loan modification. United Law Group works directly with lenders and servicers to prevent foreclosure on its clients.

Every April and September the Transition and Employment department hosts the MCCS Career Fairs. The event brings in local, state and national employers. Spouses new to the area and transitioning service-members seeking employment are expected to be on hand.

For additional information call Camp Pendleton Career Resource Center (760) 725-4737 or (760) 725-4199.

About United Law Group

United Law Group is a national law firm with offices in California, New York, Florida, Ohio, Nevada & Arizona. It is the largest foreclosure prevention and litigation firm in the country with attorneys licensed in every state. Dedicated to helping homeowners facing hardships to keep their houses, United Law Group uses legal channels to compel banks to modify adjustable-rate to fixed-rate mortgages, reduce principal and interest, and create other fair solutions between the lender and borrower.

Masters Conference Announces Stellar International Judicial Panel on E-Discovery

2009-09-23T06:28:00.000-07:00

The Masters Conference, an advanced legal educational experience, announced today that it has assembled a stellar judicial panel that will conduct a session on international e-discovery at the 2009 conference. The conference, "Global Corporate Change - Navigating Discovery, Risk and Security," will be held October 13-14, 2009, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. The Masters Conference will bring together experts and leading professionals from law firms, corporations, government entities and the bench to discuss strategies, practices and resources for managing the information lifecycle.

Although the US leads the world in both the legal and technical aspects of electronic discovery, there is a general acceptance that there is much to do to make this aspect of litigation an efficient and cost-effective component of case management. The essential difficulties are the same in England and Wales, but the approach taken is a slightly different one, and there is growing recognition that the two jurisdictions have something to learn from each other.

US Magistrate Judge John Facciola is one of the undisputed leaders of judicial thought in this area in the US. His counterparts in the UK are Senior Master Whitaker and His Honour Judge Simon Brown QC. These three were brought together, with Chris Dale of the UK-based e-Disclosure Information Project, at a successful panel in London in May 2009, moderated by Patrick Burke, Senior Director and Assistant General Counsel at Guidance Software. The Masters Conference is reconstituting the panel and attendees will have the opportunity to hear the best thinkers from both sides of the Atlantic talk about the differences, the commonality, and what each can learn from the other in this changing area.

Three educational tracks will be presented each day of this year's conference. Each track will delve into the critical, up-to-the-minute issues facing legal departments and their outside counsel.

Tracks & Topics include:

Risk & Risk Management - Early assessment, managing international business dispute, records management, security, cyber risk, responding to scandal, and more…
Compliance & Privacy - Managing government investigations, data mapping, cloud computing, data privacy, and more…
Litigation & Discovery - Controlling costs, litigation holds, new media discovery issues, lawsuit financing, LPO considerations, using discovery consultants and experts, and more…

To register online for the Masters Conference, visit www.themastersconference.com. For sponsorship information, contact sasha.hefler(AT)themastersconference.com.

About The Masters Conference

Since 2006, the Masters Conference has brought together experts and leading professionals from law firms, corporations and the bench to discuss strategies, practices and resources for managing the information lifecycle. The Masters Conference is an intimate forum where legal industry professionals can share, collaborate and obtain master knowledge of the most relevant topics in the legal industry today. By limiting attendance to 450 delegates, the Masters Conference is meant to be an exclusive opportunity to learn and network with the top legal professionals in the industry without battling large crowds and an overwhelming vendor hall. For additional information on the 2009 Masters Conference, please visit www.themastersconference.com.

About Guidance Software

Guidance Software is recognized worldwide as the industry leader in digital investigative solutions. Its EnCase(R) platform provides the foundation for government, corporate and law enforcement organizations to conduct thorough, network-enabled, and court-validated computer investigations of any kind, such as responding to eDiscovery requests, conducting internal investigations, responding to regulatory inquiries or performing data and compliance auditing - all while maintaining the integrity of the data. There are more than 30,000 licensed users of the EnCase technology worldwide, and thousands attend Guidance Software's renowned training programs annually. Validated by numerous courts, corporate legal departments, government agencies and law enforcement organizations worldwide, EnCase has been honored with industry awards and recognition from eWEEK, SC Magazine, Network Computing, and the Socha-Gelbmann survey. For more information about Guidance Software, visit www.guidancesoftware.com.

Cepac Lawyer Web Marketing Develops Content Management System (CMS) for Lawyers

2009-09-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Cepac, attorney and law firm marketing consultants specializing in law firm website development, internet marketing / search engine optimization, and press release writing and distribution, announces the release of their updated website content management system (CMS) for lawyers.

The value of a website with CMS to any law firm in this challenging economic environment is mission critical for law firm web marketing success. Legal marketing experts know that in order for law firms to consistently attract new prospects on the web, firm websites must be updated regularly to satisfy the search engines hunger for fresh content. With the introduction of the search engine Bing and the rumors that Google's enhanced search engine, Caffeine will be more focused on content, Cepac's updated CMS couldn't be timelier.

Content management systems enable law firms to easily update, change, or add content to their firm websites with literally no technical skills through access to an Admin panel using any of the popular web browsers. Cepac's new iteration naturally includes a full array of familiar and simple editing tools that affords the ability to manage and deploy any volume or style of content including pictures, video, and audio streams. Legal support staff familiar with Microsoft Word will recognize the available tools immediately.

Regardless of the size of a law firm, from solo practitioners to large firms, Cepac's CMS is an effective way of containing the costs associated with maintaining a website because virtually all of the management and maintenance of web content can be performed in-house, eliminating the need to call a web design company for every update.

The professional Cepac team believes that regardless of the type of case, personal injury, business, criminal, family or any other area of law, consumers today rely predominantly on web based outlets for researching, selecting, and contacting attorneys. Staying ahead of the curve with competitive firms in the same geographic area of influence is essential to the success of any law firm. Cepac's CMS is a vital tool in meeting that goal and giving a firm's website the best possible chance for high rankings in the search engines. Providing valuable information for prospects also increases the conversions to clients.

Cepac's commitment to taking legal advertising to a higher level sets their legal marketing firm apart from all other law firm marketing consultants. Creating compelling marketing and advertising is their passion. By working with Cepac's full-service lawyer marketing agency, clients are partnered with professionals who are dedicated to excellence. Cepac's passion is evident in all areas of their acclaimed marketing and advertising strategies and campaigns including: TV production; media planning; public and media relations; search engine marketing with blog creation, maintenance and online press releases; web site design; and print and radio advertising.

Women Legislators Support USOBA Debt Settlement Services Act, Reject ‘Advance Fee Ban’

2009-09-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

The National Foundation for Women Legislators’ (NFWL) National Policy Committee on Business, Housing & Economic Development passed a resolution this week in support of the United States Organizations for Bankruptcy Alternatives’ (USOBA) Debt Settlement Services Act. The NFWL has called for state and federal regulation of the debt settlement industry based on the provisions of the Act, which provides strong consumer protection while preserving the rights of ethical debt settlement companies.

USOBA, a trade association dedicated to the advancement of consumer protection in the debt settlement industry, developed the Debt Settlement Services Act to provide nationwide and uniform transparency to the debt settlement industry. The Act mandates a registration or licensing of debt settlement providers within each state and encourages certification in one of two debt settlement trade associations. It also requires specific fee disclosures, designed to ensure that consumers are empowered with information about the programs offered, and rejects any “advance fee ban” in favor of more reasonable limits on fee collection.

“The NFWL’s support confirms the important balance that the Debt Settlement Services Act strikes,” said USOBA Executive Director Jenna Keehnen. “The USOBA and NFLW recognize that debt settlement is an important and viable option for consumers facing considerable financial hardship, and one that needs transparent operations and government-supported standards.”

The NFWL expressed its support of the Act as a response to current economic constraints, including the unprecedented debt challenges many American families are facing due to unemployment, unexpected health emergencies and other financial struggles.

"Consumer protection is incredibly important, and our elected women want debt settlement to remain an option for their constituents,” said Robin Read, President of NFWL. “They understand the need for different options based on personal circumstance, and the importance of legislation that doesn’t limit those options."

About USOBA

USOBA is dedicated to providing its member companies with important, industry-related information, including compliance requirements, as well as advocating on behalf of its membership for fair and appropriate industry regulation that maintains the utmost in consumer protection. USOBA members are provided a USOBA State Law Summary guide, the only one of its kind in the industry, to better ensure and promote national compliance. This guide contains the laws and regulations, state by state, and has been reviewed by regulators and legislators. For further information, please visit www.usoba.org.

About the National Foundation For Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL)

Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators supports women legislators from all levels of governance. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience.

Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Corrie Yackulic Opens Law Firm, Unveils New Website

2009-09-22T02:08:00.000-07:00

Seattle personal injury trial lawyer Corrie Yackulic has moved on after nearly 20 years at personal injury law firm Schroeter Goldmark & Bender to launch her own personal injury law practice in Seattle. The Corrie Yackulic Law Firm, PLLC is open for business at 315 Fifth Avenue South, and the firm's new website is online at www.cjylaw.com.

"I became a plaintiffs' lawyer in 1990 because I wanted to help individuals obtain just compensation from corporations and insurance companies responsible for my clients' harm," Ms Yackulic explained. "I was also motivated to do this work because it helps get dangerous products off the market and to reform dangerous practices."

Corrie Yackulic follows in a family tradition of personal injury law representation. Her father, Arthur C. Johnson and her brother, Derek C. Johnson, are plaintiff personal injury lawyers in their hometown of Eugene, Oregon. Both Ms Yackulic and her father received their legal training from Harvard Law School.

This year Ms Yackulic was honored with an invitation to Washington SuperLawyers, a listing of preeminent attorneys in each state as chosen by their peers and through the independent research of Law & Politics magazine. Corrie Yackulic is also proud to be AV® Peer Review RatedSM by Martindale-Hubbell®, an indication that a lawyer has the highest ethical standards and professional ability.

About The Firm

Based in Seattle, the Corrie Yackulic Law Firm, PLLC is a plaintiff's personal injury law firm serving clients in the Puget Sound, Tri-Cities, and Bellingham areas of Washington State. Their practice areas include maritime injuries, construction accidents, automobile (including pedestrian, bicycle, and motorcycle) accidents, products liability, toxic torts, and medical and nursing home malpractice cases. Firm principal Corrie J. Yackulic has represented victims of catastrophic injuries for nearly two decades.

The Nursing Home Complaint Center Needs Elder Abuse Law Firms In Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Phoenix & Major US Metros

2009-09-22T02:05:00.000-07:00

The Nursing Home Complaint Center was created by Americas Watchdog because there is no national advocate for nursing home wrongful death, or elder abuse. The Nursing Home Complaint Center has been designed to provide education to family members of nursing home patients, as to the signs of what could be neglect, and to high light short comings of the way nursing homes nationwide frequently mistreat their patients. As part of this initiative the Nursing Home Complaint Center wants to team up with elder abuse/wrongful death law firms, in order to give family members a resource in their city, or state, that can help, or provide assistance. According to the group, "this is a very serious undertaking, and we need for high quality law firms to join with us, to help these victims, and their families." For more information personal injury lawyers, or personal injury law firms in California, Nevada, Arizona, and every major metro in Texas, Florida and all other states are welcome to call the Nursing Home Complaint Center anytime at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via its web site at Http://NursingHomeComplaintCenter.Com

What will participation mean for a law firm or lawyer in a major metro area in California, Arizona, Nevada Florida, Texas or any other state?

The Nursing Home Complaint Center will endorse the law firm in a national press release for their specific metro area/state. The endorsement is designed to have a positive impact on Internet listings in the specific metro area/state of the law firm, as far as ranking.
The Nursing Home Complaint Center will do weekly press releases focused on everything a family member, or possible victim should know about nursing home abuse, nursing home wrongful death, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, and possible class type issues. The weekly press releases will last for a year. Starting in October 2009 and going through November of 2010.
The weekly press releases will encourage nursing home insiders to step forward, if they have specific proof of nursing home wrongdoing in their specific metro area. In the instances of insiders, the Nursing Home Complaint Center will work directly with the law firm assigned to that metro area, or state.

This is all about creating a consumer win, a win for the taxpayer and a win for the participating law firms. Because California, Texas, Florida and the entire Southeast are ground zero for nursing home abuse and neglect, the group is placing a major emphasis on these areas.

Only one law firm will be allowed in any top 100 US major market, with the exception of smaller states. In these instances the law firm or lawyer will be exclusive for the entire state.

According to the Nursing Home Complaint Center, "this is all about making a difference for the elderly, for the taxpayers, and for the family members of victims. If there is a highly regarded, personal injury, elder abuse, nursing home wrongful death law firm in a major metro in California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, or any other state we want to hear from you." There is a modest fee for participation in this year long initiative. For more information interested lawyers, or law firms can contact the Nursing Home Complaint Center anytime at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via its web site at Http://NursingHomeComplaintCenter.Com.