Government

Would-Be AG Drops Motion to Seal Depo in Which She Discusses Why She Is Qualified for Office

Seeking to force the state Democratic Party to acknowledge that she is qualified for run for office as Connecticut attorney general, secretary of state Susan Bysiewicz sued and, beginning last week, was in a deposition discussing her legal experience. But the deposition apparently didn’t go well, as evidenced by the…

Apr 6, 2010 7:28 PM CDT

Despite Court-Ordered $110/Hour Limit, Ex-Ill. Gov’s Legal Defense Bill is Likely to Top $3M

As former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich awaits trial this summer in a federal corruption case, a $2.8 million campaign fund is covering his legal bill. But it’s a virtual certainty that it will be depleted before trial, observers tell the Chicago Sun-Times, even though U.S. District Judge James Zagel, who…

Apr 5, 2010 8:12 PM CDT

Judge Nixes Texas AG’s Effort to Intervene in Same-Sex Divorce Case

A Texas judge has nixed the state attorney general’s petition to intervene in a same-sex divorce case, finding that another case already on appeal is positioned to address the legal issues raised by Attorney General Greg Abbott. Plus, delaying the divorce already granted to Angelique Naylor, 39, and Sabina Daly,…

Apr 1, 2010 5:46 PM CDT

Right to Belong

Christian group says it does; California law school says it doesn’t

Apr 1, 2010 7:10 AM CDT

NSA Illegally Wiretapped 2 Lawyers for Islamic Charity, Judge Rules

Federal authorities violated the law by wiretapping two United States lawyers for an Islamic charity without obtaining a warrant, a federal judge in San Francisco has just ruled. The government will almost certainly appeal the much-awaited ruling by Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker of the Northern District of California…

Mar 31, 2010 7:54 PM CDT

White House Counsel’s Star Rises with Health Care Compromise

White House counsel Bob Bauer helped President Obama win passage of his health care legislation by negotiating an executive order banning abortion funding. Throughout the process, Bauer’s “political skills were as much on display as his legal ones, not to mention his diplomatic and nurturing ones,” the Washington Post reports.…

Mar 30, 2010 10:29 AM CDT

Gov’t. Lawyer: There IS a Free Lunch, If Opposing Counsel Pays

The city of Atlanta has a rule against employees accepting gratuities. But that prohibition doesn’t apply to the expensive meals to which he has been treated by opposing counsel, contends city staff attorney Robert Godfrey, because he answers to a higher authority—the State Bar of Georgia—and the attorney ethics rules…

Mar 29, 2010 11:57 PM CDT

New Utah Law OKs State Seizure of Federal Lands; Aim Is Supreme Court Showdown

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has signed two bills into law authorizing the state to seize federal lands using its powers of eminent domain. The goal, supporters say, is to win a U.S. Supreme Court showdown, the Associated Press reports. More than 60 percent of Utah land is owned by the…

Mar 29, 2010 3:51 PM CDT

9th Circuit Rules Against Tasered Pregnant Mom; Dissent Hits ‘Off the Wall’ Theory

A federal appeals court has ruled 2-1 that officers who Tasered a pregnant woman three times when she refused to sign a traffic ticket have immunity from her lawsuit. The ruling by the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals spurred an angry dissent by Judge Marsha Berzon, who…

Mar 29, 2010 12:05 PM CDT

Top State Court Fines County $371K for Delayed Response to 1997 Public Records Request

Nearly 13 years ago, Armen Yousoufian made a public records request to King County, Wash., which received a partial response. Three years later, he filed suit to obtain the rest of the material he requested. As of today, it appears that he has a final answer concerning the penalty to…

Mar 25, 2010 5:54 PM CDT

CIA Lawyer Reportedly Given Immunity in Probe of Destroyed Interrogation Tapes

CIA lawyer John McPherson has reportedly been given immunity to testify in a probe into the destruction of videotapes showing harsh interrogations of terrorism suspects. Two sources told the Washington Post that McPherson could be called to testify before a grand jury later this month or in April. McPherson had…

Mar 25, 2010 1:09 PM CDT

Colo. Lawyer Discipline Chief to Review Ethics Case Against Maricopa, Ariz., County Attorney

The Arizona Supreme Court has appointed the head of the Colorado Supreme Court’s attorney discipline office to oversee an investigation of ethics charges against the Maricopa, Ariz., county attorney, the Arizona Republic reports. Attorney Andrew Thomas has made headlines in recent months by bringing criminal charges and civil racketeering litigation…

Mar 24, 2010 9:54 PM CDT

Baker & Hostetler Joins with 13 AGs to Fight Health Care Reform

Health care reform legislation finally won congressional approval Monday and was signed into law today by President Barack Obama. But opponents are already gearing up for what is expected to be an extended court battle against the new law. Among those leading the charge are David Rivkin Jr. and Lee…

Mar 23, 2010 10:07 PM CDT

Greenberg Firm to Repay All $3.2M Related to Ex-Partner’s Work for Chicago Suburb

Greenberg Traurig has agreed to pay Calumet Park $3.2 million following news that a now-former partner of the firm is believed to have billed the suburban Chicago municipality for over $1 million in fees for legal work that was never performed, reports the Southtown Star. “This is a repayment of…

Mar 22, 2010 4:54 PM CDT

State Bids to Block Health Reform Could Bring ‘Free-for-All Lawsuit’

A constitutional clash could emerge between the states and the federal government in a battle over the health reform law awaiting President Obama’s signature. Already, Idaho and Virginia have passed laws seeking to thwart the federal bill requiring individuals to carry health insurance, Reuters reports. In 36 other states, bills…

Mar 22, 2010 12:51 PM CDT