New York

Maid’s Suit Can Raise Model’s Past

A Manhattan judge has ruled that a former maid for Naomi Campbell can introduce evidence of past dust-ups with hired help in her lawsuit against the model. Gaby Gibson claims Campbell hit her and made discriminatory comments when she couldn’t find a pair of Stella McCartney jeans, the New York…

Aug 23, 2007 3:36 PM CDT

Rapper Jailed After BlackBerry Incident

Rapper Foxy Brown has been jailed for violating probation after her arrest on charges she hit a neighbor with a BlackBerry last month. Jack Ryan, a spokesman for New York’s probation department, told the New York Times that the arrest was one of several probation violations. He said Brown also…

Aug 23, 2007 1:26 PM CDT

Bill Targets Stairway Peepers

It’s perfectly legal for someone to stand under a stairway and look up women’s skirts, according to a Queens, N.Y., city council member who intends to do something about it. Peter Vallone Jr. has introduced an ordinance barring nonconsensual voyeurism, the New York Times reports. Penalties for violations can include…

Aug 23, 2007 1:14 PM CDT

Top Lawyers Bill $1,000 an Hour

Lawyers at some of New York’s top firms are billing $1,000 an hour. The move was a reluctant one for some law firms, the Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) reports. “We have viewed $1,000 an hour as a possible vomit point for clients,” a partner at one New York firm…

Aug 22, 2007 3:53 PM CDT

White Plains Integration Plan Uncertain

White Plains, N.Y., is one of dozens of cities that may have to reconsider integration plans that are similar to the ones struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in June. The New York Times says White Plains’ plan has “by most accounts, been a success,” in that it has…

Aug 22, 2007 2:46 PM CDT

NY Truth in Music Law Signed

New York’s governor has signed a Truth in Music law that imposes fine of up to $15,000 on music groups that misrepresent themselves as popular artists. The law was prompted by groups passing themselves off as artists like the Platters, Drifters and Coasters, Newsday reports. At least 18 other states…

Aug 22, 2007 2:20 PM CDT

Proposed Laws Target Abusive Bosses

Nobody wants to work for a jerk. But unless abusive bosses violate specific prohibitions, such as discriminating against someone because of race or gender, treating employees badly generally isn’t illegal. That could be changing, however. At least four states are considering legislation that would give workers a right to sue…

Aug 21, 2007 4:37 PM CDT

Plea Deal in Tax Shelter Case

An investment adviser accused in an illegal tax shelter case involving KPMG has reached an agreement to plead guilty. David Amir Makov could enter a guilty plea as early as today, the New York Times reports. He worked for an investment firm, Presidio Advisory Services. Presidio, formed by two former…

Aug 21, 2007 4:26 PM CDT

Sex Offender Neighbor Violates Lease

A New York judge has ruled an upstate couple can terminate their lease without penalty because a sex offender moved in next door. Watertown City Court Judge James C. Harberson Jr. said the couple was entitled to break the lease, citing a New York law that bars conditions that are…

Aug 21, 2007 3:29 PM CDT

Bank to Repay $4.5 M in Credit Card Fees

A South Dakota bank has agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle a claim by the New York attorney general that it charged credit-challenged customers excessive fees. The money will now be available to reimburse customers who paid huge fees for subprime credit cards with tiny credit limits because of…

Aug 17, 2007 11:42 PM CDT

ID Theft Ring Focused on Forbes 400

An alleged identity theft gang has been charged with attempting to steal more than $12 million from super-wealthy individuals, at least some of whom reportedly were on the Forbes 400 list. Run by a 24-year-old Russian immigrant, according to prosecutors and a New York County grand jury indictment, the ring…

Aug 17, 2007 6:33 PM CDT

Market Rout Rings Up Legal Business

With the stock market in almost a seeming freefall state recently, following a subprime mortgage market meltdown, many obviously are unhappy. But the bad news could be good news for a number of law firms. While not recession-proof, those with diversified practices can often gear up in one area as…

Aug 17, 2007 4:11 PM CDT

Pension Suit Turns on Partner Definition

A “partner” who was denied pension benefits from her former law firm because she was not considered a shareholder will get a chance to prove she is entitled to the money. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled (PDF) Wednesday that a magistrate erred in barring Karen Strom from…

Aug 17, 2007 11:05 AM CDT

Mega-Firm’s Mega-Profit: $1 M-Plus PPP

Impressive profits for the 2007 fiscal year have been announced by one of the world’s largest law firms, Chicago-based Baker & McKenzie. Its gross was $1.83 billion, up from $1.52 billion the previous fiscal year. A 22 percent gain for the first time boosted profits per partner into seven figures,…

Aug 16, 2007 8:23 PM CDT

Violent Femmes Bassist Blisters Over Royalties

The ’80s American folk-punk band known widely for its song “Blister in the Sun” is now embroiled in litigation. Violent Femmes bassist Brian Ritchie has filed a federal suit in New York against the band’s lead singer Gordon Gano, accusing him of failing to pay a fair share of royalties,…

Aug 16, 2007 4:28 PM CDT