Pennsylvania

Private criminal defense lawyers failed to show up for their cases more often than defendants, Philly study finds

Some lawyers are less reliable than defendants when it comes to showing up in court, according to a study of criminal cases in Philadelphia courts during a 10-year span.

Dec 6, 2023 4:12 PM CST

Public defender who defended cocaine use as sometimes beneficial should be suspended, disciplinary counsel says

A lawyer who displayed a “stunning void of evidence regarding any genuine pursuit of sobriety” should be suspended for using cocaine before his client’s hearing and defending it as sometimes helpful, according to a brief filed by the Pennsylvania Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

Dec 5, 2023 3:26 PM CST

Monsanto cites judge’s alleged ‘off-the-record’ instruction in bid to overturn $175M Roundup verdict

Lawyers for the Monsanto Co. are citing a Philadelphia judge’s "off-the-record 'deadlock' instruction" in a bid to overturn a $175 million verdict on behalf of a man who said he contracted cancer from the weed killer Roundup.

Nov 9, 2023 2:27 PM CST

Lawyer sanctioned for being ‘rude, demeaning and obnoxious’ in depositions

A federal judge has sanctioned a personal injury lawyer nearly $20,000 for his conduct during four depositions last year.

Sep 28, 2023 1:49 PM CDT

Did Polsinelli violate $14M flat-fee deal to provide ‘legal counsel’? 3rd Circuit rejects claim

A federal appeals court has refused to revive a lawsuit claiming that Polsinelli breached a flat-fee agreement to provide “legal counsel” by sending work covered by the agreement to another law firm that billed Polsinelli’s client for its trial work.

Sep 28, 2023 12:30 PM CDT

Former law school dean, known for ensuring ‘people were treated equitably,’ dies after attending university event

JoAnne Epps, the acting president of Temple University and its former law school dean, died Wednesday after becoming ill at a campus memorial service. She was 72 years old.

Sep 20, 2023 12:08 PM CDT

25 federal district courts have always had white judges

Twenty-five out of 94 federal district courts have never had a judge of color, according to a Bloomberg Law analysis.

Sep 5, 2023 12:36 PM CDT

Federal appeals court tosses lawyer’s challenge to anti-bias ethics rule

A Pennsylvania lawyer does not have standing to challenge a state ethics rule banning discrimination and harassment in the practice of law, a federal appeals court has ruled.

Aug 31, 2023 8:55 AM CDT

Copyright Law and Generative AI: What a mess

“A lot of these [copyright] issues have existed for some time,” says a partner and chair of the software and IT practice at Knobbe Martens in its Seattle office. “It’s coming to the forefront of communications because of the availability [of generative AI].”

Aug 30, 2023 8:18 AM CDT

Weekly Briefs: Fired reporter drops Dechert suit; Hunter Biden’s lawyer resigns

Fired reporter drops suit against Dechert A reporter who said he was fired from the Wall Street Journal because of information released in a “hack-and-smear operation” has dropped his lawsuit accusing Dechert of participating in the scheme. Reporter Jonathan “Jay” Solomon did not indicate whether a settlement was reached. Suits…

Aug 18, 2023 2:39 PM CDT

Black lawyer alleges he was wearing handcuffs as judge pressed him to settle or produce documents

A Black lawyer who is a former pro football player has sued a Pennsylvania judge for allegedly ordering the lawyer’s arrest and having him hauled into court in shackles, where the lawyer was presented with a stark choice.

Aug 15, 2023 3:47 PM CDT

Shrinking midsize law firm announces it is closing after nearly 90-year run

A Philadelphia-based law firm that had more than 300 attorneys at its peak is closing after its roster shrunk by more than two-thirds.

Aug 4, 2023 10:15 AM CDT

Postal worker who quit over Sunday hours gets new chance for religious-bias claim, thanks to Supreme Court

Workers seeking a religious accommodation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act may have an easier time in the courts as a result of a decision Thursday by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Jun 29, 2023 10:30 AM CDT

Supreme Court OKs state’s corporate consent-to-jurisdiction law, but door is ajar for future challenges

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a Pennsylvania law that requires companies to consent to personal jurisdiction in state courts if they do business there.

Jun 28, 2023 8:36 AM CDT

Colorado bill limits ‘reunification treatment’ in child custody cases, requires training and expertise

Family courts in Colorado custody cases can’t cut off a child’s contact with a protective parent to whom they are bonded just to improve a relationship with a rejected parent accused of abuse or domestic violence, according to a bill signed into law last week.

May 30, 2023 3:37 PM CDT