Jessica Karmasek News
Florida tops tort reform group's list of ‘Judicial Hellholes,' while California No. 2
California, City of St. Louis Circuit Court, New York City’s asbestos court and Philadelphia round out the American Tort Reform Association’s top five this year.
Racketeering lawsuit against Philadelphia asbestos firm refiled in Pennsylvania
After having its lawsuit dismissed by an Illinois federal judge in March, Illinois-based industrial manufacturer John Crane Inc. has filed another lawsuit against a Philadelphia asbestos law firm -- this time, in a Pennsylvania federal court.
W.Va. firm blames almost 300 companies in each asbestos lawsuit
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The average number of companies targeted by some of the biggest asbestos firms in their lawsuits is in the triple-figures, according to recent statistics, leading some, especially those in claims management, to question the strategy of plaintiffs’ lawyers.
Federal judge allows Kane’s case alleging illegal payday loan scheme to move forward
Judge J. Curtis Joyner, in an order last month, denied most of the motions to dismiss filed by the defendants in the case. According to the attorney general’s lawsuit, originally filed in 2014, the companies allegedly targeted state consumers in violation of state and federal laws.
Commonwealth Court rules AG’s office can use private counsel to pursue consumer protection lawsuits against nursing homes
A majority of the court sided with Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s office in a ruling this month, allowing for increased use of outside attorneys. A group of nursing home operators filed their lawsuit last year, trying to kill plaintiffs law firm Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC’s apparent deal with Kane’s office.
Additional perjury charge filed against Kathleen Kane
Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said the new charge stems from a “secrecy oath” signed by the attorney general that was found during a search of her offices last month.
State Supreme Court suspends Kathleen Kane’s law license
The court’s order, issued Monday, is limited to a temporary suspension of the attorney general’s license. It does not remove her from elected office.
District attorney charges Kane with obstruction, other crimes related to leak
Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said the criminal charges stem from a probe that revealed Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane “personally orchestrated” the illegal release of confidential and secret grand jury information. Kane said she plans to fight the charges.
Roman Catholic dioceses of Pittsburgh, Erie petition U.S. SC over contraception mandate
WASHINGTON - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and Diocese of Erie have filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court over the contraception requirement of President Barack Obama’s federal health care law.
Cohen Milstein law firm strengthening relationships with state AGs, earning millions
WASHINGTON - Plaintiffs law firm Cohen Milstein Sellers & Troll has donated more than $70,000 to various state attorney general campaigns in the last five years.
Appeals court rules State can keep $130M in tobacco settlement payments
HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania can keep nearly $130 million in annual payments from a 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with various tobacco companies, a state appeals court ruled Friday.
SC justice's sister resigns ahead of corruption sentencing
Pennsylvania state Sen. Jane Orie resigned Monday ahead of her sentencing next month for using state employees for political work.
Pa. attorneys support grocery stores' $18.5M request
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) - A group of Pennsylvania attorneys has filed an amicus brief in support of grocery store chains Safeway and Genuardi's in an ongoing dispute over a commercial lease.
Former U.S. Rep. running for Pa. AG
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) - Former U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania is eyeing the state Attorney General's Office.
Pennsylvania AG drills dental chain
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) -- Acting Pennsylvania Attorney General Bill Ryan's health care section filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against a national dental chain and three of its top company officials over multiple alleged credit and consumer protection law violations.
Democrat enters Pennsylvania AG race
SCRANTON, Pa. (Legal Newsline) - Career prosecutor Kathleen Granahan Kane announced her candidacy for Pennsylvania attorney general on Wednesday.