Judge Criticizes Lack of Diversity in Juul Settlements as $150 Million in Attorney Fees Move Forward

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge in California has granted approval for up to $150 million in attorney fees to move forward in settlements involving Juul Labs. The settlements include a $255 million class action settlement on behalf of consumers. U.S. District Judge William Orrick approved $76.5 million in fees in the class action and accepted the recommendation of a fee committee allocating common benefit funds. However, Orrick expressed concern over the lack of diversity among the lawyers involved in the Juul cases, noting that none of the 62 plaintiffs’ firms had a Black … Read more

Arkansas Judge Rejects Attorney General’s FOIA Lawsuit, Declares Victory for Prison Board Transparency

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas – In a recent court ruling, an Arkansas judge has dismissed the attorney general’s lawsuit against the state prison board. The lawsuit, which was centered around the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), has been the subject of much debate and legal back-and-forth. The attorney general had filed the lawsuit against the prison board, alleging that they had violated the FOIA by not releasing certain documents and records. This legal action was seen as an attempt to improve transparency and accountability within the state’s prison system. However, the judge ultimately sided with the prison … Read more

Bronx Attorney and Son Slapped with Criminal Charges in Elaborate Immigration Fraud Plot

NEW YORK (AP) — A lawyer and his son from the Bronx have been charged with participating in an immigration fraud scheme, according to court documents. The scheme involved filing false applications for asylum and other immigration benefits. The lawyer, whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities, allegedly filed fraudulent applications on behalf of clients from various countries. These applications contained false information in order to obtain immigration benefits they were not eligible for. The son, who also hasn’t been named, allegedly helped his father by creating fake documents to support the false claims … Read more

Arkansas Attorney General Loses Lawsuit Over Board of Corrections’ Outside Counsel, Judge Rules

Little Rock, Arkansas – In a recent ruling, Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge Tim Fox rejected a lawsuit filed by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin against the Board of Corrections. Griffin had claimed that the board had improperly hired outside counsel in its lawsuit against the state and Governor Sarah Sanders. The lawsuit came after the board went into executive session to suspend Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri and hired attorney Abtin Mehdizadegan, prompting Griffin to allege a violation of the state’s Freedom of Information Act. Judge Fox’s ruling stated that Griffin had failed to make … Read more