Empowers

Landmark Ruling Empowers Hawaii Doctors to Make Independent Medical Decisions, Puts Patients First

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HONOLULU, Hawaii – A recent court ruling against Hawaii’s largest health insurer, Hawaii Medical Services Association (HMSA), has the potential to grant more autonomy to doctors in the state when it comes to making medical decisions. The ruling, delivered by a judge in Big Island, deemed HMSA’s contracts with its doctors as “unconscionable” and unenforceable. While HMSA is currently appealing the decision, this rare legal victory is being celebrated by doctors and families who have often faced denials of necessary care from the insurer. One such family is that of Scott Norton, a Big Island … Read more

Native-led Guidebook Empowers Tribal Nations to Embrace Rights of Nature Laws for Environmental Protection

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In recent years, countries such as Ecuador, New Zealand, and India have passed laws recognizing the rights of nature. This growing movement aims to protect the environment by legally acknowledging its inherent right to exist and thrive independently of human use. Now, tribal nations in the United States are taking the lead in incorporating the rights of nature into their governance structures. A newly published guidebook, titled “Guide to Rights of Nature in Indian Country,” offers strategies and resources for Indigenous communities interested in enacting laws that grant legal rights and personhood to ecosystems, landscapes, … Read more

Former ESL Teacher Turned Lawyer Empowers Change in Mass Tort and Product Liability Cases

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Los Angeles, California – Rachel, an attorney at Husch Blackwell, specializes in mass tort and product liability cases. Their journey to the legal field took an unconventional path, driven by a desire to level the playing field for others. Initially aspiring to be an English as a Second Language teacher, Rachel’s experience teaching abroad made them realize they wanted to effect change on a systemic level, leading them to pursue a legal career. Drawing on their background as an ESL tutor and teacher, Rachel’s legal work is characterized by their ability to identify problems and … Read more