Judge

Judge Upholds $31 Million Verdict Against Santa Fe Restaurant for Woman’s Severe Injury in Parking Lot Incident

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Santa Fe, NM – A Santa Fe district court judge has upheld a substantial $31 million jury verdict against Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen following a lawsuit filed by a woman who suffered severe injuries in the restaurant’s parking lot. The restaurant, a part of the local Santa Fe Dining Inc. group, faced claims from attorneys for a reduction of the award or a new trial, which were denied. The jury previously awarded Megan Jade Gonzalez $10 million in compensatory damages and an additional $21 million in punitive damages in April, after finding the restaurant liable … Read more

Buffalo’s Housing Court Welcomes New Judge, Phillip Dabney Jr., Amid Renewed Focus on Lead Violations and Community Engagement

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Buffalo, N.Y. — Following weeks of anticipation, Phillip Dabney Jr. has officially been appointed the new judge of Buffalo City Court’s Housing Court. Judge Dabney, 55, brings substantial experience, having served as a temporary judge in Housing Court multiple times earlier this year, an experience he and others feel have well-prepared him for his new role. Judge Kevin Carter, from the Eighth Judicial District, shared high praise for Dabney’s earlier assignments in Housing Court. He highlighted Dabney’s serious approach and eagerness for the position, both of which played a key part in determining the recent … Read more

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Baltimore City in Firefighter Tragedy, Questions Grounds for Allegations

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BALTIMORE — A wrongful death lawsuit filed by the families of three Baltimore City firefighters who perished in a building collapse in January 2022 has been dismissed by a federal judge. The firefighters, identified as Paul Butrim, Kelsey Sadler, and Kenneth Lacayo, tragically lost their lives during a fire in a vacant property, an event that the family’s lawyers claimed was both predictable and preventable. Attorneys for the families argued that the city of Baltimore and its leadership were responsible due to longstanding safety concerns at the site that were allegedly disregarded. They contended the … Read more

Attorney Annaleigh Porter Appointed as Judge in Cayuga Nation Tribal Court

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SENECA FALLS, N.Y. — Annaleigh Porter, a seasoned attorney from Syracuse with roots in Lyons, has recently been appointed as a judge at the Cayuga Nation Tribal Court. Nation officials confirmed her appointment this past Monday, signaling a significant addition to the court’s judicial panel. Porter, who earned her law degree from Syracuse University after graduating from the College of Charleston, practices law in downtown Syracuse. Her professional background is diverse, encompassing both criminal and civil law areas, and she has played a pivotal role as a Title IX sex discrimination hearing officer at Syracuse … Read more