Shortage

Judicial Crisis: Defendants in Armed Robbery and Drug Cases Released Amid Attorney Shortage in Lowell

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LOWELL, Mass. — On Wednesday, a group of defendants facing serious charges such as armed robbery and drug trafficking were released from custody at the Kiernan Judicial Center. This development came as trial courts across Middlesex and Suffolk counties initiated emergency Lavallee Protocol hearings, a move triggered by a critical shortage of court-appointed attorneys throughout the state. The situation highlights an ongoing issue in the Massachusetts legal system, where the lack of available attorneys for defendants has prompted courts to take unprecedented actions. The Lavallee Protocol, designed to ensure that defendants’ rights are protected in … Read more

Injury Lawsuit Targets Vail Corp. for Negligence at Ski Resort Amid Staff Shortage

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Seattle, WA — A mother who suffered serious injuries after a 20-foot fall at a ski resort in Washington state took her case to a federal jury in Seattle this week, blaming the Vail Corp. for the incident. She claims the renowned resort company neglected a known hazard and inadequately staffed the facility, leading to the accident in 2022. According to the woman’s testimony, her injuries resulted from a lapse in safety measures at the resort, where the normal staff was replaced by volunteers from a local alpine club during a staffing crisis. These volunteers, … Read more

Modoc County Domestic Violence Case Dismissed Due to Judicial Shortage, Exposing Systemic Court Delays

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ALTURAS, Calif. — In a rare turn of events in Modoc County, a criminal case was dismissed due to a shortage of judges, illustrating the challenges smaller counties face in maintaining adequate judicial resources. On February 27, 2025, Superior Court Judge Wendy Dier was forced to dismiss a domestic violence case involving defendant Angela Totten due to the prolonged absence of a second judge in the county. The case originally stemmed from allegations against Totten including battery, battery on a spouse, and resisting arrest with penalties that could have extended up to two and half … Read more

Kansas Proposes $20,000 Training Subsidy to Address Rural Lawyer Shortage

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WICHITA, Kan. — A significant legal desert is expanding across rural Kansas as the area faces a shortage of attorneys, a trend that could escalate without intervention. With the vast majority of the state’s lawyers practicing in urban centers, less-populated regions are struggling to meet various legal needs, from civil to criminal cases. Kansas is home to approximately 7,000 attorneys, yet about 80% of them are based in metropolitan areas, leaving the rural communities underserved. This imbalance raises concerns not only about access to justice but also about the constitutional implications for residents who may … Read more