Sidestep

Texas Shuffle: Corporate Strategies to Sidestep Mass Tort Accountability Unveiled

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In a significant legal twist reminiscent of a Texas two-step dance, corporations accused of wrongdoing are employing a sophisticated strategy to sidestep the repercussions of mass tort liability. This maneuver involves the creative use of bankruptcy filings not just to reorganize debt but as a shield against large-scale lawsuits. Typically, these cases involve allegations of product liabilities, environmental damages, or other mass harm events that impact numerous plaintiffs. The legal tool at the center of this strategy is known as the Texas two-step, named not for its state of origin but for its bifurcated approach. … Read more

San Francisco’s Creative Approach to Sidestep State Environmental Legislation

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San Francisco, California – The city of San Francisco is embarking on a mission to circumvent a state environmental law that requires local communities to approve new commercial developments. To achieve this, the city is proposing a sweeping rezoning plan that would categorize such projects as “recreational amenities,” thereby bypassing the need for public approval. The primary driver of this move is a desire to expedite the development of mixed-use projects, such as office buildings with integrated housing or retail spaces. By reclassifying these projects as recreational amenities, San Francisco intends to streamline the approval … Read more