News

Judge Appoints Leadership in Intel Security Flaw Cases

Amanda Bronstad | June 19, 2018

A federal judge in Oregon has appointed 11 lawyers to lead more than 40 class actions brought over alleged security flaws in Intel Corp.’s microprocessor chips.

News

Reed Smith, Citing 'Interests of Clients,' Won't Increase Associate Salaries

Krishnan Nair | June 19, 2018

While the firm is keeping its options open, the head of legal personnel said it has decided to hold salaries steady for now.

News

Grewal Diversity Initiative to Impact Lawyers Inside and Outside Law & Public Safety Dept.

Michael Booth | June 18, 2018

Grewal vowed, in addition to increasing the number of minority and women employees in the department, to change other practices as well, including many that bear on the department's in-house and outside counsel.

News

NJ Senate Committee Moves 13 Superior Court Judges for Tenure

Michael Booth | June 18, 2018

The New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday recommended tenure for 13 sitting Superior Court judges. The full Senate is scheduled to vote on the nominations on Thursday.

Commentary

Lawyers Must Read, and the Supreme Court Should Write, More Disciplinary Opinions

Law Journal Editorial Board| June 18, 2018

The decisions in these cases are significant in terms of interpretation of the RPCs and the practice of law. Lawyers are bound by the RPCs; violations result in disciplinary action. As a result, attorneys should become familiar with the website and review it often.

Commentary

Bad News, Good News for Lawyer Fee Applications

Law Journal Editorial Board| June 18, 2018

'Giarusso,' while not authorizing a charging lien in a post-judgment matrimonial action, did pronounce that a separate action need not be filed. We support the opinion’s streamlining of attorney’s recovery of fees and its tactful reminder of the criteria for obtaining those fees.

News

Camden County Jury Awards $2 Million to Struck Pedestrian on UIM Claim

Michael Booth | Charles Toutant | June 18, 2018

In Canda v. Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., a Camden County jury awarded a Pennsauken man who lodged an under-insured motorist claim $2 million as compensation…

BAR REPORT - New leadership takes helm at the New Jersey State Bar Foundation

New Jersey State Bar Association| June 18, 2018

Susan A. Feeney is the new president of the foundation -- the philanthropic arm of the NJSBA

BAR REPORT - Capitol Report

New Jersey State Bar Association| June 18, 2018

Legislation lands on governor's desk: sports betting, marriage ban, birth certificate amendments, government shutdown

NJ Federal Court Vacancies Growing, With No Relief in Sight

Charles Toutant | June 15, 2018

The number of vacancies on the federal bench will reach five in October when U.S. District Judge Robert Kugler assumes senior status.

Commentary

Is Baking a Cake Practicing Religion?

Michael D. Schottland| June 15, 2018

OP-ED: Once again we see a joining of progressives and conservatives for the good of our nation and its judicial system.

Profile

Attorney of the Year Finalist: Seeking Out 'Unlitigated Areas' Defines Griffin's Career as OPRA Advocate

David Gialanella | June 15, 2018

A partner at Pashman Stein Walder Hayden in Hackensack, Griffin has developed a reputation as one of the state's most active Open Public Records Act litigators.

Profile

Attorney of the Year Finalist: Porrino, Eyeing 'Horizon,' Treats Attorney General Job as a 'Sprint'

David Gialanella | June 15, 2018

According to Christopher Porrino, who finished his term as New Jersey's 60th attorney general early this year, knowing the "horizon" of a job amounts…

Profile

Attorney of the Year Finalist: 'Bisbing' Yields Nunn's Biggest Success Yet in 2017

David Gialanella | June 15, 2018

For Matheu Nunn, a remarkably active 2016 in appellate litigation was to be surpassed only by the 2017 decision issued in 'Bisbing v. Bisbing,' in which the New Jersey Supreme Court remade the legal standard for child relocation.

Commentary

Good Corporate Citizenry Uncovers Fraud Against NJ Charity Care Fund

John Kennedy and Richard E. Vuernick| June 15, 2018

OP-ED: The legislature should amend the New Jersey False Claims Act and empower taxpayers to come forward to report fraud against local governments (not just the State) and receive a relator’s share for doing so.

Analysis

On-Demand Legal Providers Want to Put State Battles Behind Them

Rhys Dipshan | June 15, 2018

After years of fighting state bar associations, on-demand legal services companies like Avvo, LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer have shifted to evolving their businesses.

Analysis

Use Mindfulness to Master Lawyering and Live a Balanced Life

Lori Ann Buza| June 15, 2018

The practice of mindfulness may help attorneys develop the skills necessary to better respond to the challenges and stress they face in the legal profession.

News

After Hours: Cardinal Tobin Keynote Speaker at Seton Hall Law Graduation

Jonathan Erway | June 15, 2018

Cardinal Tobin Keynote Speaker at Seton Hall Law Graduation; Hutcheon Appointed ABA Business Law Section 'Observer'; Marshall Dennehey's Zucker Receives RSA Award.

'Epic Systems,' Heading Off 3rd Circuit's Ruling on Class Waivers, Seen as Curb on Wage Litigation

Charles Toutant | June 14, 2018

The "Epic Systems" ruling "was a big decision, in that it reinforced the current state of the law," said Mitchell Boyarsky, a management-side employment lawyer at Gibbons in New York.

News

Open-Government Group Sues for Access to Alleged Christie-Kushner Emails

Michael Booth | June 14, 2018

The organization, MapLight, based in Berkeley, California, filed the lawsuit in Mercer County Superior Court on Wednesday, seeking access to emails sent between Christie and members of his administration and Kushner and others from his companies, between Feb. 1, 2017, and Jan. 15, 2018.

Expert Opinion

First Mile-Last Mile Problems Create Bumpy Road in Legal Tech Innovation

Daniel B. Rodriguez| June 14, 2018

The economic evidence indicates that the first and last mile add disproportionately to the costs of the service, and the challenge is to reduce the unique costs borne by companies of beginning and ending the journey on these otherwise efficient networks.

Analysis

Has the Game Changed for NJ Shareholders Starting a Derivative Action?

Frederick W. Alworth and Jonathan S. Liss| June 14, 2018

A recent published decision of the Appellate Division may make it more difficult for a shareholder to assert a derivative action against a New Jersey corporation.

News

On The Move: Cohen Seglias Expands New Jersey Presence

Jonathan Erway | June 14, 2018

Cohen Seglias Expands New Jersey Presence; Fox Rothschild Promotes Trainor to Partner; Nukk-Freeman & Cerra Welcomes Ketty as Counsel; Two Join Mason Griffin in Princeton.

News

Feds Sue Bergen County Town Over Denial of Synagogue Construction

Michael Booth | June 13, 2018

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey on Wednesday filed the suit against Woodcliff Lake, a suburban community located in Bergen County, about 20 miles northwest of Manhattan and closer still to New York's Rockland County to the north.

Q&A

Art of the Triple Crown: Justify's Big Win for McNees Wallace

Lizzy McLellan | June 13, 2018

Michael Doctrow, who is handling trademark matters for Triple Crown winner Justify, talked about finding a niche, how gambling makes him a wreck, and how people love "horse art."

Fees Awarded to Insurers in Dispute Among Conservative Activist Schlafly's Family, Followers

Charles Toutant | June 13, 2018

But the underlying dispute between her children and followers appears far from resolution.

News

'Restroom Break' vs. 'Still Commuting': Court Rules on Benefits for Parking Lot Falls

Michael Booth | June 13, 2018

One New Jersey corrections officer won a bid for enhanced benefits, and another lost, in a pair of Appellate Division rulings that required the court to decide whether their parking lot falls occurred on work time or personal time.

Profile

Legal & Litigation Departments of the Year: Meet the Winners

David Gialanella | June 13, 2018

Read each winner's Q&A profile here.

News

UnitedLex and LeClairRyan Announce Innovative New Law Venture

Miriam Rozen | June 13, 2018

LeClairRyan has become the first law firm to sign on to what UnitedLex Corp. hopes will be a pioneering alliance between Big Law and New Law. The company's CEO expects that law firms could see their profits per partner rise up to 15 percent a year if they join the newly formed ULX Partners.

Bill Mandating Liability Coverage for Employers, Landlords Gains Traction

Michael Booth | June 12, 2018

A committee of the New Jersey Legislature has recommended passage of a bill that would require employers and owners of multiple-dwelling properties to maintain liability insurance policies of at least $500,000.

Appeal in Consumer Suit Narrowed After Justices Define 'Aggrieved Consumer'

Charles Toutant | June 12, 2018

The Supreme Court said a plaintiff must show there was actual monetary or other harm in order to become eligible for compensation.

News

Lowenstein Sandler Adds White-Collar Defense and Capital Markets Litigation Pro

Ryan Lovelace | June 12, 2018

As an assistant U.S. attorney in Brooklyn, Ryan Wilson helped lead the DOJ team that inked a $7.2 billion settlement with Deutsche Bank last year.

News

Christie Opens Law Practice, Reports Say, But Is He Looking for Business?

Michael Booth | June 12, 2018

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has decided to hang out his shingle.

Court Remands Suit Claiming Leeds Firm Wrongly Steered Prudential Plaintiff to Arbitration

Charles Toutant | June 11, 2018

A New Jersey appeals court has ordered further proceedings for one plaintiff who claimed in a legal malpractice suit that the firm of Leeds, Morelli & Brown accepted bonuses for steering its clients into arbitration of an employment dispute with the Prudential Insurance Co.

News

Sports-Betting Bill Signed

Michael Booth | June 11, 2018

Sports betting is now legal in New Jersey: Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday signed legislation that allows wagering on professional and collegiate sports.

Commentary

Roadblocks to Civil Reservations Rightly Removed

Law Journal Editorial Board| June 11, 2018

When should a defendant faced with criminal charges be permitted to plead guilty while at the same time reserving the right to keep the guilty plea from being used as evidence against her in a civil case? State v. McIntyre-Caulfield provides a far more complete and satisfactory answer.

Commentary

Waterfront Commission Lives On

Law Journal Editorial Board| June 11, 2018

We applaud Judge Wigenton’s decision and look forward to the continuation of the commission and the regulatory work with which it continues to be intimately involved.

Best Practices

How to Execute a Legal Project

Lean Adviser Legal| June 11, 2018

Establish what's critical, and then focus on that, applying the appropriate resources to every necessary task.

Commentary

Requiring Leave For Multiple Arguers Won't Benefit Young Lawyers

Law Journal Editorial Board| June 11, 2018

We are not aware of any abuses that would require tightening of the rule. Unfortunately, the court has not explained why it believes the change is necessary.

News

Ankle, Leg Injuries in Sidewalk Fall Net $2.16 Million Verdict in Essex

Michael Booth | David Gialanella | Charles Toutant | June 11, 2018

An Essex County jury has awarded a Bloomfield woman $2.16 million as compensation for injuries she sustained when she slipped and fell on an icy sidewalk. The…

BAR REPORT - Bar Briefs

New Jersey State Bar Association| June 11, 2018

A look at the latest NJSBA digital offerings

BAR REPORT - NJSBA Town Hall

New Jersey State Bar Association| June 11, 2018

Legislative town hall program set for June 18

BAR REPORT - Capitol Report

New Jersey State Bar Association| June 11, 2018

State bar proposes employee choice amendments on non-disclosure agreement legislation

News

End of Line for Appeal of $225 Million Exxon Settlement

Michael Booth | June 08, 2018

In an order made public June 8 and dated a week earlier, the court denied a petition for certification from the New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club and other environmental groups seeking review of an Appellate Division ruling upholding the settlement.

Appeals Court Squelches Lawyer's Participation in Client's Real Estate Deal

Charles Toutant | June 08, 2018

The Appellate Division ordered Debra Taylor's cash investment in her client's real estate venture terminated due to her failure to meet disclosure and documentation requirements in the Rules of Professional Conduct when she signed on as an investor.

‘The Tone Deafness Is Astounding': Clients Unhappy About Milbank Associate Raise Announcement

Caroline Spiezio | Dan Clark | June 08, 2018

In-house leaders didn't pull punches in their evaluation of Milbank's big associate raises.

From $109M Fine to $0: CFPB Case Against NJ Mortgage Lender PHH Corp. Dropped

C. Ryan Barber | June 08, 2018

The dismissal comes fives months after a Washington federal appeals court upheld the CFPB’s power structure as constitutional but tossed the penalty against New Jersey-based PHH, sending the case back to the bureau for further action.

News

After Hours

Jonathan Erway | June 08, 2018

Pro Bono Partnership Names Duffy NJ Program Director; Peña Elected to Meritas Board of Directors; Hardin Kundla Attorney Receives Eagle Scout Award; Frost Receives NJSBA Amicus Curiae Award.

News

Attorney Must Pay $103,000 After Flinging Hot Pasta During Restaurant Fight

Robert Storace | June 08, 2018

A jury found against former New Jersey attorney James Sweeney, accused of throwing hot pasta and sauce on a woman, who claimed she then fell and hit her head.

Analysis

Natural Resource Damages: Are We Out of the Woods Yet?

Marc D. Policastro| June 08, 2018

In many cases, a successful environmental remediation does not account for restoration of natural resources.

Investors Sue Private Cryptocurrency Over $17M Initial Offering

Charles Toutant | June 07, 2018

Although the developers depicted the Latium initial coin offering as a sale of "utility-based tokens," it was subject to the Securities Act of 1933 because investors were promised that the tokens would be worth more than the price they paid, according to the suit.

News

Marriage Ban for Minors Passes Legislature

Michael Booth | June 07, 2018

It now goes to Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy for his consideration. He has not indicated whether he will sign or veto the bill. His predecessor, Republican Gov. Chris Christie, previously vetoed identical legislation.

News

Sports Betting Bill Approved by Legislature as Bookmakers, Bettors Await Murphy's Signature

Michael Booth | June 07, 2018

Though the picture remained somewhat unclear Friday, potential and bettors and bookmakers took heart as lawmakers approved legislation to implement New Jersey's long-await sports-betting program.

Commentary

Electronic Filing:  Has eCourts Lived Up to the Bar’s Expectations?

Young Lawyers Advisory Board| June 07, 2018

OP-ED: While eCourts is a step in the right direction, it is not a perfect system. There are still several items that can be improved to help the profession and serve the general public.

News

On The Move

Jonathan Erway | June 07, 2018

Archer Welcomes Nine Summer Associates; Trenk Brings On Summer Associate Paulson; Poe Joins Wong Fleming as Associate.

Analysis

Contract and Tort Law (Not Property) Are Required for Blockchain Property Transactions

Jonathan Bick| June 07, 2018

It is more useful to regulate and adjudicate blockchain protocol property transactions using laws and precedent associated with agreements and acts, rather than using the law of physical things.

Clinic Faces Bias Suit Over Racially Offensive Term Applied to Unborn Child

Charles Toutant | June 06, 2018

When the patient objected to the use of the term "monkey," the technician denied doing anything wrong and the clinic owner defended the term as a "silly colloquialism," according to the plaintiff.

News

Honig Joins Lowenstein Sandler's White-Collar Defense Group

Michael Booth | June 06, 2018

Elie Honig will be working under his old boss, former Attorney General Christopher Porrino, who, after the administration of Gov. Chris Christie came to an end in January, became chairman of the firm's litigation group.

News

Your Law Firm is Paying You $190K Right Out of Law School. Now What?

MP McQueen | June 06, 2018

Even as associate salaries climb, lawyers are seeing pensions shrink and the promises of partnership fade.

News

Third Circuit Nominee Downplays Political Past in Hearing

Ellis Kim | June 06, 2018

Nominee David Porter also declined to directly answer whether Brown v. Board of Education was “correctly decided.”

Washington Post Science Reporter With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Must Receive Disability Benefits, N.J. Court Decides

Steven A. Meyerowitz, Esq., Director, FC&S Legal| June 06, 2018

This story is reprinted with permission from FC&S Legal, the industry’s only comprehensive digital resource designed for insurance coverage law professionals.…

News

Supreme Court's 'Kindred' Ruling Can't Save Trampoline Park's Arb Clause

Charles Toutant | June 05, 2018

On Tuesday the Appellate Division upheld a decision to invalidate an arbitration clause at issue in "Defina v. Go Ahead and Jump 1," marking the second time a state appeals court has refused to enforce an arbitration agreement in the case.

News

Split Ruling on Benefits for Cops Who Retired Early After Traumatic Events

Michael Booth | June 05, 2018

The New Jersey Supreme Court on Tuesday handed down a split ruling to two former police officers seeking enhanced benefits after being involved in traumatic events on the job, and in the process urged lawmakers to take a new look at the relevant statute and case law.

News

In-House Counsel's Gender Discrimination Suit Claims Company Fired Her Over 'Family Status'

Robert Storace | June 05, 2018

Attorney Erin Ryan filed a federal gender discrimination lawsuit against MDC, alleging the agency fired her after she returned from maternity leave.

7 New Federal Prosecutors Added in New Jersey

Charles Toutant | June 04, 2018

Four of the new hires in New Jersey will focus on violent crime, two on civil enforcement and one on immigration, according to a statement from the New Jersey U.S. Attorney's Office.

News

Supreme Court Won't Take Up Avvo Ethics Case

David Gialanella | June 04, 2018

An opinion by New Jersey legal ethics authorities that deemed Avvo off-limits to lawyers in the state will not be reviewed by the state Supreme Court.

NCAA Sued Over Post-Practice Cardiac Death of Football Player from NJ at Mass. College

Charles Toutant | June 04, 2018

Michael Mazza died after a two-hour practice at Mount Ida College in Massachusetts in February 2016, with "probable cardiac dysrhythmia" listed as the cause of death.

News

Medical Examiner's Report Inadmissible in Wrongful Death Case, Appellate Division Rules

Michael Booth | June 04, 2018

"We hold that the [State Medical Examiner Act] does not provide an absolute right to a civil plaintiff to admit the full contents of a certificate of death," wrote Appellate Division Judge Jack Sabatino.

Where the Justices Found Middle Ground in Gay Wedding Cake Case

Marcia Coyle | June 04, 2018

Justices Elena Kagan and Stephen Breyer joined Justice Anthony Kennedy's majority ruling. Kagan opened her concurring opinion by quoting Kennedy: "It is a general rule that [religious and philosophical] objections do not allow business owners and other actors in the economy and in society to deny protected persons equal access to goods and services under a neutral and generally applicable public accommodations law."

Commentary

'Equal Pay Act' is a Misnomer

Law Journal Editorial Board| June 04, 2018

The recently enacted Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act calls for equal pay for “substantially similar” work; an entirely new standard that we fear will bestow benefits largely on the lawyers litigating its meaning.

Commentary

Congress Needs to Amend the Alien Tort Statute

Law Journal Editorial Board| June 04, 2018

The Supreme Court has declined to move beyond the plain language of the Alien Tort Statute and essentially invited Congress to act. We join in that invitation.

BAR REPORT - Capitol Report

New Jersey State Bar Association| June 04, 2018

Recent activity in Trenton of interest to state bar members

BAR REPORT - A ‘conversation’ with the Supreme Court; professionalism award nominations due; NJSBA amicus activity; meeting on Hughes Compact

New Jersey State Bar Association| June 04, 2018

A look at recent NJSBA actions

News

Mortgage Loan Dispute Yields $1.168M Award in Bergen Bench Trial

Michael Booth | June 04, 2018

In Danja Invest Corp. v. Zaytsev, a Bergen County judge rendered a $1.168 million judgment on May 17 in favor of a Belize-based company that sought…

News

Monmouth Judge, Showing No Sympathy to 'Very Occupied' Counsel, Dismisses Police Suit

Charles Toutant | June 01, 2018

In a one-page letter that was electronically filed at 4:06 p.m. on the day before the motion hearing, Michael Warshaw of Zager Fuchs in Red Bank told the court that he and his co-counsel had been "very occupied and distracted and the opposition got away from us."

News

Mixed Appellate Rulings for Vikings Co-Owners in Years-Long NJ Real Estate Litigation

Michael Booth | June 01, 2018

The seemingly unending saga of the litigation between the Wilf family, co-owners of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings, and their former real estate business partners continues.

Analysis

Recruiters See Effects of Sexual Misconduct on Lawyers' Careers

Lizzy McLellan | June 01, 2018

From gossip about workplace culture to stories about individual law firm partners, tales of inappropriate conduct regularly reach the ears of professional legal recruiters.

Analysis

Summer Hours to Family Leave, Work-Life Balance Gets Top-Down Approach at NJ Firms

David Gialanella | June 01, 2018

Many firms see striking an effective work-life balance as a matter of competition, insofar as it serves as a recruiting tool.

Commentary

Gimme Shelter

Peter Lederman| June 01, 2018

OP-ED: Shelter can be a good thing under most circumstances. That is, however, unless driving home after consuming some adult beverage!

News

After Hours

Jonathan Erway | June 01, 2018

Riker Danzig Sponsors 'Newport 10,000' For 15 years, Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti has been the title sponsor of the Riker Danzig Newport…

Analysis

New Jersey’s U.S. Supreme Court Victory for Legalized Sports Betting

Bryan Mosca and Mark Quist| June 01, 2018

The 'Murphy' court’s decision has potential far-reaching implications for not only sports betting and the gaming industry, but principles of federalism and the balance of power between the states and the federal government.

News

Justice Patterson Nominated for Tenure

Michael Booth | May 31, 2018

The nomination, which must be approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate, would mean that Patterson will be eligible to serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Plavix Qui Tam Suit Dismissed Over Reshuffling of Plaintiffs

Charles Toutant | May 31, 2018

A Trenton federal judge has dismissed a False Claims Act suit against Sanofi and Bristol-Myers Squibb over anti-blood clot drug Plavix, citing a change in the composition of the partnership that filed the suit.

News

Behind Sanofi's Response to Roseanne’s ‘Ambien Tweeting’ Excuse

C. Ryan Barber | May 31, 2018

Chan Lee, the North America general counsel to drugmaker Sanofi, explains how the company's now-famous social media response to Roseanne Barr came about. "The approval of that tweet was a fairly easy one for me," Lee says.

News

Surrogacy Contracts Now Recognized by Law in New Jersey

Michael Booth | David Gialanella | May 31, 2018

The legislation garnered support from the New Jersey State Bar Association's Family Law Section.

News

Pharma Sales Rep Pleads Guilty to Opioid Bribery Charges

Michael Booth | May 31, 2018

The guilty plea comes as the state continues to pursue litigation against Insys Therapeutics Inc., the Arizona-based pharmaceutical company that has become the central target of the state's efforts to combat opioid abuse.

Analysis

The Second Annual TWITA Awards

Marc Garfinkle| May 31, 2018

This year’s honorees join a long line—well, a short line, really; more like a hyphen—of previous TWITA award winners whose service to the profession has been extraordinary.

News

On The Move

Jonathan Erway | May 31, 2018

Ragosa joins DLA Piper’s Corporate Practice as Partner; Weber Gallagher Welcomes Two Partners; Knapp Joins Perlman Law Firm; Associate Lym Joins Pashman Stein Walder Hayden’s Litigation Group.

Commentary

What Clients Really Want From Outside Counsel

Lean Adviser Legal| May 31, 2018

It doesn't take a magic formula or a lengthy pitch to impress clients, just master these five fundamentals.

News

NJ Judge Dismisses Hurricane Sandy Cleanup Workers' Wage Claims

Amanda Bronstad | May 30, 2018

U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan found that individual officers of New Jersey-based Bil-Jim Construction Co. Inc., a subcontractor hired to rebuild the beaches near Barnegat Bay, were not personally liable under the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act.

Analysis

Quiet Time? Oral Arguments Disappear in Federal Appeals Courts

Ross Todd | May 30, 2018

The number and percentage of cases argued at the federal appellate level is fading leaving firms to ask where their next generation of appellate lawyers can turn for courtroom experience.

News

NJ Supreme Court Bars Retroactive Application of Megan's Law Amendments

Michael Booth | May 30, 2018

The New Jersey Supreme Court on Wednesday held 2014 amendments to Megan's Law enhancing certain penalties for sex offenders who violate parole requirements unenforceable against four defendants based on the ex post facto clauses of both the state and federal constitutions.

Appeals Court Upholds Disqualification of Lawyer for Failure to Return Privileged Documents

Charles Toutant | May 29, 2018

The Appellate Division upheld the disqualification of Kevin Barber and his firm, Niedweske Barber Hager of Morristown, from representing the plaintiff in a whistleblower case.

News

Lawyer Fee Claim Need Not Come in Separate Suit, Court Rules in $99K Fee Fight

Michael Booth | May 29, 2018

"We hold that a petitioning attorney may obtain a judgment against his or her client for the reasonable amount of unpaid legal fees in the underlying action without filing a separate action in the Law Division," Judge Richard Geiger said, joined by Judges Carmen Alvarez and Heidi Currier.

Construction Worker Fall Case Settles For $1.265 Million in Middlesex

Charles Toutant | David Gialanella | May 28, 2018

A construction worker who suffered spinal injuries after a fall at a building under construction settled his Middlesex County suit, Pinho v. Meridia Metro Hackensack, for $1.265 million on March 21.

BAR REPORT - Answering 'Why Does Oral Argument Matter?'

New Jersey State Bar Association| May 28, 2018

Oral argument can be absolutely critical, according to a panel of expert jurists who spoke at the NJSBA annual meeting.

BAR REPORT - Annual Meeting Panel Examines Roots, Solutions to America's Opioid Epidemic

New Jersey State Bar Association| May 28, 2018

The United States is in the middle of the worst drug epidemic in its history, and the solution needs to be a coordinated approach that incorporates prevention, treatment and law enforcement.

BAR REPORT - Capitol Report

New Jersey State Bar Association| May 28, 2018

A look at legislation on and off the governor's desk

News

High Court Holds Child Abuse Confidentiality Statute Ambiguously Written

Michael Booth | May 25, 2018

In a per curiam, unanimous ruling released May 24, the court said the language of the statute that criminalizes the unauthorized release or encouraging the release of confidential child abuse information is ambiguous in that it is unclear as to whether the statute applies to anyone or only to employees of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

Racetrack Operator Seeks to Recover $150M in Lost Sports Bets From NCAA, Leagues

Charles Toutant | May 25, 2018

In a motion filed in federal court in Trenton, the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association is seeking reimbursement of nearly $150 million in wagers that it says it would have collected during years of litigation waged over the state's desire to legalize sports betting.