FedEx Fee Fight Packs $25,000 Sanction May 29, 2008
Waukeen McCoy submitted billing records that his office formulated after the fact, according to a recommendation from Special Master Edward Swanson filed late Thursday. McCoy also deliberately did not produce documents that had been requested, the special master found ... Once brought forward by Bolanos, those records contradicted the fee petitions, the special master found. (Law.com)
3 new groups join lawsuit over Catawba River water May 29, 2008
The San Francisco lawyer hearing the case as a "special master" ruled Tuesday the city can join the case. Special master Kristin Linsley Myles also said Duke Energy and a water system serving Union County, N.C., and Lancaster County, S.C., can join. (The Daily Reflector)
Thomas to high court: Make Bar back off May 28, 2008
Or at the least, he wants the high court to appoint an independent attorney, or "special master," to conduct the investigations. The state Bar licenses attorneys and monitors their conduct; the Supreme Court has oversight of the Bar. (AZCentral -- News)
Palm Beach County votes to double some water fines May 27, 2008
Residents who violate the restrictions could be forced to pay up to $250 for the offense, depending on whether the case is heard in court by a judge or at a county code enforcement hearing by a special master, Verner said. At the county hearing, the special master is allowed to decide on the fine, although code enforcement officers will recommend the $250 penalty, Verner said. (The Palm Beach Post)
Sale of Myers University nears conclusion May 23, 2008
This week, Gaul angered some creditors by ruling that the court's special master, Mark Dottore, will be paid for his work from the proceeds before any creditors get their money. Dottore submitted a bill last week for $37,000 for work he and five associates did during March. (Cleveland.com)
Suggs' franchise tag grievance vs. Ravens settled May 14, 2008
Suggs filed a grievance, asking a Special Master to determine his true position. Being a team player, Suggs showed up at the first minicamp under first-year coach John Harbaugh to show him he was on board with his hiring. (ESPN -- Football News)
Class Action Case Tests Autism-Vaccine Link May 13, 2008
The Office of Special Masters of the claims court has instructed the plaintiffs to designate three test cases for each of the three theories -- nine cases in all -- and has assigned three special masters to handle the cases ... In the end, the families' attorneys hope to convince the special master hearing their case that thimerosal belongs on the list of causes for the inflammation that leads to regressive autism ... The families or the federal government can also appeal the decision of the... (Click2Houston, TX)
Striking a chord for new American musicals (1) May 13, 2008
Friday, May 09, 2008 Edition. "Klein pointed to the popularity of productions like "High School Musical" and "Wicked," which are being performed everywhere from local schools to the bright lights of Broadway. "I saw a high school production of 'Sweeney Todd' in Agoura and it was terrific," Klein said. "The kids were just wonderful. (Malibu Times, CA)
Families make case for vaccine link to autism May 12, 2008
In the end, the families attorneys hope to convince a special master of the U.S. Court of Claims that thimerosal belongs on the list of causes for the inflammation that leads to regressive autism ... The families or the federal government can also appeal the decision of the special master to the Court of Federal Claims or to a federal appeals court. (MSNBC -- Health)
Families of Autistic Children to Sue U.S. Over Vaccine May 12, 2008
In the end, the families' attorneys hope to convince a special master of the U.S. Court of Claims that thimerosal belongs on the list of causes for the inflammation that leads to regressive autism. To win, the attorneys for the two boys, William Mead and Jordan King, will have to show that it"s more likely than not that the vaccine actually caused the injury. Many members of the medical community are skeptical of the families' claims. They worry that the claims about the dangers of vaccines... (Fox News)
Scruggs' ex-partner asking for sanctions Apr 23, 2008
5 million payment - a ruling that went contrary to the findings of a special master appointed to weigh the evidence before trial. On Jan. 7, one of Scruggs' attorneys, Joey Langston of Booneville, pleaded guilty to scheming to corruptly influence DeLaughter in the case. (The Clarion-Ledger)
$18.2M OK'd for abused Lake Worth girl Apr 22, 2008
House Special Master Stephanie Birtman reviewed the case and recommended that lawmakers approve $26. 7 million. (The Palm Beach Post)
Judge kept chaotic Texas polygamist abuse case on track Apr 20, 2008
Before being elected in 1992, the Southern Methodist University law graduate served as a special master in family law, a position that allowed her to hear parts of family law cases in the place of a judge. Choate, who isn't involved in the polygamist custody case but has tried other cases before Walther, said, "She was really made for this case and I thought did a terrific job under incredibly adverse conditions.". (Anchorage Daily News)
Myers U. includes Babylonian antiquities among assets Apr 16, 2008
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer Jim "Mudcat' Grant tips his cap to the crowd as he is introduced, throwing the ceremonial first pitch before last nights game against the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field on April 14, 2008. Grant pitched for the Indians for 5 seasons, 1958-63, becoming the first African-American pitcher to win 20 games in season in the American League. NEWS VIDEO PRINT EDITION HEADLINES FORUMS Discuss today's top stories. Chatterbox Forum by 04/16/2008 12:00 a.m. ET by 04/15/2008... (Cleveland.com)
Myers University could cost taxpayers millions Apr 11, 2008
Mark Dottore, a special master appointed by the court to find buyers, said he kept the school's significant debt in mind when fielding offers. The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, to which Myers owes $5. (Cleveland.com)
Forced Sex Alleged At Compound Temple Apr 10, 2008
Lawyers for the sect had wanted to cut off the wide-ranging search as it dragged on but agreed in court Wednesday to the appointment of a special master who will vet what is expected to be hundreds of boxes of records, computers and even family Bibles for records that should not become evidence for legal or religious reasons. Attorneys for the church argued that a search of the 1,700-acre compound was unconstitutional, reports CBS News correspondent Hari Sreenivasan. (CBS News)
Mystery buyer ready to take over ailing Myers U. Apr 10, 2008
The buyer is a for-profit entity known in legal documents only as Myers Education LLC. It's a legitimate group that on Tuesday signed a letter of intent to buy the 160-year-old institution, said Mary Whitmer, an attorney representing the court-appointed special master overseeing the university's interests ... Gaul's special master, Mark Dottore, has been trying to find a buyer for Myers since it became a ward of the court late last year. (Cleveland.com)
Documents: Girls at polygamist ranch had to have sex in temple Apr 10, 2008
ELDORADO, Texas (AP) - A special master will be chosen to review documents, computers and even family Bibles seized from a polygamist ranch in West Texas ... The special master will vet what is expected to be hundreds of items that might not become evidence for legal or religious reasons. (KSLA.com, LA)
Sect girl, 16, 'had four children' Apr 10, 2008
The temple "contains an area where there is a bed where males over the age of 17 engage in sexual activity with female children under the age of 17,'' said an affidavit released today quoting a confidential informant who left the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Agents found a bed in the temple with disturbed linens and what appeared to be a female hair, said the affidavit signed by Texas Ranger Leslie Brooks Long. The Rangers are the state's investigative law... (Sydney Morning Herald)
Delaware wins high court fight over NJ Apr 3, 2008
A court-appointed special master concluded last year that Delaware has the authority to block the pier. Justice Stephen Breyer did not participate in the case. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
lawfully block a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility proposed on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River Apr 1, 2008
High court appointed a special master to sift through thousands of documents and hear arguments from both sides ... The Court appointed a special master, , to sift through thousands of documents and hear arguments from both sides. (Law.com Newswire)
Insurers Told to Cover NYC's Defense Costs Over Sept. 11 Health Claims Mar 27, 2008
Among the other witnesses expected to testify at the hearing is Kenneth Feinberg, former special master of the federal fund, which distributed money to the families of those killed in the terror attacks as well as those injured on Sept. 11, 2001. Napoli said the Lloyd's decision means there will be more money available to compensate those injured in the cleanup. (Law.com)
Rulings in Scruggs' cases suspect, lawyers say Mar 23, 2008
In January 2006, special master Bobby Sneed, appointed by the Hinds County Circuit Court to evaluate the evidence in Wilson's lawsuit, made recommendations that largely sided with Wilson, leading his lawyers to seek $15 million in legal fees. Three days afterward, Scruggs replaced his lead counsel, Jack Dunbar of Oxford, remarking, according to another attorney, John Jones of Jackson, that "Hinds County Circuit Court is a snake pit, and I need a snake.". (The Clarion-Ledger)
Judge will consider release of Portland archdiocese documents Mar 15, 2008
A federal bankruptcy judge said Thursday she is inclined to agree with an attorney for abuse victims, who argued against sending church documents to another judge to act as a special master to resolve a dispute over their public release. But U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Elizabeth Perris said she will give both sides until the end of August to argue the case. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Special Masters Appointed in Program to Resolve U.S. VIOXX(R) Product Liability Lawsuits Mar 8, 2008
Responsibilities Include Deciding Claimant Appeals NEW YORK, March 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement is from Hughes Hubbard LLP and Herman Herman Katz r, LLP: United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon met this week with the newly appointed Special Master and Deputy Special Masters who will decide any appeals taken from the findings of the Claims Administrator permitted under the resolution program for Vioxx product liability litigation in the United States, and will conduct... (PR Newswire)
Suggs Files Grievance Against Ravens Mar 8, 2008
065 million franchise tag for linebackers, the average of the top five linebackers' salaries in the NFL. An arbitration hearing before an NFL special master to resolve the issue hasn't been scheduled. Suggs contends he played more than 50 percent of his snaps at defensive end last year. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Vaccine settlement complex, may not be first Mar 8, 2008
The case may not be a first, said Gary Golkiewicz, chief special master for the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. He oversees the special "vaccine court" which rules on requests for payments from the vaccine injury fund. (CNN -- Health)
Emotional Favre says his goodbyes Mar 7, 2008
An arbitration hearing before a special master to resolve the issue hasn't been scheduled. Baltimore agreed to terms on a four-year, $4. (Boston Globe)
DE or LB? About $800,000 at stake for Suggs Mar 7, 2008
About $800,000 at stake for Suggs - NFL- nbcsports. About $800,000 at stake for Suggs. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Suggs files grievance over franchise designation Mar 7, 2008
An arbitration hearing before an NFL special master to resolve the issue hasn't been scheduled. Suggs contends he played more than 50% of his snaps at defensive end last year. (USA Today -- Sports)
Barden's options are few for casino garage Mar 3, 2008
It asked the state Supreme Court to vacate the decision and halt building permits for the garage or appoint a special master to decide if the structure complies with city zoning laws. "The issue with this project is that the casino has become a garage and the structure is truly one of the largest to be built on the riverfront in decades with the exception of Heinz Field," Riverlife Executive Director Lisa Schroeder said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
U.S. law firm accused of misconduct in Coke case Mar 1, 2008
A special master, who is making recommendations to the judge, said in a report that shareholder law firm Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins LLP paid for documents stolen from Coke, and then refused to accept responsibility for its conduct. Numerous courts have found that the conduct of counsel was improper in circumstances less problematic than these, Special Master Hunter Hughes said in a report filed Wednesday ... The district court has subsequently ordered the special master's report... (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Meredith Martin Addy Named One of Top 10 Illinois 'Super Lawyers' for 2008 Feb 20, 2008
She also has served as a Special Master and Court Appointed Expert, advising district court judges in complex patent litigations. Ms. Addy is President of the Richard Linn American Inn of Court, one of only five IP-focused Inns in the U.S., and she serves on the 16-member Federal Circuit Advisory Council. (PR Newswire)
Labor leader assails casino, arena foes Feb 20, 2008
Riverlife has asked the state Supreme Court to reverse or vacate the planning commission approval and stop building permits from being issued for the garage, or to appoint a special master to determine whether the design complies with zoning requirements. Mr. Stanizzo said the continuing legal fighting "definitely is sending the wrong message" to developers thinking about coming to the area. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Supreme Court allows Montana lawsuit against Wyoming to proceed Feb 20, 2008
That means the case could be decided more quickly than previously expected, possibly avoiding the need for a court-appointed "special master" -- essentially a hearing officer -- to oversee proceedings. Both sides have welcomed the chance to make their case directly to the court. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Jailed doctor's patients to sue govt. Feb 13, 2008
The lawsuit also asks the court to appoint a special master to oversee the reopened clinic's financial operations to protect it from charges of money laundering. RECOMMEND THIS STORY. (Yahoo News)
Riverlife Task force takes casino to court Feb 13, 2008
They are asking the court to either reverse and vacate the commission's decision and stop building permits from being issued for the 3,800-space garage or to appoint a special master to determine whether the design complies with city zoning requirements. In a statement, Lisa Schroeder, Riverlife executive director, said the 10-level garage varied from the original design, which showed part of the structure underground. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Map error escalates water war Feb 10, 2008
The Supreme Court appointed a "special master" last month to make recommendations to the justices. Randy Gentry, director of the Southeastern Water Resources Institute at the University of Tennessee, said the Carolinas' dispute could be "precedent-setting," with implications for Georgia and Tennessee. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Accused Lawyers Defend Fee-Sharing With Lay Employees as 'Bonus' Plan Feb 7, 2008
The DRB based its recommendation on the findings of a special master, retired Superior Court Judge Herbert Friend. The Office of Attorney Ethics entered into a stipulation of facts with Graziano, but the master made findings that went beyond the stipulation, "in the proceedings of other firm shareholders, in which Graziano was not permitted to participate," his brief says. (Law.com)
National Digest Feb 6, 2008
A special master ruled in October the Falcons were entitled to recover the bonuses. The Falcons argued Vick used proceeds from a contract he signed in 2004 to finance his illicit activities. (Creston News Adertiser, IO)
Brady, Moss skip Pro Bowl Browns' Anderson, Bengals' Johnson are replacements Feb 5, 2008
Brady, Moss skip Pro Bowl / Browns' Anderson, Bengals' Johnson are replacements (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Victory for Vick: QB can keep millions from bonus Feb 5, 2008
A special master ruled in October the Falcons were entitled to recover the bonuses ... The NFL Players Association had asked a federal judge to overturn the special master's decision that Vick should forfeit the bonus money because of his guilty plea. (ESPN -- Football News)
Your reaction Feb 5, 2008
Special Master Stephen Burbank s judgment was based on Vick being unable to earn already paid bonus money (the remainder of $37 million in bonuses) while in prison for fighting dogs. A day after the Super Bowl, New England isn t the only team licking its wounds. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Vick allowed part of bonus Feb 5, 2008
Your Connection to the. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Court, others struggle to save Myers University Feb 1, 2008
Several suitors are interested in Myers, says Mark Dottore, the independent receiver or special master appointed by Gaul to monitor the university and untangle its finances. He won t name who they are, but insists, My intention is to save the university, and as it looks now, we will be able to save it. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Special master resigns from suit with Peters ties Jan 30, 2008
"I stepped up to the plate and did what I needed to do," Madison lawyer Larry Latham said Tuesday in explaining why he turned in his resignation as special master in the Eaton Corp. v. Jeffry Frisby lawsuit ... On Oct. 29, DeLaughter - on his own motion - removed Oxford lawyer Jack Dunbar as special master in the Eaton lawsuit ... "The important part of the conversation is this: Mr. Peters informed me that I was being considered for appointment as a special master in this case, (and) would I be... (The Clarion-Ledger)
Can Vaccines Cause Autism? Jan 30, 2008
The special masters who run the vaccine court have tossed out their testimony on 10 occasions, and federal district courts have been similarly skeptical. One judge recently described Geier as "," and a special master called him "a professional witness in areas for which he has no training, expertise, and .". (Slate)
Feds expand bribery investigation Jan 28, 2008
"Prior to the involvement of Peters, Judge DeLaughter generally accepted the rulings of Special Master (Jack) Dunbar," Frisby's attorneys wrote. "However, after Peters became involved in the case, Judge DeLaughter rejected most of the Special Master's Reports and Recommendations.". (The Clarion-Ledger)
An Unlikely Rescue for Pit Bulls Jan 27, 2008
The court even appointed a guardian and special master, Valparaiso University animal law expert Rebecca Huss, who oversaw the dogs' disposition and recommended which rescue groups would accept them. One result of the unusual process, said ASPCA's Stephen Zawistowski, is that shelters that always euthanized such dogs are now saying "you've given us permission to care" about giving them a second chance. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
NYC, Gun Dealers Both Hail Sting Ruling Jan 26, 2008
Fifteen dealers have settled and agreed to let a special master monitor their sales. Litigation continues against several of the remaining 12 in federal court in Brooklyn. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
State elections board OKs new voting machines Jan 25, 2008
U.S. District Court Judge Gary Sharpe has threatened to appoint a special master to oversee the state's efforts if it fails to meet deadlines he approved as part of the court case. "We feel it's a good outcome," elections board spokesman Lee Daghlian said. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
DeLaughter subject of new legal wrangling Jan 25, 2008
The Frisby motions, which were filed Thursday, also claimed DeLaughter removed Oxford attorney Jack Dunbar from the post of special master in the case after Peters' involvement became apparent. The Frisby motions claim Dunbar was removed because his rulings were unfavorable to Eaton. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Cap or no cap? Question key to bridge victim fund debate Jan 23, 2008
But his proposal would leave it up to a special master to determine how much money claimants would get, with no cap. Under existing state law, Minnesota government s financial liability is limited to 300,000 per victim and 1 million total for an incident, regardless of the number of victims. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Cryo-Cell plans special meeting Jan 18, 2008
He said a special master should preside over a special meeting at which a new election would be held with the cost of that meeting borne by the management slate, not the company or its shareholders. "We welcome the opportunity to once again make our case to the stockholders of Cryo-Cell as to the importance of maintaining a Board and management team with a proven track record in the stem cell preservation industry and in the business of regenerative science," Mercedes Walton, chairman and chief... (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Judge's e-mail tipped Scruggs Jan 18, 2008
In January 2006, special master Bobby Sneed made recommendations that led Merkel and other attorneys for Wilson to seek more than $15 million in fees. Scruggs later installed Langston as lead counsel, assisted by Balducci. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Federal judge OKs voting-machine plan for N.Y. state to comply with Help America Vote Act Jan 17, 2008
He had considered appointing a special master to step in, and at one point threatened to jail members of the elections board on contempt charges. The law requires New York to replace mechanical pull-lever machines that were introduced more than a century ago. (North County Times)
Supreme Court First: A Female Special Master Jan 16, 2008
The Supreme Court on Tuesday quietly helped shatter a glass ceiling many may not have known existed by appointing the first female special master in the Supreme Court's history ... Myles was named special master in the case of South Carolina v. North Carolina, which comes to the Court under its original jurisdiction ... As a result, the Court appoints a special master to review facts, hear testimony and report to the Court with recommendations, which the justices accept, reject or modify. (Law.com)
'Severe mismanagement' found at land bureau Jan 15, 2008
The committee recommends the appointment of a special master and advisory council to oversee possible changes to the bureau's operations. The changes would include modernizing operational systems; developing a plan to safeguard personal information in bureau documents; determining if the land court system should be unified with the regular land recording system; determining if the bureau should remain part of the Department of Land and Natural Resources; and determining if the bureau should be... (Pacific Business News, HI)
Lawmakers blast land records office Jan 13, 2008
Problems at the state Bureau of Conveyances are so ingrained that a special master should be appointed to oversee it for three years, a legislative investigative committee says ... Appointing a special master is "outside of the box" and would ensure that needed changes at the bureau are carried out, Tokuda said ... "I would not support a special master hired by a committee," she said. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Grand jury probes ruling by DeLaughter Jan 8, 2008
In January 2006, special master Bobby Sneed made recommendations that led Merkel to ask for more than $15 million for his client, Wilson ... Merkel said he has spoken with FBI agents, who have reviewed his copies of documents in the case, including the special master's recommendations. (The Clarion-Ledger)
NY election board to submit new plan to meet voting requirements Jan 5, 2008
U.S. District Court Judge Gary Sharpe made it clear last month that the board must find a way to meet the requirements of the Help America Vote Act, or he could appoint a special master to run elections and even put board members in jail on contempt charges. Last month the board submitted two plans to the judge _ which Sharpe declared a "paralysis" of government and unacceptable. (Newsday -- New York City)
Attorney suspended for n-word Jan 5, 2008
A special master will be appointed to conduct a hearing and then make a recommendation to the council, which will make a final decision on whether to remove Schneider from office. Schneider said he was at odds with council staff over the race and sex data as well as the accounting of payments made to private attorneys. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Election Board Presents New Voting Machine Plan Jan 5, 2008
He has threatened to appoint a special master to run elections, and even put board members in jail on contempt charges. The U.S. Justice Department sued New York in 2006 because it was the only state that still had not complied with the Help America Vote Act. (WCAX.com, VT)
Federal Judge Rebukes Lawyer in FedEx Fee Fight Jan 4, 2008
In a strongly worded order, San Francisco federal Judge Susan Illston blocked one lawyer's attempt to torpedo the special master overseeing a hotly contested fee fight. Illston dismissed plaintiffs lawyer Waukeen McCoy's arguments that the special master, Edward Swanson, suffered from a conflict of interest and did not promptly disclose an ex parte conversation ... "The court notes with extreme dismay that plaintiffs chose to file such a patently frivolous motion, and in so doing, to impugn the... (Law.com)
Law Firms Announce Agreement in Principle Reached in Delphi Securities Class Action to Settle Claims Against Deloitte & Touche LLP for $38.25 Million Dec 28, 2007
Judge Gerald E. Rosen, the federal judge in the Eastern District of Michigan before whom the case is pending, appointed a retired federal judge, Layn R. Phillips, to serve as a Special Master to conduct settlement discussions. Following an extensive mediation conducted by Judge Phillips, Deloitte and Lead Plaintiffs reached an agreement whereby Deloitte will pay to the Class $38,250,000 to settle all claims asserted against Deloitte in the action. (PR Newswire)
