Lawrence Smith News
Court reprimands Jefferson Co. attorney for conflict in divorce case
CHARLESTON -– The state Supreme Court has disciplined an eastern Panhandle attorney for his conflict of interest in a domestic relations case.
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
April 18
CIVIL FILINGS: Mason County
April 26
Health, family ties result in Mason man's termination from PSD, suit alleges
The Mason County Public Service District office in Point Pleasant. (Photo by Lawrence Smith) POINT PLEASANT – A former employee of the Mason County Public Service District alleges he was abruptly and improperly fired due to health, and family reasons.
Cedar Grove man sues town, former police chief for civil rights violations
CHARLESTON – A Cedar Grove man who was injured following an arrest by the town's former police chief last year is suing both him and the town for violating his civil rights.
In midst of custody battle, woman files for bankruptcy
Ballard CHARLESTON – Though wanting custody of her ex-boyfriend's daughter, a Charleston woman has admitted to having no income and very little assets.
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
April 11
CIVIL FILINGS: Mason County
April 18
CIVIL FILINGS: Jackson County
April 4
Attorney sued for handling of John King case
King WINFIELD -– A Putnam County couple alleges their attorney committed legal malpractice in their medical malpractice claims against a disgraced doctor.
Fayette attorney suspended for involvement in client's domestic case
CHARLESTON –- A Fayette County attorney and former assistant prosecutor has been suspended for involving herself too intimately a former client's divorce and child custody case.
Law firm sues former clients for legal fees, expenses
C. Ranson CHARLESTON – A Charleston law firm is staking its claim to a portion of the settlement tentatively reached in a gender discrimination suit against WVU Tech.
Court: Grandparents' false allegations of abuse grounds for losing visitation
CHARLESTON – The state Supreme Court has ruled a family court judge erred in not terminating an Elkview couple's visitation rights with their grandson after they falsely accused his adoptive father of abusing him.
CIVIL FILINGS: Mason County
April 11
Former Agriculture inspector settles wrongful termination suit for $300K
CHARLESTON – Though details about his firing remain a mystery, a former state Department of Agriculture employee's wrongful termination suit has been settled.
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
April 8
CIVIL FILINGS: Jackson County
March 28
CIVIL FILINGS: Mason County
March 28
Agriculture Dept. alleges Jefferson Co. breached contract for farmer's market start-up
CHARLESTON – The state Department of Agriculture wants an eastern Panhandle county's economic development arm to repay money it misused in starting a farmer's market.
Mason deputy wants domestic violence order tossed
POINT PLEASANT – A Mason County Sheriff's deputy charged with violating a restraining order filed against him by his estranged wife is asking a judge to dismiss it on the grounds it was improperly filed.