Lawrence Smith News
CIVIL FILINGS: Jackson County
July 27
Huntington attorney accused of phone sex with client's wife
CHARLESTON –- A Cabell County attorney faces disciplinary action by the state Supreme Court for his risque conversation with a client's wife.
Perry accused twice in '02 of verbal abuse
CHARLESTON –- Records show that on two separate occasions nearly a decade ago, a Huntington attorney's mouth resulted in ethics complaints filed against him.
Lawsuit: Giving middle finger to police a First Amendment right
Mells CHARLESTON –- Though perhaps not the most civil way to express displeasure with their actions, a Charleston woman is asserting it's her right to give police the middle finger.
CIVIL FILINGS: Mason County
July 14
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
June 22
Martinsburg lawyer faces other disciplinary action
Santa Barbara CHARLESTON – In addition to a legal malpractice case, a Berkeley County attorney is answering to ethics charges he mishandled a client's case.
Attorney previously warned about issues
CHARLESTON – Prior to the pending statement of charges issued against him by the Lawyer Disciplinary Board, records show Michael Santa Barbara was warned multiple times about his lack of diligence and communication with clients.
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
June 9
Logan attorney accused of communication failure
CHARLESTON – A Logan County attorney faces disciplinary action for not only his failure to communicate with clients regarding their cases, but also with the subsequent ethics panel inquiry.
Court orders two-year suspension for Putnam attorney
CHARLESTON – The state Supreme Court has suspended a Putnam County attorney for failing to file an appeal in a personal injury suit, and complying with a court order he surrender his client files after abandoning his law practice.
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
June 3
CIVIL FILINGS: Mason County
July 1
CIVIL FILINGS: Jackson County
June 15
College grant writer alleges race, gender termination
CHARLESTON -– A grant writer for a southern West Virginia community college is accusing her former employer of race, and gender discrimination.
Trooper's driving in construction zone leads to lawsuit
CHARLESTON – A highway construction worker is alleging she was injured by the very person assigned to protect her.
1986 ruling opened access to lawsuit settlements
McHugh CHARLESTON – In West Virginia, openness is the standard for lawsuit settlements involving government agencies thanks to 25-year-old state Supreme Court decision.
CIVIL FILINGS: Mason County
June 14
False arrest in petty theft case results in civil rights suit against State Police
PARKERSBURG – As her reward for being a good neighbor in returning stolen money to its rightful owner, a Wirt County woman alleges she was paid a late-night visit by police and hauled off to jail.