Lawrence Smith News
Former client accuses Charleston attorney of fraud, legal malpractice
DiPiero CHARLESTON – A Charleston attorney is accused of encouraging a client to commit fraud after he missed the deadline to file her personal injury suit against a national restaurant chain.
Attorney says she was fired for filing ethics complaint
Seidler CHARLESTON – A Charleston lawyer is alleging her attempt to blow the whistle on the misconduct of other lawyers got her fired.
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
April 16
CIVIL FILINGS: Mason County
March 30
CIVIL FILINGS: Jackson County
April 4
Suit accuses Putnam family law judge of abusing authority, unprofessional conduct
WINFIELD – A pastor is seeking to stop a Putnam County judge's directives he says are destroying his family.
Charleston attorney sues county commission for home confinement injury
Robinson CHARLESTON – A Charleston attorney convicted for beating a former client with a baseball bat is complaining he was harmed by the device used to monitor his whereabouts.
Charleston attorney accused of fraudulent filings in Putnam divorce
L. Ranson WINFIELD – A Charleston attorney -- who is a former circuit judge -- is accused of engaging in fraud and deception by filing judgments for recovery of fees she was denied in another attorney's divorce.
Attorney accused of missing deadline to file client's suit
CHARLESTON – A Charleston attorney is accused of missing a filing deadline in a former client's personal injury suit.
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
March 9
CIVIL FILINGS: Mason County
March 20
Putnam woman says Frontier caused her injuries
WINFIELD – A Putnam County woman alleges following the advice given by her cable company to disconnect her Internet service led to a trip to the hospital.
Third legal malpractice suit related to John King filed against Putnam attorney
WINFIELD – For the third time in a year, a Putnam County attorney and his former law partners are accused of being asleep at the wheel in pursuing a medical malpractice case against Dr. John King.
Another on-the-job injury leads to suit against Putnam EMS
WINFIELD – For the second time this year, the Putnam County Emergency Medical Services squad is being sued by one of its former employees.
Family law judge accused of delaying decision on correcting erroneous order
CHARLESTON – A Charleston woman wants a circuit judge to order a family court judge to stop his dawdling, and correct an erroneous order he signed a year ago.
Fayette Co. woman sues Gazette for defamation
CHARLESTON – A Fayette County woman alleges an article featuring a Charleston funeral home director's service to the community has had the effect of defaming her.
Complaint: Calhoun attorney engaging in 'legal tomfoolery'
Oshoway CHARLESTON – A New York woman is accusing a Calhoun County attorney of "legal tomfoolery" in representing her interests in an estate dispute in neighboring Gilmer County.
St. Albans attorney facing suspension for neglecting clients' cases
Phalen CHARLESTON – A St. Albans attorney faces suspension of his license after agreeing he failed to communicate with, and diligently represent nine clients in their respective domestic cases.
Marion judge rules family court litigants entitled to counsel in contempt hearings
FAIRMONT – A Monongalia County man has successfully challenged a Marion County family law judge's decision denying his request for court-appointed counsel in a civil contempt hearing.
WCHS TV settles defamation suit with daycare provider
HUNTINGTON – A Charleston television station has settled a lawsuit with a Cabell County woman who alleged she was defamed by a segment that accused her of facilitating child abuse at her day care center.