News from April 2006
Committee OKs Law Institute reports
CHARLESTON – Last time West Virginia Law Institute president Ellen Cappellanti asked legislators for a research project, they gave her nothing.
Graham sued by ex-employee over retirement plan
Bob Graham, right. WINFIELD – The embattled director of the Wyoming County Council on Aging has been sued for not allowing a former employee to take part in a retirement plan he administered.
Flood trial judge chides attorney for flirting with jurors
Stuart Calwell BECKLEY – Attorney Stuart Calwell of Charleston tried to flirt with jurors at a trial about a flood in 2001, but he only aggravated the judge and bored the jury.
It's time to stop lying: West Virginians deserve the truth
Jeffrey T. Jones Once again West Virginia is under attack by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce and the billion-dollar corporations that it represents. The charge? That West Virginia's courts are the worst in the country.
Tobacco settlement lawyer fees never will drop
Tobacco company payments to states may drop as smoker choices change the market, but fees for trial lawyers who negotiated the payments will never drop.
This just in: Kanawha County
March 31
This just in: Putnam County
March 27
This just in: Monongalia County
April 6
This just in: Ohio County
March 30
This just in: Berkeley County
March 24
Trial lawyers ads hit the airwaves
CHARLESTON – Advertisements critical of a recent ad campaign saying West Virginia legal climate is the least fair in the nation have begun airing radio stations across the state.
Text of radio ad for jump
"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is running ads to convince you that lawsuits and the legal system are costing each American $886 dollars a year. But the Wall Street Journal reports that figure "includes payments that don't involve the legal system at all."
AG's $180,000 award to Tomblin's wife's college raises eyebrows
Darrell McGraw CHARLESTON – When a leader in state government gives money to the wife of another leader, eyebrows will rise. It happened March 29, when Attorney General Darrell McGraw awarded $180,000 to the nursing school of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.
Mollohan's woes could be 'bonanza' for state GOP
Alan Mollohan Directing his attention toward West Virginia, political commentator Robert Novak suggests that Democratic Congressman Alan Mollohan's own ethical problems could hurt his party's chances of using the scorcher against Republicans.
Eagle Research wins case, $14.9 million
WINFIELD - Roger Decanio and The Sutter Law Firm didn't file a lawsuit on behalf of Eagle Research Corporation quickly enough to receive punitive damages, according to a Putnam County jury.
Renter sues landlord, claims sexual harassment
MORGANTOWN - A Westover woman is suing her landlord, claiming he repeatedly fondled her breasts and unfairly raised her rent.
Letter: DaimlerChrysler story was biased
Dear Editor:
Flood Trial Highlights
Flood Trial Highlights
Former gubernatorial candidate challenging teachers' pension vote
Jim Lees CHARLESTON - More than 600 angry teachers have called Charleston attorney Jim Lees regarding a pending switch between two state teacher retirement plans. He only needed one.
Potential substitute teacher claims discrimination
MARTINSBURG - A Berkeley County woman born with cerebal palsy is charging the Berkeley County School Board with discrimination after she was not hired for the position of substitute aide.