News from February 2010
Four women sue St. Mary's Medical Center for negligence
HUNTINGTON -- A widow and her three daughters are suing St. Mary's Medical Center for negligence.
Peirce firm plans to close shop in W.Va., attorney says
Peirce CHARLESTON -- Robert Peirce of Pittsburgh plans to wrap up his firm's asbestos litigation in West Virginia, his associate Robert Daley said at a Feb. 4 hearing.
Former Keyser councilman accuses prosecutor, now circuit judge, of pursing meritless criminal charges
CHARLESTON - A lawsuit filed in Kanawha Circuit Court accuses an eastern Panhandle circuit judge of malicious prosecution during the waning days of his time as prosecutor in the case of a former city councilman falsely accused of embezzlement
Court imposes sanctions in two disciplinary cases
CHARLESTON - In less than three weeks after hearing them, the state Supreme Court issued its rulings in two attorney discipline cases.
Major cigarette liability trial postponed until June
Recht CHARLESTON -- Lawyers starting a giant product liability trial against cigarette makers couldn't find enough open minds to fill the jury box.
Day after settlement, former Daily Mail owner declares bankruptcy
WILMINGTON, Del. -- Former owners of the Charleston Daily Mail who agreed to resume its ownership declared bankruptcy the next day.
Schwan's wrongful termination suit moved to federal court
PARKERSBURG - An Ohio man will now have to argue his case of wrongful termination against his former employer in federal rather than state court.
CIVIL FILINGS: Kanawha County
Jan. 26
CIVIL FILINGS: Cabell County
Jan. 27
CIVIL FILINGS: Ohio County
Jan. 14
CIVIL FILINGS: Monongalia County
Jan. 26
CIVIL FILINGS: Marshall County
Dec. 29
CIVIL FILINGS: Wayne County
Jan. 8
CIVIL FILINGS: Boone County
Jan. 12
Queen of the hellhole
Unlike most other states, West Virginia lacks an intermediate appellate court -- and State Supreme Court Chief Justice Robin wants to keep it that way. Her opinion is no doubt shared by attorneys who've prospered in our plaintiff-friendly lower courts, including her husband Scott Siegel.
Attorney again giving away a free divorce for Valentine's Day
Webb CHARLESTON -- A Charleston attorney again is offering a free Valentine's Day divorce to West Virginia residents.
THEIR VIEW: West Virginians deserve right of appeal
Roberts CHARLESTON -- During his recent State-of-the-State address, Gov. Joe Manchin called for establishment of a right of appeal in West Virginia. West Virginia is the only state that does not provide a right of appeal from a final judgment in a lower court in either civil or criminal cases. This significantly tarnishes the state's reputation in terms of its legal and judicial climate.
PERSONNEL FILE: Steptoe & Johnson attorney chosen for Leadership West Virginia
MORGANTOWN -– Monte L. Williams, a member of Steptoe & Johnson, has been chosen to participate in the 2010 class of Leadership West Virginia.
Circuit Clerks discuss modernizing recordkeeping
CHARLESTON -– A committee of circuit clerks established by the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia will hold a meeting at 9 a.m. Feb. 16 at the Charleston Marriott to discuss potential ways to modernize the storage of court orders.
Charleston family law attorney joins Operation Stand-by
Webb CHARLESTON -- A Charleston attorney joined a project of the American Bar Association Family Law Section's Military Committee that helps answer questions for military personnel.