News from 2010
Federal agreement doesn't protect Massey from citizen suits, groups say
CHARLESTON -– Massey Energy's clean water agreement with the government doesn't protect it from citizen suits, nature groups argue in federal court.
THEIR VIEW: Business development will require legal reform
CHARLESTON -- With the recent passing of Sen. Robert C. Byrd, West Virginia lost not only the longest-serving Senator in U.S. history, but also its pipeline to billions of dollars in federal funding that has kept the state afloat for years. This underscores the fact that the Mountain State must now learn to fend for itself.
THEIR VIEW: McGraw's only the 5th worse?
Surber CHARLESTON -- When it comes to lousy attorneys general, I thought no one could top West Virginia Democrat Darrell Vivian McGraw Junior.
Stuart elected chairman of state GOP
Stuart CHARLESTON -- Attorney Mike Stuart has been elected chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party,
PERSONNEL FILE: Huntington paralegal elected to national office
Francisco HUNTINGTON -- Jill I. Francisco, ACP, a paralegal at Huddleston Bolen LLP in Huntington, has been elected Treasurer of The National Association of Legal Assistants/paralegals, during the association's 35th annual meeting July 16 Jacksonville, Fla.
Implementing new rules may take a while, Supreme Court clerk says
Perry CHARLESTON -- It could be December before revised rules to West Virginia's appellate process go into effect, says the state Supreme Court's clerk.
Lawyer says Massey handling disaster like 'PR campaign'
Bailey CHARLESTON -- A lawyer for families of two of the miners who were killed in the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster called Massey Energy's handling of the investigation into the explosion a "PR campaign."
Mingo attorney pleads guilty to wire fraud
CHARLESTON -- A Mingo County attorney pleaded guilty Monday for his role in fraudulently obtaining more than $119,000 in falsified legal fees.
PERSONNEL FILE: 15 Huddleston Bolen attorneys honored as Super Lawyers
HUNTINGTON -— Huddleston Bolen has announced that a total of 15 of the firm's lawyers were recognized in the 2010 Edition of West Virginia Super Lawyers.
Goodwin steps down from practice, McGraw case
CHARLESTON -- Now that he's sworn in as a U.S. senator, Carte Goodwin has to temporarily leave his family's law firm and bow out of a lawsuit brought by West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw.
PERSONNEL FILE: Steptoe & Johnson expands energy practice
CLARKSBURG -- On Sept. 1, the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson will acquire the energy practice group of the western Pennsylvania firm of Culbertson, Weiss, Schetroma and Schug, P.C., currently led by Russell Schetroma, an influential authority on oil and gas transactions, most notably within the Marcellus shale.
PERSONNEL FILE: Druckman granted board certification in Medical Malpractice Liability
Druckman CHARLESTON -- The Law Office of Druckman & Estep is pleased to announce that William Druckman has met all requirements, including written examination, and has been granted Board Certification in the field of Medical Malpractice Liability by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys (ABPLA).
Trade groups say rule changes will deter business growth
CHARLESTON -- Two West Virginia trade associations say changes proposed by the state's Supreme Court to its appellate procedures will increase the court's workload and make it harder to attract new businesses.
Couple sues GM for defective vehicle
CHARLESTON -- A Kanawha County couple is suing General Motors after they purchased a vehicle that was defective.
Law office sues Aaron's Products, others for breach of contract
CHARLESTON -- The Law Office of G. Patrick Jacobs is suing Aaron's Products, Decision Management Company and Village EDOCS for breach of contract
Chapmanville couple sues two coal companies for injuries
CHARLESTON -- A Chapmanville couple is suing New River Energy Corporation and Spartan Mining Company after injuries were sustained at work.
Man sues Wells Fargo for predatory lending practices
CHARLESTON -- A Charleston man is suing Wells Fargo after he claims the company engaged in predatory lending practices.
Kanawha woman sues Dunbar First Church of God for injuries
CHARLESTON -- A Kanawha County woman is suing Dunbar First Church of God for injuries she sustained from a fall in the church's kitchen.
Former employee sues Environmental Management for discrimination, wrongful termination
CHARLESTON -- A former employee is suing Environmental Management, Environmental Management Construction and his former supervisor after he claims he was discriminated against.
Public defenders say rules changes could mean more costs, work
CHARLESTON -- Public defenders in West Virginia say proposed revised rules to the appellate process could result in increased costs and could mean a heavier workload.