News from March 2012
Report: Cloture votes delayed by deal
Groh WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have reportedly reached an agreement that will delay cloture votes on 17 judicial nominations.
Insurance bill goes to Tomblin
Roberts CHARLESTON – A much-debated insurance bill passed both the House of Delegates and state Senate and now awaits the governor's signature.
THEIR VIEW: Even Anti-Trial Lawyer Legal Experts Oppose H.R. 5
WASHINGTON -- I've traded Tweets with Ted Frank -- of the Manhattan Institute and a leading critic of civil litigation -- about his position on H.R. 5, the bill mandating limits on awards in medical malpractice lawsuits.
Chafin gets endorsements from several unions
Chafin CHARLESTON -- Tish Chafin has received the endorsements of several labor unions, including the Communication Workers of America (CWA), American Federation of Teachers –- West Virginia, United Transportation Union and South Central Labor Council.
U.S. News & World Report recognizes WVU College of Law for third straight year
MORGANTOWN -– For the third consecutive year, West Virginia University's College of Law has been recognized as a "Top Tier" law school by U.S. News and World Report's 2013 edition of "America's Best Graduate Schools."
House honors retiring Sergeant-At-Arms
Oce Smith was honored last week in the House of Delegates. Front left is Speaker Rick Thompson, and House Clerk Greg Gray is front right. (Courtesy photo) CHARLESTON –- The House of Delegates last week honored retiring Sergeant-At-Arms Oce Smith, who surprised members and colleagues after a long health-related absence with a visit to the Chamber.
Role of U.S. Attorneys discussed on next 'The Law Works'
Ihlenfeld CHARLESTON -- United States Attorneys are the chief federal law enforcement officers in their districts. They represent the United States in a variety of cases and have significant responsibilities as well as broad power.
PERSONNEL FILE: Wellons joins Spilman's Roanoke office
Wellons ROANOKE, Va. -- The law firm Spilman Thomas & Battle has announced that Hugh B. Wellons joined its Roanoke, Va., office as a member in the corporate department.
Ky. couple names 49 defendants in asbestos case
CHARLESTON – A Salyersville, Ky., man and his wife are suing 49 companies they claim are responsible for his lung cancer diagnosis.
Rockefeller hosting Google event to help businesses get online
Rockefeller CHARLESTON -- U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller has announced that Google, at his invitation, will hold a one-day workshop in Charleston next week to provide access to a free website and other tools designed to help small businesses in West Virginia establish an online presence.
PERSONNEL FILE: Peak honored by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers
Peak MORGANTOWN -- Morgantown attorney Jane E. Peak recently was named a 2012 West Virginia Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers magazine. She also has been named as the "Morgantown Best Lawyers Employment Law – Individuals Lawyer of the Year" for 2012.
PERSONNEL FILE: Pace joins Kay Casto & Chaney
Pace CHARLESTON -- Kay Casto & Chaney has announced that Charles W. "C.W." Pace, Jr. has joined its Charleston office as an associate.
PERSONNEL FILE: Spilman's Atkinson recognized by Super Lawyers
Atkinson WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -– The law firm Spilman Thomas & Battle has announced that Nathan B. Atkinson, member in the firm's Winston-Salem, N.C. office, was recently recognized by Super Lawyers.
Couple sues Putnam school board for injuries
WINFIELD – A Putnam County couple is suing the Putnam Board of Education for injuries sustained at the Putnam Career and Technical Center.
AFT-WV endorses Davis for re-election
Davis CHARLESTON – Robin Davis has accepted the endorsement of a statewide education group for her re-election bid to the West Virginia Supreme Court.
Little action taken in Clay man's FOIA suit against county development agency
CHARLESTON – A year after it was filed, a Clay County man's Freedom of Information Act suit remains at square one.
Reid files cloture on 17 nominations, including Groh's
Groh WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Monday filed cloture on 17 judicial nominations, including West Virginia Judge Gina Groh's.
Maloney says session created no jobs
Maloney CHARLESTON – Gubernatorial candidate Bill Maloney says "career politicians" created no jobs in the just-completed legislative session, and he wants Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin to explain how that happened.
Kanawha woman accuses Union Carbide of wrongful termination
CHARLESTON -- A Kanawha County woman is suing Union Carbide Corporation after she claims her employment was terminated based on her age.