News from February 2019
BUCHANAN INGERSOLL : Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Boosts IP and Patent Office Litigation with Michael O’Shaughnessy
Michael V. O’Shaughnessy joins Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney as a shareholder in the firm’s Intellectual Property section. O’Shaughnessy’s practice focuses on assisting biotech and pharmaceutical companies with patent litigation, portfolio management, patent prosecution and patent licenses, as well as all aspects of patent monetization or acquisition.
Insuring cars that don’t exist
Have government employees taken the same cavalier attitude toward state vehicles that some state Supreme Court justices have taken toward furniture and other property belonging to the taxpayers?
State will get more than $300K of national $72.5M Fiat Chrysler emissions settlement
CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey's office has finalized a $302,500 settlement with Fiat Chrysler as part of a broader multistate settlement with the auto manufacturer.
Manchin replays catastrophic 2016 governor's race strategy
WHEELING – Way back before the beginning of time, in early 2015, West Virginia began to talk about the Governor’s race. Earl Ray Tomblin was finishing up and the seat would be open.
Preserving the integrity of West Virginia's election system
CHARLESTON – Recently, Texas media reported that approximately 58,000 non-U.S. citizens may have voted in Texas elections. While Texas Secretary of State David Whitley took proactive steps to ensure the integrity of Texas’s elections, reports like this reinforce the overwhelming need to remain vigilant in protecting our elections.
CALA says excessive litigation cost state $35M in 2018; trial lawyer group disputes study
CHARLESTON – A statewide legal reform group says excessive tort litigation cost West Virginia more than 3,800 jobs and about $35 million in state and local revenue.
Environmental attorney says Green New Deal wouldn't be good news for West Virginia
A Charleston attorney who focuses on environmental law believes New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal would not help West Virginia.
Marshall University's business school recognized by The Princeton Review
HUNTINGTON — Marshall University's Lewis College of Business has been recognized as a best business school by The Princeton Review for its 2019 annual business school rankings.
Juror at heart of Loughry's motion seeking new trial upset by allegations: 'We were so fair'
CHARLESTON – The juror whose social media usage was the focus of former state Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry’s motion seeking a new trial is upset by the accusations.
Supreme Court says lower court rightfully dismissed complaint against Greenbrier Sheriff's Department
CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals affirmed a decision by a lower court that granted a motion to dismiss and denied a motion for a new hearing in a case against the Greenbrier County Sheriff's Department for alleged wrongful disclosure of confidential financial information.
Foster Bird says still representing one of her first clients is a proud achievement
Melissa Foster Bird does not hesitate when asked about one of her the most satisfying parts of her career.
Federal judge denies another Loughry request for new trial; sentencing set for Feb. 13
CHARLESTON – Former state Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry has been denied a second request for a new trial. On Feb. 8, U.S. District Judge John Copenhaver issued an order related to a sealed motion seeking a new trial. Copenhaver previously denied Loughry’s other request for a new trial last month.
Walker touts new financial policies and the 'new' state Supreme Court
CHARLESTON – The “new” state Supreme Court has new policies, and the chief justice wants the public to see them.
Two federal lawsuits filed for semi truck crash
CHARLESTON — Two lawsuits have been filed against Ashlee Transport for a vehicle accident that caused several people to be injured.
Neighbors claim gas company damaged their property
Property owners are suing a natural service gas company, citing alleged tortious interference and trespassing.
Fired employee charges company with retaliation, wrongful discharge
A Mason County individual is suing an active carrier, citing alleged retaliation, tortious interference and wrongful discharge.
Woman sues mortgage company, citing fraud
A woman is suing a mortgage and lending company, citing alleged misrepresentations, unconscionable debt collection, tortious interference with contract, fraud and other counts.
Man sues Preston County Commission, alleging discrimination
An employee is suing a public office, citing alleged age discrimination and wrongful discharge.
Former employee claims harassment and retaliatory firing
A Mason County man is suing an active carrier, citing alleged retaliation, tortious interference and wrongful discharge.
UPDATE: House speaker sets public hearings for education reform bill
CHARLESTON – House Speaker Roger Hanshaw has requested a public hearing on the comprehensive education reform bill. The hearings for Senate Bill 451 are scheduled for 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Feb. 11 in the House Chamber at the state Capitol. The second hearing was added later to allow teachers to attend.