It sounds like a lousy class action settlement, though it is possible that it is not as bad as it sounds. This report in the LA Times, about a pending class action settlement on behalf of consumers who bought the Honda Civic Hybrid, raises some eyebrows. I don’t… Continue Reading →
When the Obama administration announced stricter regulations on for-profit trade schools, the lucrative industry went on the offensive, hiring the best lobbyists money could buy. “Best,” of course, means most effective and should not be confused with doing what is right. The heavy investment paid off, as this report… Continue Reading →
This is a short update for all following our consumer fraud class action against Career Education Corporation and its Portland culinary school, Western Culinary Institute/Le Cordon Bleu Portland. We’ve been waiting for a ruling from Judge Baldwin on Career Education Corp’s motion to compel arbitration and to dismiss this long-running… Continue Reading →
So here is what is happening in my law office today, Veteran’s Day, 2011: Kevin Stanger is giving a deposition in Bixby v. KBR, the case in U.S. District Court here in Oregon where veterans dare to call corporate giant KBR to account. Mr. Stanger is one of the vets… Continue Reading →
Last week, Career Education Corporation’s stock took a breathtaking fall. It started with the resignation of Gary McCullough, the CEO. That happened so quickly, he did not even have time to offer the usual walk-the-plank rap that he was leaving to spend more time with his family. The next… Continue Reading →
News today that West Coast Bank reached an agreement with the FDIC relating to its “courtesy coverage” overdraft protection. According to Brent Hunsberger’s report in The Oregonian, the issue was ineffective opt outs. But there is a bigger problem with Oregon banks ordering transactions in a way that triggers… Continue Reading →
Oregon readers know about our gasoline rules. In Oregon, there is no self-service. So when you pull up to the pump and ask the attendant to gas it up, you commit to the purchase the minute the gas starts flowing into your tank. ARCO does not take credit cards. Consumers… Continue Reading →
The Inspector General of the Department of Defense released its long-awaited final report Exposure to Sodium Dichromate at Qarmat Alli Iraq in 2003: Part II Evaluation of Army and Contractor Actions Report No. SPO-2011-009 (September 28, 2011). Here is the current report: Part II Qarmat Ali FINAL Report Sept… Continue Reading →
I had the pleasure of watching my dear friend and colleague Maureen Leonard argue Paul v. Providence in the Oregon Supreme Court today. She did a fabulous job of articulating our position, both in her briefing and at oral argument. The Oregon Supreme Court was not at full strength. Continue Reading →
Congratulations to Candice Aiston who won the Timbers tickets in our drawing. Reached today by phone, she sounded surprised: She claims that she never wins anything. Now it’s up to Candice to cheer the Timbers on to victory. (Don’t blow it, kiddo. We’re counting on you!)… Continue Reading →