I was not surprised by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes, No. 10-277 (June 20, 2011). Even so, how the Court got there reveals more agendas. It also bodes poorly for consumers. About class actions: While class actions are often criticized, the reality is… Continue Reading →
In their recent decision in AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion, the U.S. Supreme Court gave a hearty five thumbs up to anything-goes arbitration clauses. The Court’s opinion means that consumers will trade their 7th Amendment rights to trial by jury for expensive, secret, pro-big business private arbitration. At least… Continue Reading →
I missed the initial Rakofsky story in the Washington Post because I was unplugged on vacation. Short version, via Twitter friends and the internet, is that a young attorney in New York represented a man accused of murder in a Washington D.C. criminal case. There were a few issues… Continue Reading →
Another great coffee-spitting moment brought about by political wisdom. This one from my friend and former colleague, Nick Fish. According to this Oregonian article, a study commissioned by the City of Portland found widespread discrimination in housing rentals. In 50 tests, 64 percent of Black and Latino renters encountered… Continue Reading →
We finally moved to the next phase in our Oregon consumer fraud class action against Western Culinary Institute/Le Cordon Bleu Portland and its parent, Career Education Corporation. Class notice went out last week. It took longer than expected because of a few unanticipated changes in the class brought… Continue Reading →
On Monday, May 2, 2011, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Henry Kantor granted final approval to the class settlement entered between Comcast and Oregon consumers billed cable TV late fees. Under the terms of the settlement, Comcast pays $16 per late fee to claiming class members, up… Continue Reading →
A win for the plutocracy* Yesterday’s decision in AT&T Mobility LLC v. Concepcion represents a breathtakingly bad opinion that does profound harm to consumers. It’s a bit geeky, but the takeaway is that this is a huge win for the rich and… Continue Reading →
Via Twitter, the law blog world and a few local lists, I’ve spent the better part of a week thinking about lawyer advertising. First thing: I am biased. I believe that the law is a profession. As such, our clients come first, the justice system next, and we come third. Continue Reading →
Maybe the hardest thing about my busy solo law practice is taking time off. Between one child still at home, a busy, hard-working spouse and the demands of my case load, I am hard-pressed to get away. So I jumped at the chance when our schedules aligned. Even with all… Continue Reading →
My coffee-spitting moment came early this morning while reading The Oregonian. Apparently, the Oregon House of Representatives passed the “Code of the West” yesterday. We are in a major budget crisis. We face huge issues over health care coverage and school funding, our public structures are crumbling… Continue Reading →