Arbitration of claims has gained traction over the years as a faster and relatively inexpensive alternative to trial court proceedings. However, it is not always advantageous to forego the right to a judge and a jury. An individual who holds a claim or potential claim should give careful thought to where that claim may ultimately…
Continue reading…DOES YOUR LAWYER WEAR TOO MANY HATS?
While the notion of lawyers wearing wigs to court has no place in modern American jurisprudence, there is always a danger of a lawyer wearing too many hats. A lawyer, however experienced and competent, may find themselves in legal trouble for assuming too many roles as advocate and counselor, resulting in financial detriment to their…
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Hack Exposing Patients’ Data
A fertility clinic in New Jersey has agreed to pay the state approximately half a million dollars to settle an investigation regarding its role in a data breach that compromised the personal information of nearly 15,000 patients. The hack allowed unauthorized access to the protected health information of patients of the Diamond Institute for Infertility…
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Despite Shields, Businesses Must be Prepared to Defend Against COVID-19 Lawsuits
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have enacted business liability shields to protect businesses from pandemic-related liability. However, as much of this legislation provides immunity from liability—not from litigation—businesses must remain prepared to defend COVID-19 lawsuits. In this article, we examine COVID-19 business liability shields and their effect on businesses facing pandemic-related…
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NJ Attorney Faces Suit Over Pressuring Client to Accept Unfavorable Settlement
A New Jersey court recently refused to dismiss a case involving an attorney who allegedly pressured his client to accept an unfavorable medical malpractice settlement at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately one year after the $600,000 settlement was put on the record in the underlying case, Judge Lisa M. Adubato denied attorney Anthony…
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New Jersey General Assembly Votes to Eliminate Mandatory Sentences for Nonviolent Offenders
New Jersey’s General Assembly recently approved a measure to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for certain nonviolent offenders. It is unclear, however, whether New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will sign it. Although Murphy has long advocated for the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent property and drug crimes, he has previously stated that he would…
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United Airlines Must Pay $49 Million to Resolve Fraud Charges
United Airlines recently agreed to pay over $49 million to resolve charges of fraud. According to public records, United entered into International Commercial Air (“ICAIR”) contracts with the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) to transport U.S. mail internationally on behalf of USPS. Pursuant to these contracts, United was required to provide bar code scans of…
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New Jersey Lawyer Receives Reprimand After Accepting Improper Loans
A New Jersey lawyer has received a reprimand from the New Jersey Supreme Court after it was revealed that he accepted $75,000 in improper loans from clients. During its investigation, the court found that the loans were improper because the lawyer, Michael Rehill, failed to advise his clients in writing to seek independent legal advice…
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The State of New Jersey Accuses Gun Manufacturer of Consumer Fraud
There are a number of federal laws on the books that shield gun manufacturers from liability for gun crimes and deaths. In order to bypass these laws, New Jersey officials are taking a new approach to investigate the gun industry. Specifically, they’re targeting Smith & Wesson, one of the largest gun manufacturers in the world,…
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New Jersey Governor Signs Bill to Officially Legalize Recreational Marijuana
In November of last year, New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the state constitution to allow the possession and use of marijuana for individuals age 21 and older. The amendment also permits the cultivation, processing, and sale of the substance. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the bill in February 2021, officially legalizing…
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