Chris Rizo News
Murnane vows to help state groups as new ATRA chairman
Murnane The president of the Illinois Civil Justice League, Ed Murnane, as the new chairman of the American Tort Reform Association is vowing to help state organizations better fight their battles against lawsuit abuse.
Madigan, feds announce crackdown on foreclosure scams
Madigan WASHINGTON-Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the Obama administration announced Monday a crackdown on scams disguised as mortgage relief programs.
Murnane tapped to chair American Tort Reform Association
Murnane Ed Murnane, a leader in the state's legal reform movement, has been tapped to help lead the American Tort Reform Association.
Trial lawyers seek to recession-proof their practices
Frank WASHINGTON - Even trial attorneys are not immune from the historic economic crisis hammering the United States, legal observers said.
Possible Madigan governorship draws strong reactions among legal reformers
Madigan SPRINGFIELD - A recent poll indicating that Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is the Democratic frontrunner for governor has some leading tort reform advocates saying they are a bit nervous.
Scholar: Wyeth decision could have far-reaching side effects
Calfee WASHINGTON - A U.S. Supreme Court decision this month affirming the right to sue in state court over complications from federally-approved medications could have far-reaching effects on Americans, a scholar says.
Madigan emerges as Democratic frontrunner for governor
Madigan SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is the would-be Democratic frontrunner in the 2010 gubernatorial race, a poll indicates.
U.S. Supreme Court rules against Wyeth in federal preemption case
Copland WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected an appeal by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in a closely watched federal preemption case, ruling that a woman may sue in state court over a federally-approved drug.
Illinois AG: Burris's Senate term can be cut short
Madigan SPRINGFIELD-Illinois lawmakers can cut embattled U.S. Sen. Roland Burris's term short by setting a special election, state Attorney General Lisa Madigan wrote in a formal opinion.
Madigan presses for FOIA overhaul
Madigan SPRINGFIELD - Illinois government agencies should be fined up to $1,000 each time they refuse to allow citizens to view basic public records, the state attorney general says.
Illinois Supreme Court sides with Cook County GOP
Kilbride SPRINGFIELD-The Illinois Supreme Court has sided with the Cook County Republican Party, ruling that tie votes by the Illinois State Board of Elections are subject to judicial review.
Fraud claims against Biden's son, brother settled
Joe Biden NEW YORK - Claims have been settled that U.S. Vice President-elect Joe Biden's youngest son and brother defrauded a former business partner in a hedge fund deal that went sour.
Trial lawyers ask Obama to expand product liability
President-elect Obama WASHINGTON - A leading national group of trial lawyers Monday called on President-elect Barack Obama to repeal a bevy of regulations that limit corporate liability.
Madigan, AGs settle with Dell
Dell Inc., one of the world's largest computer companies, has agreed to pay $3.35 million to settle claims by 34 state attorneys general that it used deceptive financing and warranty practices.
Wage legislation called a potential 'bonanza' for trial lawyers
Boehner WASHINGTON - Legislation called a potential "trial lawyer bonanza" by the Wall Street Journal is winding its way through Congress.
Justices: Burris appointment valid even without White's signature
Karmeier Roland Burris's appointment to the U.S. Senate by embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich is valid, the state Supreme Court has ruled.
Illinois governor impeached; AG calls on Blagojevich to leave office
Blagojevich SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan on Friday reiterated her calls for Gov. Rod Blagojevich to resign office, following a House vote to impeach the embattled governor.
Madigan: Secretary of state not required to sign off on Senate appointment
Madigan SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Legal Newsline)-The Illinois secretary of state has done everything he is legally required to do regarding Roland Burris's controversial appointment to the U.S. Senate by the state's embattled governor, court papers say.
Reid: Senate can reject Blagojevich's Senate pick
Reid WASHINGTON - Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's pick to fill President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat won't likely be accepted, officials said.
Reid pushed for Madigan to succeed Obama
Reid WASHINGTON - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid reportedly urged Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to consider appointing Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.