Ann Maher News
ICJL rejects candidates benefiting from trial lawyer-funded attack ads; Denounces candidacies of St. Clair Co. judges ‘gaming system’
The Illinois Civil Justice League (ICJL) is denouncing a $1 million negative ad campaign financed by trial lawyers who litigate in the Metro East by issuing a “not recommended” rating of the judicial candidates who benefit from the attacks.
Barberis says public sees through asbestos lawyers' million dollar negative campaign
As more money continues to pour into a group running attack ads against southern Illinois Republican appellate court candidates, one of those targets said he believes the public will draw specific conclusions from the effort.
Court reporters, Texas asbestos lawyers among contributors to group running attack ads against Illinois judges
Nearly $1 million has been raised by a group running attack ads against Republican candidates for the Fifth District Appellate Court this week, and among the contributors are court reporters and Texas attorneys who specialize in asbestos litigation.
Former judge Stack is panelist at Mass Torts Made Perfect conference
Former Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel Stack earlier this month was a panelist at the Mass Torts Made Perfect conference in Las Vegas, one of the largest gathering of plaintiff attorneys in the world.
Holbrook: St. Clair Co. voting machines operating properly; Says complaints of 'R' votes turning 'D' are false
St. Clair County Clerk Tom Holbrook said that in spite of a few complaints of Republican votes turning into Democrat ones at voting machines at the county administration building, all are functioning properly.
Asbestos attorney-funded PAC spends half million in media buy against Republican appellate candidates
A campaign committee created to oppose Republican candidates for the Fifth District Appellate Court spent a half million dollars on Friday for broadcast and digital media.
Big money coming from asbestos attorneys to oppose Republican appellate court candidates
Democrat candidates for the Fifth District Appellate Court are getting big help from the asbestos trial bar.
Nearly half of Dunstan's campaign cash is from asbestos bar; Five years ago chairman called for inquiry into Crowder's contributions
Madison County Board Chairman Alan Dunstan has received more than $90,000 this year in campaign contributions from asbestos attorneys - yet five years ago he called for an investigation of Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder when it was learned that she had accepted $30,000 from the same group.
Recorder of Deeds challenger seeks to unseat long-time office holder Costello
A challenger seeking to unseat long-serving St. Clair County Recorder of Deeds Michael Costello believes heading the office that pays a handsome $98,776 salary requires more dedication than it currently receives.
Tradition of county jail inmate voting continues in St. Clair County; But officials say votes of convicted felons in prison are not counted
Will votes of convicted felons who requested ballots from the confines of the St. Clair County jail be counted on Nov. 8?
Fifth District candidates Moore and Weber respond to ICJL questionnaire
Fifth District Appellate Court candidates answered a number of questions posed by the Illinois Civil Justice League (ICJL) ranging from qualifications to their views on civil litigation reforms. And while both Justice James R.
Answers to ICJL questionnaire points to differences among appellate court candidates
All appellate court candidates running in the state's Fifth District answered questions posed by the Illinois Civil Justice League ranging from qualifications to their views on civil litigation reforms and what, if any, changes they'd like to see.
Randolph County resident judge seeking retention; Brown says nothing wrong with others opting for election
Not all elected judges in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit with terms ending this December have taken the unusual step of resigning in advance so they could seek election to self-created vacancies in the upcoming election.
Supreme Court finds 6-person jury law unconstitutional
The Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously found that a statute signed into law by former Gov. Pat Quinn which limited jurors in civil trials from 12 to six is unconstitutional.
Report shows Gori firm files most asbestos cases in Madison County and nationwide
Madison County's asbestos court remains the most active docket in the country, according to mid-year figures compiled by Washington-based consulting firm KCIC.
Cahokia activists seek to restore what they claim is missing from local government: law and order
Political dissent Cahokia-style can be costly.
Karmeier elected next chief justice of Illinois Supreme Court
SPRINGFIELD – Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier will be the next chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, following a unanimous election by fellow justices.
Take home pay of Madison County officials is four times higher than average worker, thanks to current salaries and pension payments
Four county officials and a state senator from Madison County combined earn close to $1 million annually in current salary and pension payments, all funded by taxpayers.
Appellate court reverses St. Clair County auto accident verdict in favor of defendant
The Fifth District Appellate Court has reversed the judgment of a St. Clair County jury and ordered a new trial for an auto mechanic injured in a rear-end accident in 2013.
ICJL report 'Justice for Sale' shows trial lawyer contributions topped $35 million in 15 years
A new study published by the Illinois Civil Justice League shows that campaign contributions from trial lawyers to Illinois politicians and judges topped $35.25 million during the past 15 years.