Ann Maher News
McCarter calls Springfield a 'gross atmosphere' in wake of sexual harassment allegations
SPRINGFIELD - Programs on how not to engage in sexual harassment were given to lawmakers this week following recent bombshell allegations made by a lobbyist who claimed a ranking member of the state Senate harassed her.
Former candidate for State Senate also seeking GOP nomination for Fiss seat
Attorney Katherine Ruocco of Swansea is seeking the Republican nomination for a judicial vacancy being created by St. Clair County Circuit Judge Jan Fiss, who is retiring next year.
Hylla to seek retention in next year's election
Madison County Chief Judge Dave Hylla will seek retention to another six year term next year.
Gibbons says ICJL's outreach on contingency fees for outside opioid litigators is 'propaganda'
Madison County State's Attorney Tom Gibbons issued a sharp rebuke to the Illinois Civil Justice League (ICJL), calling the group's statements last week on contingency fee contracts for lawyers pursuing opioid litigation a "propaganda campaign."
Overstreet announces bid for permanent seat at Fifth District
Justice David Overstreet of Mt. Vernon will seek election to the Fifth District Appellate Court for the seat being vacated next year by Justice Richard Goldenhersh, who is retiring.
ICJL urges Madison County to reject contingency fee arrangements with outside opioid litigators
The Illinois Civil Justice League (ICJL) is urging Madison County officials to reject the use of contingency fee arrangements with outside counsel if the county decides to join other local governments in pursuing opioid-related litigation.
Marissa attorney announces candidacy for circuit court on GOP ticket
Attorney Marshall Hilmes of Marissa is seeking election as circuit judge in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit for the seat being vacated next year by Circuit Judge Jan Fiss, who is retiring.
Authorities differ on process for filling circuit court judicial vacancy
Filling a judicial vacancy that was created upon the death of St. Clair County circuit judge Robert LeChien nearly two months ago remains in limbo as two authorities maintain different positions on how the process works for filling it.
Asbestos defendants should collaborate more to balance power in tort system, consultant says
A business consultant who helps companies manage their product liabilities is calling for asbestos defendants to collaborate more in order to achieve better equilibrium with plaintiffs whose litigation risks pale in comparison.
Duebbert survives motorcycle crash with minor injuries; Calls it 'divine intervention'
St. Clair County Circuit Judge Ronald Duebbert said he escaped more serious injury riding on his full size cruising motorcycle earlier this week because "God was my passenger who clearly wanted me to go back to work."
Missouri court of appeals knocks out $72 million talcum powder verdict against J&J
ST. LOUIS - A $72 million talcum powder verdict leveled against Johnson & Johnson last year has been vacated by a state appeals court.
Associate judges in St. Clair County announce campaigns for circuit vacancies
Candidates lining up to fill circuit judge vacancies in next year's general election include three sitting associate judges who will seek nomination as Democrats in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit - Heinz Rudolf, John O'Gara and Chris Kolker.
Special prosecutor sought again to investigate an elected St. Clair County judge
St. Clair County Chief Judge Andrew Gleeson has ordered the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct involving an unnamed circuit judge in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit.
Voters in 20th Judicial Circuit will be deciding six seats in 2018
In an era of big turnover expected in state government, voters in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit will also have ample decisions to make next year with three open seat races and likely three retention questions.
Prenzler wants $500k in budget to treat opioid, heroin addiction
Madison County plans to include $500,000 for heroin addiction treatment in a budget proposal set to be released on Wednesday.
Plaintiffs seek MDL for opioid litigation; Lawyer argues for Ohio or Illinois
Plaintiffs in opioid litigation pending in federal court seek to consolidate approximately 66 government actions into multi-district litigation in Ohio or Illinois.
Rauner vetoes geolocation bill; Business groups cheer
SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Bruce Rauner has vetoed an internet privacy bill saying it would harm businesses and inhibit innovation without improving protections for consumers.
Gleeson forms exploratory committee on voluntary drug testing for judges
St. Clair County Chief Judge Andrew Gleeson has formed an exploratory committee to "advance the implementation" of a voluntary judge drug testing program in the circuit.
Goldenhersh will not seek another term at Fifth District in '18
Fifth District Appellate Court Justice Richard Goldenhersh will not seek another 10-year term when his current one expires at the end of next year.
Former prosecutor in age discrimination case seeks to withdraw confession, and lawsuit
Former Madison County prosecutor Julia Matoesian seeks to withdraw a confession her former attorney entered on her behalf in an age discrimination suit she also seeks to withdraw against State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons and the county.