Taryn Phaneuf News
Justice reform groups continue push for venue, jurisdiction bills in Missouri Legislature
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A recent Missouri Supreme Court ruling regarding jurisdiction that looks like a win for the business community doesn’t negate the need for legislation reforming the way the state’s courts settle venue and joinder matters, civil justice reform advocates say.
State GOP robocalls target Democrats who voted to re-elect Madigan as speaker
SPRINGFIELD — After the Illinois General Assembly voted once again to elect Democrat Michael Madigan of Chicago as House Speaker, the Illinois Republican Party responded with robocalls to voters in 18 targeted districts.
Teachers' Retirement System hosts town hall meeting in Collinsville
COLLINSVILLE — The executive director of the Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois will be in Collinsville today – Thursday, Jan. 19 – for a town hall meeting with TRS members regarding pension issues.
Asbestos litigation documentary shines light on abuses; Film depicts business owner's struggle to get out of meritless suit
A documentary set to premiere this week scrutinizes the cottage industry of asbestos litigation.
Illinois judge and attorney groups to host annual joint convention
CHICAGO — Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton will speak at an annual lunch gathering of judges and attorneys in the state.
County Chairman-elect quashes rumors that he plans to cut jobs
For newly elected officials, the week since the Nov. 8 election passed quickly from relishing success and recovering from a long campaign season to buckling down.
Illinois considers adopting a more portable bar exam
The Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar is looking for input on a proposal to adopt the Uniform Bar Examination — a multistate bar exam by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, which is becoming the standard of bar exams across the country.
Complaint to judicial board says chief judge damaged court's integrity
BELLEVILLE — Acting as a concerned voter, a St. Clair County GOP official has filed a complaint against a judge seeking election, saying he’s violated rules geared toward preserving public trust in the judicial system.
St. Clair County holds first expungement and record-sealing event
BELLEVILLE — At an event geared toward giving non-violent offenders a second chance, volunteers helped qualifying individuals take the first steps toward expunging or sealing their criminal records.
St. Louis jury sides with plaintiff in talcum powder case against J&J; $70 million verdict
ST. LOUIS — A jury has awarded $70 million in damages over a woman’s claims that using Johnson & Johnson’s products containing talc, such as baby powder, contributed to her ovarian cancer.Deborah Giannecchini, 63, of Modesto, Calif., was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer about four years ago.
Justice Moore endorsed by state right-to-life groups; Says choice of life is 'worth the effort'
CARTERVILLE — For Justice James “Randy” Moore, the right to life is more significant than simply a campaign issue. It’s core to his being.
Former St. Louis judge joins mediation and arbitration panel
ST. LOUIS — After retiring from a long career on the bench in Missouri, Judge Robert S. Cohen isn’t done settling legal disputes.
Critic of six-member jury law is pleased with recent decision declaring it unconstitutional
SPRINGFIELD — In a 5-0 decision, the Illinois Supreme Court has struck down a law requiring six-member juries in civil trials.
Illinois Supreme Court names new communications director
SPRINGFIELD — Christopher Bonjean will join the Illinois Supreme Court as director of the office of communications and public information. There, he will be responsible for reorganized the division charged with informing and educating Illinoisans about the judicial system.
Policy think tank: Illinois should learn from Michigan to reverse manufacturing job losses
CHICAGO – Illinois lost 22,000 workers in August, the Illinois Department of Employment Security reports.
I-LAW: Lawmakers need to enact reasonable lawsuit lending bill
SPRINGFIELD — With powerful lobbyists on both sides of the issue, lawmakers in several states, including Illinois, continue to grapple with the question of how to regulate a growing industry linked to consumer litigation. But a new law in Vermont shows it can be done.
Plaintiffs in bid rigging class action react positively to Fifth District decision
An attorney representing distressed property owners in a proposed bid rigging class action reacted positively to last week's ruling that allows the case to proceed.
McCarter, plaintiffs eye appeal in lawsuit over state campaign contributions
CHICAGO – A donor, a state senator and a political action committee are challenging an Illinois law that places a cap on individual and group contributions to candidates for state office but exempts state political parties and legislative leaders.
Joint defense law seminar features cyber security issues, trial ethics, courtroom dilemmas
ST. LOUIS — The Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel (IDC) and the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers will host a defense law seminar Sep. 29 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
Rauner's big campaign spending at play in elections
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner’s money is at work on the campaign trail even if he’s not as Illinois moves closer to the general election.