News from December 2004
Friday Jan. 7
8:30 a.m.
Wednesday Jan. 5
9 a.m.
Tuesday Jan. 4
9 a.m.
Pro bono legal work helps the less fortunate
When a poor woman could not prove her ownership of the Collinsville home she had shared with her late mother, Edwardsville attorney Paul Lauber cleared the title of the property for free.
Morris, Patricia A vs. Pfizer Inc.
#04L-1422
Smith, Mary vs. Pfizer Inc.
#04L-1421
New lawsuits: Monday, Dec. 27
Fresh from the courthouse:
MCR's most frequently viewed articles on the Web
Fungus, chicken bones, heating pads and Vioxx. Whether a plaintiff has been damaged by products, accidents or circumstances, the Madison County Record reports case details--often dramatic narrative of disfiguring injuries, lost wages and mental anguish--to a worldwide audience. (www.madisonrecord.com)
#5 News Story: Philip Morris argues before state's high court
Plaintiff's Attorney Stephen Tillery In the post-election hush, one of the most compelling news stories to be found anywhere in America unfolded before the Illinois Supreme Court Nov. 17.
#4 News Story: Madison and St. Clair counties nation's top 'Hellholes'
St. Clair County Courthouse For the first time, St. Clair County, Ill. has the dubious distinction of being named a "judicial hellhole," by the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), which released its third annual report ranking the nation's worst courthouses.
#3 News Story: The Asbestos shuffle-- Byron to Kardis to Stack
Judge Nicholas Byron Madison County's massive & notorious asbestos docket underwent major leadership changes in 2004.
#2 News Story: Maag files $110 million defamation suit
Former Judge Gordon E. Maag Weeks after losing a contentious battle for Illinois Supreme Court, Gordon E. Maag, filed a $110 million defamation lawsuit against his campaign's detractors Dec. 20.
#1 News Story: Karmeier wins costliest state SC race; Maag not retained
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier In 2004, a norm in political reporting was shattered. Judicial race coverage, which typically never sees the light of mass media, chartered new territory in a high stakes, all-important race for state supreme court justice
Local railcar company files suits to recover debts
Southern Illinois Railcar Company (SIRC), a Madison County railcar-leasing business, filed two separate lawsuits Dec. 23 for breach of contract and unjust enrichment.
Companies named in class action complaints in '04
A list of companies and individuals named in this year's Madison County Circuit Court class action filings, which dropped from 106 in 2003 to 74 in 2004, is as follows:
New Lawsuits: Thursday, Dec. 23
Thursday's Law Division filings
Licensed Mental Health Provider Needed
One position; full-time or part-time in private practice. Ridgecrest Psychological Services has two offices: Vandalla and Breese. Billing, transcribing, and scheduling is provided. Send vitae/resume and letter of interest: RPS, 1404 N. Fifth St. Vandalla, IL 62471