Alternative Dispute Resolution

Stop Dealing Or We’ll Prosecute, Officials Tell 12 Alleged Seattle Drug-Pushers

In a unique law enforcement effort that’s reportedly never been tried before in the state of Washington, Seattle officials invited a dozen alleged drug-dealers to meet with them last night and see the evidence that’s been put together in a year-long undercover operation. If the dealers agree to stop dealing,…

Aug 7, 2009 8:36 PM CDT

Where the Work Is

Lawyers recommend these practice areas in recessionary times

Aug 2, 2009 3:39 AM CDT

3rd Circuit Rules Arbitrator Can’t Sue Stradley Ronon Over Bias Claim

A federal appeals court has ruled that a private arbitrator may not sue Stradley Ronon and one of its lawyers for allegations made in a quest to disqualify him. The Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Stradley Ronon and partner Andre Dennis are protected from suit because of…

Jul 31, 2009 1:33 PM CDT

Obama, VP, Harvard Prof & Policeman Quaff 4 Brands at ‘Beer Summit’

The “beer summit” called by President Barack Obama to help resolve racism concerns sparked by the disorderly conduct arrest of a Harvard University professor at his own home by Cambridge, Mass., police has now been conducted. Although covered live by three New York Times reporters in the newspaper’s Caucus blog,…

Jul 31, 2009 12:26 AM CDT

Harvard’s Gates, Officer Accept Obama Invite to Discuss Arrest Flap Over a Beer

In the initial heat of battle over his controversial arrest last week for disorderly conduct at his own home in Cambridge, Mass., a prominent Harvard University scholar had talked about filing a lawsuit over the incident. Apparently mistaken by a passer-by for a housebreaker, Henry Louis Gates Jr. had contended…

Jul 27, 2009 8:41 PM CDT

Big Bank Blinks; Is This the End for Mandatory Consumer Arbitration?

One of the country’s major banks has blinked after announcements by two well-known groups that they would no longer participate in mandatory arbitration in which consumers are required to participate under the boilerplate terms of credit card agreements. JPMorgan Chase says it will no longer arbitrate such disputes and is…

Jul 24, 2009 9:52 PM CDT

Logistical Issues for Banks After AAA Pulls Out of Consumer Arbitration

A second company is getting out of the business of arbitrating consumer credit disputes. The American Arbitration Association announced Tuesday that it will stop participating in consumer debt disputes with credit card and cell phone companies “until some standards or safeguards are established,” the Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) reports.…

Jul 22, 2009 12:43 PM CDT

Non-Muslims Turn to Shariah Courts in UK to Resolve Civil Disputes

Shariah courts in the United Kingdom aren’t just being used by Muslims. A small but growing number of non-Muslims also are turning to the religious tribunals to resolve commercial disputes and other civil matters. The tribunals, which apply Islamic law based on the Koran, can offer a swifter resolution than…

Jul 21, 2009 5:22 PM CDT

An AG’s Quick Victory: Arbitration Forum Exits Credit Dispute Business

Facing a showdown with the Minnesota attorney general, the National Arbitration Forum has agreed to stop arbitrating consumer credit disputes. NAF is the nation’s largest company arbitrating past-due credit card disputes, Business Week reports. The company will no longer accept any kind of consumer arbitrations by the end of the…

Jul 20, 2009 11:36 AM CDT

Minn. AG Sues Credit Card Arbitration Company, Claims Hidden Industry Ties

The Minnesota attorney general is claiming in a lawsuit that an arbitration firm widely used in consumer credit disputes has hidden its “extensive ties” to the debt collection industry. The suit by Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson says the National Arbitration Forum “actively encouraged” credit card issuers to place mandatory…

Jul 15, 2009 12:07 PM CDT

‘Stealth Coop’ Can Smooth Neighbors’ Ruffled Feathers Over Backyard Chickens

Although some neighbors are squawking about a potential farm nuisance in an urban area, backyard chickens are a growing trend in cities throughout the country. Among those now struggling with the issue are officials in New Haven, Conn., who held a contentious public hearing on the issue this month, reports…

Jun 15, 2009 8:53 PM CDT

Lawyer’s Therapy Dog Manages to Calm Most-Stressed Negotiators

Annie the Australian shepherd is a certified pet therapy dog and something of a business asset to her master, Oklahoma lawyer Joseph Paulk. Paulk is president and founder of Dispute Resolution Consultants, with offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. He has found that Annie has an unusual ability, the Journal…

May 27, 2009 6:25 PM CDT

In-Chambers Shoving Match Alleged Between Two Texas Judges

An alleged in-chambers shoving match between two Texas judges in front of a Dallas County sheriff’s deputy is now being investigated by the Texas Rangers. But accounts of the incidents differ, and one of the two jurists tells the Crime blog of the Dallas Morning News that the incident yesterday…

May 7, 2009 7:23 PM CDT

High Court Rules Against Terror Victim’s Brother in Immunity Case

A man who claims Iran participated in the assassination of his brother cannot attach an American court judgment as compensation for the death, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled. The court ruled against Dariush Elahi, who is seeking compensation for the killing of his brother, Cyrus, in Paris in 1990,…

Apr 21, 2009 3:47 PM CDT

Company Won’t Reinstate In-House Lawyer; How Much Will That Add to $1.6M Award?

In an unusual decision that could be persuasive in other courts, a Wisconsin appellate panel has recognized the power of an arbitration panel to order reinstatement of an in-house lawyer in an employment discrimination case. Although Menard Inc. argued that it could not be required to employ legal counsel not…

Apr 15, 2009 9:10 PM CDT