Entertainment & Sports Law

Lawyers Remember Michael Jackson for ‘Smooth’ Shoe Patent

As many remember Michael Jackson for his Thriller work or read his will in the Smoking Gun today, some lawyers recall him for an innovative dance shoe patent. The design, which was patented in 1993 by the pop singer and two partners, contains a special heel slot. Retractable pegs in…

Jul 1, 2009 11:27 PM CDT

Poverty Lawyer Finds Coverage Problems in ‘Travel Protection’

A poverty lawyer turned to a newspaper columnist after her parents discovered their “travel protection” plan wouldn’t give them a cruise refund, despite her father’s heart attack and later death. Catherine Bendor’s parents had agreed to pay for a cruise costing nearly $10,000, and paid an extra $978 for travel…

Jun 29, 2009 1:10 PM CDT

As Michael Jackson Death Probe Begins, Attorney Recalls Famous Client

As an autopsy began today to determine the exact cause of Michael Jackson’s sudden death yesterday at age 50, police plan to question his personal physician further. The unidentified physician’s car was towed yesterday from Jackson’s home and impounded, amidst concern among the legendary pop singer’s circle that he may…

Jun 26, 2009 6:54 PM CDT

Award-Winning Songwriter & Female PA Charged in Rape Cases

A 71-year-old songwriter and movie director known for his Oscar-winning 1977 pop tune You Light Up My Life has been charged with sexually assaulting 11 young women he allegedly lured to his New York City apartment between 2005 and 2008 with the help of his personal assistant. Joseph Brooks has…

Jun 24, 2009 8:14 PM CDT

Client Trashes Her Celebrity Lawyer on Twitter

Is Randall Kessler, the Atlanta-based celebrity lawyer, the first counsel to be dumped on Twitter? That was the question buzzing around the blogosphere. Our answer: No. Legal Blog Watch reports that his client Tameka Foster-Raymond, aka @TamekaRaymond, however inadvertently, posted the following note on the micro-blogging platform meant for @StarJonesEsq:…

Jun 24, 2009 7:11 PM CDT

Docs Reveal Scope of FBI’s Attempt to Close Curtain on ‘Deep Throat’ Film

FBI documents recently released to the Associated Press following a Freedom of Information Act request reveal a national effort by the law enforcement agency to stop the spread of the 1972 porno Deep Throat. The effort, clearly, was in vain. But the documents offer a window into the not-so-distant past…

Jun 22, 2009 4:47 PM CDT

Ex-Miss Calif. USA Mulls Libel Suit, Says She Didn’t Shirk Beauty Queen Duties

A former Miss California USA stripped of her title for allegedly shirking her beauty queen duties says it isn’t so and is threatening to sue for defamation. In a June 18 letter to counsel for the state pageant, an attorney for Carrie Prejean demands a retraction of what he describes…

Jun 19, 2009 7:00 PM CDT

O.J. Simpson’s ‘Lucky Suit’ Is Discovered, Custody of Iconic Apparel Is Sought

A deposition yesterday in a lawsuit filed in an attempt to recover assets from O.J. Simpson to pay a $19.7 million civil wrongful death judgment has reportedly located the “lucky suit” he wore when he was acquitted of two murders in a televised 1995 criminal trial that captivated the country.…

Jun 16, 2009 6:04 PM CDT

Bingo Melee Shot for New Movie Sparks New Litigation for ‘Borat’ Actor & Studio

A new reality-based movie in which observers react to the outlandish antics of Borat actor Sacha Baron Cohen is creating work for defense lawyers even before its scheduled July 10 release date. Claiming that she was disabled during a struggle for a microphone at a California bingo tournament after Baron…

Jun 5, 2009 12:46 AM CDT

Suit By Rudy Giuliani’s Son Over Duke U Golf Team Dismissal Is in the Rough

A lawsuit filed by the son of former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani over his dismissal from Duke University’s varsity golf team last year is in the rough, reports the New York Daily News. Magistrate Judge Wallace Dixon has recommended that Andrew Giuliani’s North Carolina federal court suit be dismissed,…

May 21, 2009 12:53 AM CDT

Publicist Sues Michael Jackson for $44M

A former publicist and business manager for Michael Jackson is now suing him for $44 million. It appears that the bulk of the damages that Raymone Bain is claiming in her breach-of-contract case against the singer concern an upcoming London concert tour. According to filings in the Washington, D.C., case,…

May 7, 2009 10:20 PM CDT

All Eagles Star Wants to Do Is Sue Over Senate Candidate’s Alleged Song Misuse

A California lawmaker is now facing battles on two fronts, as he seeks the Republican nomination in an effort to unseat Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) in 2010. Eagles founder Don Henley is suing Calif. Assemblyman Charles DeVore (R-Irvine) over his claimed infringement of “All She Wants to Do is Dance,”…

Apr 20, 2009 7:27 PM CDT

Baseball Fan Sues, Says Call of Nature Trumped ‘God Bless America’

A baseball fan who says he was ejected from a New York Yankees game after answering the call of nature rather than staying in his seat for the singing of “God Bless America” has sued over the alleged violation of his First Amendment rights. Bradford Campeau-Laurion contends that he was…

Apr 15, 2009 7:13 PM CDT

Car Crash that Killed Angels Pitcher Also Claimed Law Student’s Life

Prosecutors are meeting today to discuss whether to file murder charges against the driver of a minivan that crashed into a car early yesterday, killing Los Angeles Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart along with two others, including a law student. Police Lt. Kevin Hamilton said the minivan driver, Andrew Gallo,…

Apr 10, 2009 3:34 PM CDT

Lawyers See Liability Problems for Companies Televising Layoffs on FOX

Employee waivers aren’t likely to protect companies participating in a new FOX television show called Someone’s Gotta Go, according to a Chicago employment lawyer. The TV show will feature workers for struggling companies of 15 to 20 employees deciding who gets laid off, the Associated Press reports. Decisions will be…

Apr 10, 2009 2:57 PM CDT