Category Archives: Lawyers

Quadriplegic Man Awarded $10 Million in Bad Faith Case

In January 2002, Atlantic Mutual had a chance to settle a quadriplegic personal injury case for $1 million but chose to “roll the dice.” The jury awarded a $16 million verdict and the injured party sued for bad faith. Today, a LA jury found that Atlantic committed bad faith.

A Los Angeles jury today awarded a quadriplegic man $10 million in a bad faith case against Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company. The jury found that Atlantic Mutual acted despicably and with malice and oppression in wrongfully refusing to settle his personal injury case in 2002. Lawyers return tomorrow to deliver closing arguments in the second phase of the trial to determine whether plaintiff is entitled to $5 million in attorneys’ fees.

More on www.smithchapman.com

Via EPR Network
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Schillings to discuss privacy and reputation management issues at Legal Weeks Private Client Forum

Schillings, one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the privacy and reputations of international corporates, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people, will be represented by senior partner Keith Schilling at Legal Week’s Private Client Forum. The main theme will be “Assessing Risk in a Volatile World”, which will be looking at changes the international wealth market has faced in 2008 and the new risks brought about in an ever increasingly volatile market.

Keith Schilling, senior partner at Schillings, will participate in a panel discussion on the topics of privacy, reputation management and human rights and will discuss, along with fellow panelists, how the world’s high-net worth individuals are in a constant battle with the media to protect their own privacy and reputations.

The conference will examine the major issues that have arisen following the advent of the credit crunch and the economic strain currently being suffered on a global scale. Increased pressure from regulatory authorities in Europe and the US government also spell uncertain times for the world’s financial safe havens.

These developments and more will provide the basis for a three day programme for the world’s leading private client lawyers.

The first day of the conference will offer a view of the impact of the credit crunch and how the shift of wealth globally has brought about new risks in wealth management.

The second day will feature a Q & A style debate on the future of international financial centers and a discussion assessing the effects of new US exit tax laws which will form a wider discussion on the reach of exit, gift and inheritance taxes globally.

The third day will see Keith Schilling, recently voted one of the 1000 most influential people in London, join a European panel discussion on privacy and reputations. His fellow panelists include Basile Ader from the French law firm Ader, Amigues et Jolibois; Professor Dr. Matthias Prinz from the German law firm Prinz Neidhardt Engelschall and Jennifer McDermott from Withers in the UK. The panel will outline the differences in privacy laws across a number of jurisdictions and the steps to take to avoid unwanted media attention and what to do if it arises.

Keith Schilling said about the conference, “At this time of volatile market conditions, the threat of a global recession and fears about the security of individuals’ wealth, the media are increasingly focusing on the private wealth of high-profile people. We are seeing a trend in the media towards ‘money being the new celebrity’ and we are working with our high-net worth clients to advise them how to protect their reputations and manage their own and their families private lives. This conference is on at a time of unprecedented financial turmoil and proves just how important an issue it is.”

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s track-record in defamation, privacy and copyright cases, as well as
dispute resolution is second to none.

Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm.”

The firm uses the law to protect the reputations, privacy and confidentiality of clients by helping them and their PR advisers to manage what is published and broadcast about them. It is their ability to adapt to the threats posed by the ever changing media landscape which keeps them at the forefront of this specialist area.

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Nicole Kidman, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, leading investment bank Kaupthing, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

Via EPR Network
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Schillings Image Rights Specialist Simon Smith Is Set To Release A New Book – The 2nd Edition Of Image, Persona And The Law

Schillings partner Simon Smith is set to release the latest edition of “Image, Persona and the Law” this winter, with the book providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the law in England and Wales regarding the protection of name, image and other aspects of persona.

The second edition of the book will also go into detail on both the specific context of commercial exploitation without the individual’s consent and in the separate context of invasion of privacy. The book also presents a detailed analysis of the numerous developments which have occurred in relation to the right to privacy in the UK.

Using the knowledge and experience gained as a litigator specialising in protecting and restoring the reputations of high profile individuals, entrepreneurs and corporate organisations, Simon Smith’s book will assist entertainment and media lawyers in the UK and US who represent celebrities and other personalities in the media, enabling them to advise their clients on their right to privacy and the right to publicity in the UK.

The book has a number of key features that will benefit entertainment lawyers looking into the areas of reputation management and discusses the numerous significant decisions which have occurred since the previous edition of the book was released in 2001 as well as examining the leading privacy decisions which have been brought, together with an analysis of the Data Protection Act 1998, including the Douglas-Zeta Jones and Murray (JK Rowling’s son) decisions, the later being brought to action by Schillings recently.

Simon Smith is a Partner at Schillings and specialises in defamation, privacy, image endorsement, confidence and contracts. Considered to be one of the best in the area according to the Chambers and Partners directory, he has pursued many successful High Court libel cases for Hollywood’s ‘A’-List stars on high profile libel actions brought in England.

He is regularly asked to comment on live TV and radio and writes in the national press and legal reviews on media related matters in addition to speaking at international legal conferences and in Parliament on media issues. He is also a member of a specialist global group of leaders in their field investigating and researching image rights.

About Schillings :
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s track-record in defamation, privacy and copyright cases is second to none.

Defamation, privacy, copyright and dispute resolution are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm.”

The firm uses the law to protect the reputations, privacy and confidentiality of clients by helping them and their PR advisers to manage what is published and broadcast about them. It is their ability to adapt to the threats posed by the ever changing media landscape which keeps them at the forefront of this specialist area.

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Nicole Kidman, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, leading investment bank Kaupthing, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

Via EPR Network
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The bankruptcy laws require the utility company to restore the service of any utility that was terminated prior to the filing

Immediately upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition, no creditor may pursue or commence an action against the debtor (person filing the petition). It’s the law. Therefore, after the filing, a utility company may not terminate the debtor’s service, even though there may be substantial arrears. Also, in the event that the debtor’s service was terminated prior to the filing, the service must be restored, upon notifying the utility provider after the filing. Generally, the provider will restore the service within 24 to 48 hours after the filing.

New Jersey residents can obtain answers to questions regarding foreclosure resolution and bankruptcy laws by visiting http://www.bankruptcylawyer-nj.com

The bankruptcy code states that within 20 days after the filing, the debtor must pay a security deposit to establish a new account. Each utility company may apply a different criteria in determining the deposit amount. The utility companies generally apply the following criteria to determine the amount of the security deposit: 1. average monthly usage for the 12 months prior to the filing; 2. average of the highest two months of usage during the 12 months prior to the filing; 3. twice the average monthly usage for the 12 months prior to the filing.

Is the debtor required to pay the pre-bankruptcy debt owed to the utility provider? If the debtor has filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy protection and meets all of the requirements for a discharge, the debt is eliminated without any payment. After a debtor has established a new account, subsequent to a chapter 7 discharge, the utility company may terminate the service for payment arrears, based on their typical standards.

New Jersey residents can obtain answers to questions regarding foreclosure resolution and bankruptcy laws by visiting http://www.bankruptcylawyer-nj.com

The following pertains to chapter 13 protection. An individual may file a chapter 13 case for numerous reasons that are unrelated to utility issues. A chapter 13 typically requires the debtor to make monthly payments to a trustee (bankruptcy administrator) over a 36 to 60 month period. The trustee payments may be paid to various creditors based on the debtor’s financial position and desires. Utility debt is classified as unsecured. The debtor may be required to pay none, some, or all of their unsecured debt, based on the following factors: personal and household income; personal and household expenses; real and personal property values; amount of arrears on secured debt; and, to some extent, the debtor’s desires. A chapter 13 may permit the debtor to eliminate the entire utility balance, without payment.

Similar to a chapter 7, in the event that a debtor falls behind with the utility payments after the chapter 13 filing and the establishment of a new account, the company may terminate the service, based on their typical standards relating to payment default.

For more information on bankruptcy laws in New Jersey, visit
http://www.bankruptcylawyer-nj.com

Robert Manchel is a New Jersey, Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney, whose practice is limited to foreclosure resolution and bankruptcy law. For more information, please contact Mr. Manchel at (856) 797-1500, 1(866) –503-5655 or go to his web site at http://www.bankruptcylawyer-nj.com

Robert Manchel handles cases from the following counties: Cumberland, Atlantic, Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Ocean, Mercer, Monmouth, and Philadelphia.

Via EPR Network
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RJW Has Reported On The Latest Hearing In The Sofa Burns Group Litigation

RJW, a leading national firm of solicitors, has reported on the latest hearing in the ‘sofa burns’ group litigation which took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

So far around 3000 people have been affected by the sofa rash and other allergic skin reactions and burns after purchasing sofas containing the anti-mould agent Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) and are pursuing claims against Argos, Land of Leather and Walmsley’s Furnishing, as well as a number of other retailers.

It was ruled that further investigation into the medical evidence was necessary and that more clarity over affected sofa models and batch numbers was needed for those seeking sofa rash compensation.

It was also revealed that a major advertising campaign would hit the press and continue throughout October, in order to alert the public to the potential link between skin injury and rashes and affected sofas.

In addition, those who have already brought sofa rash claims through a solicitor should expect to receive a postal questionnaire in the next couple of months which must be returned as soon as possible in order to assess the viability of their claim.

Richard Langton, the RJW partner in charge of the sofa litigation said; “The judge has made it clear he wants all the defendants to clarify their position on accepting liability. We should then be able to make good progress towards settling cases so consumers get proper financial redress as soon as possible. Anyone who thinks they may have been affected needs to join in the proceedings urgently if they want to get the benefit of the group action.”

The next hearing in the case is due to take place in December.

About Russell Jones & Walker
Russell Jones & Walker is a leading national firm of solicitors dedicated to upholding the legal rights of individuals. From the firms foundation in the 1920s the focus has and continues to be, people and those who represent them.

The firm has grown from its trade union roots into a respected national organisation with nine offices across England and Wales, and an associated office in Scotland.

The reputation of Russell Jones & Walker is built on the range of expertise offered by its partners and staff and on the scope of their practical experience.

RJW Solicitors represents clients across a range of areas from personal injury work to commercial and criminal litigation; from employment to defamation and reputation management; and from clinical negligence to family law.

Case Number 604759.2

Via EPR Network
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Field Fisher Waterhouse Has Recovered Compensation For A 33 Year Old Man In South London Who Was Left With Brain Injuries Following A Serious Fall On A Poorly Maintained Road

Law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has recovered compensation from Homes for Haringey Ltd on behalf of Kyle Bullock, a 33 year old from South London, who suffered severe brain damage following a serious fall on a poorly maintained road.

It was the Claimant’s case that Kyle was walking with friends in North London one evening in July 2007, when they called for him to catch them up. Kyle then broke into a gentle jog and tripped in a deep pothole in Lightfoot Road. He stumbled and lost balance, falling heavily and rolling down the steep hill striking his head on the edge of a second pothole. It was subsequently apparent that the road was in a poor state with multiple pot holes present.

Kyle was taken to Whittington Hospital and was later transferred to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. He suffered severe traumatic brain injury; with damage to the frontal lobes and multiple skull fractures requiring surgery and changes to his personality leading to the breakdown of his relationship and inability to work. Kyle has since been through rehabilitation but still requires help and assistance.

Jill Greenfield, partner in the Personal Injury Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, represented Kyle and brought a claim against Homes for Haringey Ltd, a subsidiary of Haringey Council, which was set up in 2006 to manage Haringey’s council housing and was responsible for the maintenance of the road. While the Defence admitted the road was poorly maintained, they refused to admit that it was the road surface that caused the accident. A trial was due to take place in November 2008.

After negotiations the organisation accepted the majority of responsibility, 72.5%. Kyle has received an initial £75,000 interim payment but expects to receive a substantial award once the claim has been fully quantified.

Amanda Bailey his litigation friend and ex partner said, “Kyle’s accident left him with serious brain damage and changed our lives forever. This money is there to assist Kyle with his financial and rehabilitation needs. Money can never bring back what he has lost but it will allow Kyle to live as good a life as possible, getting access to therapy in Australia and helping him to build his life.”

Jill Greenfield, personal injury partner at Field Fisher Waterhouse said, “My client was simply returning home after a night out with friends when he fell and suffered brain damage. My initial inspection of this road made it clear to me that it was poorly maintained, with deep potholes. It was our case that a pot hole had caused the fall. The road should never have been left in this state and I felt Kyle had a strong case. The compromise represents the fact that Kyle could be seen to be partially at fault and the fact that the Defence was disputing the fact that the poorly maintained road was the cause of the accident. I am pleased that we have been able to recover compensation for Kyle so that he is able to join his family in Australia and begin to rebuild his life.”

About Field Fisher Waterhouse
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP is a full-service European law firm with offices in Brussels, Hamburg and London. With 119 partners, over 200 other lawyers and nearly 300 support staff, FFW assist a wide range of international clients, advising across a full range of legal issues.

The main areas of practice are corporate and commercial, IP and technology, banking and finance, regulatory and real estate. Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP also have particular expertise in competition & EU law, dispute resolution, employment, asbestos claims , personal injury cases and clinical negligence, public sector and tax.

Via EPR Network
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Free Webcast With Question And Answer Period To Focus On Issues Of Aging And How To Plan For It

AARP has joined forces with NAELA (The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys) to present a free Webcast entitled “AGING IN AMERICA – HOW TO PLAN FOR IT.” Elder Law attorney and NAELA member, Ronald Fatoullah has been selected as one of two elder law attorneys to host the live-streamed discussion which can be viewed at: www.naela.org on October 30, from 1-2PM, ET. All public attendance will be via the Internet.

William Stoner, AARP’s Associate State Director, will moderate the discussion, featuring insights from Ronald Fatoullah of Ronald Fatoullah & Associates, of Long Island and Queens, and Bernard A. Krooks, of Littman Krooks, on what families should do now to prepare for the future. During the program, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.

From living quarters to living wills, the three experts will help educate the audience on available options related to senior housing and medical decisions. Other topics might include maintaining a financial legacy for children, and how to talk with aging parents about long-term care options, and key documents to have in place for proper health-care decision making.

To attend the Webinar, visit www.naela.org and click on the “AGING IN AMERICA” webcast registration button. You may also call the offices of Ronald Fatoullah & Associates for further information at 1-877 ELDERLAW. There is no charge to attend but registration is limited.

Via EPR Network
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Schillings Lawyers Are Set To Speak The 2008 International Bar Association Conference, Held In Buenos Aires

Schillings, one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of corporate organisations and high profile business people is set to be represented at the 2008 International Bar Association Conference to be held in Buenos Aries.

Rachel Atkins, Partner at Schillings and the IBA’s Programme Officer of the Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law Committee, will be taking part in an international panel discussion on Protection of Information in different jurisdictions around the world.

The panel will deal with issues such as cross-border protection of information and sanctions for its misuse, the extent of solicitor/client privilege, especially in the context of multi jurisdiction litigation, and also consider what other advisers can take advantage of such privilege/confidence.

Discussions regarding sanctions for breach will also take place as well as the examination of scenarios where different jurisdictions give conflicting decisions as to disclosure and privacy of the same information. Specific attention will also be given to the impact of privacy law in identifying cyber-counterfeiters with or without the help of judicial or criminal authorities.

Speaking about the conference, Rachel Atkins said, “At this time of volatile market conditions international commercial disputes are on the increase. It is particularly exciting to be involved in a panel which is at the forefront of considering how advice given in one jurisdiction can have such a dramatic effect on a client position in another”.

The International Bar Association (IBA), established in 1947, has a membership of 30000 lawyers and 195 bar associations & law societies. The IBA has considerable expertise in providing assistance to the global legal community. The 2008 International Bar Association Conference will take place in Buenos Aries, Argentina from the 12 – 17th of October.

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms specialising in reputation management as it relates to international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s track-record in defamation, privacy and copyright cases is second to none.

Defamation, privacy law and copyright are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm.”

The firm uses the law to protect the reputations, privacy and confidentiality of clients by helping them and their PR advisers to manage what is published and broadcast about them. It is their ability to adapt to the threats posed by the ever changing media landscape which keeps them at the forefront of this specialist area.

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Nicole Kidman, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, leading investment bank Kaupthing, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

Via EPR Network
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Keith Schilling Has Been Named One Of The Most Influential People In London

Schillings Senior Partner, Keith Schilling, has been named as one of the 1000 most influential people in London according to the Evening Standard’s 2008 survey, appearing alongside just 28 other eminent Lawyers in the Law section of the list.

Schilling’s placement in the top 1000 follows other accolades he received earlier this year. In January 2008, he was named by Legal Business magazine as one of the Top Ten Crisis Lawyers in England while shortly after, in April 2008, he was placed 10th in the Times Newspapers survey of the UK’s Most Powerful Lawyers.

In 2007, he was named as one of The Lawyer magazine’s “Hot 100” Lawyers.

Keith Schilling is one of the founding Partners of the law firm Schillings and is Britain’s top media litigation specialist as well as an expert in Matrimonial Law. His work in reputation management, defamation, privacy and copyright have made him one of the most sought after media lawyers in the country.

Keith Schilling is no stranger to legal firsts and his pioneering work has seen him win numerous landmark cases. He is widely acclaimed for helping to establish a law of privacy in England, providing every person, whether famous or not, the right to a private life from the media, notably with a landmark law lords’ ruling in favour of his client Naomi Campbell against the Daily Mirror in 2005. Following this he extended this law even further when he represented the Harry Potter author, JK Rowling’s son in his privacy appeal against Big Picture (UK) Ltd which granted enhanced privacy rights for Children.

Speaking about being included in this year’s list of influential Londoners Keith Schilling said, “The inclusion in this years’ list is down to the excellence of my fellow partners and the quality of our whole team of staff who strongly believe in the work they do in order to best help our clients. It is really recognition of the great work the whole firm does.”

Schillings has long been admired by celebrities and high profile business people who want better protection of their private lives from the media. The firms’ 24 hour hotline enables clients to receive advice right at the time when they need it the most. This often saves valuable time enabling swift action to be taken in order to obtain emergency injunctions to stop stories about clients’ private lives becoming tomorrow’s news.

Keith Schilling is a guest speaker at the Legal Week Private Client forum in Lake Como, Italy in November 2008, speaking on Privacy Reputation Management and Human Rights.

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s track-record in defamation, privacy and copyright cases is second to none.

Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm.”

The firm uses the law to protect the reputations, privacy and confidentiality of clients by helping them and their PR advisers to manage what is published and broadcast about them. It is their ability to adapt to the threats posed by the ever changing media landscape which keeps them at the forefront of this specialist area. It also specialises in commercial litigation, dispute resolution, copyright issues, employment dispute and family matters.

Via EPR Network
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Schillings Is To Be Guest Speaker At The Upcoming Media Law And Liability Conference

Schillings, one of the UKs foremost law firms specialising in safeguarding the reputations of businesses and high profile people, has announced their involvement with the upcoming Media Law and Liability Conference to be held in central London at the start of October.

The conference is set to cover the issues of privacy, defamation law, intellectual property infringement and UGC (user generated content) issues in the real and virtual world.

Schillings’ representative at the conference will be Simon Smith who will cover the areas of reputation and media management for both the corporate and its executives. Smith is a partner at Schillings and represents the likes of Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake and Nicolas Cage on one side of a spectrum, to GlaxoSmithKline, Russian oligarchs, hedge fund managers and the London Stock Exchange on the other, in libel, privacy law and other related matters.

As the celebrity obsession gathers pace, a huge increase in the number of cases reaching the courts on the grounds of infringement of privacy have been seen, not least in the case involving JK Rowling’s son who successfully won his privacy appeal when represented by Schillings earlier this year. The Media Law and Liability Conference aims to discuss and educate those attending on the evolving areas of privacy and defamation law. With new precedents being set in cases such as Jameel v. Wall Street Journal and Max Mosley vs. News of the World, legal aficionados who attend the conference can expect to discuss topics including the very real implications of the new privacy law cases, the latest wave of internet defamation and exploration of the alternative causes of action in defamation cases and how to find your defendant on the internet.

With Schillings present to offer the expertise in the world of reputation management and many representatives of other law firms attending the Media Law and Liability Conference, a wealth of legal wisdom is set to be on offer.

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s track-record in defamation, privacy and copyright cases is second to none.

Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm.”

The firm uses the law to protect the reputations, privacy and confidentiality of clients by helping them and their PR advisers to manage what is published and broadcast about them. It is their ability to adapt to the threats posed by the ever changing media landscape which keeps them at the forefront of this specialist area.

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Nicole Kidman, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, leading investment bank Kaupthing, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

Via EPR Network
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Schillings announce the topics for their upcoming BITESized briefings, a series of short information and Q&A events

Schillings, one of Britain’s top law firms specialising in the areas of reputation management and brand protection, are to hold their second series of BITESized briefings, These information events help their clients and PR professionals keep up to date with how to use the law as a tool in managing and protecting reputations.

These Schillings events will fall into one of three categories: preparation, prevention and publication. Schillings Lawyers will show those who attend the events what to do early on, in order to prepare for and avoid unwanted media attention, what to do if faced with the threat of a damaging story being published and how damage can be limited and reputations restored after publication.

The first of this season’s BITESized briefings, which was held at Schillings offices in London at the start of September, focused on the subject of executive reputation management. Knowing that Senior Executives’ reputations are as important to a corporate brand as the company’s performance, Schillings Lawyers demonstrated how to keep personal information such as details of bonuses and family information out of the press and how, by protecting the privacy and reputation of its senior executives, a company can ultimately protect the corporate reputation.

The next briefing to be held later in the month will focus on the importance of HR in averting a possible media crisis. With a large number of media situations arising as a result of activities by disgruntled ex-employees, Schillings will explain the practical steps which can be taken by HR professionals to prevent any issues escalating into a communications and media crisis.

The third event in the autumn season will concentrate on the legal tools available for dealing with crisis management. The session will aim to dispel the myths about using the law in assisting with a media crisis and explain how the law can help set the record straight when faced with defamation issues. Schillings will also explain how employing such legal tools can provide the PR and communications teams with positive messages for restorative communications.

Further BITESized briefings from Schillings will commence in the winter, offering advice and information on handling the media and protecting reputations from a legal perspective.

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people.

Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm”.

Schillings Lawyers use the law to protect the reputations, privacy and confidentiality of clients by helping them and their PR advisers to manage what is published and broadcast about them. It is their ability to adapt to the threats posed by the ever changing media landscape which keeps them at the forefront of this specialist area.

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Nicole Kidman, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, leading investment bank Kaupthing, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

Via EPR Network
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Schillings Support The Cancer Research Charity As They Take Part In The Annual Fundraising Event In The Mothers And Daughters Ultimate Challenge

Schillings, the UK’s leading law firm dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people is set to join other corporate teams as they take part in the Mothers and Daughters Ultimate Challenge, all day fun-packed ‘It’s a Knockout’ style event in aid of the Cancer Research UK charity.

This will be the 10th consecutive year of the Ultimate Challenge and it will be the first time Schillings has entered a team, taking some time off from the world of reputation management to battle against several other teams in the Corporate Challenge, which promises to be a series of outlandish games and exciting challenges.

Schillings fundraising attempts in the run up to the charity day fuels the hopes that their involvement will help surpass the success of last year’s Ultimate Challenge event, which raised a tremendous £165,000 for Cancer Research. The money was donated to the research of Professor Richard Begent of the Cancer Research UK Targeting and Imaging group at the Royal Free and University College Medical School.

The 2008 Mothers and Daughters Cancer Research Ultimate Challenge featuring the team from Schillings is scheduled to take place on Sunday 7 September in the scenic grounds of Haberdashers Boys Askes Boys School, in Elstree, Hertfordshire. The games themselves will be run by a professional events company to help raise money for Cancer Research UK, and will include several huge wet and dry inflatables which always make these events so much fun for participants and spectators alike.

The Mothers & Daughters committee was founded in 1999 by a group of concerned women whose aim was to ensure a better future for their children and future generations through research into cures for cancer. Each year they choose a different Cancer Research UK project to support and eight years on they have raised a total of over a million pounds.

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s track-record in defamation, privacy and copyright cases is second to none.

Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm.”

The firm uses the law to protect the reputations, privacy and confidentiality of clients by helping them and their PR advisers to manage what is published and broadcast about them. It is their ability to adapt to the threats posed by the ever changing media landscape which keeps them at the forefront of this specialist area.

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Nicole Kidman, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, leading investment bank Kaupthing, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

Via EPR Network
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Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP Has Reported The Recovery Of £405,750 Settlement In Erbs Palsy Case

Law firm, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP, has reported the recovery of £405,750 to a nine-year-old girl, who was injured in 1998 whilst under the care of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust; the highest reported settlement in an Erb’s Palsy case of its type.

The claimant was injured during birth as her head was delivered but there were difficulties in delivering the shoulders, known as shoulder dystocia. Field Fisher Waterhouse acted for the claimant in the case that the antenatal care was negligently managed, and there was a failure to deliver by caesarean section. There were further negligent acts and omissions in the obstetric management, including inter alia – the application of strong traction to her head.

As a consequence, she suffered a severe traumatic injury to the nerves supplying her right arm, causing paralysis. She underwent four extensive surgeries to attempt to improve function in her arm in the first seven years of her life. Despite this the claimant has been left with a permanent disability and the right limb remains for all practical purposes, functionless.

The claimant’s mother brought the clinical negligence case against the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. Samantha Critchley, a solicitor in the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, acted for the claimant.

The hospital accepted that there were elements of the management of the labour, which were not appropriate and admitted negligence in the claimant’s care and invited proposals for settlement. After a lengthy negotiation the amount of settlement was agreed, in principle, between the parties.

At an Infant Settlement Hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on 28 July, the terms of settlement were approved. In addition to the substantial damages recovered by Field Fisher Waterhouse for the claimant, the hospital was also ordered to pay the claimant’s legal costs.

The claimant’s parents said: “We now know that our daughter will have enough money to help her get through the rest of her life. We would encourage any parent to be very patient in a case like this and not to jump at the first offer they are given.”

Samantha Critchley said: “I am delighted to achieve such a significant award on the claimant’s behalf. She is a delightful and brave little girl who will be affected by her disability for the rest of her life. I hope that the compensation will allow her to obtain the necessary support, now and in the future, to ensure she reaches her full potential in life.”

The claimant was represented by Henry Witcomb of 1 Crown Office Row.

About Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP:
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP is a full-service European law firm with offices in Brussels, Hamburg and London. With 119 partners, over 200 other lawyers and nearly 300 support staff, we assist a wide range of international clients, advising across a full range of legal issues.

The main areas of practice are corporate and commercial, IP and technology, banking and finance, regulatory and real estate. Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP also have particular expertise in competition & EU law, dispute resolution, employment, personal injury and clinical negligence, public sector and tax.

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Field Fisher Waterhouse recovers substantial compensation against Barts & the London NHS Trust on behalf of brain-damaged youth

Law firm, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has recovered a substantial sum in compensation on behalf of Matthew Ellerbeck, who sustained serious brain damage after contracting herpes at the age of six.

In 1997, Matthew suffered a prolonged convulsion, and was taken in an ambulance to the A&E department of the Royal London Hospital. Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (HSE) should have been suspected, and aciclovir (an antiviral drug) should have been administered immediately. However the drug was not given to Matthew until over 30 hours later.

As a result of this delay, Matthew sustained serious brain damage. He is now 17, and as a result of the brain damage he suffers daily epileptic attacks and severe learning difficulties, as well as serious attention and behavioural problems.

Matthew’s mother, Susan Culling, brought the case against Barts & the London NHS Trust on his behalf in the High Court. Richard Earle, a lawyer in the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, conducted Matthew’s case to settlement.

The hospital accepted the delay in treating the HSE was negligent, but it argued that most of the damage and subsequent consequences to Matthew would have occurred anyway.

The case had gone on for nine years, in which time a number of concessions were made by the hospital, when a settlement was agreed two months before the case was due to go to trial.

Following this long legal battle, Field Fisher Waterhouse recovered substantial damages. This includes provision for periodical (annual) payments to be made for the rest of Matthew’s life to cover his care and accommodation needs.

Susan Culling said: “I was determined to press on and seek justice for Matthew. I am very pleased at the level of compensation which will make a huge difference to Matthew’s life.”

Richard Earle said: “I am absolutely delighted that substantial damages have been recovered on Matthew’s behalf, in what was an extremely complex case on the medical evidence where both Matthew’s lawyers and medical team had worked extremely hard to overcome the Defendant’s arguments on causation. This will improve the quality of Matthew’s life and provide protection for the future.”

Matthew was represented by James Badenoch QC and Dennis Matthews of Counsel.

About Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP:
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP is a full-service European law firm with offices in Brussels, Hamburg and London. With 119 partners, over 200 other lawyers and nearly 300 support staff, we assist a wide range of international clients, advising across a full range of legal issues.

The main areas of practice are corporate and commercial, IP and technology, banking and finance, regulatory and real estate. Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP also have particular expertise in competition & EU law, dispute resolution, employment, personal injury and clinical negligence, public sector and tax.

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Warren S. Reid – founder of WSR Consulting Group – 20 Years of Pioneering and Leadership As Computer Expert Witnesses in Software Failure Projects and IP Infringement Litigation

Warren S. Reid founded WSR Consulting Group, LLC (WSRcg) in 1988, and since then the firm has grown to 15 expert witnesses, including ex-Big-6 Consulting Firm partners and managers, CIO’s and an IT lawyer. WSRcg team members have served as experts and expert witnesses in computer, software and Internet disputes and turnaround projects, large system/software project failure litigation, and software intellectual property (IP) litigation. They have been recognized and accepted as IT expert witnesses in U.S. arbitration hearings, state and federal courts, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and in Canada, Asia and Europe.

Our prime areas of expertise and main services are acting as consultants in IT Project Turnaround situations, and acting as testifying expert witnesses in the following arenas: computer system failure; software project failure; ERP implementation project/systems failure; internet systems and website failures; software intellectual property disputes; and high-technology valuation situations.

WSR Consulting Group, LLC experts have testified as expert witnesses where their engagement counsel represented: President William Clinton, Her Royal Majesty the Queen of England In right of Canada; Fortune 500 companies; the Malaysian Stock Exchange; renowned hospitals; worldwide restaurant chains and big box retailers; Big 4 consulting firms; ERP customers, vendors and system integrators.

Warren S. Reid, founder and Managing Director of WSR Consulting Group, in his previous career as a management and computer technology consultant and partner/manager at two of the world’s largest consulting firms, was a principal author of one of the first large-scale Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodologies, which evolved into “Method/1” and which is still used internationally by some of the world’s largest companies. He was also one of a small team of consultants that helped to create and launch the Federal Energy Office for President Jimmy Carter in just 75 days, and managed and oversaw the testing and acceptance of California’s Lotto Lottery games in just 100 days.

As quoted by Ed Yourdon, CEO, NODRUOY Inc., February 21, 2007 on Linkedin: “Warren is one of the sharpest and most insightful of all the computer experts and management consultants I’ve known. He’s got a broad range of experience, and doesn’t pull any punches when he advises clients and senior executives how to get themselves out of the technical problems they’ve gotten into, and how to achieve competitive advantage in today’s fast-moving global environment.”

The scope of the systems that Warren S. Reid and/or WSR Consulting Group, LLC systems experts have built and/or testified about cross multiple platforms and industries. WSRcg’s industry specialties include: manufacturing and distribution; health care systems/HIPAA; retail & restaurant service; e-business and web 2.0; gaming and ticketing; automotive; government, military and law enforcement; higher-education; financial services; and software and high-technology.

Speaking about Warren S. Reid’s work as an expert witness, Richard Bernacchi, Esq., one of the pioneers of the computer law industry in the U.S. had this comment: “Extremely thorough and organized, very articulate, and has a very credible courtroom presence”.

Michael D. Scott, Esquire, Law Professor, and author of more than seven books on technology and the law comments: “I have had the pleasure of working with Warren on two major system failure cases. He leaves no stone unturned in getting to the truth of what happened (and more importantly, what should have happened but didn’t). His small but specialized team does better, faster and more thorough work than even the largest consulting firms.”

WSRcg’s IT configuration and platform expertise includes: internet, social and web-based systems; legacy mainframes; 3-tiered host-client-server architectures; mobile and networked PCs and devices; multi-state, multi-level point-of-sale (POS) systems; robotic manufacturing, warehouse and distribution facilities; Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems including SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, JDEdwards, Retek, Cerner, IBM, and Microsoft ERP systems; software testing, project management and SDLC tools.

Warren Reid is the author of approximately 100 published business articles (many in peer-reviewed journals), and is quoted in numerous books, newspapers and magazines. He is the co-author with Michael D. Scott, Esquire, of a best-selling book: “The Year 2000 Computer Crisis: Law, Business and Technology”. He has been a keynote speaker and/or featured presenter at many prestigious international summits, congresses and conferences.

WSR Consulting Group, LLC’s Blog 

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An update by Russell Jones & Walker on severe skin reactions caused by leather sofas sold by several leading high street retailers

Following a recent BBC Watchdog expose of severe skin reactions caused by leather sofas sold by several leading high street retailers, Russell Jones & Walker announces update.

Back in February, the BBC’s Watchdog programme exposed a story about leather sofas, sold by a number of leading high street retailers, which had caused severe skin reactions in some people. The Chinese manufactured sofas, the majority of which were purchased from Land of Leather, Argos and Walmsleys, were thought to contain a chemical which was causing extreme allergic reactions in some people, including rashes and blistering that resulted in hospitalisation for some.

Watchdog reported on 12 May 2008 that, in conjunction with Russell Jones & Walker (RJW), it has since discovered that the cause of these ‘sofa burns’ is Di-methyl Fumarate (DMF), a chemical known to cause skin irritation. This fungicide is contained within a sachet which is placed inside the sofas in order to protect against mould during storage, transit and everyday usage. Argos’ independent investigations have also now confirmed these results.

A team of Solicitors led by Richard Langton and Christian Shotton of RJW is currently representing injury claims on behalf of more than 500 people who have suffered due to the affected sofas, and this number is continuing to grow. Around 1000 individuals are now launching a group action in the high court to sue the retailers who sold the sofas for damages.

The majority of the sofas have now been recalled, but a list of known affected sofa batch numbers has been compiled on the RJW Solicitors site in order to enable worried consumers to check whether their sofa might be one of those affected.

In light of the ongoing problem, RJW Solicitors has also advised that anyone who has experienced similar skin problems, even if their sofa’s batch number does not appear in the list, should still contact the retailer where they originally purchased the sofa from.

About Russell Jones & Walker
Russell Jones & Walker is a leading national firm of solicitors dedicated to upholding the legal rights of individuals. From the firms foundation in the 1920s the focus has and continues to be, people and those who represent them.

The firm has grown from its trade union roots into a respected national organisation with nine offices across England and Wales, and an associated office in Scotland.

The reputation of Russell Jones & Walker is built on the range of expertise offered by its partners and staff and on the scope of their practical experience.

RJW Solicitors represents clients across a range of areas from personal injury work to commercial and criminal litigation; from employment to defamation and reputation management; and from clinical negligence to family law.

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Information Portal on Alabama Bankruptcy Protection

Dionne & Dionne Law today announced an expanded service area to include Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and all surrounding areas. The firm also has expanded its recently launched information portal, www.BankruptcyLawyerInAlabama.com. The portal serves as a comprehensive source for Birmingham area consumers to find information about bankruptcy solutions and bankruptcy protection. It also offers consumers a way to speak directly with an attorney at the firm to discuss their case without obligation.

As previously announced, the portal includes bankruptcy FAQs on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Consumers can also download a free financial analysis form to use in determining the need for bankruptcy.

The web site will be an invaluable resource to Birmingham consumers in finding accessible information to address their bankruptcy questions and gain access to Birmingham bankruptcy lawyers for one-on-one advice.

Melinda Dionne of Dionne & Dionne stated, “By expanding into the Birmingham area we’re able to help more Alabama consumers who are in financial distress. Our goal is to put our nearly 40 years of combined experience to work for them. We specifically designed the resources at www.BankruptcyLawyerInAlabama.com to be simple, concise and to offer every consumer something of value.”

About Dionne & Dionne Law – Dionne & Dionne Law was founded in 1996 by husband/wife team Don and Melinda Dionne. Don and Melinda tout nearly 40 years of combined experience serving and advising consumers. The firm specializes in bankruptcy, family law, and estate planning services. The firm has offices in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

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Legal information portal launched by Knoxville DUI Lawyer

Knoxville DUI Lawyer launches information portal to assist East Tennessee residents with DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) legal matters. Portal is designed to answer consumer questions and offer assistance to citizens charged with a DUI or DWI in East Tennessee location such as Knox County and surrounding areas.

McKellar Roskind, LLP today announced the launch of www.Tennessee-DUI-Attorney.net as an information portal for Knoxville and East Tennessee consumers to find information about DUI defense solutions. With content and articles being added regularly on the DUI court process, the website is anticipated to quickly become Tennessee’s primary resource for DUI information.

Featured information includes defense tactics for drunk driving charges as well as other criminal allegations and asset forfeiture. Additionally, as a public service, the firm provides consultations at no charge to citizens in need of a Knoxville DUI lawyer.

The web site will be an invaluable resource for consumers in finding accessible information to address their DUI questions. Information will be efficiently categorized for easy navigation.

Norman McKellar of McKellar Roskind, LLP stated, “Our goal is to be the best consumer resource center and information portal for assisting people in need of a Knoxville DUI attorney. Our goal is to help consumers with their DUI needs. The depth of knowledge and resources at our site is simple, concise and offers every consumer something of value.”

About McKellar Roskind, LLP – The firm was founded by attorneys Norman McKellar and Andrew Roskind. McKellar Roskind, LLP serves clients throughout East Tennessee in the areas of criminal defense, tax defense, and family law. The firm is located in Knoxville, Tennessee.

 

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Welcome to EPR Law News

EPR Law News is a new blog, part of EPR Network, that is going to be focused on and will be covering the law news and stories from press releases published on EPR Network.

EPR Network (EPR stands for express press release) is one of the nation’s largest press release distribution networks on Web. The EPR’s nationwide network includes 12 State based PR sites, one major PR forum and a number of industry specific PR blogs and what started as a hobby on Internet years ago turned out to be a rapidly growing business today. EPR Network is also known as one of the most trusted (human optimized, published, edited and monitored, spam/scam/low quality PR content free) PR sites on the web with more than 10,000 company and individual press releases distributed per month. EPR Network is putting your press releases on top of all major search engines’ results and is reaching thousands of individuals, companies, PR specialists, media professionals, bloggers and journalists every day.

EPR Network has thousands of clients around the world including global 500 corporations like Hilton Hotels, Barclays Bank, AXA Insurance, Tesco UK, eBay/Skype, Emirates, just to name a few. The network’s PR web sites are currently reaching from 150,000 to sometimes 500,000 unique visitors per month while our viral reach could possibly go to as much as 1M people per month through our presence across various social media sites. EPR Network was established in 2004 and as of May 2008 it had more than 800,000 press releases (pages) published on its network.

If you have a press release to be distributed, you can do it over here: press release distribution