Posts from ‘December, 2008’

Jewish victims whose property was confiscated in a French holding camp before they were sent by train to German concentration camps during World War II cannot bring suit in the Southern District of New York against France, the French national bank or the French railroad, a judge has ruled. Judge Richard Sullivan said the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act shields the French entities from suit in New York by victims and their heirs because they are “agencies or instrumentalities” of the French state.

Drugmaker Cephalon has paid more than $2.6 million to the state of Nebraska to settle allegations of off-label marketing of three pharmaceutical products. The settlement resolves allegations that Cephalon marketed drugs for uses not approved by the Federal Drug Administration. The drugs are the painkiller Actiq, the anti-seizure drug Gabitril and the sleep-disorder drug Provigil. The money is part of a $425 million national settlement with state Medicaid programs.

The dust from the Thelen implosion continues to settle, and that means Washington firms are still reaping the benefits of having an influx of experienced attorneys to bring on board. Drinker Biddle & Reath’s D.C. office has added six former Thelen lawyers to its labor and employment practice; they include three partners, two associates and one counsel.

More than 23,000 pet owners in the U.S. have asked for money from a $24 million settlement for owners of dogs and cats who were sickened or died after eating pet food contaminated with an industrial chemical. Owners with claims were set to start getting checks next year, but payments could be held up while a judge sorts out last-minute appeals filed by four people. The snag pits lawyers against each other in a complex, emotional case. “If one of their objections succeeds, the class comes unraveled,” said one lawyer.

A D.C. lobbyist sued for $27 million Tuesday over an article that she says gave the false impression she had an affair with Sen. John McCain. The suit claims that, as a result of the article, Vicki Iseman suffered an “avalanche of scorn, derision, and ridicule” that damaged her health. A law professor said the key to Iseman’s case will be whether the court defines her as a public or private figure. Public figures have to show malice by a news outlet and meet a higher standard of proof.

Court records reveal some key details of Sidley Austin’s work for the Tribune Co. in connection with the media conglomerate’s bankruptcy filing. For its efforts, the law firm has so far collected $4.5 million in advance retainers. As of Jan. 1, the law firm’s top partners will be charging as much as $1,100 per hour.