Before becoming LegalReader's Editor-in-Chief, Jay W. Belle Isle worked as a freelance copywriter with clients on four continents. Jay has a degree in Business Administration from Cleary University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Jay has also worked as a contracts administrator for a DOD contractor specializing in vehicle armor.
The Pflugerville Education Foundation (PEF) recently added new members to its independent Board of Directors. The Foundation is a non-profit created by local community and business leaders and focuses on making a positive impact on public education. One of the newest Board members, Dustin Fox, is a local attorney dedicated to giving back to the community.
On May 20, Big Pharma/Life Sciences giant Bayer filed a motion in federal court in the Eastern District of Missouri. Its goal? Removal of a pending suit filed in state court in St. Louis over its “permanent” birth control device, Essure. Six days later, Judge Carol E. Jackson of the Eastern District of Missouri handed down her decision on the removal request. Bayer lost bid to remove Essure suit to federal court. The judge, in effect, said that the suit was perfectly situated in the state court.
The Pound Civil Justice Institute announces 2016 Appellate Advocacy Award. According to its website, the Institute “is a national legal ‘think tank’ created by pioneering members of the trial bar and dedicated to ensuring access to justice for ordinary citizens. Through its activities, the Institute works to give lawyers, judges, legal educators and the public a balanced view of the issues affecting the U.S. civil justice system.” This year’s winners of the award have certainly accomplished the mission of the Pound Civil Justice Institute.
Saturday, May 14 was a banner day (literally) for one firm, Justinian & Associates, as the local area law firm opened a new office in Austin, Texas. Despite a rainy appearance by Mother Nature, the grand opening event was well-attended and fun for all. It also marked a special day in the history of the Texas-based firm: the addition of a third location to better serve its clients.
While no one can agree on Millennial birth dates, experts say the range is anywhere from 1980 (or the early 80s) through the mid-90s or the year 2000. In any case, this safety-conscious generation has strong views on everything from motor vehicle and other product liability issues to methods of trial presentation. In short, Millennial jurors may change the face of product liability trials.
Soon, very soon, in a reality none of us ever expected could happen, Bayer considers buying Monsanto and the Evil Empire begins with a $40B bid. German company, Bayer AG, producer of such incredible products as Zyklon B and Essure, the “permanent” birth control device responsible for ruining tens of thousands of women’s lives, is talking to Monsanto Company, the producer of Agent Orange, Dioxin, PCBs and most recently, GMO “frankenfood” seeds about purchasing the company.
Bayer, owner of the “permanent” birth control device Essure, knew of the risk of unwanted pregnancies after implantation of its device. That the Big Pharma giant knew is not shocking; that someone was able to uncover the information is the shocker. As many of us who advocate for the removal of this dangerous product have long believed, Bayer lied about Essure pregnancy risks.
Baggett McCall and Unglesby Law Firm joined forces to win a $7M verdict for family in take-home asbestos exposure case in Louisiana. The case was decided in the family’s favor on April 29, 2016. In this case, the victim was not the asbestos-exposed employee, but rather, his wife.
Women injured by pelvic mesh implants have found a new way to fight back. This is the shot heard ‘round the world, mesh community hits social media! The Mesh Awareness Movement (MAM) currently hosts parties every Friday night on Twitter, as well as keeping an active Facebook page.
The most touching thing one can do is to put a human face on what Bayer and the FDA see as statistics only. Guess what, folks? Brianne has gone and done such an amazing job of it that I had to share. Thank you, Brianne! Here is “Dear Bayer – Do you care? A letter about Essure and doing the right thing.”