The American Legal Record Podcast
Interviews with legal reporters and editors about the top headlines concerning America’s civil justice system.
info_outline
15: LegalNewsline's Daniel Fisher on the SC Asbestos Litigation Docket
10/09/2024
15: LegalNewsline's Daniel Fisher on the SC Asbestos Litigation Docket
Legal Newsline reporter Daniel Fisher joined the American Legal Record podcast to discuss South Carolina asbestos litigation docket. Asbestos lawsuits in South Carolina after its state Supreme Court picked Judge Jean H. Toal, a former Chief Justice, to serve as judge for all of the state’s asbestos cases in 2017.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/33381097
info_outline
14: Dan Savickas, Director of Policy, Taxpayers Protection Alliance.
09/05/2024
14: Dan Savickas, Director of Policy, Taxpayers Protection Alliance.
Dan Savickas, director of policy for the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, appeared on The American Legal Podcast to discuss the economic effects of "junk science" used in mass tort litigation against companies like Monsanto, for its weedkiller, Roundup, and Johnson & Johnson for products containing talc. The term "junk science" is used to describe theories and methods that are presented as evidentiary science in the courtroom despite lacking substantive research. BIO: Daniel Savickas is the director of policy for The Taxpayers Protection Alliance, a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on the government’s effects on the economy through research and analysis.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/32935147
info_outline
13: Whit Kennedy Discusses His Watchdog Series
07/31/2024
13: Whit Kennedy Discusses His Watchdog Series
Whit Kennedy, a veteran reporter, appeared on the American Legal Podcast to discuss his watchdog series, which he kicked off by looking into the Cook County State's Attorney's Office under Kim Foxx, including recent exonerations and Foxx's connection to billionaire George Soros. Bio: Whit Kennedy has worked as a reporter for twenty years, often reporting on legal issues in the Chicago and greater Cook County area.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/32366257
info_outline
12: Wayne Winegarden, Senior Fellow at the Pacific Research Institute (PRI)
07/18/2024
12: Wayne Winegarden, Senior Fellow at the Pacific Research Institute (PRI)
Wayne Winegarden, senior fellow at the Pacific Research Institute (PRI), appeared on the American Legal Podcast to discuss homelessness in California and the various efforts to address connected issues like mental illness and addiction. Wayne Winegarden is a senior fellow in Business & Economics at the Pacific Research Institute where he examines connections between macroeconomic policies and economic outcomes. He also serves as the director of PRI’s Center for Medical Economics and Innovation where he leads research and policy efforts to improve the U.S. biomedical industry to support patients. Winegarden formerly taught in economics at Marymount University and has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Investor’s Business Daily, , and USA Today and has testified before the U.S. Congress.Pasadena, California based Pacific Research Institute, founded in 1979, is an advocacy organization whose goal is to “champion freedom, opportunity, and personal responsibility for all individuals by advancing free-market policy solutions,” according to the group’s web site. Its president is Sally Pipes.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/32121107
info_outline
11: Patrick M. Brenner, Founder and President of the Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI)
05/09/2024
11: Patrick M. Brenner, Founder and President of the Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI)
Patrick M. Brenner, founder and president of the (SPPI), joined the American Legal Record Podcast to discuss the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the SPPI's work to promote sound public policy. Before launching SPPI, Patrick worked in public relations and marketing, then took charge of the donor engagement and government transparency litigation programs at the as the Vice President of Development. Patrick is also the author of numerous policy studies. He has appeared in newspapers and on radio and television throughout the nation, including MSN, , , , and more. Patrick helps instill American principles in his generation through his activism. Patrick lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico with his three children.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/31122888
info_outline
10: AFSA President Bill Himpler on the State of Consumer Credit and Regulation by the CFBP
04/25/2024
10: AFSA President Bill Himpler on the State of Consumer Credit and Regulation by the CFBP
Bill Himpler, president of the American Financial Services Association (AFSA) joined the American Legal Record Podcast to discuss AFSA’s mission, a macro look at the state of credit, mortgage borrowing, its relationship to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the regulatory environment, and what lies ahead re interest rates. Himpler joined AFSA in 2004 and was elected president in October 2018. He previously headed the congressional relations office at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Prior to joining HUD, Himpler was director of legislative affairs for BGR Holding, LLC. He also worked Capitol Hil as tax counsel and legislative director for former U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller (R-Ill.), and as a senior legislative assistant for Rep. Charles Canady (R-Fla.) Himpler attended the University of Steubenville, received his master’s degree from Dominican House of Studies, and a law degree from The Catholic University of America. Established in 1916, AFSA is a national trade association for the consumer credit industry in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AFSA represents a wide range of financial services companies, including consumer and commercial finance companies, auto finance companies, mortgage lenders, credit card issuers, and industry suppliers. The association advocates for its members at both the federal and state levels, focusing on legal, regulatory, and legislative issues related to consumer credit.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/30990988
info_outline
9: Public Interest Legal Foundation’s brief to keep former President Donald Trump on the ballot
04/11/2024
9: Public Interest Legal Foundation’s brief to keep former President Donald Trump on the ballot
Joe Nixon, Litigaiton Counsel at the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF), joined the American Legal Record Podcst to discuss PILF’s brief in the U.S. Supreme Court arguing against Colorado’s attempt to remove former President Donald Trump from the ballot. Nixon has been with PILF since April 2023, and has been board certified in Civil Trial Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for over 30 years. He ran his own law from from 2019 to 2020, and was a senior fellow for Law and Economic Studies at the Texas Public Policy Foundation from 2007 to 2022. Nixon was a parnter at Akerman LLP from 2005 to 2019. Nixon represented the 133rd State House District in Texas from 1995 to 2007. He He attended Texas A&M University and received his law degree from St. Mary’s University Law School.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/30772123
info_outline
8: Chris Dickerson on the Reduction in Online Access to West Virginia Court Records
03/21/2024
8: Chris Dickerson on the Reduction in Online Access to West Virginia Court Records
Chris Dickerson, editor of the West Virginia Record, joined the American Legal Record Podcast to discuss the reduction in transparency and access to court records in West Virginia. Chris Dickerson's Experience and Concerns: Chris Dickerson, a seasoned journalist with 19 years of experience covering the West Virginia court system, discussed the significant reduction in online access to court records. From having access to 41 counties' records online in 2004, it has dwindled to just one in 2024, with an impending total loss of online access. This change severely impacts his ability to cover cases and the public's right to information. Statewide E-Filing System and Its Implications: The introduction of a statewide e-filing system, intended to centralize and streamline access to court records, paradoxically led to a decrease in public online access. As counties transitioned to this new system, their records became inaccessible online, limiting access to physical courthouse terminals. First Amendment Concerns and Public Access: Dickerson discussed the critical role of technology in ensuring transparency and access to court records, arguing that the current situation in West Virginia violates First Amendment rights and the public's ability to obtain information, which is fundamental to the judicial system's openness. Future Actions and Industry Impact: The podcast concludes with Dickerson's commitment to investigating and reporting on the accessibility of court records in West Virginia and beyond. He plans to compare access across states and engage with legal professionals, lawmakers, and other journalists to address these transparency issues, despite the challenges posed by the current lack of online access.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/29942238
info_outline
7: David Williams of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance on “Mission Creep” by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
03/07/2024
7: David Williams of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance on “Mission Creep” by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) joins this episode of the American Legal Newswire Podcast to discuss the actions of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and its effects on our economy.Williams discussed the TPA’s new project, “CFPB Mission Creep,” which TPA says is designed to “shine a light on the negative impact of the unaccountable and overreaching actions” of the CFPB.TPA is a non-profit non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/30146508
info_outline
6: West Virginia’s Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Add U.S. Citizenship as a Voting Requirement
02/22/2024
6: West Virginia’s Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Add U.S. Citizenship as a Voting Requirement
West Virginia’s proposed constitutional amendment to add U.S. citizenship as a voting requirement Chris Dickerson, editor of the West Virginia Record, joined the American Legal Record Podcast to discuss voter security and the mail-in ballot process in West Virginia. Voter Security Concerns: Dickerson discussed the issues of voter security and voter fraud, particularly focusing on mail-in ballots and eligibility criteria for voting in the United States. He described the current requirements for voting and proposed resolution in West Virginia to further secure the voting process. West Virginia's Proposed Amendment: Chris Dickerson discussed a resolution introduced by State Senate President Craig Blair (R-Berkeley) aiming to amend the West Virginia state constitution to add U.S. citizenship as a requirement for voting. This amendment, if passed, would be decided by voters in the general election. National Trend on Voting Requirements: Dickerson described similar legislative efforts in Kentucky and Virginia aimed at tightening voting requirements, including proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/29942158
info_outline
5: Woman Uses Ricola Cough Drops For 20 years, Sues After Lawyer Posts Facebook Ad For Plaintiffs
02/07/2024
5: Woman Uses Ricola Cough Drops For 20 years, Sues After Lawyer Posts Facebook Ad For Plaintiffs
John O’Brien, editor of Legal Newsline, joined the American Legal Record Podcast to discuss a class action lawsuit led by New York attorney Spencer Sheehan against Ricola, alleging consumer deception. The lawsuit claims Ricola's marketing suggests their cough drops are made with Swiss Alpine herbs that provide benefits beyond the active ingredient, menthol, which is misleading.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/29849313
info_outline
4: River Forest, Illinois, Man Spent Almost a Month in Jail Over Unpaid Divorce Legal Bills
01/25/2024
4: River Forest, Illinois, Man Spent Almost a Month in Jail Over Unpaid Divorce Legal Bills
Jonathan Bylick, editor of the Cook County Record, joins the American Legal Record Podcast to discuss his recent reports on the recent case of Cook County resident Marty Paris. Paris was jailed over the Christmas holiday because he didn’t pay $300,000 to a Cook County Court and agree to be on electronic home monitoring as part of contentious divorce proceedings that have racked up a reported $1.6 million in legal bills for Paris. For more information on this case, read, River Forest man nears month in jail over unpaid divorce legal bills –
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/29618593
info_outline
3: Part II: Michigan-based Forge Industrial Staffing 'crushed under the weight' of federal child labor probe
01/03/2024
3: Part II: Michigan-based Forge Industrial Staffing 'crushed under the weight' of federal child labor probe
On this episode, John O’Brien and Jonathan Bilyck of The Record legal publications join us for a follow up on the case of the Department of Labor’s investigation into Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company, Forge Industrial Staffing. Our first episode on this case can be found here: Michigan company Forge Industrial Staffing is “in the crosshairs of a child labor investigation” and hopes “a federal court will help protect its reputation as clients flee, while noting a ‘whistleblower’ who kickstarted the probe lied about her age at least once,” reported Legal Newsline. Following is a brief summary of this episode: Subpoena for Client List: The Department of Labor issued a subpoena to Forge Industrial Staffing, demanding a list of all 600 clients for potential spot checks. Forge is mostly compliant but resists sharing the full client list, fearing negative business implications and potential liability issues for their clients. Court Proceedings and Legal Challenges: The episode covers a hearing on December 5th, where a magistrate judge granted the federal request for Forge's client information. The labor department's investigation has expanded from potential child labor violations to include wage and hour violations, such as overtime pay and minimum wage issues. Impact on Forge Industrial Staffing: The case has already had significant financial impacts on Forge, with the loss of 17 clients and a reduction of $9.5 million in annual revenue. The company argues that complying with the subpoena and revealing their client list could further harm their business. Legal and Ethical Dilemmas: The podcast delves into the complexities of the case, including the challenges businesses face in verifying employee eligibility and the legal implications of administrative investigations. It also discusses the role of the acting labor secretary and the broader implications of the case for employers and staffing firms.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/29342308
info_outline
2: Michigan-based Forge Industrial Staffing 'crushed under the weight' of federal child labor probe
12/01/2023
2: Michigan-based Forge Industrial Staffing 'crushed under the weight' of federal child labor probe
On this episode, we interview John O’Brien, editor and journalist for Legal Newsline about his recent story, “Company being crushed under weight of feds' child labor probe, despite no charges.” Michigan company Forge Industrial Staffing is “in the crosshairs of a child labor investigation” and hopes “a federal court will help protect its reputation as clients flee, while noting a ‘whistleblower’ who kickstarted the probe lied about her age at least once,” reported Legal Newsline. Following is a summary of this episode: Investigation Triggered by NY Times Article: O’Brien discussed a New York Times article regarding the employment of underage workers in various industries that sparked an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor into Forge Industrial Staffing, a company based in Michigan and Indiana, which had no prior allegations of child labor. Case Complexity and Misrepresentation: O’Brien said the case took a twist when it was revealed that one of the underage workers had falsified her age on documents. She initially worked for three days at a company placed by Forge, claiming she was 19, and later joined Forge directly in an administrative role, this time claiming a different age. This misrepresentation led to significant negative publicity for Forge, resulting in the loss of clients and revenue. Legal and Political Implications: O’Brien discussed the legal aspects of the case, focusing on the actions of Julie Su, the acting U.S. Secretary of Labor, and what he said was her aggressive stance on labor issues. The episode explored the potential impact of the case on Forge and other businesses, highlighting the challenges companies face when dealing with government investigations and the potential for overreach. Forge's Response and Defense: Forge argued against the relevancy of the U.S. Department of Labor's subpoena, which seeks to interview employees at the sites of Forge's clients. Forge contended that this is an overreach and irrelevant to the investigation, as they have made all employees available for interviews at Forge's offices. Broader Implications for Businesses: The episode concluded with a discussion on the broader implications of the case for businesses, especially those relying on staffing agencies. The potential for federal investigations into numerous client sites is seen as a significant concern, highlighting the challenges businesses face in navigating legal and regulatory environments.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/28894453
info_outline
1: The High Volume of Lawsuits Against the Cruise Line Industry
11/23/2023
1: The High Volume of Lawsuits Against the Cruise Line Industry
Chris Dickerson, editor of the Florida Record, joins the American Legal Record Podcast to discuss a recent story on the high volume of lawsuits filed against the cruise line industry. The discussion centers around the recent Florida Record story, written by Michael Carroll, "Cruise line injury lawsuits don't appear to be cutting into industry profits, attorneys say." In addition to serving as editor of the Florida Record, Dickerson is the editor of the West Virginia Record and has been a reporter and editor with The Record family of legal journals since 2005. Key points from this episode include: Cruise Industry Lawsuits: The discussion highlights that there are 20 to 25 lawsuits filed weekly against major cruise line companies in South Florida. These lawsuits are primarily slip and fall cases, which constitute about 90% of the cases. Despite the high number of lawsuits, they don't significantly impact the cruise lines' bottom lines. Common Types of Lawsuits: The most common lawsuits against cruise lines are slip and fall cases, often occurring on the pool deck or in passengers' suites. Financial Impact on Cruise Lines: Despite the high volume of lawsuits, these don't seem to significantly affect the cruise lines' financial health. This is attributed to the cruise lines' expectations of a certain number of lawsuits as a cost of doing business. Insurance and Legal Defense: Cruise lines have robust insurance policies and experienced attorneys, which helps them manage these lawsuits effectively. Ticket Prices and Lawsuit Costs: The cost of lawsuits and insurance might contribute to rising ticket prices, but this increase is generally in line with overall inflation and other cost increases. Statute of Limitations and Settlements: For cruise ship injuries, there is a one-year statute of limitations. Many cases are settled before reaching court, and settlements often focus on tangible losses like medical expenses and lost wages, rather than non-monetary damages like pain and suffering. Jurisdiction and Legal Challenges: Most cruise ship companies are based in Miami, Florida, making it the primary jurisdiction for filing lawsuits. The legal process is streamlined due to the expertise of attorneys on both sides. Death on High Seas Act: This act limits awards to monetary losses and doesn't allow for claims of pain and suffering or mental anguish in cases of death on cruise ships. Excursions and Third-Party Liability: Lawsuits related to excursions are common, with cruise lines often being sued as they contract these third-party service providers. The conversation provides a detailed insight into the legal challenges and frameworks surrounding the cruise industry, particularly in the context of personal injury and related lawsuits.
/episode/index/show/c3db19cb-8880-4da5-a8e3-2117b3753f85/id/28775383