Congratulations to Chris Shiplett of Randolph Law PLLC in Falls Church, Virginia. On May 8, Chris won a favorable judgment from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on behalf of his client, Akira Technologies, Inc., in an appeal involving the “bad faith” standard for obtaining attorney fees under the federal Defend Trade […]
Trial & Appellate Lawyers’ Teamwork Produces Fourth Circuit Victory Read More »
On May 13, the Supreme Court issued yet another opinion that facilitates, if not encourages, the filing of False Claims Act qui tam suits against federal government contractors, health care providers, and other recipients of federal payments or funds. In a unanimous opinion authored by Justice Clarence Thomas, the Court held in Cochise Consultancy, Inc.,
Supreme Court Delivers Another Qui Tam Setback to Government Contractors Read More »
The federal False Claims Act continues to lure prospective “qui tam relators” (i.e., whistle blowers ), and their attorneys, with a gleaming pot of gold. To reach the end of the rainbow, a qui tam relator must file, on behalf of the United States, a suit alleging that a government contractor, Medicare/Medicaid provider, or other
It’s Time for the Supreme Court To Stop Fueling False Claims Whistle-Blower Suits Read More »
Thank you Law 360 subscribers for making my op-ed, A Broader View of the US Supreme Court Bar, that publication’s second-most-read expert analysis during the week of April 22. Law 360 subscribers can access the op-ed here, and anyone can download a copy by clicking above. Earlier in April, I had posted the op-ed on
Law360 Op-Ed on “the Supreme Court Bar” Attracts Wide Readership Read More »
The long-running legal battle between CACI International and Iraqi nationals who seek to hold that government contractor liable for abuses they suffered at the hands of certain U.S. military personnel at Abu Ghraib prison during Operation Iraqi Freedom is now back for another visit to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. An
Under the leadership and with the guidance of Executive Director John Kouris, DRI continues to be the voice of the civil defense bar in the Supreme Court of the United States. Congratulations to Matt Nelson and Zach Chaffee-McClure on becoming Chair and Vice of DRI’s Amicus Committee, which reviews the steady stream of requests that
DRI-The Voice of the Defense Bar in the U.S. Supreme Court Read More »
Groucho Marx famously said “I don’t want to belong to any club that would accept me as a member.” Unlike Groucho’s club, the Supreme Court Bar is a “club” in which a multitude of talented appellate lawyers throughout the United States—not just an elite handful of marquee players—can be, should be, and in fact are,
Redefining “the Supreme Court Bar” Read More »
Reprinted from The Voice (April 3, 2019), published by DRI-The Voice of the Defense Bar Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s first Supreme Court opinion is a model of stylistic clarity and judicial restraint. Writing for a unanimous Court, his January 8, 2019 opinion in Henry Schein, Inc. v. Archer & White Sales, Inc., No. 17-1272, holds that where
Justice Kavanaugh’s Debut Supreme Court Opinion Read More »
The Supreme Court’s February 26, 2019 opinion in Nutraceutical Corp. v. Lambert, No. 17-1094, unanimously holds that Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(f) is not subject to equitable tolling. In other words, no matter what the circumstances, federal appellate courts cannot consider interlocutory appeals of district court class-action certification decisions if a review petition is filed
What a thrill it was recently to be one of the first members of the University Club of Washington, D.C. to use the newly remodeled Fitness Center! The old one was great, but the total renovation—literally from floor to ceiling, and all of the high-tech aerobic and weight-lifting equipment in-between—truly elevates the Fitness Center and
Raising My Workouts To the Next Level At the University Club Read More »
