Michael Carroll News
2 more property insurers decide to bail out of California due to escalating costs
The California Department of Insurance is downplaying the decision by two more property insurers to bow out of the state’s insurance market, saying that the companies’ market share is minimal.
Former Trump attorney's lawyer on disbarment: 'inherently' unfair to ban 'presumed-innocent defendant from being able to earn the funds' to pay for 'enormous' legal defense
A California State Bar judge is recommending the disbarment of John Eastman, former attorney to President Donald Trump, for his involvement in alleged misconduct stemming from efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Second Amendment rights group sues California over restriction on out-of-state residents carrying guns
A gun owners rights advocacy group has filed a federal lawsuit against California’s attorney general in an effort to challenge a state law that is “unconstitutionally restrictive” and offers no avenue for out-of-state residents in California to carry firearms in public.
Redondo Beach attorney, councilman suspended from law practice for 2 years over misappropriation of funds
The California Supreme Court has suspended a Redondo Beach attorney specializing in employment litigation from practicing law for two years over what the California State Bar said was a “major misappropriation of client funds.”
Toddler, baby bibs contaminated with toxic PFAS chemicals, new Prop. 65 lawsuit alleges
An environmental services company known for filing Proposition 65 lawsuits in California is suing an Arizona baby products company, alleging that some of its baby and toddler bibs contain so-called “forever” chemicals that plaintiffs say have been linked to cancer.
Former CEO sues entertainment attorney for defamation in United Talent Agency case
The former CEO of a media marketing company has filed a $125 million defamation lawsuit against a Los Angeles attorney known for representing celebrity clients in an ongoing war of words involving the entertainment giant United Talent Agency Inc.
Environmental group sues U.S. Energy Department over plans to extend life of Diablo Canyon nuclear plant
An environmental group is suing the U.S. Department of Energy over its decision to award $1.1 billion in federal funds to keep a Central California nuclear plant operating beyond its expected closure date in 2025.
Former State Bar official`s ghost-writing of attorney discipline reports raises conflict-of-interest concerns
A former California State Bar deputy executive director ghost-wrote seven attorney discipline case reports that were supposed to be managed by independent outside counsel to avoid appearances of conflicts of interest, a legal investigation concluded.
President of the California FAIR Plan: California insurance market one 'major event' away from statewide financial assessment
California’s property insurer of last resort is a single disaster away from imposing an assessment on the state’s policyholders to pay the resulting insurance claims – creating uncertainties in an industry that says it is already in crisis.
Open-records advocates criticize proposed redactions of attorney names linked to DWP billing scandal
Federal investigators are improperly trying to redact the names of top former Los Angeles city officials from court documents related to a Department of Water and Power (DWP) billing scandal that “shattered public confidence” in the legal profession, open-records advocates say.
Parks group sues over proposed gondola transit project to link Union Station, Dodger Stadium
A group advocating for the protection of Los Angeles-area parks is suing the county’s MTA over the agency’s approval of an environmental impact report for a downtown, high-wire gondola project.
Federal judge upholds AB5 law; Truckers say law leaves them unable to protect livelihood
In a decision applauded by labor unions but criticized by the state’s trucking industry, a federal district judge has upheld provisions of a California law that limits the ability of employers to classify workers as independent contractors.
Governor restricts legal challenges to L.A. development in push for more housing
Gov. Gavin Newsom is streamlining a major mixed-use development near Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles to speed the building of housing and urban infrastructure, using new state laws aimed at reducing environmental litigation.
Southern California school district updates parental-notification policy after being sued by state
A San Bernardino County school district has revised its parental notification policy in the wake of California’s attorney general suing the district over alleged violations of the state constitution and state law, resulting in alleged discrimination against transgender students.
State Farm to pull 72,000 home insurance policies, complicating California's housing crunch
State Farm will not renew 72,000 home insurance policies in California this year, raising renewed concerns about the effects of the state’s regulatory and litigation environment, as well as the impact of catastrophic events including wildfires.
California State Bar disputes lawsuit's allegations of 'rampant corruption' in case of disbarred L.A. attorney
The State Bar of California has rejected claims outlined in a lawsuit that it engaged in “rampant corruption” and incestuous relations with disbarred Los Angeles attorney Thomas Girardi, who is scheduled to face criminal proceedings later this year.
California joins lawsuit challenging proposed merger of Kroger, Albertsons
The Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of states that includes California have filed a legal challenge to the proposed merger of Kroger Co. and Albertsons, arguing that the $24.6B deal would lead to price hikes. Kroger said those claims are false and the merger will actually result in lower prices and greater choice
Over 75% of claims made in $45.5M Altria e-cigarettes settlement found to be potential fraud; Judge OKs deal
A federal judge has given a final OK to a $45.5 million settlement with Altria over allegations the tobacco firm misled consumers about the addictiveness of Juul e-cigarettes, despite evidence that more than 75% of the filed claims are invalid or fraudulent.
City of San Diego settles class action over enforcement of parking ordinances against the homeless
A long-running class-action lawsuit filed against the city of San Diego over enforcement of parking ordinances against homeless people living in their vehicles has been tentatively settled, with the biggest chunk of funds going to attorney fees.
State Bar accuses L.A. lawyer of colluding with opposing counsel in class action against city utility
An attorney who represented plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit allegedly colluded with opposing counsel working on behalf of city of Los Angeles officials during the fallout from a Los Angeles Department of Water & Power billing system failure.