The trial court abused its discretion by summarily awarding plaintiff a $1,000 attorney’s fee after she settled her claims against a used car dealer. The fee request should have been analyzed with regard to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the Michigan Consumer Protection Act’s fee-shifting provisions and Smith v. Khouri, 481 Mich. 519 (2008).
Source link
Civil Procedure – Attorney’s fee in consumer auto case requires ‘Smith’ analysis
Nominations Open for Major State Bar Awards; Deadline is Feb. 19
The Roberts P. Hudson Award goes to a person whose career has exemplified the highest ideals of the profession. This award is presented periodically to commend one or more lawyers for their unselfish rendering of outstanding and unique service to and on behalf of the State Bar, given generously, ungrudgingly, and in a spirit of self-sacrifice. It is awarded to that member of the State Bar of Michigan who best exemplifies that which brings honor, esteem and respect to the legal profession. The Hudson Award is the highest award conferred by the Bar.
The Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award recognizes extraordinary governmental service by a Michigan attorney holding elected or appointed office. Created by the Board of Commissioners in 1998, it was first awarded to Frank J. Kelley for his record-setting tenure as Michigan’s chief lawyer.
The Champion of Justice Award is given for extraordinary individual accomplishments or for devotion to a cause. No more than five awards are given each year to practicing lawyers and judges who have made a significant contribution to their community, state, and/or the nation.
The Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award was established in memory of the 2006-07 SBM president, who passed away in January 2008. This award will be presented to a recognized local or affinity bar association, program or leader for excellence in promoting the ideal of professionalism or equal justice for all, or in responding to a compelling legal need within the community during the past year or on an ongoing basis.
The John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award, named after a Grand Rapids attorney who was dedicated to making legal services available to all, recognizes a member of the State Bar who excels in commitment to pro bono issues. This award carries with it a cash stipend to be donated to the charity of the recipient’s choice.
The John W. Reed Michigan Lawyer Legacy Award was introduced in 2011 and is named for a longtime and beloved University of Michigan Law School professor and Wayne State University dean. This award will be presented periodically to a professor from a Michigan law school whose influence on Michigan lawyers has elevated the quality of legal practice in the state.
All SBM award nominations are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, 2016.
The Liberty Bell Award recipient is selected from nominations made by local and special-purpose bar associations. The award is presented to a non-lawyer who has made a significant contribution to the justice system. The deadline for this award is Monday, May 13, 2016.
An awards committee co-chaired by Brian D. Figot and SBM Vice President Donald G. Rockwell reviews nominations for the Roberts P. Hudson, John W. Reed, Champion of Justice, Frank J. Kelley, Kimberly M. Cahill, and Liberty Bell awards. The SBM Pro BonoInitiative Committee reviews nominations for the Cummiskey Pro Bono award. These recommendations are then voted on by the full Board of Commissioners at its April meeting.
Last year's non-winning nominations will automatically carry over for consideration this year. Nominations should include sufficient details about the accomplishments of the nominee to allow the committees to make a judgment.
Any SBM member can nominate candidates for awards. To apply online or download application forms visit www.michbar.org/programs/eventsawards. Cummiskey Award nominations can be directed to Robert Mathis atrmathis@mail.michbar.org; all other nominations can be submitted to Joyce Nordeen at jnordeen@mail.michbar.org
License revoked
Former clients of a disbarred Bloomfield Hills attorney to whom he was ordered to pay restitution might need to apply to the State Bar’s Client Protection Fund to get their money.
Source link
Civil Procedure – Attorney’s fee in consumer auto case requires ‘Smith’ analysis
The trial court’s $1,000 attorney’s fee award to plaintiff after she settled a consumer-protection case is vacated. The factors in Smith v. Khouri, which apply to fee-shifting statutes, must be considered.
Source link
Criminal Law – Remand for consideration of motion to withdraw plea
The defendant’s attorney acknowledges that the defendant did not contribute to the delay in filing a proper motion and admits her sole responsibility for the error.
Source link
Wayne County accused of withholding information in jail death of Abdul Akbar
In a federal wrongful death lawsuit filed against Wayne County, officials are being accused of dragging their feet in the release of certain evidence and details.
Source link
‘How Did She Do That?’ gives women lawyers a rainmaking plan of action
A recently published guide offers ways to network outside of your practice, using social media to forward your goals, writing and speaking to enhance your reputation and reach, and how to successfully pitch your firm to potential clients.
Source link
Business Law – Court did not properly determine reasonable attorney’s fee
The trial court’s denial of plaintiff’s request for post-judgment attorney’s fees is reversed because the court did not properly analyze whether the requested fees were reasonable.
Source link
Civil Procedure – Circuit court lacked jurisdiction over attorney’s fee claim
The circuit court’s $17,000 judgment for plaintiff in this attorney’s fee dispute is vacated for lack of jurisdiction.
Source link
Former Flint sanitation worker's lawsuit dismissed in federal court
A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a former sanitation worker for the city of Flint who claimed he was the victim of sexual harassment.
Source link