Law

Latest Posts in Law

Criminal justice reform – “getting at” a better model

“I run a repair shop, not a junkyard.” It’s a motto Dave Larson spouts – frequently. But he is no auto mechanic. Larson is a Municipal Court Judge in Federal Way, Washington, a community of just under 100,000 people, located between Seattle and Tacoma. This city has experienced most of its growth as an affordable bedroom community to those larger cities to the north and south. Now it’s struggling to establish an identity of its own, while grappling with all of the attendant crises of the 21st century – including the opioid epidemic, homelessness, and crime.


Endorsements in Social Media

In late 2017, the Federal Trade Commission (‘FTC’) updated its Guide which makes it very clear that, when making a paid endorsement on social media (such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram), the endorser must openly disclose that they are being paid to make the endorsement. The FTC has commenced enforcement against both companies and influencers. The term influencer includes models. 


On the Right to Sue

From Texas: On the Right to Sue | Workers and Consumers Forced into Arbitration

On May 21, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court made a 5:4 decision to enforce arbitration requirements in employment contracts. It has previously ruled, in the 2015 DirecTV, Inc. v. Imburgia decision that arbitration agreements with consumers can force them into arbitration instead of successfully filing a lawsuit over services or products disputes. Yesterday’s ruling on employment contracts consolidated three cases that all questioned Congress’ Arbitration Act. 


Spotlight on Patent Lawyer Barry R. Lewin

Barry R. Lewin of Gottlieb, Rackman & Reisman, P.C. is an internationally known and superb patent attorney whose technological expertise and legal skills result in an outstanding work even in the most complex patent matters. 


SPOTLIGHT ON ATTORNEY GENE BARTON

Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Attorney Gene Barton, who is a shareholder with the firm, Karr Tuttle Campbell. Gene has been with the firm since September, 1996, and practices in the Litigation Department, with emphasis in commercial and securities litigation, toxic torts, appellate law, and insurance defense and coverage work. He has been counsel of record for the prevailing party in 11 cases before the Washington Court of Appeals and Washington Supreme Court, including seven published decisions. Little known fact: Prior to entering the University of Washington School of Law, Gene spent 15 years as a newspaper reporter and editor in Oregon and New Mexico. Drawing from that experience, he currently serves as the editor of the King County Bar Association Bar Bulletin.