MISSISSIPPI SUPREME COURT JUSTICE JAMES E. GRAVES, JR.’S NOMINATION TO THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS CONFIRMED BY UNITED STATES SENATE

The United States Senate confirmed Mississippi Supreme Court Justice James Graves nomination to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.  Congratulations, Justice Graves.

U.S. Senate to Consider Justice James E. Graves, Jr.’s Nomination on Monday

According to the The Hill’s Floor Action Blog , the U.S. Senate is scheduled to consider Mississippi Supeme Court Justice James E. Graves, Jr.’s nomination to the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday, February 14, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. with a voice vote to follow at 5:30 p.m.

Justice James E. Graves, Jr. Receives Approval From Judiciary Committee For U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

This morning the Senate Judiciary Committee approved Justice James E. Graves, Jr.’s nomination , en banc, to the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.  It is expected that Graves nomination, and several others, will now move quickly to the U.S. Senate floor.

Vote on Justice James E. Graves, Jr. and Other Judicial Nominees Delayed

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley delayed a Judiciary Committee vote on Justice James E. Graves, Jr.’s nomination and several others today.  Senator Grassley delayed the vote until next week when new mmbers of the committee will be named.  Senator Patrick Leahy expressed frustration at the delay on the nominees and called it demeaning.  Leahy specifically pointed out that Justice Graves nomination should have gone forward because he has the support of Mississippi’s two Republican Senators and Mississippi’s Republican Governor Haley Barbour.  The Washington Times reports  Senator Leahy said to Senator Grassley and the other GOP committee members  “I’m disappointed.  I’ll let you call Governor Barbour and explain why [a vote on Graves nomination] didn’t happen.”

Clearly, the Senators appear to be frustrated with their ability to move forward with Graves and the other judicial nominees.  Hopefully, the Committee will move quickly and smoothly next week to approve Justice Graves’ nomination.

Mississippi Supreme Court Justice James Graves Scheduled For Judicial Re-Nomination Vote

I learned from Glenn Sugameli today that Mississippi Supreme Court Justice James E. Graves, Jr. has been placed on the agenda of the Senate Judiciary Committee for a Committee Executive Business Meeting to vote on judicial renominees who had hearings and unanimous committee votes in the last Congress.  The Committee is scheduled to vote on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

For a detailed history regarding Justice Grave’s nomination, please see the nomination’s history  here.

Charles E. Griffin Joins Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Stevens & Cannada, PLLC

The practice of law has changed significantly since I started in 1988. These changes, along with my desire to explore a new platform, resulted in my decision to close my individual law practice and become a member of the Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Stevens & Cannada law firm.

Butler Snow is based in Ridgeland, Mississippi and is recognized as a leading law firm by many publications. Chambers USA – America’s Leading Lawyers for Business describes Butler Snow as having “enormous power and presence” with a team of attorneys who have achieved national prominence because of “sheer, unambiguous quality.” According to Chambers, Butler Snow clients refer to the firm as “well-known for being successful” and it’s attorneys as “real deal-makers.” Chambers also noted Butler Snow’s ability to deliver to the client “the whole package – intelligence, presence and trial experience.” Butler Snow has been named by Best’s Review as one of 69 law firms “Standing the Test of Time.” National Law Journal has listed Butler Snow as one of twenty law firms on its Midsize Hot List for demonstrating creative, innovative strategies, developing practice areas and recruiting top legal talent. Butler Snow is committed to diversity and I look forward to actively participating in it’s efforts to strengthen that commitment for the benefit of its clients, the firm, the legal community and the public.

During my twenty-three-year career, I have worked on hundreds of cases with, and against, attorneys from Butler Snow and I have observed their legal ability first hand. I am pleased to join this talented group.

Carlton Reeves Confirmed as U.S. District Judge in Mississippi

Today, by unanimous vote, the U.S. Senate Confirmed Carlton Reeves of Jackson, Mississippi as the newest U.S. District Judge in Mississippi.  Reeves becomes the second African American U.S. District Judge in Mississippi.

Senate Judiciary Committee Scheduled To Consider Justice James Graves Nomination on Thursday

On Thursday, November 18, 2010, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on the nomination of Mississippi Supreme Court Justice James Graves to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.  In previous posts, I discussed the Committee hearing on Justice Graves’ nomination.

 

Complaint and Jury Form From Baker & McKenzie Case

Philip Thomas and Law 360.com have posted links to the complaint and jury form.  They are available here.

Mississippi Jury Hits Chicago Based Law Firm With Staggering $103 Million Dollar Verdict

For the second time this year, a Mississippi jury has awarded a verdict in excess of one hundred million dollars.  Earlier this year, Ford was handed a $131 million dollar verdict in Jasper County, Mississippi.  Last week, a Jones County, Mississippi jury rendered a $103 million dollar verdict against Baker & McKenzie, a Chicago based law firm.  Mississippi blogger Philip Thomas of Mississippi Litigation Review first published reports of the verdict.  The judgment was also entered against one of its partners, Joel Held.   Baker & McKenzie has been ranked by the American Lawyers Global 100 Issue as the largest law firm in the world (based on gross revenue) with 2009 gross revenues of $2.104 billion dollars.

The suit was brought by S. Lavon Evans, Jr. who owned a drilling company.   Evans was introduced to Mr. Held by Reed Cagle who was already being represented by Mr. Held.  The complaint alleged that Mr. Held and his firm represented the two business partners simultaneously but ultimately acted to benefit Mr. Cagle at the expense of Mr. Evans.  As a result of the alleged conflict,  Mr. Evans claimed that his assets were used to obtain millions of dollars in loans for his insolvent business partner Mr. Cagle.  According to the Plaintiff’s allegations, after he discovered the schemed, the Defendants engaged in a litigation strategy designed to destroy him.  He accused the Defendants of working with Mr. Cagle to create separate legal entities which enabled his partner to use his collateral without the knowledge of the Plaintiff.  He sued for actual damages of $150 million dollars.

According to published reports, Baker & McKenzie and Mr. Held disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal.