When Independent Sales Representatives get together to network in either a public or private forum, the discussion often turns to, “What happens to my agency in the event of my death, disability, or retirement? What is the best way to retire without hurting my employees, principals, customers, and other important industry relationships?”
Insights
Michael Keaton Prevails in the 7th Circuit
Actor and director Michael Keaton, who occupied the title role in “Birdman,” “Batman” and “Beetlejuice,” among other “B” movies, was also signed to direct and star in “The Merry Gentleman,” a 2009 release that met with a less than merry fate at the box office. In the aftermath of the film’s failure, the recriminations began, and the producer quickly zeroed in on Keaton.
TV Subscribers Stung by Added Charges, File Class-Action Lawsuit
Few bills arriving in the mail are welcome, but certain billers are more daunting than others. Should the tuckpointer send a bill higher than agreed, a friendly discussion about his “extras” likely lies ahead.
Demonstrating Basis of Conclusions from Expert Witnesses’ Testimony is of Capital Importance
While not quite reaching the death and taxes level of certainty, some issues brought to the appellate court still produce highly predictable outcomes. Challenges to foundations laid by expert witnesses are usually addressed adequately through cross-examination.
Court Throws Shade on Bias Claim in ‘Sun Worshipping Atheist’ Case
Some appellate cases present novel issues or test established doctrines. Others reach the appellate court on thornyprocedural or technical questions. And then there’s Marshel Copple, whose peculiar case helps explain why appellate courts often issue unpublished decisions.
Baseball Owners Still ‘Reserving’ Right to Underpay Minor Leaguers
During spring training last year, this column detailed a class-action suit filed by three ex-minor leaguers alleging Major League Baseball paid them less than fast-food workers. Unrepresented by a labor union, minor leaguers toil 50 to 70 hours per week through a five-month season for subminimum wage with no overtime and no compensation during spring training, instructional leagues or winter leagues.
Quirky Laches Doctrine Can Rescue Even the Unsympathetic
Some legal defenses are rarely invoked. Others are rarely applied correctly. And a select few are so special that they get italicized. The equitable doctrine of laches is all three.
Form Objections to Deposition Questions are Dated and Boilerplate
Object to the form of the question. While it’s a technically permissible and proper deposition objection, it generally proves of limited utility beyond venting.
Professor’s Menacing Behavior Leads to His Firing, Courtroom Loss
John Kao, a Princeton-educated mathematics Ph.D., took workplace diversity seriously. He was the type who not only raised the issue of a lack of diversity with his employer, the University of San Francisco, he submitted a written complaint alleging racial discrimination and harassment. A 485-page complaint.
Art Imitates Life: ‘Bad Judge’ Loses Job, but Manages to Keep Immunity
This fall, Kate Walsh, formerly of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice,” premieres as the Honorable Rebecca Wright in the NBC sitcom, “Bad Judge.” Like Walsh’s previous characters, Judge Wright looks to be a somewhat salacious and bawdy professional, this time dispensing criminal justice rather than medical care.