Scandal embarrasses Virginia's Hunton; proud firm defends its reputation, sullied by a vanished ex-partner's outside deals

Article Abstract:

Charges that a former partner at Richmond, Virginia law firm Hunton & Williams operated a Ponzi scheme leave the firm vulnerable to lawsuits and complaints. Scott J McKay Wolas has vanished, reportedly with millions of dollars from a phony investment operation that held up to $100 million. The firm allegedly overlooked irregularities in how Wolas worked, partly because he was the chief litigator and main rainmaker for its New York City office. He also allegedly overbilled extensively, and charged for fictitious work.

Investigations, Pyramid schemes, Hunton and Williams, Wolas, Scott J. McKay

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Debtor class: grads are used to living beyond their means

Article Abstract:

Law school graduates find their student loan debts shape their early careers or amount to more than they can ever hope to pay back. Those who graduate without jobs, like New England School of Law graduate Nathaniel Yeager, face imminent bills of $800 per month for $68,000 in loans. Harvard graduates bound for Wall Street say they have little choice, and many are locked in to a career they find they detest. Those who leave law school to avoid getting further in debt often say it was a disastrous mistake.

Analysis, Economic aspects, Finance, Attorneys, Lawyers, Law students, Student loans

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Perceptions integral part of death suits

Article Abstract:

West Palm Beach, FL's Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart and Shipley represented the families of two poor Guatemalan immigrants who were killed in an automobile accident. Attorneys had to battle the perception that the lives of poor Guatemalan immigrants are worth less than an American's. The law firm feels that the 'day in the life' videotape of the victims' Guatemalan village was pivotal in the settlement agreement.

Cases, Valuation, Aliens, Damages, Damages (Law), Wrongful death, Guatemalans in the United States, Guatemalans

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