A federal judge rejected the $575-657 million settlement the city is offering thousands of first responders sickened by conditions at Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Judge Alvin Hellerstein said, "In my judgment the settlement is not enough... I will not preside over a settlement that is based on fear or ignorance.... the people who responded on 9/11 were our heroes... They cushioned the blow. ... They brought us back from that blow." more ›

While the city and lawyers for 10,000 9/11 first responders have worked out a $657 million settlement, a federal judge wants to review the deal's details first. While his approval isn't needed, Judge Alvin Hellerstein wants some plaintiffs to testify at a "fairness hearing"—and he's also considering cutting the legal fees. more ›

Fancy that: State Senator Hiram Monserrate, Jesus-comparing, coup- and stalemate-causing Democrat from Queens, is using money donated to his campaign committee to pay off legal fees for his assault case. PolitickerNY reports that according to campaign filings, "Unions representing police and corrections officers contributed $2,450 to... Monserrate's campaign committee, which he in turn used to defend himself against felony assault charges stemming from" allegedly beating his girlfriend. While Monserrate denies the charges, he was indicted. Sen. Marty Golden (R-Brooklyn) said, "Sometimes elected officials have been known to use their campaign funds for legal matters because it's job-related. And then there are those that are arrested for criminal acts. He stabbed that woman in the face with a broken glass on his own time in his own apartment. It had nothing to do with government business. Anyone giving him money--especially law enforcement--for his defense should be appalled." Well, some of his fellow State Senators also gave him money! Monserrate had previously told PolitickerNY that "campaign committees routinely spend money on legal expenses that are related to the campaign, to the candidacy and to the candidate." more ›

Yesterday, the Post reported that Governor Paterson was close to rolling back fees on legal fees from medical malpractice awards. Currently, the law limits "payments at 30% for the first $250,000 in judgments, 25% for the next $250,000, 20% for the following $500,000, 15% for the next $250,000 and, finally, at 10% for amounts over $1.25 million," but the proposal would lift the caps and allow a 33% commission on awards. Today, a Staten Island pediatrician tells the Post, "It's going to drive the premiums up and drive doctors out of the state, where the [insurance] rates are lower and where they can make a decent living," pointing out his premiums have gone up 50% in 10 years. The Post notes that a trial lawyers' lobby donated $2 million to legistlators, plus: "It would generate millions of dollars in windfall earnings for some of the state's most politically influential law firms including Weitz & Luxenberg, where Silver is employed. It would also benefit lawyers at Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, the Long Island firm where Paterson's father, Basil, is a partner." more ›