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Accidents, Cases, Compensation, Disability Law, Health Law, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Services, Personal Injury

Russell Jones And Walker Launches 2 Way Street Campaign

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Russell Jones and Walker, the personal injury specialists, has launched 2 Way Street, a campaign that aims to bring HGV drivers and cyclists together.

The campaign, fronted by Gail Porter, calls for HGV drivers to have cycle awareness training, for cyclists to be encouraged to take cycle training to cope with busy urban roads, and for more investment in the design of cycle-friendly roads. The campaign is supported by CTC, the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation.

On average, every year approximately eight cyclists a year are killed by lorries in London and about 28 are killed by lorries across the UK, with 70% of these in urban areas.

Following the launch of the Barclays Cycle Hire, in July this year, which aims to generate up to 40,000 extra cycle trips a day in central London by providing 5,000 cycles for hire,Paul Kitson, a claimant personal injury specialist with Russell Jones & Walker with particular expertise in cycling claims said: “The launch of Boris Johnson’s Barclay Cycle Hire scheme in central London is even more of reason to draw attention to the relationship between cyclists and HGV drivers in urban areas, and call for positive change.

Via EPR Network
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Schillings Announces Stelios Win In Ryanair Libel Battle

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Schillings law firm has announced that Sir Stelios Haji-loannou has won his libel battle against Michael O’Leary and Ryanair.

Sir Stelios, the founder of easyJet and the easyGroup business empire, accepted a complete apology and retraction from O’Leary and Ryanair over a series of libelous adverts in January and February this year which portrayed Sir Stelios as a “Pinocchio” character and alleged he had “hidden the truth” about easyJet’s on-time statistics. By doing so, they alleged he had lied when he had not.

In settlement of the claim, O’Leary and Ryanair have taken out advertisements in The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph apologising to Sir Stelios for including him in the original advertisements.

In an agreed statement read in the High Court this morning, Sir Stelios’ lawyers Schillings said: “Mr. O’Leary and Ryanair accept that the advertisements should not have been published referring to Sir Stelios and have made a complete offer to settle his claim. In doing so they fully accept that Sir Stelios did not lie about the matter.”

The Claim was issued after Sir Stelios’ complaint about the original adverts was met with a robust and public response from O’Leary and Ryanair. After challenging Sir Stelios to a race around Trafalgar Square or a Sumo Wrestling Competition to resolve the dispute, O’Leary and Ryanair have now agreed to pay damages, legal costs and undertake not to repeat the claim in addition to the public apologies.

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Access Legal Solicitor Moves From PA To Clinical Negligence Lawyer In Two Countries

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Access Legal from Shoosmiths has revealed that one of its clinical negligence specialists has been admitted as a solicitor – for the second time.

Kishma Small, already admitted as a solicitor in the UK, made it a double in her native British Virgin Islands (BVI) in the Caribbean. She is one of the first BVIslanders to complete a Legal Practice Course (LPC), and then remain in the UK to complete a legal training contract.

Kishma has just returned from a special ceremony in the Supreme Court in Road Town, Tortola – the largest of the islands which form the BVI archipelago – where she was required to make a formal speech. Her application to become a solicitor of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court had to be supported by a number of BVI senior legal practitioners for it to be successful. The ceremony was officiated by High Court Judge Her Ladyship Madam Justice Rita Joseph-Olivetti. Kishma’s application was presented by Helene Anne Lewis, senior partner at SimonetteLewis and supported by Colin Riegels, partner at Harney Westwood & Riegels.

Kishma said: “By 2001, I felt that it was time to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. I chose to study in the UK because I was confident that I would receive an excellent standard of education as well as gain valuable experience of life abroad, away from my tropical home.

“It was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make, especially as it meant leaving my friends and family, not to mention my country – but it was something I needed to do. I’m so grateful for this phenomenal opportunity – being admitted to practice in the BVI is quite literally a dream come true. I’m privileged to be able to do the job I love in my two favourite countries.”

Richard Follis, partner and national head of clinical negligence at Shoosmiths said: “To be admitted once as a qualified solicitor shows real hard work; to be admitted twice is a fantastic achievement. We’re incredibly proud of Kishma. She’s set a wonderful example to both the team and the legal profession as a whole.”

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Russell Jones And Walker Welcome Broad Scope Of 7/7 Inquest

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Russell Jones and Walker and the families of victims involved in the 7/7 inquest have welcomed the recent ruling made by Lady Justice Hallett that the activities and knowledge of MI5 and the Home Office in relation to the bombings will be included in the scope of her investigation.

Russell Jones And Walker Welcome Broad Scope Of 7/7 Inquest

James Carlton, partner at Russell Jones & Walker Solicitors who is representing ten of the families involved in the inquest stated:

“All the families involved are understandably devastated by their individual loss and want to find answers to the circumstances surrounding how their loved ones came to die. At the same time, all involved are concerned as to whether there were, or indeed are now, any steps that could have been taken to prevent these atrocities from occurring at the time or again in the future.

“The decision by Lady Justice Hallett to examine the actions of intelligence agencies in the scope of the inquest is a welcome inclusion for the victims’ families.”

National law firm Russell Jones & Walker, who specialise in all types of business crime and regulation matters including public inquiries, has been instructed by ten families of victims of the 7/7 bombings inquest which is expected to commence in October 2010.

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Russell Jones & Walker Ensures Maclaren Compensates Injured Children

Russell Jones & Walker has managed to ensure that buggy manufacturer Maclaren will compensate over 40 UK children whose fingers were seriously injured in the hinges of its folding pushchairs.

Although refusing to admit liability for the faulty product claims, the firm and its insurers have agreed to make full damages awards. The individual amounts will be dependent on the severity of injuries received and the money will be invested until the children reach age 18.

The children were aged between one and eight years old when hurt, with some cases personal injury dating back to 2003. Many amputated part of the last finger joint when the buggy was erected, undergoing operations with a general anaesthetic to try to re-attach the joint or perform a skin graft. Others fractured bones or suffered deep lacerations, leaving scars and in some cases permanent loss of feeling or disfigurement. Some children had the whole or part of their finger amputated. Further surgery in teenage years is an option for those with disfigurement.

In late 2009 Maclaren recalled one million prams in the US after reports of similar injuries. The firm insisted however that UK buggies were not affected and a UK recall has not taken place. Hinge covers are available but consumers must request them via the firm’s website.

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Access Legal Makes First Manchester Hire

Access Legal from Shoosmiths – national law firm Shoosmiths’ consumer legal services brand – has made its first Manchester hire.

Partner and personal injury specialist Debra Woolfson becomes the first non-Lender Services Group employee at the Spinningfields office.

Her appointment comes two months after Shoosmiths announced it would go full service in Manchester, just a year after opening in the city in January 2009.

Partner and head of consumer services Judith Dorkins said: “Having said we’d go full service ahead of schedule many people expected appointments in other corporate areas, ones that would naturally complement our lender services offering.

“But when someone of Debra’s calibre becomes available you’re almost obliged to strike while the iron’s hot, and if we’re able to develop our personal injury work sooner rather than later then we’ll do it. The opportunity presented itself and we’ve grabbed it with both hands.”

Access Legal from Shoosmith was launched on February 1 and offers more than 100 legal services to consumers under seven headings: conveyancing; employment law; personal injury; legal disputes; medical negligence; motoring; and wills, family and wealth. It is among corporate, commercial, commercial property, employment, restructuring and insolvency, and regulatory services that Shoosmiths aims to offer from its 3 Hardman Street base.

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The Co-Operative Group Promotes Legal Services To Food Shoppers

The Co-operative Group today (15 April) launched a high profile campaign to promote the legal services offered by its own specialist division to shoppers in its food stores.

The in-store campaign aims to raise awareness of the wide range of advice and expertise available through The Co-operative Legal Services.

The campaign, which will last nine weeks, includes in-store radio and animated till screen displays.

Eddie Ryan, Managing Director of Bristol based Co-operative Legal Services, said:”The shoppers in our 3,000 plus food stores represent a huge market for us so we were delighted that during a similar campaign last year awareness levels of CLS jumped by more than 5 per cent.

“We are confident that this campaign will be equally successful as it is the first time we have promoted our legal services to the enlarged food estate following the acquisition of Somerfield last year.

The Co-operative Legal Services, part of The Co-operative Group, the UK’s largest mutual retailer, provide a range of legal services to members and customers covering Will writing, Probate & Estate Administration, Conveyancing, Employment andPersonal Injury Claims. A wide range of free legal advice is also provided.

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How to Negotiate Effectively and Peacefully With the IRS

California Holistic Lawyer Duane Light counsels his clients to have compassion for any authority figure they speak with, and to approach them as a “friend in the making.” Here is an inspiring story from one of Duane’s past clients:

“I am a professional counselor.  In 2002, I had a beautiful and profound outcome with an IRS tax issue, based on an “enlightened” approach suggested to me by my friend and Holistic Attorney Duane Light. When I first spoke to Duane, I was afraid of the IRS. I had a large IRS debt that grew after a serious injury kept me from earning income for two years. I didn’t know what to do and was especially afraid of calling them.

I called Duane, and he gave me guidance to call the IRS with an open heart, honesty and compassion.  He suggested that I “treat the IRS agent as a friend in the making.”   He told me that the average job turnover in the IRS is 9 months, and that many of these individuals don’t enjoy their work. and rarely experience compassion and care from someone on the other end of the phone line.

After meditating and praying until I became calm, and when I sincerely felt that I could care for the person on the other end of the line, I made the call.  My heart was open toward the IRS agent, and I know he felt that. I was able to be friendly, direct and truthful about my financial situation.  Amazingly, the agent reclassified my debt as uncollectible!  All my dealings with the IRS since that time have been completely benign and full of good will.” S.F., Mill Valley , California

Mr. Light also recommends being organized with numbers, paperwork, and an offer that you can follow through on, so you can help the agent with his or her analysis. And, if you get the rare belligerent agent on the phone, it’s o.k. to say that something came up and that you have to go, disconnect and call back a little later – you’ll get a new agent and can start anew.

Duane Light became a holistic lawyer in 1996, limiting his practice to people who wish to invoke their highest principals and create spiritually fulfilling outcomes. Mr. Light now enjoys higher client satisfaction, and cases generally go more smoothly and more often result in win-win outcomes.

You can learn more about this effective and compassionate approach at www.PeaceInTheLaw.com. Mr. Light can be reached at Ask@PeaceInTheLaw.com or 877-275-5444.

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Divorce Attorney Introduces A Novel Reduced Fee Program For His San Francisco Bay Area Clients Who Pay Their Bills Promptly

People facing a decision to end a marriage are often daunted at the prospect of paying the notoriously very high hourly fees charged by experienced Family Law attorneys. A complicated case can require hundreds of hours of attorney time, and therefore tens of thousands of dollars in expense. Even a simple case requires a significant expenditure to complete financial disclosures, negotiate a complete settlement and prepare and execute the numerous required documents.

Especially in the current economy of depressed home values and decimated investment accounts, paying even a very good professional for services at a typical rate of $350 to $450 per hour, and more, just does not make sense to most potential clients.

When asked why their rates are so high, Divorce attorneys routinely justify the high rates by pointing out that their clients often do not pay their bills in full, leaving the attorney with uncollectible accounts receivable. This low rate of collection therefore justifies charging everyone a higher rate, or so they say.

In response to the current economy, and realizing that the many honest clients who do honor their financial obligations should not be charged extra to cover the unpaid bills of complete strangers, Berkeley attorney David Holcomb has been offering clients a novel reduced hourly fee arrangement. He realized that expecting some clients to not pay, and then overcharging good clients to make up for the others, was itself the problem. So he has turned this around. Mr. Holcomb explains: “If my clients are willing to make a real commitment to paying for my services, then I commit to an hourly rate that is $50 to $150 per hour less than most other experienced attorneys are charging.”

Mr. Holcomb’s attorney/client fee agreement literally puts a line through his standard hourly rate, and instead offers a reduced rate for every minute of services he provides, so long as the client either posts advance payment for services, or pays within 10 days of invoicing. If the client falls behind, they are assessed the full rate.

This has been a true “win/win” that works for both clients and for this “Compassionate Divorce” attorney. “We start out on a foundation of mutual trust, and mutual responsibility, with mutual rewards. In the 8 months since initiating this new policy, I have never had to assert the “standard” rate, because my client’s are very appreciative of the fair value of my services, and make an extra effort to stay ahead of their bills.”

Mr. Holcomb acknowledges that a good lawyer’s service on a divorce are never cheap, but he estimates his comparatively low hourly rate saves each client $5,000 on average, or about a 20% savings.

“My clients are happy to pay less, and I am happy to get paid for my work”, he says. “Too many of my colleagues complain about clients who demand services but refuse to pay for what they have already received, much less for future work. My clients are treated fairly from the outset, and so they treat me fairly. That is our contract from the beginning. We are all much happier.”

Mr. Holcomb is a trained Collaborative Divorce professional, offering “out of court” divorce services. He has 24 years experience as a divorce and civil litigator in all the Northern California courts. He is available for mediation, litigation and pre-marital and post-marital planning.

Mr. Holcomb offers a fixed fee initial consultation at either his main South Berkeley or Walnut Creek office.

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Chicago Birth-Injury Attorney Announces $6.5 Million Settlement

The Deratany Firm in Chicago announces the award of a 6.5 million dollar settlement between Jeff and Whitney G and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

On September 30 – October 1, 1996 Whitney G gave birth to RG. The family contended that during the birth of RG, negligence on the part of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and their staff caused RG to suffer severe and traumatic brain injury.

The Deratany Firm retained over 13 world-renowned expert witnesses to testify on behalf of the family regarding the cause and severity of the infant’s sustained birth trauma injuries. These expert witnesses were specialists in the areas of pediatric brain injury, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and Pitocin related pediatric brain injury.

RG is now 14 years old and a young lady whom the Deratany Firm is proud to represent. She continues to struggle with the consequent difficulties of her birth injury.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital has admitted to no liability in settling this case.

Deratany is a personal injury attorney who specializes in the areas of wrongful death and birth-trauma, and advocates for the rights of birth-injured children and their families.

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Access Legal From Shoosmiths Hooks Up With Biker Group

Access Legal from Shoosmiths is to help the 50,000-strong Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) become the UK’s leading consumer organisation for bikers, as the consumer legal services provider announces it has teamed-up with MAG to offer free legal advice to its members.

Access Legal From Shoosmiths Hooks Up With Biker Group

Comprising volunteers, MAG lobbies to protect motorcycling from legislation it believes threatens riders’ pleasure; while its charitable arm – The MAG Foundation – promotes motorcycling through research, representation and collaboration.

Access legal from Shoosmiths is providing a dedicated 24/7 legal helpline to MAG members, their friends and family, offering free legal advice on a range of issues, including road traffic accidents.

Then, for every personal injury instruction received via MAG, Access Legal from Shoosmiths will donate £100 to the Foundation, while £50 will be donated for conveyancing instructions, £25 for motor defence, and £15 for wills.

Partner and head of consumer services at Access Legal, Judith Dorkins said: “Not only are we boosting funds for a worthwhile cause, we’re also helping MAG members pursue their rights, have easy access to justice, understand the legal process, and make informed decisions.

“It’s great example of our commitment to investing in the community.”

MAG general secretary Nich Brown said: “MAG members know their right to ride is one of the most important things in life. Every day we’re asked for advice on how to fight injustices by riders who’ve had a raw deal. This partnership means our members can quickly find expert legal advice of all kinds whenever they need it.”

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Another Frivolous Atrazine Class Action Lawsuit Only Harms U.S. Farmers

After plaintiffs’ attorneys filed a federal lawsuit Monday in the Southern District of Illinois, Kurtis B. Reeg, attorney for defendant Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., said another frivolous atrazine lawsuit only harms U.S. farmers.

“In these tough economic times, one may wonder why anyone – other than class action lawyers – would seek to destroy what EPA estimates is a $2 billion annual economic benefit to the nation, and all of the jobs that go with it,” Reeg said. “This lawsuit has no merit because we know from EPA-mandated testing that no water systems since 2005 have exceeded the annual average guidance for atrazine. We intend to defend ourselves vigorously.”

Atrazine is a widely-used herbicide in the U.S. and 60 countries around the world to help grow safe, affordable and abundant crops, including corn, sorghum, and sugar cane. EPA re-registered atrazine in 2006, stating it would cause no harm to the general population.

“This suit is no surprise, as the same plaintiffs’ attorneys who have been trying a wasteful case in Madison County, Ill., have been shopping this around for years,” said Reeg. “Just last month, plaintiffs in Illinois voluntarily dismissed numerous damage and liability claims they had made in their case. With that disarray, it appears attorneys are scrambling to another venue in which to waste scarce taxpayer resources with junk science and false allegations for personal gain at the expense of U.S. agriculture.

“Filing in federal court appears to be a mis-step, given the Iberville Parish, La., case which was dismissed by Chief Judge Butler in Mobile, Ala., in 1999. Judge Butler ruled that removing safe and approved levels of atrazine from drinking water was unnecessary and that shifting the costs of such unnecessary removal was wrong. This decision was also upheld on appeal, and we hope the court will rely on this past verdict to guide future decisions.

“Everyone should bear in mind that if a 150-pound adult drank literally thousands of gallons of water with atrazine at three parts-per-billion every day for 70 years, she still would not reach the exposure level at which no adverse impact has been detected in the laboratory.

“We know these communities are strapped for cash, and suing companies to upgrade their decades-old water systems may seem like an easy way to raise money, but it only harms local farmers who rely on these safely-regulated crop protection tools for their livelihood and to help cost-effectively feed a quickly growing consumer public.

“The many statements by farmers and their associations attest to their support for atrazine and its safety in use. They have for half a century. EPA’s atrazine regulation is a model of sound science carefully applied in its mission of protecting all Americans and our environment.

“As a hallmark of good stewardship, my client worked voluntarily with stakeholders for years and since then also with EPA to monitor the water systems where minute detections of atrazine may occasionally occur. Since 2005, no water system has had an annual average atrazine level in its drinking water greater than the EPA standard, which itself carries a 1000-fold safety factor.

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Access Legal Calls For More Help For Asbestos Disease Victims

Access Legal, consumer legal services provider from Shoosmiths, is calling for more to be done to help victims of mesothelioma, as it believes that not enough is being done to help sufferers of fatal asbestos-related diseases.

Access Legal Calls For More Help For Asbestos Disease Victims

Access Legal wants to see more done to help victims of mesothelioma, an asbestos-linked cancer common in builders, plumbers, joiners, and teachers.

The call comes in the midst of a Health & Safety Executive awareness-raising campaign aimed at those workers most at risk. Sara Hunt, associate and asbestos specialist at Access legal from Shoosmiths, said: “With some people already hit by this creeping disease, and with many others potentially at risk, not a lot seems to be getting done.

“There are calls for government funding for a national centre for asbestos related diseases, and a 24,000-signature petition was presented to 10 Downing Street last year, but there’s been little positive reaction.”

Hunt also believes Alimta – a drug that extends the life expectancy of mesothelioma sufferers – should remain available on the NHS. In 2007 the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) said the drug was not cost effective. However, following successful lobbying that decision was overturned, and Alimta was made available on the NHS. Now, that decision in turn is being challenged.

Hunt said: “If that challenge succeeds, suffers will no longer have NHS access to Alimta.

“Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, and sufferers often have a very short life expectancy. Is it right to deny them access to a drug that may extend their life?”

Asbestos was used extensively as a building, insulating and fireproof material, particularly from the 1950s to 1980s. People exposed as long ago as 40 years might only now be developing asbestos-related conditions.

Asbestos remains in around 500,000 UK buildings, with people exposed when asbestos is disturbed and asbestos fibres become airborne. It can also be disturbed by pushing drawing pins into walls, and it is thought a single drawing pin can release 6,000 fibres. Mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to just one fibre.

Teaching unions are campaigning for asbestos to be removed from schools, after figures revealed 228 teachers died from asbestos-related diseases between 1991 and 2005.

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RJW Investigates Reports Of Failures At Staffordshire Hospitals

RJW is currently investigating cases of negligence after a report by Robert Francis QC revealed a catalogue of failures at Mid Staffordshire hospitals. An obsession with hitting targets led to the neglect and unnecessary death of patients. In response, the Prime Minister said that managers would be held to account for failures by the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.

RJW Investigates Reports Of Failures At Staffordshire Hospitals

Francis warned that hospitals should understand that their excellence was not guaranteed by their star rating: what matters is the way patients are treated.

“The story of Stafford shows graphically, and sadly, that benchmarks, comparative ratings and foundation trust status do not in themselves bring to light serious and systematic failings,” he said.

Relatives of patients at Mid Staffordshire were unhappy that the report failed to support calls by organisations such as AvMA (Action against Medical Accidents) for a public enquiry.

Paul Sankey, specialist clinical negligence solicitor and partner at Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) said: “What is needed is a patient-centred culture in which pursuing targets does not detract from care. Sadly patients are too often been the victims of errors which should have been avoided.”

Russell Jones & Walker have a specialist team pursuing claims for people who have suffered serious harm as a result of avoidable medical accidents. They have recently recovered a 7-figure award for a brain injury claim on behalf of a man who suffered the injury after doctors failed to carry out a planned investigation and to prevent a stroke. They have also won compensation for the husband of a woman who died of skin cancer and another who died of lung cancer. Other cases concern people whose fractures were not diagnosed where the wrong tests were done or x-rays misinterpreted. They are currently involved in claims against the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.

RJW has a specialist medical negligence claims department with experts accredited by the Law Society and AvMA who handle claims for damages arising from clinical negligence. With its network of offices across the country RJW can assist with claims nationwide.

About Russell Jones & Walker
Russell Jones & Walker is a leading national firm of solicitors dedicated to upholding the legal rights of individuals. From the firms foundation in the 1920s the focus has and continues to be, people and those who represent them.

The firm has grown from its trade union roots into a respected national organisation with nine offices across England and Wales, and an associated office in Scotland. The reputation of Russell Jones & Walker is built on the range of expertise offered by its partners and staff and on the scope of their practical experience.

RJW Solicitors represents clients across a range of areas from personal injury claims work to commercial and criminal litigation, defamation, reputation management, clinical negligence, including cancer claims, as well as providing specialties as employment lawyers and fraud lawyers.

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Russell Jones & Walker Wins Claim Against London’s Oldest Gay Pub

Russell Jones & Walker has won a claim (Case number: 609803.1) of adopting ‘an anti-gay policy’ against the new owners of London’s oldest gay pub on behalf of Mr Charles Lisboa, 41, who joined the Coleherne Arms as Assistant Manager shortly before it re-opened as the Pembroke Arms in December 2008.

The pub, regarded as London’s first ‘gay pub’, had attracted an exclusively gay clientele until its acquisition by Realpubs in 2008. The new owners stated that they intended to refurbish the pub and re-package it as a gastro-pub, to attract patrons from a wider section of the community.

However, soon after the pub re-opened as the Pembroke Arms, Malcolm Heap, Director at Realpubs, expressed concern to staff that the clientele had not really changed. The Tribunal accepted that Mr Heap, along with Jimmy Sydney, the pub’s General Manager, took various steps to ‘de-gay’ the pub, including putting a sign up outside proclaiming, ‘This is not a gay pub’.

Mr Heap also stressed in an email to one of Realpub’s investors that he was attempting to ban the pub’s ‘over the top’ customers.

Mr Lisboa was uncomfortable with the stance taken by Realpubs’ management regarding their attitude to him and the pub’s gay customers. On one occasion, Mr Lisboa was asked by Mr Heap to reprimand a gay couple for their behaviour, referring to them as ‘queens’. Mr Heap then went on to say that Mr Lisboa was ‘another kind of gay’. On a separate occasion, Mr Heap stated that one of Mr Lisboa’s colleague’s ‘walked too camp’.

Only four weeks after joining the Pembroke Arms Mr Lisboa tendered his resignation due to sex discrimination.

The London Central Employment Tribunal has upheld Mr Lisboa’s claim that he was the victim of discrimination at work and awarded him compensation. However, his claim of constructive dismissal was deemed unsuccessful.

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Shoosmiths Has Launched A New Brand For Its Consumer Legal Services

Shoosmiths launches new brand, Access Legal, to bring together more than 100 legal services for consumers.

Partner and head of consumer services at Shoosmiths, Judith Dorkins, said: “Consumers lack easy and reassuring access to legal services and advice. The consumer legal market is fragmented and without a leading legal brand, leaving it open to new entrants as a result of the Legal Services Act. We recognised an opportunity in that we were ideally placed to put our stake in the ground as the professional law firm that wants to attain a share of this ‘new’ market.

Shoosmiths Has Launched A New Brand For Its Consumer Legal Services

“We already had the expertise, track record and infrastructure in place, but what we hadn’t fully refined was our customer care and the integration of our core conveyancing; wills, family and wealth; and personal injury services into a complete product range.”

The new Access Legal website also brings all of the Shoosmiths’ services, whether it is helping people buy a house or advising on a £multi-million corporate deal, under the Shoosmiths’ name.

“Marketing to consumers and to commercial clients requires different approaches, and we felt the time was right to wrap up our distinct consumer services in a standalone brand that’s accessible and friendly, yet highly professional, and which has over 150 years’ history and experience to back it up.”

Access Legal from Shoosmiths is for people who take responsibility for their lives, and who recognise the value of specialist professional advice.

The new logo for the brand has been created by Shoosmiths’ in-house design team and the typeface reflects both the modern and traditional elements of the new services, whilst retaining the Shoosmiths blue.

Dorkins said: “Our research amongst consumers identified that they wanted the reassurance of a law firm but with modern service delivery which fitted around their busy lives, so our helpline will be operational seven days a week. Research also revealed that very few law firms were providing added value to clients in terms of staying in touch and providing relevant and timely information.”

Access Legal is a fundamental move away from the old fashioned lawyers’ view of the client as a ‘transaction’ and a move to recognise that people have legal needs throughout their life – Shoosmiths’ aim is to earn and retain that loyalty. Ultimately, Shoosmiths wants to provide consumers with the solutions to their complete lifetime legal needs.

Shoosmiths’ commercial and consumer operations complement each other because some of the firm’s larger commercial clients offer their employees discounted legal services as part of a benefits package.

Crucial to the brand’s success will be the new website which was developed by Shoosmiths’ in-house IT and creative teams.

Dorkins said: “Internally, people see the sense in doing this because we’re making our service offering clearer with separate websites and brands for our different stakeholders, whether they are commercial organisations, consumers, or our own employees.”

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New Jersey Resident Affected by the January 2010 Toyota Recall for Defects in Gas Pedals Files Suit

Class Action Status Requested To Benefit All Residents of New Jersey Who Own or Lease Toyota Vehicles Subject to the January Recall.

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, together with Douglas & London, P.C. and the Becnel Law Firm, LLC, announces that it filed suit on behalf of a New Jersey woman who purchased a Toyota vehicle subject to the recall issued in January 2010 for defects in the vehicles’ gas pedals. The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, seeks class action status intended to benefit all residents of New Jersey who purchased or leased a Toyota vehicle of model years 2005-2010 subject to the recall for defective gas pedals.

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has been contacted by hundreds of Toyota owners with questions about their legal rights in relation to the January 2010 recall. If you or someone you know owns or leases one of the Toyota vehicles involved in this recall, please contact our office by visiting www.yourlawyer.com. Free case evaluations are also available by calling Parker Waichman Alonso LLP at 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

In August 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Toyota launched an investigation relating to the unintended acceleration of some of its vehicles. On September 29, 2009, the NHTSA announced that Toyota was recalling floor mats on approximately 4.2 million vehicles, which allegedly caused the accelerator pedals in the vehicles to become stuck in the depressed position, leading to uncontrollable and rapid acceleration of the vehicles. On January 21, 2010, Toyota recalled 2.3 million vehicles produced in the years 2005 through 2010 due to accelerator pedals on those vehicles becoming stuck in a depressed position, causing unexpected and unsafe acceleration. To date, Toyota has recalled a total of 5.3 million vehicles due to defects in accelerator pedals, which can unexpectedly become stuck in place and send the vehicle into rapid, uncontrollable and unsafe acceleration.

According to the class action lawsuit filed by Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, Douglas & London, P.C., and the Becnel Law Firm, LLC, in 2008 Margaret Gonzalez purchased a Toyota Avalon LTD from Brunswick Toyota in Brunswick, New Jersey, which was subject to recall in January 2010. The complaint alleges that because of Toyota’s negligence, Ms. Gonzalez and members of the purported Class lost the use of their vehicles, and sustained, among things, economic losses and severe emotional distress.

The complaint charges Toyota with negligence, breach of express and implied warranty, unjust enrichment and violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. The class action lawsuit seeks to recover compensatory, equitable, and actual and punitive damages for the Class, as well as injunctive relief and attorneys fees.

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Parker Waichman Alonso LLP Files Suit Against Toyota Motor Corp. USA, Inc.

Class Action Status Requested To Benefit All Residents of New York State Who Own or Lease Toyota Vehicles Subject to the January Recall

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, together with the Becnel Law Firm, LLC and Douglas & London, P.C., announces that it filed suit on behalf of a New York man who leased a Toyota vehicle subject to the recall issued in January 2010 for defects in the vehicles’ gas pedals. The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, seeks class action status intended to benefit all residents of the State of New York who purchased or leased a Toyota vehicle of model years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and/or 2010 that is subject to the January 2010 recall for defective gas pedals.

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has been contacted by hundreds of Toyota owners with questions about their legal rights in relation to the January 2010 recall. If you or someone you know owns or leases one of the Toyota vehicles involved in this recall, please contact our office by visiting www.yourlawyer.com. Free case evaluations are also available by calling Parker Waichman Alonso LLP at 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

On January 21, 2010, Toyota recalled 2.3 million vehicles produced in the years 2005 through 2010 due to accelerator pedals on those vehicles becoming stuck in a depressed position, causing unexpected and unsafe acceleration. To date, Toyota has recalled a total of 5.3 million vehicles due to defects in accelerator pedals, which can unexpectedly become stuck in place and send the vehicle into rapid, uncontrollable and unsafe acceleration.

According to the class action lawsuit filed by Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, the Becnel Law Firm, LLC and Douglas & London, P.C., Peter Phaneuf leased a Toyota Camry LE in 2009, which was subject to recall by Toyota in January 2010. The complaint alleges that because of Toyota’s negligence, Mr. Phaneuf and members of the purported Class lost the use of their vehicles, and sustained, among things, economic losses and severe emotional distress.

The complaint charges Toyota with negligence, breach of express and implied warranty, unjust enrichment, and violations of the New York State General Business Law. The class action lawsuit seeks to recover compensatory, equitable, and actual and punitive damages for the Class, as well as injunctive relief and attorneys fees.

About Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
Parker Waichman Alonso LLP is a leading products liability and personal injury law firm that represents plaintiffs nationwide. The firm has offices in New York, New Jersey and Florida. Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has assisted thousands of clients in receiving fair compensation for injuries resulting from defective products, drugs and medical devices. For more information on Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, please visit: www.yourlawyer.com or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

About Becnel Law Firm LLC
Becnel Law Firm, LLC has been in existence for over 30 years and is one of the largest personal injury firms in the New Orleans area. The Becnel Law Firm LLC is a full service law firm representing clients both locally and nationally.

About Douglas & London, P.C.
Douglas & London, P.C. is a national personal injury law firm based in New York City. Over the past decade, Douglas & London, P.C. has built a formidable reputation by taking on precedent-setting mass torts and complex cases involving products liability, pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers.

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Michael Simpson Elected Bristol Law Society Council Member

Michael Simpson, Head of Employment at Almondsbury based Co-operative Legal Services has been elected a council member of the Bristol Law Society.

Michael Simpson Elected Bristol Law Society Council Member

Michael who has been a member of the Society for 10 years was elected at the recent annual general meeting.

Michael has worked for The Co-operative Legal Services since 2007, representing clients with his considerable expertise in employment law and providing valuable help and advice to employment problems.

In a previous role Michael represented trade union members in their Employment Tribunal claims.

Commenting on his election Michael said:” I would like to see the membership of the Society expand by ensuring that it is providing a valuable support infrastructure for the full range of legal practices and businesses in the South West.

“There are already some exciting developments with the Society entering into a contract with Central Law Training to provide premier tier CPD courses for members at competitive prices.

“Bristol Law Society has also entered into a long-term relationship with the University of West of England which will provide a number of unique opportunities for member firms in addition to improved premises and facilities. The Society is also creating a corporate membership package that is designed to engage all individuals who support the provision of legal services within each firm in the city.”

A keen long distance cyclist and Marathon runner, Michael decided to take up the triathlon (swim, bike & run) in 2008 and completed the full ironman event (2.5 mile swim, 110 mile bike & 26 mile run) event at Sherborne Castle in Dorset.

The Co-operative Legal Services provide a range of legal services to members and customers covering Will writing, Probate services & Estate Administration, Conveyancing, Employment and Personal Injury Claims. A wide range of free legal advice is also provided.

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Tough, Gritty Oregon Attorney Releases Controversial Book To Help Protect Men Everywhere

Willamette Publishing Group in conjunction with ProtectionForMen.com is pleased to announce the release of author RK Hendrick’s controversial and exciting new book: How To Avoid “Getting Screwed” When Getting Laid. An informative 21st century survival guide for the modern male, How To Avoid “Getting Screwed” When Getting Laid is an inspirational tool for both single and married men throughout North America and living in any western country.

How To Avoid “Getting Screwed” When Getting Laid is as much about providing answers and solutions as it is about scrutinizing problems and injustice. Exhaustively researched and passionately authored by RK Hendrick, Esq. who has worked in the trenches of family law for the better part of two decades, this new work is a veritable godsend for the modern male. Former pro tem judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, and divorce attorney, Hendrick states his book is a must-read by every adult male, regardless of race, religion or social status.

Whether you’re 18 or 88, How To Avoid “Getting Screwed” When Getting Laid can help men everywhere! It can save your personal fortune, give you equal footing in a custody battle, keep you from unknowingly settling down with a “breeder,” teach you how to avoid getting slapped with a restraining order, and show you the warning signs of a problem relationship before it’s too late. This book shares story after story revealing how men can fall victim to those who want to set them up for arrest, deceit, financial abuse, or slowly drain their finances until they have been sucked dry.

RK Hendrick has prosecuted and defended thousands of clients in his home state of Oregon, and says that working full-time now as a writer and entrepreneur has become his main passion.. How To Avoid “Getting Screwed” When Getting Laid promises to be but the first of many innovative, eye-opening, provocative tell-alls he plans to write to protect and prepare men against whom the scales of justice have shifted substantially.How To Avoid “Getting Screwed” When Getting Laid is currently attainable in either paperback or hardcover copy at www.protectionformen.com or on amazon.com.

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