According to the filing, the Plaintiff reported inappropriate conduct from a male volleyball coach with the The Latin School of Chicago with female volleyball players to her supervisor, in an effort to protect young female students. The lawsuit alleges that at no point did the leadership at The Latin School of Chicago express any concerns for the female volleyball players. However, The Latin School of Chicago and its administration ignored these reports, allowing the conduct to continue.

The Complaint also further alleges that Plaintiff was discriminated against by coaches in The Latin School of Chicago’s athletics department by being marginalized, ignored and dismissed.  The Complaint alleges that the head coach of the volleyball team ensured that he only worked with male coaches at  The Latin School of Chicago by ignoring any improper behavior by male coaches, conspiring with another male coach to manufacture a complaint about the Plaintiff, all to facilitate the wrongful termination of the Plaintiff.

“This complaint describes a continued pattern of failed leadership and institutional misconduct at The Latin School of Chicago. The safety and well-being of students must always come first” said  Justin DeLuca, counsel for the Plaintiff and attorney at Ellis Legal P.C “However, The Latin School of Chicago’s reputation is more important than the safety and protection of students and the only way to  do that is to silence those who speak out about the pattern of abuse, discrimination, and toxic environment at The Latin School of Chicago.”

The defendants have not yet filed a response to the lawsuit. All allegations described in the complaint are claims made by the plaintiff and have not been adjudicated by the Court.

The program’s first contribution goes to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati, nominated by Maya Gabay, a paralegal in the firm’s personal injury department.

The plan operates on a rotating basis. Each cycle, a team member nominates a local organization they believe addresses a pressing need in the Cincinnati tri-state community. The firm then directs its contribution to the selected organization. 

Rather than having leadership choose recipients from the top down, the program places that decision with the employees who live and work in the neighborhoods the firm serves.

Why Ronald McDonald House

Gabay selected Ronald McDonald House because of the organization’s direct role in supporting families with critically ill children who travel to Cincinnati for medical care. 

Located steps from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center on Erkenbrecher Avenue, the House provides private bedrooms, home-cooked meals, play areas, and laundry facilities for up to 177 families every night. Many of these families arrive from outside the region, often facing significant financial strain on top of the stress of a child’s serious illness.

The donation marks the first time an O’Connor, Acciani & Levy employee has directed the firm’s charitable giving to a specific organization. The firm plans to continue the rotation, giving additional team members the opportunity to nominate organizations in future cycles.

What Makes the Program Different

Employee-directed giving programs remain uncommon in the legal industry, where charitable contributions are typically determined by firm leadership or marketing departments. 

O’Connor, Acciani & Levy’s model inverts that structure by treating frontline staff, including paralegals, legal assistants, and support personnel, as the people best positioned to identify where community support is needed most. 

The program has no restriction on the type of organization employees may nominate, as long as it serves the greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, or Columbus communities where the firm operates.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati, now part of Ronald McDonald House Southwest Ohio following a merger with the Dayton chapter earlier this year, provides families with critically ill children a place to stay near the hospitals where their children receive treatment. 

The combined organization ranks among the largest Ronald McDonald House chapters globally for nights of care provided and serves families from across Ohio, the United States, and around the world.

Seattle, Washington — June 12, 2026 — Scan Logic, a forerunner in legal finance automation, today announced the launch of APSync, an intelligent accounts payable solution designed specifically for law firms. Building on the success of BillSync, APSync extends Scan Logic’s platform to streamline and automate the full financial lifecycle—from vendor invoice capture through payment—helping firms reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and gain real-time financial visibility.

Law firms continue to face increasing time requirements and complexity in managing vendor invoices, expense approvals, and payment workflows. APSync addresses these challenges by delivering a unified, AI-driven solution that integrates seamlessly with leading financial systems, including SurePoint, TABS3, Orion, Centerbase, and other core platforms.

“Law firms continue to evolve billing through AI Solutions, but accounts payable remains highly manual and fragmented,” said Scott McCarthy, Chief Innovation Officer of Scan Logic. “With APSync, we’re bringing the same level of automation, intelligence, and control to AP that we’ve delivered with BillSync on the e-billing side. Together, they give firms a complete, end-to-end approach to managing their finances.”

APSync Key Capabilities Include:

• Automated Invoice Capture — AI-powered OCR extracts and validates data from vendor invoices and expense submissions
• Streamlined Approvals — Configurable workflows ensure invoices are routed, reviewed, and approved efficiently
• Seamless System Integration — Direct integration with leading legal accounting platforms eliminates duplicate entry
• Expense Management — Supports firm-wide expense capture, including credit cards and reimbursements
• Third Party Administrator (TPA) Ready – Firms struggle to manage TPA invoices, tracking and processing, APSync manages this.
• Real-Time Visibility — Centralized dashboards provide insight into AP status, cash flow, and liabilities

APSync was developed with mid-sized law firms in mind, particularly those seeking to replace manual or homegrown processes with a modern, scalable solution. Early adopters are already seeing improvements in processing time, accuracy, and operational efficiency.

The launch of APSync represents a key milestone in Scan Logic’s evolution from a services-based organization to a product-driven platform company. Combined with BillSync, APSync enables firms to manage both sides of the financial equation—payables and receivables—within a single, unified environment.

Availability

APSync is available immediately. Scan Logic will be showcasing APSync at upcoming industry events.

About Scan Logic

Scan Logic is a legal technology company focused on simplifying law firm finances. Its platform solutions, including BillSync and APSync, automate complex billing and payment processes, improve compliance, and accelerate cash flow. With deep expertise in legal operations and a growing network of platform and reseller partners, Scan Logic helps law firms operate more efficiently and profitably.

For more information, visit www.scan-logic.com or contact Sales@scan-logic.com.

The firm, which focuses exclusively on personal injury law, works with clients injured in car accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, and other serious accidents across Texas. With personal injury law shifting rapidly, the firm has structured its practice to remain current on the specific legal developments that directly affect case outcomes.

“Our clients are more than case numbers,” said George Salinas, trial lawyer and founder, who has provided legal service to the area for 20 years. “They are human beings who have had something unjustly taken from them. We are here to make sure their voices are heard and their lives are restored.”

The 15-year-old firm is drawing attention to a gap many injury victims discover too late: when an individual goes up against a large insurer or corporation, the opposing side often arrives with significant financial and legal resources already in motion. George Salinas Injury Lawyers was built to close that gap, bringing focused legal knowledge and trial experience to cases where the stakes are highest.

A key part of the firm’s approach is direct attorney access throughout the legal process. Clients are kept informed on the progress of their case and are never left without answers during a stressful and often lengthy process.

The firm has received recognition from multiple legal rating services, recognition the firm says reflects client outcomes above all else. Holding responsible parties accountable through the civil justice system remains the driving force behind its work.

Injured San Antonio residents can contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers to discuss their case and legal options.

The audit found that “Testimonials” remains the most common social proof label across law firm websites, outranking “Reviews” by 32%. Across the dataset, 35% of firms publish a Testimonials nav page compared to 27% publishing a Reviews page. Google Trends data for 2025 showed the consumer search terms “lawyer reviews” and “law firm reviews” generating steady search interest throughout the year, while “lawyer testimonials” and “law firm testimonials” registered zero measurable interest for every week of the year.

The disconnect extends beyond navigation labels to URL structure. The full report on testimonials vs reviews found that 2,350 law firm domains route their social proof page through a “/testimonials/” URL path, while only 1,516 use a “/reviews/” path. Even among firms that updated their nav label to “Reviews” or “Client Reviews,” many left the underlying URL unchanged, leaving the indexed page address tied to the term consumers do not search for.

In a finding that captures the transition in motion, 563 firms in the audit publish both a “Testimonials” and a “Reviews” item in their main navigation as separate menu entries. More than half of those firms, 304 in total, point both menu items to the exact same URL.

Personal injury showed the widest gap between consumer language and on-site language, with 54.8% of personal injury firms publishing a Testimonials nav page compared to 27.6% publishing a Reviews page. Business law was the only practice area in the audit where Reviews appeared more frequently than Testimonials.

The full study, including methodology, practice area breakdowns, and a four-step migration sequence for firms changing from Testimonials to Reviews, is available on Custom Legal Marketing’s website.

Initiative 25-0022, officially titled the “Protecting Automobile Accident Victims from Attorney Self-Dealing Act,” is scheduled to appear before California voters on November 3, 2026. While its name suggests the measure champions injured consumers, attorney Damoun Yazdi, founding attorney of The Accident Network Law Group, says the opposite is true.

“This initiative is not written to protect victims. It is written to protect Uber,” said attorney Yazdi. “Uber has invested over $32 million to get this on the ballot because the company knows that if it passes, fewer injured people will be able to find lawyers willing to take their cases. That means fewer lawsuits against Uber, less accountability, and less money paid to people they injure.”

What the Initiative Actually Does

Beneath its consumer-friendly title, Initiative 25-0022 contains provisions that critics say systematically disadvantage injured Californians:

• The measure would impose a hard 25 percent cap on attorney contingency fees. That model is what currently makes it possible for injured people with no money to hire experienced lawyers and pay nothing until they win. Reducing the cap to 25 percent makes many cases financially unworkable to pursue, particularly complex injury claims that demand expert witnesses and months of litigation. Attorneys will be forced to turn those clients away.
• Medical expense recovery would be calculated using Medicare, Medi-Cal, and insurance database rates rather than actual treatment costs. Most California providers bill well above those government benchmarks, which leaves injured victims responsible for the difference between what their settlement covers and what their doctors actually charge.
• Referral agreements between attorneys and medical providers would be prohibited outright. Proponents frame this as rooting out conflicts of interest. In practice, those referral networks are what allow uninsured and underinsured patients to get treated after an accident with nothing due upfront. Doctors agree to wait for payment until the case resolves. Without those arrangements, injured people without coverage will find far fewer options for immediate care.

Who Really Wins If This Passes

Yazdi argues the beneficiaries of Initiative 25-0022 are corporate defendants and insurance companies, not accident victims.

“Insurance companies stand to gain enormously from this measure,” said attorney Yazdi. “If victims can’t find attorneys to represent them, or can only recover a fraction of their medical costs, insurance companies pay out less. Period. This is a multi-hundred-million-dollar investment by corporate interests to rig the system against the very people the legal system is designed to protect.”

The Accident Network Law Group represents clients throughout California injured in car accidents, rideshare accidents, motorcycle collisions, pedestrian accidents, and more. The firm operates on a strict contingency fee model, meaning clients pay no fees unless the firm wins their case.

“My job is to level the playing field between an injured person and a powerful insurance company or corporation like Uber,” said attorney Yazdi. “This initiative is designed to tip that scale back in favor of the corporations. I cannot stay silent about that.”

Attorney Yazdi Calls on Californians to Reject the Initiative

Attorney Yazdi is urging fellow Californians to research the initiative beyond its title before the November vote, and to be skeptical of any measure bankrolled overwhelmingly by a single corporation with a direct financial interest in reducing injury payouts.

“When a company like Uber spends $32 million to put something on your ballot, you have to ask yourself: who is this really for?” said attorney Yazdi. “It is not for you. It is for them.”

The law firm did an analysis of May because, historically, Memorial Day is the start of Summer travel. This year, drivers in Illinois are facing historically high gas prices, which are possibly shifting would-be drivers into the bike lane.

According to data provided by the City of Chicago and reviewed by Briskman Briskman & Greenberg’s attorneys, total vehicle crash records in May fell to 19,700 in 2026, the lowest figure in four years. That marks a 1.3 percent decline from 2025 and sits 6.4 percent below the May 2024 peak of 21,056. May crash volume has now decreased two years in a row.

The trend for cyclists ran in the opposite direction. Bicycle involvement in May crashes climbed from 181 in 2023 to 279 in 2026, a 29.2 percent increase over the past year and a 54.1 percent rise across the full period. Pedestrian involvement followed a similar upward path, increasing 6.4 percent year over year.

The report also documents a steady change in the vehicles on Chicago roads. Passenger car involvement declined 11.3 percent over the four years, while SUV involvement rose every single year, for a cumulative increase of 26.8 percent.

Paul Greenberg, the managing member of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, is an avid cyclist and bicycle safety advocate. Last month, Greenberg shared the firm’s research on the growing dangers to bicyclists in the windy city on CAN TV’s Chicago This Week, airing on Channel 21.

“The value of an independent study like this is not in any single number, it is in what those numbers prompt people to do,” said Paul Greenberg. “When drivers learn that overall crashes are falling but the people with the least protection are being hit more often, we hope it leads to more caution behind the wheel, especially around cyclists and pedestrians.”

The analysis covers every May from 2023 through 2026 and includes the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a period of elevated travel across the region.

“A citywide decline in crashes is genuinely encouraging, but it can mask who is still being put at risk,” Greenberg said. “Bicycle accidents in Chicago are up more than fifty percent since 2023. That is the trend we want drivers, planners, and policymakers paying attention to, because those are the collisions where a person on a bike has very little to shield them and most at risk of serious injury.”

The full report on Chicago Car Accidents in May 2026 is available on the law firm’s website.

William Mattar 2026 Super Lawyers attorneys are:

• Dave Rusin (Super Lawyers® 2012–2026);
• Anthony Tantillo (Super Lawyers® 2012–2026); and
• Sara Wallitt (Rising Stars 2015; Super Lawyers® 2026).

Attorneys named to the Rising Stars list include:

• Brendan Denz (Rising Stars 2023–2026);
• Matthew Kaiser (Rising Stars 2018–2026);
• and Ashley Mitchell (Rising Stars 2022–2026).

“At William Mattar Accident Lawyers, we are proud of our exceptional team of professionals who deliver outstanding client service each and every day,” said William Mattar. “While we see their dedication firsthand, we are especially pleased to have their efforts recognized on a broader stage through this prestigious honor.”

The Super Lawyers® designation is awarded to no more than five percent of attorneys in each state following a rigorous, multi phase selection process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and evaluation across key indicators of professional excellence. The Rising Stars designation recognizes top up-and-coming attorneys who are under 40 or have been practicing for 10 years or less, with only 2.5 percent of eligible attorneys selected.

The Super Lawyers® lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers® Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers® Magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information about Super Lawyers®, visit SuperLawyers.com.

Hatfield’s Note, titled “The Plight of Workers: ALJ Independence in Arkansas Workers’ Compensation,” appears in Volume 101 of the Indiana Law Journal, the flagship publication of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington, Indiana. His article evaluates how legislative, executive, and institutional bodies in Arkansas have influenced outcomes for injured workers and the judges who decide their claims and have sent a clear message to judges who decide their claims.

The Note places Arkansas within a national trend in which many states have tightened eligibility rules and limited injured worker benefits, which have resulted in record insurance company profits.  The costs of workplace injuries have shifted away from the workers’ compensation insurance companies and toward public safety-net programs. It highlights the role of agency structure — including appointment and removal of commissioners and judges, funding mechanisms, and panel rotation — in either insulating adjudicators from political pressure or leaving them exposed to it.

It also analyzes a line of recent decisions applying the “dual employment” doctrine to temporary workers, and how the Arkansas workers’ compensation commission has used the doctrine to insulate negligent companies from both workers’ compensation and tort liability. By tracing these developments, the note highlights how legal interpretations can significantly narrow the rights and remedies available to some of the state’s most vulnerable workers. 

Jason Hatfield, whose Springdale firm represents injured workers in Arkansas, said the publication underscores the importance of close scrutiny of state-level systems that rarely draw national attention yet play a critical role in shaping broader public outcomes.

“Workers’ compensation is often invisible until someone gets hurt,” he said. “When companies are immune from paying benefits, they no longer need to be concerned with safety.  And when the unsafe companies are not required to pay benefits, then injured workers are forced to rely on government benefits to survive.  In essence, the burden of unsafe employers gets shifted to the taxpayer.  Brock’s Journal Note takes a hard look at how the system is currently structured in favor of business and insurance.  The public deserves this broader understanding of what injured workers and their families are currently enduring.  I’m very proud of Brock’s hard work to illustrate the unfairness, and I am excited for him to come work with me to help injured workers and to work to change the current system to level the playing field for injured workers.”

Beyond the academic analysis, the publication reflects Brock Hatfield’s deeply rooted commitment to the people of Arkansas. Having grown up, worked, and built his life in the state, he brings a vested interest in strengthening the systems that affect everyday Arkansans. His belief that workers deserve fairness, dignity, and accountability fuels both his scholarship and his emerging legal career. He intends to carry that passion directly into his practice, advocating for greater equity for the communities where he and his clients work, play, and live.

The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield is excited to welcome him as he begins his legal career, continuing the Hatfield tradition of standing up for Arkansas workers — including the frontline employees who keep our communities running — and fighting for a system that treats them with the fairness they deserve.

According to the wrongful death complaint, Carle suffered severe neglect during her time at the facility, including multiple preventable falls and inadequate supervision. The lawsuit alleged that staff failed to properly monitor residents with dementia and high fall risks, failed to implement appropriate fall prevention measures or provide sufficient assistance with daily living activities, and delayed obtaining emergency medical care as Carle’s health deteriorated.

“While no award can undo their loss, we are honored to have stood with Lily’s family as they fought for accountability after an unimaginable loss. Our clients sought accountability for a death they believe could have been prevented with proper care and attention,” said Spencer Payne, Esq., founding partner of Moore Payne Law and lead counsel on the case. “What is especially troubling is that the evidence showed Lily’s case was not an isolated failure. This facility had prior warning signs involving the safety of memory care residents, yet the same types of preventable lapses continued, and inadequate insurance coverage at facilities like this is a pattern that raises serious questions about accountability.”

The case comes amid broader scrutiny of safety practices and staffing challenges within assisted living and memory care facilities in Florida and across the U.S. The Waverly recently faced public attention following separate reported incidents involving memory care residents, including the death of an 83-year-old dementia patient who allegedly wandered undetected from his room and was found dead in the facility’s walk-in freezer. These tragedies highlight a pattern of severe lapses in resident supervision, safety protocols, and accountability at The Waverly and other long-term care facilities. 

Both attorneys Payne and founding partner Geoff Moore, Esq. are passionate advocates for systemic change in nursing home reform and are active in state government efforts to expand the rights of nursing home residents. The firm motto, “Big Injuries, Big Justice, Bigger Purpose,” drives Moore Payne Law’s mission to effect change both through results for their clients and accountability of big businesses and insurance companies.

Moore Payne Law is currently accepting new clients and offers free consultations to help individuals understand their rights and legal options. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit moorepaynelaw.com or call 407-216-1000.

CASE INFORMATION

Sixth Judicial District – Pasco County, FL
The Estate of Lily Carle, by and through Stephanie Baerkland, Personal Representative, V. Wellness Center of Trinity, LLC d/b/a The Waverly
Case No. 2025-CA-000530

An experienced litigator within GGL Injury Lawyer’s Central Jersey team, Attorney Guage-Zachary was appointed by fellow committee members to champion transparency, manage crucial operations, and support regulatory and legislative updates affecting injured workers across the state.

The NJSBA Workers’ Compensation Executive Committee serves as a vital bridge within the legal community, uniting practitioners representing both Petitioners (injured employees) and Respondents (employers and insurance carriers). This balanced, bipartisan structure ensures that new procedural changes remain fair, practical, and legally sound. 

“The committee’s work actively shapes how complex litigation moves through the New Jersey courts, particularly as we adapt to evolving legislative developments surrounding remote hearings and medical clearance timelines,” said Guage-Zachary. “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues for trusting me with this leadership role. My focus is to keep our discussions practical and fair for the people who rely on this system every day.”

As a dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer at GGL Injury Lawyers, Guage-Zachary brings extensive courtroom experience to her new board seat. Her practice is intensely focused on complex workers’ compensation litigation, including cases involving severe, life-altering catastrophic injuries.

She has litigated extensively across New Jersey state courts and successfully represented clients in high-stakes appeals before the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. She is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, New York, and before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Beyond her primary appointment, her professional leadership profile includes active memberships in the Bench/Bar Liaison Subcommittee of the NJSBA and the New Jersey Council on Safety & Health.

While recent data reveals a minor year-over-year decline in Pinellas County traffic incidents, St. Petersburg consistently averages 30 to 40 fatal traffic accidents per year. To curb these numbers and safeguard local families, the firm is urging motorists to exercise extreme vigilance, particularly when navigating the city’s documented accident hot spots.

Critical Hazard Zones Identified in St. Petersburg

A multi-year tracking analysis highlights several key zones within the city limits where severe and fatal collisions occur with high frequency:

• 34th Street (Particularly at 5th Avenue): Situated west of downtown, this corridor logs some of the highest numbers of fatal accidents in the city, with the 5th Avenue intersection remaining a chronic danger zone year after year.
• 5th Avenue (Between I-275 and 4th Street): This high-speed crossing area averages roughly one fatal crash per year. Intersecting roadways with elevated speed limits create highly volatile, deadly conditions.
• Interstate 275 (U.S. Highway 19 Interchange): Heavy traffic volumes combined with rapid lane changes yield a dangerous environment. The area immediately surrounding the U.S. 19 interchange has recently recorded approximately five fatal crashes.
• 4th Street (Near 22nd Avenue): Running north of downtown, this major city artery is a leading site for non-interstate fatalities, recording roughly three fatal crashes over a four-year baseline.

Knowing Your Legal Rights Following a Collision

“Awareness on these high-risk corridors is essential, but drivers must also understand their legal protections if the unexpected happens,” says the legal team at Roman Austin.

While Florida operating guidelines follow a no-fault insurance system, victims who sustain significant injuries carry the legal right to pursue fair damages against an at-fault driver. Navigating insurance corporations and state statutes can be complex, making dedicated legal representation essential. The St. Petersburg attorneys at Roman Austin help victims by collecting vital evidence, managing state compliance deadlines, negotiating complex insurance settlements, and escalating claims to trial when necessary.

Immediate Action Steps Post-Accident:

1. Call 911 immediately to secure emergency medical help and official police documentation.
2. Seek a professional medical evaluation, even if injuries appear minor at first.
3. Consult with a lawyer before signing insurance waivers or accepting quick, lowball settlement offers.

The St. Petersburg car accident lawyers at Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers have successfully secured over $200 million in client compensation. Residents seeking a free, no-obligation safety and legal consultation can contact the firm’s St. Petersburg office directly at (727)-335-1373 or visit romanaustin.com.

This year’s recipients include Macy B., Phillip B., and Kyra S. Each was awarded $2,000 scholarships. The awards are intended to help offset the rising costs of tuition, books, and other expenses associated with attending college or other postsecondary programs.

The Steinberg Law Firm Scholarship Program is held each year and is part of the firm’s ongoing efforts to support students in the communities it serves. By highlighting individual recipients, the program draws attention to the academic and personal commitments required of students at a time when education costs continue to climb.

The Steinberg Law Firm Scholarship Program reflects a broader pattern of community-focused initiatives undertaken by local institutions, including law firms, that see education as closely tied to economic and civic life. In the Lowcountry, privately funded scholarships have become one way for businesses and professional organizations to engage with questions of access and opportunity in higher education.

The firm’s scholarship announcement comes at a moment when families across South Carolina and the country are weighing the costs and benefits of postsecondary education. For many students, small and mid-sized awards constitute an important part of the financial patchwork that makes enrollment possible.

Hatfield, who serves as chair of the association’s Workers’ Compensation Section, helped plan the recent Workers’ Compensation Conference, a key continuing education program for Arkansas lawyers who handle workplace injury and related matters. As part of the conference, he presented a session titled “Demystifying the Functional Capacity Exam,” addressing a subject that often plays a central role in workers’ compensation disputes.

The CLE Award is presented by the Arkansas Bar Association to members who demonstrate sustained commitment to the development and delivery of educational programs for the legal community. The recognition highlights Hatfield’s work in designing programming intended to give practitioners clear, practical guidance in an area of law that frequently involves complex medical and vocational evidence.

Hatfield will be honored during the Arkansas Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in Hot Springs on June 10 at a special, invitation-only Leadership Reception with Awards Recognition. The CLE Award will be conferred by Arkansas Bar Association President Jamie Jones Walsworth as part of the evening’s program.

Award recipients, including Hatfield, will also be recognized beyond the Annual Meeting. The Arkansas Bar Association has announced that honorees will be featured in the Summer issue of The Arkansas Lawyer, the association’s quarterly magazine, as well as in the August issue of AY Magazine. In addition, profiles of the award recipients will appear on the association’s website.

Hatfield’s role as chair of the Workers’ Compensation Section places him at the center of efforts to develop programming and resources for Arkansas lawyers who represent injured workers, employers and insurers. His work on the Workers’ Compensation Conference, including the planning of sessions and selection of topics and speakers, reflects the association’s broader emphasis on continuing legal education as a professional obligation.

The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield is a Northwest Arkansas law firm serving clients in workers’ compensation and personal injury matters and participates in professional activities through the Arkansas Bar Association and other legal organizations.

The lawsuit alleges ionization alarms primarily respond to high heat and open flames and respond significantly slower in the early stages of smoldering fires, which are widely considered among the most common and deadliest types of residential fire scenarios because they produce heavy smoke before visible flames. Fire authorities and federal agencies, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), have long urged the industry toward photoelectric or dual-sensor technology, as they are generally considered more effective in smoke-heavy fires.

According to the complaint, Kidde kept selling ionization-only models because they were less expensive to produce and met minimum code requirements, despite internal communications acknowledging that photoelectric alarms perform better in smoldering fires and that ionization devices might not trigger alarms in the presence of thick smoke. The lawsuit further alleges that Kidde deceptively marketed using terms such as “Smoke Alarm” and “Worry-Free,” misleading consumers by not clearly disclosing performance differences.

The Florida lawsuit alleges that Amazon helped place the products into Florida homes through its online marketplace while presenting the devices to consumers as “Smoke Alarms.” According to the complaint, Amazon’s product listings reinforced the same safety representations made by Kidde without clearly warning consumers that the devices may respond too slowly in smoldering-fire conditions. The lawsuit alleges Amazon was not merely a passive platform, but acted as a marketplace gatekeeper by promoting, listing, selling, and distributing these products to Florida consumers while benefiting from those sales.

“Most people assume a smoke alarm will alert them when smoke is present, but many families unknowingly rely on devices that, in reality, provide little or no warning,” said Moore. “This case seeks accountability for misleading consumers about the fact that some alarms activate much later in the types of fires that take the most lives. We encourage other states to follow suit on behalf of the millions of U.S. households that are still using these outdated devices.” 

Recognizing the inherent dangers of these alarms, several European countries have prohibited ionization-only devices for household use since the late 2010s, while several U.S. states, including Massachusetts, Iowa, Vermont, and parts of California, have adopted limits on the devices.

The class action in Florida precedes a separate, local case represented by Moore Payne, in which three people, including a newborn, died in a residential fire where an ionization alarm allegedly did not alert occupants in time.

Florida residents who purchased or relied on ionization-only alarms may be eligible to participate in the class action. If you have ever purchased a smoke alarm from Kidde or First Alert, Moore Payne Law and Normand PLLC are currently investigating cases in other states, including Georgia, New York, and Texas. For more information, contact the teams at Moore Payne Law and Normand PLLC.

CASE INFORMATION

Eighteenth Judicial Circuit – Seminole County, Florida
Chris Caro on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, v. Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, LLC, Kidde Home Safety, LLC, (collectively doing business as Kidde), Amazon.com, Inc,., Amazon.com Services LLC
Case No. 2026CA001213

The review, led by attorney Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller, focuses on reports that Wilmington subjected minor patients to medically unnecessary examinations and engaged in inappropriate contact during pediatric visits. According to law enforcement statements and publicly reported investigations, the Vancouver Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office have uncovered allegations of child molestation and the distribution of child sexual abuse material connected to Wilmington.

In civil court filings and other public records, former patients and families have alleged that complaints and warning signs involving Wilmington were ignored for years. The Sommers Schwartz investigation is examining not only the conduct attributed to Wilmington, but also whether any institutions responsible for supervising him fulfilled their legal obligations to protect patients from foreseeable harm.

“When abuse is alleged to have taken place in a medical setting, the inquiry cannot stop with the individual provider,” Esser-Weidenfeller said. “Hospitals and health systems have a duty to implement safeguards, respond to credible complaints and create an environment where children and families feel safe coming forward.”

Under Washington law and widely recognized standards of care, healthcare institutions may face civil liability if they fail to properly vet, monitor or respond to concerns about employees with access to vulnerable populations. Esser-Weidenfeller said the firm’s review includes evaluating whether any systemic failures may have enabled alleged misconduct to continue.

Esser-Weidenfeller has represented survivors in some of the nation’s most closely watched sexual abuse cases, including litigation involving former Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar, and cases concerning the late University of Michigan physicians Robert Anderson and Matthew Weiss. Her work has centered on patterns of institutional inaction and coverups and the long-term impact of abuse on survivors.

“Survivors often describe not only the harm caused by an abuser, but also the deep sense of betrayal when institutions do not act on warning signs,” Esser-Weidenfeller said. “Part of our role is to examine carefully what was known, when it was known and what, if anything, was done in response.”

Esser-Weidenfeller emphasized that many survivors of childhood sexual abuse delay disclosure for years, often due to shame, fear or concerns about not being believed. Public reporting about past misconduct, she said, can be a catalyst for individuals to re-examine earlier experiences in a medical setting that they may have questioned but did not fully understand as children.

“Coming forward is a personal decision, and the pace belongs to the survivor,” she said. “Our responsibility is to listen, to explain the options the law provides and to help people make informed choices about what, if anything, they wish to pursue.”

Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller
Sommers Schwartz, P.C.
(800) 783-0989
LEsser@sommerspc.com

Gustin’s presentation explored how physicians and other treating medical providers can avoid malpractice lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny by focusing on accepted standards of care, differential diagnosis and complete testing regimens. He also discussed how federal privacy rules intersect with day-to-day clinical practice, focusing on how patient information moves through hospitals, clinics, and digital platforms.

Drawing on his work representing injured patients and families in personal injury cases across Texas, Gustin discussed how medical records often become central to healthcare related litigation. He outlined how thorough documentation, record-keeping, and open communication practices can influence both patient outcomes and the resolution of legal claims.

According to faculty members who helped organize the session, the lecture was part of a broader “Transition to Residency” program – the final step in students’ medical education before beginning their residency programs at hospitals around the US.

During the lecture, Gustin emphasized that HIPAA compliance is not only a regulatory obligation but also a matter of trust between patients and providers. He noted that, in litigation, disputes over what was shared, how it was recorded, and who had access to sensitive information frequently arise alongside questions about diagnosis and treatment.

Gustin, who founded the Gustin Law Firm in Houston, has built a practice focused on representing plaintiffs in motor vehicle collisions, rideshare incidents, slip and fall cases, and wrongful death claims.

The firm has helped recover more than $50 million in verdicts and settlements for clients and has been involved in cases that required careful analysis of medical records and privacy issues.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Gustin earned his law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston, where he was part of the school’s advocacy program and a national moot court champion. He is admitted to practice in all Texas state courts and in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas.  He is also licensed in all state courts of New Mexico and Arizona.

Gustin serves on the board of directors of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association and is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, and the North American Brain Injury Society. He has been selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list for five consecutive years, following earlier recognition on the Texas Rising Stars list.

Faculty organizers at the University of Houston’s Fertitta Family College of Medicine indicated they plan to continue inviting practicing attorneys to campus to address legal and ethical issues that new physicians will encounter, including patient privacy, informed consent, and documentation practices that affect both care and legal accountability.

To learn more about the firm, visit https://gustin.law/.

Ross’ membership marks the firm’s formal entry into the Decatur business community, where many of its clients live and work. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, based in Denton and serving clients throughout North Texas, focuses on representing people injured by others’ negligence.

The Decatur Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in the historic downtown district, serves as a hub for local businesses, civic groups, and community events. “Injury law is, at its core, about people and communities,” Ross said. “Many of the individuals and families we represent come from Wise County and the greater Decatur area. Joining the Decatur Chamber of Commerce is a way to be more present where our clients live, work, and run their businesses.”

Founded by John “Tony” Ross and Partner Brent Chandler, Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys brings more than four decades of combined experience in personal injury and jury trial litigation. The attorneys have received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and have been recognized in publications including Texas Super Lawyers, Fort Worth Magazine, D Magazine, and Best of Denton County for years.

The Chamber membership will also give Ross and his colleagues access to business programming, small-business resources, and community events, from annual festivals and tournaments to educational gatherings. The Decatur Chamber has emphasized collaboration among members and has highlighted professional services, including law firms, as part of its broader effort to support economic activity in Wise County.

Ross said the firm plans to be a consistent presence at chamber events and to explore opportunities to contribute to local initiatives focused on safety and community well-being. “Our practice has always been rooted in North Texas,” he said. “Formalizing our relationship with the Decatur Chamber of Commerce is another step in that commitment.”

More information about Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys and its Decatur Chamber of Commerce membership is available on the firm’s chamber member profile at https://cca.decaturtx.com/WebForms/chandler-ross-injury-attorneys-_0_Chandler_4_1_10118653_memberprofile2.aspx.

“As one of the fastest growing ADR firms in the country, we are continually evolving, and that means enhancing not only the services we offer clients, but how we serve our clients,” says Parag Shah, CEO of Miles. “Our new website and Adira, our new case management platform, will make it easier for clients to find the right neutral for their cases, check neutral availability, schedule mediations, access case information, and explore other services — all in one streamlined, easy-to-use place.”

The upgrades include the following features:

• Improved search functionality
  Find the right neutral for your case more quickly, with better filtering and more intuitive results.
• Real-time neutral availability
  View and compare availability instantly — so scheduling takes less time.
• Expanded access to Miles’ services
  Easily explore and book services like ADR OnDemand, arbitration, special master appointments, and private trials — all in one place.
• Simplified document handling
  Upload, access, and manage case materials more efficiently to our encrypted, secure platform.
• Practice development tools

Access to thought leadership, continuing legal education courses, and other resources to help you thrive in your legal practice.

“The idea behind these enhancements is simple: to provide an exceptional experience to the clients we serve, leaving them free to focus on their cases, and their own clients,” adds Shah. “And we look forward to continuing to respond to our clients’ needs as Miles expands.”

Developed through the combined lens of metropolitan law enforcement experience, adult learning systems, curriculum analysis, and organizational review, the Police Praxis framework focuses on a recurring institutional issue increasingly visible within modern constitutional litigation: the distinction between documented training activity and the operational capacity of an organization’s underlying training structure.

In many police-related civil actions, municipalities and public entities may present policy manuals, lesson plans, academy materials, training rosters, and administrative records as evidence that personnel received instruction regarding constitutional obligations and operational procedures. Police Praxis examines the broader institutional questions surrounding those records, including whether the surrounding instructional environment demonstrates meaningful organizational continuity, administrative coordination, supervisory integration, and implementation integrity.

“A training record may document that instruction occurred,” Loglisci stated. “The more difficult institutional question is whether the organizational system surrounding that instruction possessed the structural integrity necessary to support what an agency later suggests its personnel were prepared to execute operationally.”

Examining the Institutional System Beneath the Record

In complex Section 1983 and Monell litigation, discovery frequently produces extensive collections of policies, directives, attendance records, lesson plans, internal memoranda, and training materials. While these records may document institutional activity, they do not necessarily establish how instructional decisions were made, how curriculum standards were maintained, how supervisory expectations were reinforced, or how organizational deficiencies were identified and addressed over time.

Police Praxis approaches police training as an interconnected administrative structure rather than a series of isolated classroom events. The framework examines whether organizational systems surrounding police training activity demonstrate coherent alignment between administrative expectations, documented instruction, institutional oversight, and operational implementation.

Rather than concentrating exclusively on individual officer conduct or subjective intent, the framework shifts analytical attention toward institutional systems, organizational design, and administrative continuity. Its purpose is not to provide legal conclusions or advocacy positions, but to assist licensed counsel in examining whether a law enforcement organization’s documented training structure reflects meaningful organizational alignment across the broader institution.

For licensed counsel navigating high-volume constitutional litigation, the framework is intended to assist in isolating institutional training issues that may otherwise remain buried within expansive administrative productions. By organizing attention around structural training questions, organizational continuity, and documented implementation practices, the framework may help attorneys develop more focused lines of inquiry regarding policymaker oversight, institutional notice, administrative follow-through, and broader patterns of organizational response relevant to municipal liability analysis.

The framework further recognizes that modern police training environments increasingly operate through layered administrative systems involving digital learning platforms, evolving policy structures, distributed instructional materials, supervisory review mechanisms, and institution-wide implementation responsibilities. As those systems become more administratively complex, evaluating institutional preparedness may require analytical review extending beyond traditional document production alone.

“Artificial intelligence systems can summarize records, organize policies, and process large quantities of administrative data,” Loglisci said. “What they cannot independently replicate is lived institutional understanding developed through years inside complex organizational systems where curriculum, supervision, operational culture, administrative decision-making, and implementation realities intersect simultaneously across time.”

Police Praxis was developed as a writing-centered analytical framework intended for attorney-retained review in matters involving police training systems, instructional governance, organizational preparedness, curriculum alignment, and administrative oversight. Its work remains document-focused, systems-oriented, and grounded in institutional analysis rather than incident-specific advocacy.

Professional and Academic Foundation

Prior to developing Police Praxis, Loglisci spent more than two decades working within one of the nation’s largest metropolitan policing environments, including assignments connected to police instruction, curriculum development, training coordination, and organizational educational systems. His academic work includes advanced study in adult learning and workforce development principles, with continuing doctoral research examining instructional alignment and organizational structures within police training environments.

That combined professional and academic background contributed to the development of Police Praxis as a specialized framework situated at the intersection of organizational systems analysis, adult education, and law enforcement institutional review.