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Trial Practice Blog

New Missouri appellate court decision considers Merchandising Practices Act issues

Monday, February 4th, 2008 by Erich Vieth

The Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District of Missouri has recently (January 29, 2008) issued an opinion clarifying several issues with regard to the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA), Chapter 407.  The case, Ullrich v. Cadco, ED 89395, involved a purchaser’s fraud claim against the seller of a modular home.  The plaintiff-purchaser made […]

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Class Action Fairness Act Law Blog – An Unusual Resource

Tuesday, November 20th, 2007 by John Campbell

I recently reviewed a blog dedicated strictly to issues regarding the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA).  The site is completely dedicated to tracking news, cases and commentary regarding CAFA.  It contains information regarding the jurisdictional burden of proof, the full text of the Act, and a number of other useful links including case summaries. 
The site […]

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Here’s an easy way for lawyers to organize and work with their digital photos

Thursday, November 1st, 2007 by Erich Vieth

It’s time to get your numerous digital photographs under control. 
Most of us have accumulated vast numbers of digital images.  These might include photos of witnesses, accident sites and exhibits. When you litigate cases for a living, however, how do you efficiently organize, display and work with those thousands of images?  After all, you need them […]

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What it was like to practice law 25 years ago without the use of any computers

Tuesday, October 30th, 2007 by Erich Vieth

It’s amazing to think that I’ve been a lawyer since 1981, which is more than 25 years ago.  The years are certainly going by quickly, which is a bit disconcerting.  I currently work with some lawyers who were not even born when I became a lawyer.  I’m not bothered by my age (51), since I […]

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Punitive Damages after Phillip Morris USA v. Williams

Wednesday, August 1st, 2007 by John Campbell

On February, 27, 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Phillip Morris USA v. Williams, ____ U.S. _____, 127 S. Ct. 1057 (2007).  (To read the entire opinion click here.) In Phillip Morris, an Oregon jury awarded the widow of a Marlboro smoker $821,000 in compensatory damages and $79.5 million in punitive damages.  […]

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Bryan Garner’s new book tells attorneys how to deliver winning oral arguments

Tuesday, July 31st, 2007 by Erich Vieth

The subtitle to Bryan Garner’s new book could have been “The secret is lots of hard work.” After all, in order to deliver a winning oral argument, one must first prepare to deliver that oral argument.  In preparing that oral argument, there is no substitute for critically thinking things through, then making sure that you have all […]

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George Orwell’s contributions to clear legal writing

Sunday, July 22nd, 2007 by Erich Vieth

Best known for his dystopia, 1984, George Orwell cared deeply about language.  Judith D. Fischer reviewed Orwell’s contributions to the use of plain English in legal writing in “Why George Orwell’s Ideas About Language Still Matter for Lawyers.” Montana Law Review, Vol. 68, p. 129, 2007. 
Fischer reminds us of the twin themes of Orwell’s Politics […]

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Successful 2007 Simon Passanante Trial Practice Seminar

Friday, June 22nd, 2007 by Erich Vieth

On June 20, 2007, Simon Passanante sponsored its Third Annual Trial Practice Seminar, with the proceeds benefiting Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.  This all-day seminar featured presentations by experienced trial attorneys on various topics relevant to trial practice.  The seminar was completely sold out. 
Speakers for the 2007 Trial Practice Seminar included:
*     John G. Simon
*     […]

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Family of worker killed at construction site settles suit

Friday, June 15th, 2007 by Paul Passanante

Business owners who use “on-the-clock” workers for personal projects do so at their own peril. That was one of the lessons gleaned from a $1.5 million settlement in a wrongful death case handled by St. Louis attorney Paul J. Passanante.  (Simpson v. Bender Family Limited Partnership Number One, et al.)
Martin Simpson, 42, was a construction […]

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SP Trial Practice Seminar to be held June 20, 2007

Thursday, June 14th, 2007 by Erich Vieth

Each year, Simon Passanante sponsors its Trial Practice Seminar, the proceeds benefiting Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.  This will be an all-day seminar featuring presentations by experienced trial attorneys on various topics relevant to trial practice.
We will be holding our 2007 Trial Practice Seminar on June 20, 2007.  The location is The Westin, 811 Spruce, St. […]

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The Practice Areas of Simon Passanante

Tuesday, May 1st, 2007 by Erich Vieth

Since founding their law firm six years ago, Simon Passanante has expanded into more than twenty practice areas.   At its founding Simon Passanante focused on catastrophic personal injuries.   Those cases remain a substantial practice area.   However, the firm’s practice areas now also include areas such as Environmental Law (an area headed by Todd Hageman), Commercial […]

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