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State Farm Agents Seek to Prove Franchisee Relationship with Insurer
Discovery will be completed this month in a lawsuit brought by the National Association of State Farm Agents (NASFA) for breach of contract and violation of franchise laws. The case, which is in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, has already generated important rulings for franchisors and franchisees about whether the trade association has the standing to sue as a representative of its members, and whether the case should be heard in state or federal court.
In a response to the original lawsuit (which was filed in Baltimore County Court in Baltimore, MD, in December 2001), State Farm argued that: 1) the independent agents do not have standing to sue State Farm as a franchisor; and 2) the case, if it was to be heard, should be heard in federal court. Separate decisions went against State Farm on each issue.
Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office
A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment
On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.
Bit Parts
Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights
Risks of “Baseball Arbitration” in Resolving Real Estate Disputes
“Baseball arbitration” refers to the process used in Major League Baseball in which if an eligible player's representative and the club ownership cannot reach a compensation agreement through negotiation, each party enters a final submission and during a formal hearing each side — player and management — presents its case and then the designated panel of arbitrators chooses one of the salary bids with no other result being allowed. This method has become increasingly popular even beyond the sport of baseball.
Disconnect Between In-House and Outside Counsel
'Disconnect Between In-House and Outside Counsel is a continuation of the discussion of client expectations and the disconnect that often occurs. And although the outside attorneys should be pursuing how inside-counsel actually think, inside counsel should make an effort to impart this information without waiting to be asked.