March 2009
Articles in this issue:
Celebrity Legal Issues: 50 Cent Wants to Keep Every 50 Cent He Has Earned
Issue: Did Rapper 50 Cent’s alleged promise to “take care of” his ex-girlfriend constitute an enforceable promise to financially support her for life?
Tompkins v. Jackson, Index No. 104745/2008 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Feb. 3, 2009)
Ironically-Named Businesses Involved in Leaky Roof Case
Issue: Was the landlord liable to the tenant Four Seasons clothing store for damages caused by an improperly repaired roof, a repair designed by the Waterproof Consulting Company?
Landmark HHH, L.L.C. v. Gi Hwa Park, 277 Va. 50, 671 S.E.2d 143 (2009)
Thanks for the Ride, Ma. I’ll Drop the Loot by Later
Issue: Did the defendant, who was dropped off and picked up at the crime scene by his mother, commit burglary under Va. Code Ann. § 18-2-90 when he entered a landowner’s shed and stole tools?
Finney v. Commonwealth, 277 Va. 83, 671 S.E.2d 169 (2009)
National Legal Issues: Judge Spoils Aptly-Named Inmate’s Rotten Chicken Suit Alleging Digestive Distress
Issue: Was the defendant entitled to a directed verdict in a products liability suit because the plaintiff failed to prove that the chicken pieces he consumed were defective or unreasonably dangerous?
Butts v. ConAgra, No. 2:06-CV-1 (D. Vt., Jan. 9, 2009)
A Note from Ed McPhillips
Announcing the McPhillips Legal Research Stimulus Package
Gratuitous
Lawyer Joke
One afternoon, a wealthy lawyer was riding in the back of his limousine when he saw a man eating grass by the road side. He ordered his driver to stop so he could investigate.
"Why are you eating grass?,” he asked the man. "I don't have any money for food," the poor man replied. "Oh, come along with me then," the lawyer said. "But sir, I have a wife and six children!" the poor man exclaimed. "Bring them along,” the lawyer replied.
Once underway, the poor fellow said, "Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you." The lawyer replied, "No problem. The grass at my house must be at least a foot high.”
The economy is as weak as a Boy George tug o’ war team. Things look as bleak as when Lisa Presley woke up and realized she had just married Michael Jackson. Sometimes it all seems like one, big Bernie Madoff Investment Club meeting. I have told my wife that I now call the Wall Street Journal the Bad News Journal.
Fortunately, I have not noticed a major effect on my business from the current recession, as of yet, but some of you may have noticed one on yours. So, I’m announcing the McPhillips Legal Research Stimulus Package! And no, it does not involve pictures of scantily-clad ladies.
Rather, from this issue forward, the Newsletter is absolutely free. I know I have not charged for any prior issue, but I never officially announced it’s free. So, that’s more change in your pocket which you can then go out and spend on…legal research and writing. That’s why it’s called the McPhillips Legal Research Stimulus Package, after all.
My business is all about making your practice more efficient and cost-effective, so if a client of yours is facing a cash-flow problem, let me know. I can be flexible in terms of hours, work product, expenses, etc. Tell me to pinch a penny, and I guarantee you that Abe Lincoln will slap me. Or maybe just giggle.
My hourly rate of $110 per hour has not changed in three years and is still $10 less per hour than my rate at a certain legal research firm, at which I worked prior to hanging out my own shingle in 2002. Wow, I’m a bargain! And, may I say, a useful and reliable bargain.