Top Stories

Case Against Wyly Brothers Will Do Little to Improve SEC's Tarnished Image
Time lapse between investigation and charges is particularly troubling
July 30, 2010

The SEC's charges Thursday against billionaire brothers Sam And Charles Wyly, while likely warranted, are really just another thinly veiled attempt by the SEC to make people forget about their inept handling of...

Read More
Conservative Federal Appeals Court Overturns $1.9B Fraud Case
6th Circuit decision impacts future securities fraud matters
July 28, 2010

In a surprising move today, a federal appeals court overturned a defendant's money laundering conviction in a $1.9 billion fraud case. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati delivered its opinion in the cases of Donald Ayers and Roger Faulkenberry, two...

Read More
Environmental Regulators Focus on Stormwater Management
Both businesses and local governments targets of enforcement activity
July 27, 2010

Many states, as well as the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are increasing efforts to enforce provisions of the Clean Water Act that deal with stormwater management.

“Both businesses and local governments have been targets of this increased...

Read More
EPA Enforcement Activity Increases Dramatically
Agency putting weight behind new initiatives
July 27, 2010

For months, the Environmental Enforcement Agency (EPA) has been adding inspectors as well as new enforcement and legal staff, and the purpose of these efforts is now clear.

“We are seeing a very significant spike in enforcement activity from the EPA,” says Sid J....

Read More
Banks Face Environmental Liability with Spike in Unfinished Construction Foreclosures
Lenders should be wary of potential risks, particularly stormwater issues
July 27, 2010

Banks are foreclosing in record numbers on unfinished construction projects, and many are facing increased environmental liability as a result.

“Banks are not covered by secured creditor exemptions for stormwater and other violations when they foreclose on an...

Read More
Department of Justice Serious about Medicare Fraud
July 23, 2010

As anticipated, on July 16, the Department of Justice (DOJ) delivered indictments to 94 defendants - including doctors, nurses, practice groups, medical facilities,...

Read More
What the Financial Reform Bill Means for Banking, Structured Finance, Private Equity and Class-Action Litigation
Round-up: Attorney sources available to discuss impact of reform bill and financial overhaul measures on a range of industries
July 21, 2010

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which was signed into law today by President Obama, is expected to touch nearly every aspect of the U.S. financial system, from Wall Street to Main Street. The regulatory impact of the bill...

Read More
Experts See Increase in Middle-Market M&A Activity in Second Half of 2010
Aggressive bank financing and upcoming change in capital gains tax rate seen as key factors
July 20, 2010

As the corporate sector continues to try to claw its way back from the recession of the last two years, middle-market M&A activity is once again on the rise and the second half of the year should be stronger than the first, says ...

Read More
Wall Street Reform Bill Promises No Actual Financial Industry Reform
Bill does not delve deep enough into reforming financial services infrastructure
July 19, 2010

The massive Wall Street reform bill passed last week by the Senate was too vague and fails to accomplish the objective of actually reforming the U.S. financial services industry, says ...

Read More
James Move to Miami, Steinbrenner Death, Raise Tax and Estate Planning Questions for Many Americans
July 15, 2010

The news of basketball superstar LeBron James' recent move to Miami and the death this week of iconic Yankees owner  (and Florida resident) George Steinbrenner, share more in common than just being two of the biggest sports stories of 2010. Their recent...

Read More