A. K. Howerter News


Steps outlined for non-participating local water systems in PFAS settlement

Significant progress has been made in the ongoing AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL No. 2873), overseen by the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. 3M and DuPont have received final approval from Judge Richard M. Gergel on their settlements, while Tyco and BASF settlements are pending preliminary approval.


University of Georgia's School of Law wins 23 advocacy trophies in five years

The School of Law at the University of Georgia has maintained its prominent position in moot court and mock trial competitions. During the 2023-24 academic year, students from the institution secured the national moot court title for the second consecutive year. This achievement, along with other significant victories, contributes to a total of 23 national and regional trophies amassed over the past five years.


Two women sentenced for stealing deceased relatives' social security benefits

ATLANTA - Teresa Carter and Sharon Crowder have been sentenced for theft of government funds for their unlawful receipt of Social Security benefits intended for relatives who died years earlier.


Class action lawsuit targets General Motors over alleged engine defects

Representing Colorado residents who own or lease 2011-2014 GM trucks or SUVs, a class action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors, LLC. The lawsuit alleges that vehicles equipped with a Generation IV 5.3L LC9 engine suffer from high oil consumption due to faulty piston rings, potentially affecting vehicle performance and lifespan.


Law school's fellowship grants surpass $1.4 million over five years

Rising second- and third-year law students plan their summers around gaining hands-on legal experience and exploring different areas of practice. For those seeking work in nonprofits, federal and state government, judicial clerkships, legal services, and policy/impact organizations, summer fellowships funded by alumni and friends provide essential financial support.


Elizabeth Chamblee Burch featured in Raw Story on Supreme Court decision

Callaway Chair Elizabeth Chamblee Burch was featured in Raw Story regarding the U.S. Supreme Court's Harrington v. Purdue Pharma decision. The article titled "Legal analysts shocked to see MAGA Supreme Court justices agree with Biden on opioids" was written by Sarah K. Burris and published on June 27, 2024.


Gainesville courthouse closing early due to lack of air conditioning

Due to a lack of air conditioning, the Gainesville division of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia will close at 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 20. The Atlanta, Newnan, and Rome divisions of the Court will continue to operate normal hours.


Former Chief Justice Robert Benham awarded prestigious Footsteps Award

Retired Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Benham will receive the 2024 Footsteps Award. Each year, alumni who demonstrate a significant positive impact in their community are honored with the award, named to recognize three UGA trailblazers that helped to integrate the university: Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Hamilton Holmes, and Mary Frances Early. Winners are chosen by a committee of University of Georgia faculty, staff, and students.


Marc A. Minichello wins second NCAA javelin title

Recent graduate Marc A. Minichello (M.S.L.'24) was featured on GeorgiaDogs.com for winning the 2024 NCAA javelin competition. The article titled "Minichello captures his second javelin title at NCAA Championships" was published on June 6, 2024.


Bruner presents keynote at Ghent University symposium on corporate sustainability

Stembler Family Distinguished Professor in Business Law Christopher M. Bruner presented the keynote address for a symposium on "Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD), Sustainability, and Corporate Law" at Ghent University Law School in Belgium during May. Bruner's keynote was titled "Developments and Debates on Corporate Sustainability in the US," and the symposium was co-sponsored by the journal European Company Case Law.


Professor Hetherington discusses sex trafficking allegations on local news

Clinical Associate Professor and Wilbanks Child Endangerment and Sexual Exploitation Clinic Director Emma M. Hetherington was featured on Atlanta's 11 Alive regarding sex trafficking allegations at an Atlanta hotel. The segment titled "Lawsuit claims employees at Red Roof Inns in metro Atlanta witnessed prostitution, trafficking" aired on June 5, 2024.


Lawsuit filed after fatal shooting at Buckhead nightclub

A lawsuit has been filed following a deadly shooting at Elleven45 Lounge in Buckhead, Atlanta. The incident resulted in two fatalities and four injuries, including the death of 21-year-old Mariam “Mari” Creighton, a student and athlete.


Law students embark on global externships across diverse legal fields

Sixteen School of Law students are gaining global practice experience this summer through the Global Externship Overseas initiative of the school's Dean Rusk International Law Center. They will enhance their legal studies by working in a variety of private and public legal settings with placements based in Asia, Australasia, Europe, and the Americas. Practice areas include privacy and technology law, intellectual property law, cultural heritage and historic preservation, environmental law, international arbitration, corporate law, and human rights law.


Lori A. Ringhand discusses double-counted ballots on radio program

Hosch Professor and Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor Lori A. Ringhand was featured on WAL's "The Scoot Show with Scoot" to discuss double-counted ballots in the 2020 election. The episode aired on May 21, 2024.


Four men federally indicted in multi-agency sting operation targeting online predators

SAVANNAH, GA: Four men have been federally indicted following a multi-agency sting operation aimed at online predators. The individuals are all facing charges of Attempted Enticement and Inducement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity, according to Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. This charge carries a statutory penalty upon conviction ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. A conviction also subjects the defendants to lifetime registration as sex offenders, at least five years to life of supervised release after any prison term,...


Kingsland man pleads guilty to felony murder and aggravated assault

District Attorney Keith Higgins announced that Octavin Devon Grace, a 43-year-old resident of Kingsland, GA, entered a negotiated guilty plea in Camden County Superior Court on May 15, 2024. The charges were Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault. Grace's plea was entered before the trial in his case commenced.


Former Facebook and Nike executive sentenced for $5 million fraud

Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former diversity program manager at Facebook and Nike, has been sentenced for defrauding her employers of more than $5 million through an elaborate scheme involving fraudulent vendors, fictitious paperwork, and cash kickbacks.


Atlanta Apartment Association President: "Jackpot jury verdicts" to blame for Georgia's business reputation "losing its luster"

The president of Atlanta's largest association of multifamily housing owners says lawsuits and "jackpot jury verdicts" are hurting Georgia's reputation in the business community, driving investors and entrepreneurs to look to other states.


Lt. Gov. Jones: Tort reform bill will 'provide the critically important aid to Georgia’s business community'

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R-Ga.) has announced that Senate Bill 426 (SB 426) aims to safeguard Georgia's businesses from potential exploitation of the legal system. The bill, which recently secured approval from Georgia's Senate, is designed to curtail direct action lawsuits.


Mass tort litigation contributes to skyrocketing auto insurance costs

The most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) summary released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that auto insurance costs rose by 1.4% in January. This increase brings the total rate of inflation for auto insurance to 20.6% over the 12-month period ending in January. Reports from Georgia suggest that mass tort litigation is a significant factor contributing to these escalating insurance costs.