Lawyer Shoots Self in Foot with Shotgun Approach to Litigation
Client Alert | 1 min read | 04.05.17
On April 4, 2017, in US ex rel. Hayes v. Allstate Insurance Co., the Second Circuit joined the D.C. Circuit in holding that the “first-to-file” rule is not jurisdictional; rather it goes to whether the plaintiff has stated a claim on which relief may be granted. In an accompanying non-precedential Summary Order, the court also upheld dismissal with prejudice as to the relator, an attorney, for violating Rule 11 by alleging that more than sixty companies – largely insurance companies – were systematically non-compliant with certain statutory obligations to reimburse Medicare even though he had no personal knowledge that all named companies had participated. In affirming the lower court, the Second Circuit concluded that denial of leave to amend to add 38 new defendants was not an abuse of discretion.
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Client Alert | 3 min read | 09.15.25
On August 19, 2025, the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance (“Senate Finance Committee”) sent Paul Atkins, Chairman, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a letter calling on the SEC to investigate White River Energy Corp (“White River”). In the letter, the Senate Finance Committee confirmed a criminal investigation into White River related to the sale of so-called “tribal tax credits” that according to both Congress and the IRS, do not exist. The letter further states that White River allegedly earned millions of dollars selling these credits and has not been forthcoming with investors regarding the existence of the criminal investigation. According to the Senate Finance Committee, White River has failed to file financial disclosure documents with the SEC since March 15, 2024, missing six consecutive reporting periods. The letter instructs White River to disclose the existence of the DOJ criminal tax investigation, and calls on the SEC to take action if White River fails to do so.
Client Alert | 4 min read | 09.12.25
SBA’s OHA Further Defines Extraordinary Action in SDVOSB Appeal
Client Alert | 6 min read | 09.11.25
U.S. Department of Commerce Partially Relaxes Export Controls on Syria
Client Alert | 9 min read | 09.11.25
