We are going to trial again. Against my nemesis. R.L.
The last time was a five week trial in the fall of 2022. We thumped him hard. He deserved it. I’ll never forget watching the sneer get wiped right off his face as the judge read the jury verdict. Three and a half years later his clients are still trying to appeal it.
And so we face off again. Nothing has changed
Read MoreThe City fired its opening salvo in the Gas Works Park nuisance lawsuit filed after the death of 15 y.o. Matthies Johnson. This is how the City’s Answer begins:
“The City admits that some trespassers at Gas Works Park who have climbed or attempted to climb the appurtenances to the fenced-in towers have been injured and died in falls.”
The City does not refer to Matthies Johnson or the other 14 young people as humans with names and ages, families and friends. It classifies them as negative disembodied entities. Law breakers. Bad people. Trespassers.
Read MoreThe Velvet Hammer Podcast (TM) was becoming not exactly a chore. And not exactly a bore. But it was destined to either dry up and wither away slowly. Or it needed a major redo.
Read MoreHave you ever wondered how much a city will spend in legal fees - to defeat a lawsuit. Let’s say for example, one brought by peaceful BLM protesters who claim their First Amendment rights were violated when the city’s police pepper sprayed, tear gassed, flash banged, blast balled and body slammed them.
Read MoreForgive me for laughing hysterically at the concept of the City of Seattle owning up to its brutalization of peaceful protesters. As was just recommended by the 4th Sentinel Review - the City supported investigation and look back at the SPD’s response to the George Floyd protest season.
Read MoreToday am covering the deposition of JR - a protester whose hand was struck by a blast ball munition thrown by the SPD. As he was trying to leave the protest zone. While this deposition is going, Shannon and Kristin are doing final edits to the massive summary judgment oppositions that are due today - motions brought by the City to dismiss two other protesters’ claims.
Read MoreOnce was asked to give a speech on how to communicate with adjusters. Showed up and told the group that my rule of thumb was to never talk to them at all.
Read MoreIn furtherance of our study of mediation technique and the prettiness of our craft, see below.
From: Mediator
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2022 2:09 PM
To: Karen Koehler <karenk@stritmatter.com>
Subject: Re: Mediation of A v. B 6/1/2022, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hi Karen,
I spoke with R.L. on another matter and he advised that Allstate has re-evaluated after the mediation and is ready to re-engage in negotiations.
Read MoreIt’s Friday afternoon. Hmmmm. What sounds like something fun to do. Why - how about respond to an obnoxious defense lawyer letter. Notice the operative word here. Not what do I have to do. Or what am I angry about. But what’s an upbeat way to end the week.
There is something super satisfying about fencing with a ponderously grumpy opponent.
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