Checking Overdraft Cases Thrown into Turmoil!

We've previously reported on the numerous orders entered by Judge King finding various banks' arbitration clauses to be unconscionable.

Those orders are now highly suspect in light of the Supreme Court's Concepcion opinion last week.

Already the 11th Circuit has vacated at least five of these orders:

After oral argument in this case, the United States Supreme Court decided AT&T Mobility LLC v. Conception, No. 09-893, 2011 WL 1561956 (April 27, 2011). The district court’s order denying the motion to compel arbitration is VACATED, and this case is remanded to the district court for reconsideration in light of the Supreme Court’s opinion.

And Wells Fargo immediately moved before Judge King to have the case against it dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.

How this will impact the $410 million BoA settlement announced back in February is anyone's guess.

Florida Supreme Court Gives Hank Adorno a Handful.

Yes, kids, the 43-page opinion is here, disregarding the referee's recommendation of public reprimand, and handing Adorno the severest sanction short of disbarment.

The Supremes endorsed the particularly harsh language of the 3d DCA, and detailed a rather sordid and regrettable tale of misconduct, ethical lapses and, frankly, greed.

It's not a pretty picture.

Bobby Gilbert Leaves Alters for Grossman Roth.

Gilbert Grossman Roth

The turmoil at Jeremy Alters' firm continues as class action litigator Bobby Gilbert is apparently leaving for PI powerhouse Grossman Roth.

This according to Judge King who is supervising the checking overdraft MDL, and who entered an order noting Gilbert's move to his new firm, creating a new position for Bobby as "Coordinating Counsel" and appointing Grossman Roth to the plaintiff's executive committee.

The Court also appointed war horse (ed. note -- this is a compliment!) Aaron Podhurst to serve as co-lead counsel with Bruce Rogow.

Congrats on the move Bobby!

SFL Friday -- Jeremy Alters Cleans House.

Well kids, it's beginning to feel like the holidays -- I just set a depo in March(!), so apparently no one plans to work for at least the next six weeks minimum.

What else?

Paul Brinkmann, writing behind the SFBJ firewall, has a great piece on all the departures, defections, lawsuits, and other rumors swirling around recent changes at Jeremy Alters' firm.  Here's a choice tidbit:

Alters acknowledged that moving the firm into heavy-duty, national class actions meant a longer-term payoff, but he predicted large fees from the eventual settlement of the cases, especially Chinese drywall litigation.

Neither Boldt nor Culmo returned phone messages and e-mails about their issues with Alters.

Not discussed -- who keeps all those fakakta surfboards?

But seriously, we wish all involved good luck and much success.

In other news men should do more chores, here's a liberating way to improve voter turnout, and communication is apparently a form of foreplay?

Oy veh -- have a great weekend!