Volume 16, Number 2 · April 2006

Brief Notes

"Trust Mill" Closed
By a unanimous vote the Ohio Supreme Court permanently enjoined a Clevelandbased "Trust Mill" and the Nevada company whose documents and forms they sold from further "living trust" activity in Ohio. Civil penalties of more than $1 million were imposed for more than 400 acts of unauthorized practice of law. Effected consumers were being advised to consult counsel to determine the validity and appropriateness of trusts they established.

Supreme Court Adopts Insurance Disclosure Rule
Effective July 1, 2006, Pennsylvania lawyers are required to notify new clients if they do not have professional liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate per year. Similar notice is required if such insurance is dropped by the lawyer or the insurer. Pennsylvania lawyers also fund (without cost to the public) an extensive Disciplinary System under the Supreme Court and a Client Security Fund. These client protection measures are among the nation's best for any profession. Peacock Keller is compliant.

Don't Call The Judge
An Allegheny County judge held a litigant in contempt for leaving an obscenity-laden voicemail accusing the judge of being "crooked" and threatening political reprisal.

EU Tests American Legal Procedure
Practices common in the legal system of the United States have been slow to catch on in Europe and Asia. Overseas consumer rights have generally been a poor second to employee rights. But increased global trade may result in a change. The biggest change is occurring in nations of the European Union which are experimenting with class actions (by consumers and shareholders) and arbitration as a substitute for litigation.

Name Changes
Effective January 18, 2005, a new Pennsylvania law permits a surviving spouse at any time to resume using any prior surname by filing a written notice in the local Prothonotary's office, together with a death certificate for the decedent.

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