Larry Hepler and Beth Bauer received a decision from the Illinois Supreme Court vacating lower court orders that reinstated a $10.1 billion judgment against Philip Morris. In 2003, a Madison County, Illinois, judge entered the judgment against the cigarette manufacturer in a lights cigarette class action. On appeal from the trial, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the judgment and directed the circuit court to dismiss the case with prejudice. Later, plaintiffs filed a petition under 735 ILCS 5/2-1401 to re-open the judgement, citing new evidence. The Illinois Appellate Court, Fifth District, granted plaintiffs’ petition, directing the circuit court to reinstate the $10.1 billion judgment. Now, the Illinois Supreme Court holds that section 2-1401 does not authorize a circuit court to vacate the judgment of a reviewing court and dismisses the cause of action. Larry and Beth have the pleasure of working with counsel from Mayer Brown, Arnold & Porter, Forde Law Offices, and Winston & Strawn on this matter.
Davis Appointed to Washington University Law School AI Board of Advisors
Glenn Davis has been appointed by Dean Stefanie Lindquist to serve on Washington University Law School’s AI Board of Advisors. In speaking