Law 360 Reports on Firm’s Trial Victory
Law 360 reported that Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors, won a four-day jury trial in federal court in Los Angeles that resulted in a $5.6 million victory for its client, DCD Partners, LLC. As reported, on September 13, 2017 an eight-person jury in United States District Court, for the Central District of California awarded plaintiffs more than $5.6 million against Transamerica Life Insurance Company (“Transamerica”).
DCD Partners sued Transamerica in 2015, alleging Transamerica improperly increased life insurance premiums by 50 percent in 2013 on more than 2,000 insureds – predominantly African-Americans from South Los Angeles, who were parishioners of the Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church, and other community churches. In 2004, the insureds became part of a charitable life insurance program which provided family members money for burial expenses, and funds for the community activities of the Personal Involvement Center, and other non-profit groups. The jury rendered a verdict for DCD Partners on its claims of breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
The Wall Street Journal Reports on Firm Case in Los Angeles, CA
The Wall Street Journal reported on one of the firm’s current cases in Los Angeles, CA. The article, “Life Insurer Faces Off Against African-American Church in Battle Over Rates,” dated September 1, 2017, focuses on issues relating to a life insurance program that benefits members of the South Los Angeles community. As reported in the WSJ, the case “sheds light on the once-hot use of ‘investor-owned’ life insurance for nonprofit fundraising.”
Best Lawyers in America Recognizes Partner William Brewer in 2018 Edition
Firm Partner William Brewer was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Commercial Litigation. Brewer was recognized in both New York and Dallas.
Recognition is based entirely on peer review and aims to recognize the opinion of top lawyers about the professional ability of their colleagues within the same geographic region and practice area. Brewer has been recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007.
Dallas ISD and Brewer Foundation Future Leaders Program Renew Partnership
The Brewer Foundation Future Leaders Program (FLP) and the Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) announced a renewed long-term partnership in June 2017. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two groups ensures the continuation of the FLP for at least another five years.
Founded in 2001 by the Brewer Foundation, the FLP is an academic and leadership development program that benefits nearly 250 students, ages 10 – 18, from urban communities within Dallas ISD and more than 60 FLP alumni attending college.
"The FLP embraces the ideal that our city’s future is hugely impacted by opportunities offered to the students of Dallas ISD," said Michael Hinojosa, Dallas ISD superintendent. "This program proves that we can create opportunities for students to help ensure a bright future for each of them and for Dallas. Hopefully, this will inspire others to support our students in meaningful ways."
Partner William Brewer Writes about Litigation Finance in Crain’s New York Business
Partner William Brewer recently wrote an op-ed about litigation finance published in Crain’s New York Business. Titled “Great equalizer coming to New York law: Litigation finance is giving the little guy his day in court,” the piece posits that third-party financing has the potential to reconfigure the legal industry in New York City. He writes, “litigation finance enables smaller plaintiffs and boutique firms to surmount the obstacles put in their path by large corporations and defense counsel.” Brewer comments that such third-party financing can result in “pure, unaltered, merits-based litigation—the way it was always intended to be.” Brewer Consultant Matthew Harrison contributed to the piece, published in May 2017.
Partner William A. Brewer III Named 2017 BTI Client Service All-Star
Partner William Brewer has been named a 2017 BTI Client Service All-Star. The list recognizes only 319 attorneys who “stand out as absolutely the best at client service,” as defined solely by clients.
Attorneys must be nominated by corporate counsel, and no attorney or firm can self-nominate, self-refer, nor pay to be included. According to BTI, “these attorneys are proactive in building client relationships. They take, and make, the time to understand their clients in-depth – their business, their objectives, and their goals. This elite group enjoys a clear cut advantage over the competition.”
Making the Grade: WFAA-TV Profiles Brewer Foundation Future Leaders Program (FLP) Student
TWFAA-TV in Dallas aired a report about Brewer Foundation Future Leaders Program (FLP) student Jonathan Murillo and his path to college and acceptance to Yale University. Jonathan has been a part of the FLP since he was in the 5th grade and will be the first person in his family to ever attend college. The FLP provides academic resources and leadership training to deserving students from the Dallas Independent School District (DISD).
The New York Times Reports on Brewer Storefront Client Jim’s Shoe Repair
The New York Times reported on Brewer Storefront client Jim’s Shoe Repair, a treasured New York City business. Faced with losing its shop in Midtown to accommodate the expansion of Duane Reade, located next door, Jim’s engaged Managing Partner William Brewer, a longtime customer, and the Brewer Storefront to engineer an advocacy campaign to help save the business. The legal strategy, grassroots petition drive, PR campaign, and social media effort generated a wave of public support – allowing the business to successfully challenge eviction and secure a new lease agreement for the location it has called home for almost 70 years.