Law360 Reports on Sanctions Against Transamerica
In an article dated January 10, 2018, Law360 reported that a California federal judge ordered Transamerica Life Insurance Company to pay nearly $200,000 in sanctions for obstructing the discovery process in a lawsuit brought by Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors on behalf of DCD Partners, LLC.
DCD Partners sued Transamerica in 2015 alleging that it increased life insurance premiums on a predominantly African-American church congregation in South Los Angeles. In September 2017, a jury awarded DCD Partners more than $5.6 million.
The sanctions relate to Transamerica’s conduct in responding to discovery requests in late 2016. “We appreciate the attention of the court to this matter,” William A. Brewer III told Law360. “Our clients believe this decision and monetary award validates what they have believed all along — that defendants sought to frustrate their pursuit of discovery in this important matter.”
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Brewer Foundation Announces IPPF “Top 32” Teams
The Brewer Foundation and New York University are pleased to announce the results of the “Top 64” round of the 17th annual International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) - the only contest that gives high school students around the world the opportunity to engage in written and oral debates on issues of public policy. The “Top 32” teams represent schools in 17 U.S. states and 5 foreign countries, including Singapore, China, Taiwan, Kingdom of Bahrain and Slovakia. This year’s debate topic is, “Resolved: International climate accords for greenhouse gas emissions should adopt binding enforcement mechanisms.” The advancing 32 teams were announced on the IPPF website: https://www.ippfdebate.com.
Brewer Attorneys Author Article Published in Hotel Business Review (HBR)
Partner William A. Brewer III and Senior Associate Timothy H. Birnbaum authored an article titled, “Terminating the Hotel Management Agreement in the Mega-Merger Era,” published in the January 2018 issue of Hotel Business Review. Founded in 1996, Hotel Business Review is recognized as a leading industry new resource for owners, managers, investors and other industry principals. The article explores how hotel owners are impacted by the recent wave of large-scale mergers and acquisitions – and the “invisible hand” of brand management companies that often seek to protect their own interests.
Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors Names New Partner
Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors recently named Sarah B. Rogers partner. Ms. Rogers joined the firm’s New York office as a senior associate in May 2016.
She is active in many areas of the firm, mentoring colleagues and assisting with firm recruitment. Ms. Rogers also serves as a judge of the International Public Policy Forum (IPPF), a high school debate competition jointly sponsored by the Brewer Foundation and NYU. Prior to joining the firm, she was an associate at Latham & Watkins LLP and also previously worked in-house for Philip Morris International, managing litigation and regulatory issues.
Ms. Rogers received her Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School in 2008 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Dartmouth College in 2005. At Columbia, she served as a staff editor of the Journal of Transnational Law and was recognized as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.
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."