NOVEMBER 8, 2018

OAJ’s political plan is smart move
OAJ’s new political strategy – a balanced partisan approach that focuses on one issue: protecting the 7th Amendment – sure looks smart in hindsight.   Adopted this year by the OAJ Board, we committed to build stronger bonds with the Republican majorities who are in charge of the Ohio legislature and will remain in charge for the next decade.  Thank you to all of you who contributed directly to candidates and to the many who support the OAJ PAC.

Biggest election surprise
The election of Judges Melody Stewart and Michael Donnelly to the Ohio Supreme Court was certainly unexpected.  In the past 25 years, three Democrats have been elected to the Court – Bill O’Neill, Donnelly and Stewart.   Their elections share one trait; they were low-key affairs that slipped under the “political radar.”

OAJ objects to proposed SC rule change
OAJ submitted comments to the Ohio Supreme Court objecting to proposed amendments to SC rule 3.03 that would reduce the single stipulated extension from 20 to 10 days and raises the standard for non-stipulated extensions from “good cause” to “extraordinary circumstances.”  OAJ primary objection is the change will put small firms, who comprise the majority of OAJ’s membership, at a disadvantage as they strain to meet shorter deadlines. 

Click here to download OAJ’s comment letter objecting to a proposed amendment to rule 3.03

Ohio legislature returns for “lame duck session
With the election now over, the Ohio General Assembly will reconvene next week for a session that is expected to adjourn before Christmas.  Here are several bills on which OAJ’s advocacy will be focused:

• Medical negligence, expanding the current apology statute (HB 7)
• Workers’ comp prohibited for undocumented workers (HB 380)
• Caps lifted for victims of rape and sexual assault (HB 20)
• SOL for contracts reduced from 8 years to 3 (HB 694)

Upcoming Nursing Home Webinar - November 15, 2018
Do you know the key documents in your clients' care record you should look for as being of critical importance or which documents you should request and compel? Join OAJ member, Nancy Iler, on November 15th to learn about the documents you need to open the doors to streamlining your litigation, clarifying your cause of action, and strengthening your Nursing Home Negligence case. Click here to register.

Webinar with Robson Forensic Expert - December 3, 2018
On December 3rd, Certified Master Arborist, Mark Webber will discuss some of the forensic techniques utilized when investigating devastating tree incidents. Some of the topics for discussion include investigating tree conditions after the incident and corresponding cleanup have occurred, utilizing publicly available information to discern growth rates and changing conditions, and understanding the responsibilities of property owners and municipalities to manage vegetation growth. Click here to register.