Occupational Diseases: Ohio Judge Bans California Lawyer in Asbestos Lawsuit

An Ohio judge who became fed up with the disrespectful and supposed lies of an attorney banned the attorney from participating in further court proceedings. Judge Harry Hanna said that attorneys from Andreas law firm, a nationally known San Fransisco law firm, did "not conducted themselves with dignity. They have not honestly discharged the duties of an attorney in this case."

Ohio judge bans Calif. lawyer in asbestos lawsuit

Jerome Fishkin, a legal ethics adviser, said that Andreas and the law firm will not comment on the matter. Hanna's decision put the legal spotlight on him and was applauded by those who say that trial lawyers are responsible for unwarranted lawsuits and increased consumer product costs. The Wall Street Journal's editorial page said that Hanna's ruling set an example for judges to take a firmer stance against litigation fraud.