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Devin Ledbetter v. Paul F. Williams, et al.
Hon. Roseann A. Ketchmark
6:21-cv-03125-RK
WDMO (Springfield MO)
(P) – Charles Eblen
(D) – Christopher Hoeman
In this 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights case, plaintiff Ledbetter claimed excessive force against defendant Brandon Helmers when forcing plaintiff to the ground, causing injuries and resulting damages.
Verdict: The jury reached a conclusion as to special interrogatories only and did not reach a verdict as to the claims against the defendant.
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Sitzer, et al. v. National Association of Realtors, et al.
Hon. Stephen R. Bough
4:19-cv-00332-SRB
WDMO (KC, MO)
(P) Michael S. Ketchmark, Brandon Bouleware & Others
(D) Ethan Glass, Timothy Ray, Robert MacGill & Others
This was a class action suit alleging anticompetitive trade practices within the residential real estate market. The Class alleged that defendant National Association of Realtors (“NAR”) created and implemented anticompetitive rules which require home sellers to pay commission to the broker representing the home buyer in transactions facilitated through a Multiple Listing Service (“MLS”). The Class also alleged the defendants violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by entering into a conspiracy to follow and enforce NAR rules, which had the purpose or effect of raising, inflating or stabilizing buyer broker commission rates paid by home sellers from April 29, 2015, through June 30, 2022.
Verdict: The jury found in favor of the plaintiff/Class in the amount of $1,785,310,872.00.
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Jennifer Gilmore v. Joe Beveridge, et al.
Hon. Holly L. Teeter
2:22-cv-02032-HLT
D. Kan. (KC, KS)
(P) – Linus L. Baker
(D) – Michael G. Norris & Emily Tung
Plaintiff Gilmore was removed from a January 2022 Olathe School Board meeting because of comments she made during the public comment period. Her suit alleged viewpoint discrimination against defendant Joe Beveridge, president of the school board, under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
Verdict: The jury found that defendant Joe Beveridge engaged in viewpoint discrimination when he stopped plaintiff Gilmore from speaking at the school board meeting on January 13, 2022, and awarded nominal damages of $1. The jury did not find that punitive damages should be assessed.
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Jovan Ledbetter v. Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS
Hon. Toby Crouse
2:21-cv-02502-TC
D. Kan. (KC, KS)
(P) – Bert S. Braud & Cooper S. Mach
(D) – Ryan B. Denk & Spencer Low
This was an employment discrimination claim brought against the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas alleging a violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1981 because the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU), an administrative agency, dismissed him from the BPU Lineman Apprentice Program based on his race.
Verdict: The jury found in favor of the defendant.
DID YOU KNOW?
The District of Kansas is actively involved in multiple MDL (Multi-District Litigation) cases of national interest, including Epipen (Epinephrine Injection, USP) Marketing, Sales Practices and Antitrust Litigation (MDL No. 2785); Syngenta AG MIR162 Corn Litigation (MDL No. 2591); & Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Dog Food Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 2887).
Introduction To Art Law Panel CLE – A broad array of Panelists will participate in this unique, fascinating event, and refreshments will be provided. More information coming soon! Contact Kate Simpson for details at kmarples@gmail.com.
When: Thursday April 11th, 4:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Spencer Museum of Art
1301 Mississippi Street, Lawrence, KS 66045
NOTE: The Federal Bar Association Chapter for the Districts of Kansas and Western Missouri retains sole and complete responsibility for the content of this publication. For questions or comments about this publication, contact Blake Shuart via e-mail at Blake.Shuart@huttonlaw.com.
