Daily Briefs (Aug 31)

Ex-inmate in Upper Peninsula toothpaste dispute needs lawyer
FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A former Michigan prison inmate is seeking a court-appointed lawyer to help him with his lawsuit against the state over a lack of toothpaste.

Jerry Flanory has told a judge in the Upper Peninsula that he can’t afford a lawyer and the issues are complex.

In May, a federal appeals court reinstated Flanory’s lawsuit against prison officials in Newberry. He says he developed gum disease and had a tooth removed in 2006 after he was denied toothpaste for nearly a year as a form of discipline. The Flint man was released from prison in December after serving five years for assault. The Michigan attorney general’s office has not formally responded to the lawsuit, which is in federal court in Marquette.

Defense lawyer wants off financial fraud case
DETROIT (AP) — A defense lawyer’s request to drop out of a major financial fraud case is drawing opposition from federal prosecutors in Detroit.

Harold Gurewitz says Edward May can’t afford to keep him as his lawyer.

May is scheduled to go to trial in November. The Oakland County man is charged with deceiving investors in a $200 million Ponzi scheme. The government alleges that money was recycled to other investors or used for May’s personal use. Losses exceeded $35 million by 2007.

The U.S. attorney’s office says investors are waiting for May's trial, and getting a new attorney would put the case on hold until 2011. The government says Gurewitz could be paid as a court-appointed lawyer if May can't afford him.

FBA kicks off State of the Court Luncheon
The Eastern District of Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association will kick off its 2010 State of the Court Luncheon Program Wednesday, Sept. 15, in the Venetian Ballroom of the Westin Book Cadillac at Washington Boulevard and Michigan Ave. The reception will begin at noon with the luncheon following at 12:30 p.m. The featured speaker will be Chief Judge Gerald E. Rosen with the annual “State of the Court” address. In addition, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan will honor the attorneys who have accepted pro bono assignments from the court in the past year.

Tickets are $25 for chapter members and $30 for non-members. Law firm sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Thomas M. Schehr, chapter program chair, at (313) 568-6659 or by e-mail to tschehr@dykema.com.

Fundraising reception scheduled for Circuit Judge Brian R. Sullivan
The Committee to Re-Elect Judge Brian R. Sullivan for Wayne County Circuit Court Judge is hosting a reception on Tuesday, Sept. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Detroit Athletic Club. A $100 donation is requested.

Holiday Hours
The Wayne County Probate Court will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 6 and will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 8 a.m. The Third Circuit Court Civil, Criminal, and Family Divisions will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6 in observance of Labor Day.

The Wayne County Clerk’s Office will be closed Monday Sept. 6 in observance of Labor Day.

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