The Winners Saturday Edition The Tab April 27, 2013 2012 BETTER NEWSPAPERS CONTEST Vol. 70 California Newspaper Publishers Association No. 10 The One that Got Away Not knowing jurors were about to award Judge wrestles with lawyer’s costly ‘mistake’ authority to settle this case.” He and verdict, I accepted [Siepler’s] offer his client wanted a new trial. on Mr. Hernandez’s behalf,” Alder his client $9 million, Michael Alder agreed Scott Graham so long. The lawyers asked for just Now the parties are locked wrote in a declaration. “I was acting
[email protected] a few more minutes. I’ve got to get into a bitter post-trial fight that’s in what I believed to be his best in- to accept just a frac on of that. Or did he? this kid something, Alder was think- casting an unwelcome spotlight terests in light of the time pressure, The jury was back too soon. ing, according to post-trial motions. on the litigators’ and the judge’s but without his authority.” After a weeklong trial in a personal Finally, Alder and Siepler struck handling of the case. Especially Alder and his colleague, Jennifer injury case where the plaintiff had a deal: $350,000. Everyone returned under the gun is Alder, a rising star Burkes, reject the idea of dismissal. asked for millions in closing argu- to the courtroom. “The parties have of Southern California’s plaintiffs “Defendant cannot cite to a single ment, jurors had deliberated only advised me that they have reached bar. In addition to accusing him of case where plaintiff ’s purported four hours before announcing they’d a settlement of the case,” Johnson lying, defense lawyers argue that by settlement of a case, either with reached a decision.