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Archive for category: NEWS

Halunen Law and Co-Counsel Firms Reach Settlement in Case Against IKO Roofing Shingles

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Halunen Law, Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P., and Levin Sedran & Berman, announced recently that plaintiffs they represented entered into an agreement to settle various class actions relating to IKO roofing shingles. The settlement applies to the “organic” asphalt shingles that were installed on buildings in the United States primarily between 1978 and 2008.

Read the recent press release about this settlement
(https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iko-settles-class-action-lawsuit-regarding-organic-asphalt-shingles-300742840.html)

People who own or owned buildings with IKO organic shingles can obtain additional information about the settlement by checking the website at http://www.ikoorganicroofingshinglesclassactionsettlement.com

Halunen Law’s Charles Moore featured on KSTP-TV Regarding a Recent Class Action Case Against Airlines

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KSTP-TV spoke with Halunen Law attorney Charles Moore regarding a recent suit against major airlines. The class action lawsuit was filed against American, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines, where passengers allege the airlines improperly worked together to limit the number of seats available on domestic flights to drive up ticket prices.

While not directly involved with this case, Halunen Law is recognized for its expertise and is frequently asked by media organizations to comment on legal matters in the news.

Learn More About Halunen Law 

View Moore’s recent interview with KSTP reporter Matt Belanger:

Qui Tam/False Claims Act Practice Group Attends National Conference

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Halunen Law attorneys, Susan Coler, Gerald Robinson, and Nathaniel Smith attended the national conference of Taxpayers Against Fraud (TAF), an organization of attorneys who represent whistleblowers in False Claims Act cases across the United States.

During the conference, Halunen Law’s Nathaniel Smith moderated a panel titled “Overcoming Lack of Agency Concern or Action.” Along with Nathaniel, the panel included other experienced qui tam attorneys Lesley Skillen of Getnick & Getnick, Joseph Trautwein, of Joseph Trautwein & Associates, and Colin Huntley, Assistant Director with the Department of Justice. This panel generated vigorous discussion of challenges faced by False Claims Act practitioners in achieving agency support in cases, whether there is deference to agencies in deciding whether to move forward with cases, and ways to maximize the likelihood of agency support in False Claims Act cases. For Nathaniel, one of the key takeaways is that the reasoning in Escobar, a recent Supreme Court case, makes clear that the standard to apply in determining whether a false claim is material to payment continues to be an objective one.

The TAF Conference brings together attorneys who represent whistleblowers, Assistant United States Attorneys from various states, attorneys from the Department of Justice, and representatives of government agencies including VA, HHS, and DoD. The sessions tend to be practical and oriented to sharing strategies for success in cases, government priorities, and analysis of new case law.

Says attorney Susan Coler, “this organization is unusual in the camaraderie and sharing that occurs; we are all focused on helping each of us get good results for our clients and the United States. We look forward to the conference every year as a re-energizing force in our professional lives. ”

 

As an attorney at Halunen Law, Nathaniel Smith focuses on cases involving fraud against the government through the False Claims Act and retaliation litigation. He represents whistleblowers across the United States in areas including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, small business programs, procurement, and defense contracting. Learn more about Nathaniel Smith. https://www.halunenlaw.com/our-team/nathaniel-f-smith

Halunen Law’s Emma Denny to Serve on Upcoming CLE Panel Focused on Sexual Harassment

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In the age of the #MeToo movement, many law firms are experiencing an increase in sexual harassment cases. And they are considering changes in how they litigate these cases. On October 17, the Minnesota State Bar Association’s “How #MeToo is Impacting Employment Law Today” panel will discuss how attorneys assess sexual harassment claims, how employers evaluate their liability and exposure in responding to claims, the role of non-disclosure agreements, and much more. Halunen Law employment attorney Emma Denny will share her expertise in this important discussion and will be joined by Antone Melton-Meaux of Work Release Mediation and Sarah Riskin from Nilan Johnson Lewis PA on the panel.

 

 

 

Learn more about this CLE opportunity
(https://www.mnbar.org/Meetings/Meeting?ID=2995#.W7Jhzi-ZNAZ)

Learn more about Halunen Law employment attorney Emma Denny https://www.halunenlaw.com/our-team/emma-r-denny/

Halunen Law Challenges Target Corporation On Behalf of Store Employee & Sexual Harassment Allegations

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Halunen Law recently filed a lawsuit in Hennepin County District Court against Target Corporation alleging failure to address alleged sexual harassment experienced by Eva Biswas who was employed at a Twin Cities Target store. The suit claims a potential promotion was delayed because Biswas turned down unwanted sexual advances by one of her managers, and others in senior positions failed to respond appropriately when told of the allegations.

“We stand firm in defending employee’s rights including the right to work in an environment free of harassment and discrimination,” said Halunen Law employment attorney Emma Denny. “Women like Ms. Biswas – minimum wage employees, immigrants, and women of color – too often have their voices ignored when they report sexual harassment or other workplace misconduct to their employers. We look forward to pursuing justice on behalf of Ms. Biswas.”

 

Read recent news coverage of this case:

Target sued by an employee who alleges sexual harassment and store management doing little to address it
https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2018/09/25/target-sued-by-employee-who-alleges-sexual.html

Target Worker Claims Manager At Fridley Store Sexually Harassed Her, Staff Didn’t Help
https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2018/09/26/target-sexual-harassment-fridley-store/

Target employee claims sexual harassment, and that management didn’t stop it
http://www.citypages.com/news/target-employee-claims-sexual-harassment-and-that-management-didnt-stop-it/494286651

Halunen Law Featured on CBS Whistleblower Series For Groundbreaking Case Against Globe University

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 24, 2018): Halunen Law is pleased to announce firm founder and managing partner Clayton Halunen, and client Heidi Weber will be featured in the August 31 episode of CBS’ new Whistleblower television series. Weber won a judgment in excess of $1 million in her 2013 civil court case claiming her former employer, Woodbury, Minn.-based Globe University/Minnesota School of Business, wrongfully terminated her. As Dean of the Globe Universities Medical Assistant Program, Weber was let go in April 2011. Weber claimed the for-profit school engaged in consumer fraud by making misleading statements to students about its job placement rates and failing to meet its commitment to place all qualified medical assistant program students in externship programs, according to court records. Rather than address her concerns constructively, Globe University officials chose to silence her by firing her.

Weber’s courage and conviction to blow the whistle on the school’s misleading and illegal practices resulted not only in a significant financial judgment, but garnered the attention of Minnesota’s Attorney General, and brought a national spotlight to the unethical practices embraced by many for-profit colleges. As a result, schools across the region and nation have ceased operation.  Clayton Halunen and employment attorney and partner Ross Stadheim were instrumental in achieving the verdict and bringing broader attention to the case.

“We are immensely proud that CBS chose to share Heidi’s compelling, courageous story,” said Halunen. “Heidi epitomizes the guts and determination it takes to blow the whistle. And her case conveys what we so passionately believe; one person seeking justice can have a profound impact on creating meaningful change. We are grateful to host and executive producer Alex Ferrer, producer Caroline Sommers, and the CBS Whistleblower team for their exceptional work conveying Heidi’s difficult but ultimately rewarding journey. I encourage everyone to tune in on August 31.”

Watch the video trailer here:

About the Whistleblower Series

Whistleblower takes a thrilling look at the real-life David vs. Goliath stories of heroic people who put everything on the line in order to expose illegal and often dangerous wrongdoing when major corporations rip off U.S. taxpayers. Hosted by attorney Alex Ferrer, a former judge, and police officer, each hour introduces cases in which ordinary people step up to do the extraordinary by risking their careers, their families and even their lives to ensure others are not harmed or killed by unchecked, unethical corporate greed. The show airs Fridays on CBS. Streaming is available at https://www.cbs.com/shows/whistleblower/

Read the CBS Press Release about the upcoming Whistleblower episode

Photos are available on www.cbspressexpress.com
Instagram: @TrueCrimeCBS

CBS Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBSTweet

About Halunen Law

With offices in Minneapolis and Chicago, Halunen Law offers experienced legal representation to protect whistleblowers that have experienced retaliation or are planning to blow the whistle. They also offer experienced legal representation to individuals who are blowing the whistle on government fraud under the False Claims Act and other statutes. More information at halunenlaw.com.

Related Coverage

WCCO TV – Minneapolis: Whistleblower Hopes Win Over Globe University Inspires Others To Speak Up: https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2018/08/31/whistleblower-heidi-weber-globe-university/

CBS News coverage of Whistleblower series The Case Against Globe University: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv8Rs607GZc

KELO TV: South Dakota Native Shares “Whistleblower” Story With CBS News: https://www.keloland.com/news/national/south-dakota-native-shares-whistleblower-story-with-cbs-news/1409691786

whistleblower series

CBS Launches New 8-Part Series ‘Whistleblower’

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CBS’s New Whistleblower Series Shines a Light on Real-Life Whistleblowers

CBS television launched the new 8-part series called Whistleblower On July 13. The show offers an in-depth look at the remarkable courage and resolve of several whistleblowers, and the difficult paths they take that lead to justice.

Familiar territory for Halunen Law Qui Tam/Whistleblower attorneys. Halunen’s attorneys are in the daily fight to prosecute cases brought by whistleblowers to challenge unlawful corporate conduct. We know the toll these cases can take on those courageous enough to challenge unethical practices and we do everything we can to alleviate that burden.

“We’re pleased to see such a bright, national spotlight put on these heroes with the whistleblower series. It presents an opportunity to educate a broader audience about the profound changes these cases can bring and the types of fraud that still occur today. We encourage you to tune in on Friday nights and follow the whistleblower series.”

 

Check Your Local Listings for Times

CBS Launches Whistleblower - S1E1

Episode One: “Blow the Whistle, Change the World”

Two dentists were alarmed by the unsafe and fraudulent practices they observed as standard practice at a pediatric dental chain that provides services in underserved communities. They challenged those practices that they feared would lead to overtreatment, overbilling and putting children at risk. The episode also features a whistleblower who took on pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb accusing the company of using illicit bribes, expensive vacations, and sumptuous dinners to gain illegal access to patient medical records and influence doctors to prescribe the company’s high-priced meds. Watch the full episode

CBS Launches Whistleblower - S1E2

Episode Two: “The Deadly Cancer Doctor & the Ugly Side of the Beauty Business”

What could be worse than being diagnosed and treated for cancer? Later finding out that your doctor lied and you never had it to begin with. An office manager at a cancer center blew the whistle on the oncologist running the practice when he discovered the doctor was giving chemotherapy to more than 500 patients who do not need it. The scope of what the whistleblower discovered was staggering. This episode also features the story of courageous whistleblowers who challenged the unethical practices of Marinello Schools of Beauty after uncovering fraud against its students. Watch the full episode

CBS Launches Whistleblower - S1E3

Episode Three: “The Case Against Northrop”

James Holzrichter thought he had landed his dream job working at Northrop, one of the top military contractors in the world. But, once he moved from testing equipment to “product assurance,” that is, ensuring that the company was properly billing the government for parts, he began to notice some disturbing trends. Taking nearly two decades to be resolved this case is the featured story for the full episode. Watch the full episode

CBS Launches Whistleblower - S1E4

Episode Four: “The Case Against the Cardiologists and the Case Against Wells Fargo”

In this episode Host, Alex Ferrer investigates the case against cardiologists engaging in unethical, potentially life-threatening practices. The first segment features Dr. Michael Jones, a successful cardiologist in Lexington, Ky., who noticed a troubling pattern in the patients showing up in his office. They were all from the same part of rural Kentucky, and each of them seemed to have had expensive heart procedures he believed they didn’t need. The second segment features courageous whistleblower Jessie Guitron who sounded the early alarms in what subsequently became a huge banking scandal for Wells Fargo amid allegations that bank employees were encouraged to open credit card accounts for customers without their knowledge, leading to even larger, systemic fraud. Watch the full episode

CBS Launches Whistleblower - S1E5

Episode Five: “The Case Against Los Alamos”

Los Alamos National Laboratory, the birthplace of the atomic bomb and home to some of the country’s most dangerous secrets had some troubling security issues. Following a series of embarrassing security lapses and thefts, former police chiefs Glenn Walp and Steve Doran were brought in to review and bolster security at the facility in 2002. But almost immediately, it was clear that things were far worse than they had thought. Watch the full episode

CBS' Whistleblower - Episode 6

Episode Six: “The Case Against eClinicalWorks; the Case Against Chartwells”

Thanks to electronic medical records, millions of Americans now expect their doctors to have the right information about their care at their fingertips. But could faulty digital medical records cost lives? Host Alex Ferrer investigates the case of medical charting software gone wrong. In the second part of this episode, New York Chef Jeffrey Mills, became executive director of the Office of Food and Nutritional Services for DC Public Schools (DCPS) and discovered an entrenched system of spoiled, and wasted food served across the school system. His whistleblower actions resulted in a $19.4 million settlement against the food service provider. Watch the full episode

CBS' Whistleblower - Episode 7

Episode Seven: “The Case Against Second Chance Body Armor”

What would you do if you had dedicated your career to protecting those who protect us, only to discover the company that once saved your life may be putting others at risk? Dr. Aaron Westrick was the research director for America’s largest body armor company – Second Chance Body Armor – and was the first official to oppose the sale of bulletproof vests made with Zylon fiber. Based on his disclosures, these defective vests were forced off the market and police officer’s lives were saved. Dr. Westrick’s story is featured in this hour-long episode. Watch the full episode

Halunen Law Attorney - Amy Boyle

Halunen Law Attorney Amy Boyle Named Partner at Firm

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Halunen Law Attorney - Amy Boyle MINNEAPOLIS, MN — (August 1, 2018) Halunen Law is pleased to announce attorney Amy Boyle was recently made a Partner at the firm. Boyle has been with Halunen Law since October 2015 and works with the employment and class action practice groups. Her reputation as a first-rate litigator and staunch defender of plaintiffs’ rights, has garnered much praise and recognition by colleagues and clients alike.

“Amy’s personal approach, robust litigation experience, and deft ability to navigate difficult, prolonged cases has made her an exceptional member of our team,” said Clayton Halunen, founder and managing partner of Halunen Law. “I’m incredibly proud of the work she does and pleased to acknowledge her contributions by making her a Partner at the firm,” added Halunen.

A Cum Laude graduate of University of St. Thomas School of Law, Boyle received the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Law Student Award for Excellence in Employment Law. She holds bar admissions in Minnesota, New York, and Wisconsin. Boyle is a member of the Warren E. Burger Inn of Court, a by-invitation organization of attorneys and judges dedicated to promoting excellence in legal advocacy. She is also a Board Member for the Federal Bar Association’s Younger Lawyers Division and Alternative Dispute Resolution Section and is an active member of Minnesota Women Lawyers.

Boyle grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin and graduated from Milton High School. She received her B.A. from the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, Minnesota with a focus on Legal Studies in Business and International Business—Spanish.

About Halunen Law

With offices in Minneapolis and Chicago, Halunen Law offers experienced legal representation to employees, consumers and whistleblowers in individual and class actions. Halunen also offers experienced representation to employees and whistleblowers under the False Claims Act and other statutes. Halunen Law has achieved a reputation as a fearless, tenacious and successful plaintiffs’ law firm, with a laser focus on achieving justice for its clients as well as meaningful social change. For information on the firm visit www.halunenlaw.com.

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Blaine Balow - Halunen Law

Halunen Law Attorney Blaine Balow Admitted to Practice in Federal Court

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On July 11, 2018, Halunen Law’s Blaine Balow was admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. Halunen Law employment attorney and colleague Emma Denny made the motion for admission at the U.S. Courthouse in Minneapolis. The Honorable Ann D. Montgomery granted the motion and Blaine was then admitted into practice in federal court. As an employment attorney, Blaine represents clients in matters of discrimination, civil rights, sexual harassment, or are whistleblowers. Congratulations Blaine!

Blaine Balow - Halunen Law
Blaine Balow & Emma Denny - Halunen Law

Photos left to right: Blaine Balow with certificate of admission, Halunen Law attorneys Emma Denny and Blaine Balow