Free Republic

Federal legislation that would afford trial lawyers a special tax break faces an uncertain future, says one of the chief lobbyists for the nation's trial lawyers. The proposal would allow attorneys to deduct fees and expenses up-front for filing contingency-fee lawsuits. The proposal amounts to about a $1.6 billion tax break for plaintiffs' attorneys, estimates indicate. "Everyone wants to do it, but the problem is there is not a tax vehicle yet," said Linda Lipsen, American Association for Justice (AAJ) Senior Vice President of Public Affairs. Lipsen was speaking to the Birth Trauma Litigation Group at the annual meeting this...

Edwards raps excess greed DES MOINES - Democrat John Edwards yesterday released a plan he said would demand corporate responsibility, including limits on executive compensation packages and requirements that big businesses operate more openly. The presidential candidate said his plan would also restore retirement security for the middle class through tax overhauls and savings help, allowing more people to put aside money and purchase stock from companies. He said those companies would perform better for regular workers under his proposed corporate changes. Edwards said that a culture of greed has taken over and that while profits are skyrocketing on Wall...