If jiggery-pokery threatens your case, will you be ready?
The death of Justice Antonin Scalia is having an impact beyond the sides being drawn over the nomination of a new justice. While politicians may benefit from delay, often business needs to move forward. Dow Chemical recently reached an agreement to pay $835 million to settle a class-action antitrust case (In re: Urethane Antitrust Litigation) rather than wait and risk a 4-4 tie that would leave a $1.06 billion verdict in place. The late justice wrote opinions in several 5-4 decisions that curbed the scope of class actions. The language of Supreme Court opinions may also return to a less colorful and more pedestrian tone now that Justice Scalia will pen no more sytlish dissents.
The business decision to pursue litigation can involve a complex balancing of uncertainties in the law with unexpected shifts in economic and political forces. Asterion consultants are experienced in performing the sophisticated financial analysis your case needs in today’s rapidly changing environment.
Is your business prepared for the unintended consequences of changing economic conditions?
While low oil prices have reduced the “pain at the pump” for consumers, the effect of the price slump on the U.S. economy’s energy sector may soon spread. In two current Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, American energy companies are asking to be released from long-term contracts with pipeline operators. If these debtors are successful in undoing their multi-year agreements, the likelihood of bankruptcies in the pipeline sector will increase. Overseas, however, there is one bright spot for struggling oil producers. Prices are so low, pirates are losing interest in hijacking tankers.
Asterion’s experts have decades of experience working with changing economic conditions. If your client is facing a significantly changing economic environment, Asterion may be able to assist you.
On the Lighter Side: Good Neighbors Build Fences; Bad Neighbors Play the Lottery
If your neighbors are big winners, “keeping up with the Joneses,” could drive you into bankruptcy.
Spotlight on Class Actions
Asterion, Inc. (“Asterion”) has experience in assisting businesses, law firms and individuals during the class action process.