Media Center
Official news releases from the firm.
Jerry Evans Appointed to American Voices Advisory Board
Jerry H. Evans has been appointed to the advisory board for American Voices. American Voices is a non-profit organization which aims to foster civic engagement through performing arts and educational programs. The organization brings American cultural programming into nations emerging from conflict or isolation. American Voices artists have given concerts, workshops and master classes in 110 countries on five continents.
Richardson Patrick Seeks Preliminary Approval of Proposed $82 Million Class Action Settlement
RPWB member James L. Ward, Jr. announces that the firm has requested preliminary approval of an $82 million class action settlement from United States District Judge Patti B. Saris. RPWB has served as Co-Lead Counsel in this matter since the Court's appointment of the firm in March 2009.
The class, certified on March 4, 2011, consists of a variety of local government entities that alleged overpayments for certain brand-name prescription drugs through their employee health insurance plans. The proposed settlement includes an express denial of liability of any kind by McKesson.
The named plaintiffs are the Board of County Commissioners of Douglas County, Kansas; the City of Baltimore, Maryland; the City of Panama City, Florida; Anoka County, Minnesota; the City of Columbia, South Carolina; and the City of Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Pharmacies are reimbursed by many state and local government prescription drug plans based on the Average Wholesale Price (AWP) of each drug as published by First DataBank, Inc. The suit alleges that McKesson and First DataBank inflated the AWPs of hundreds of brand-name drugs, which resulted in government entities paying hundreds of millions of dollars in excessive drug reimbursements from 2001 to present.
Plaintiffs' Executive Committee also consisted of Co-Lead Counsel Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP and the firms of McCulley McCluer PLLC and Kotchen & Low LLP.
Richardson Speaks to Charleston School of Law Students
Terry Richardson spoke to students at the Charleston School of Law (CSOL) in September as part of the law school's 2011 Fall Professionalism Series. The program is designed to help students develop the skills needed to ready themselves for the practice of law after graduation.
Final Settlement Reached in Wachovia "Pick-A-Payment" Class Action Litigation
A final settlement was reached in the Wachovia "Pick-A-Payment" Mortgage Marketing and Sales Practice Litigation. The "Pick-A-Payment" mortgage loan allowed the borrower to select and make a minimum payment amount for a limited amount of time under certain conditions. When a payment was insufficient to pay the interest owed, unpaid interest was added to the loan balance and the outstanding loan balance increased. This practice is known as "negative amortization". Plaintiffs claimed that Wachovia did not adequately disclose the potential for negative amortization when they chose the "Pick-A-Payment" mortgage. The plaintiffs involved were certain borrowers who obtained "Pick-A-Payment" mortgages between 2003 and 2008. Numerous cases were filed in seven states and then consolidated in the District Court for the Northern District of California. RPWB attorneys filed several of the cases which became part of the consolidation. On August 30, 2011, the settlement became final. For more information, visit www.www.pickapaysettlement.com.
Ward Re-Elected to SCAJ Executive Committee
Jay Ward, a member of Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC (RPWB), has been re-elected to the South Carolina Association of Justice's (SCAJ) Executive Committee for the 2011-12 term. SCAJ is a statewide organization with over 1300 members that is concerned with preserving the civil justice system and protecting the rights of the public.
Novak Speaks at AAJ Conference
Karl Novak, a member of Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC (RPWB), spoke at the 2011 American Association of Justice (AAJ) Conference recently held in New York City. Mr. Novak's presentation was made at the AAJ's Asbestos Litgation Group Seminar and was entitled "Deposing the Defense Expert."
Burke Receives Distinquished Alumni Award
Richardson Patrick Westbrook & Brickman LLC (RPWB) member Beth Middleton Burke has received the Honors College Distinquished Alumni Award at the College of Charleston. It is the highest award given by the Honors College. Ms. Burke serves as the Immediate Past President of the College of Charleston's Alumni Association and was recently appointed to serve on the Honors College Advisory Board.
Ward Re-Elected to SCAJ Board of Governors
Jay Ward, a member of Richardson Patrick Westbrook & Brickman, LLC (RPWB), has been re-elected to the South Carolina Association of Justice's (SCAJ) Board of Governors. SCAJ is a statewide organization with over 1300 members that is concerned with preserving the civil justice system and protecting the rights of the public.
RPWB Toxic Tort Attorneys Honored by The Legal 500 US
RPWB is proud to announce the firm has been recognized in the 2011 Legal 500 US Directory for its work in toxic torts, class actions, and multi-district litigation. Attorneys Jerry Evans and Gordon Rhea were highlighted for their work representing refinery workers as plaintiffs in toxic tort exposure lawsuits brought against Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corporation and Hess Corporation. The plaintiffs alleged that prolonged exposure to catalyst dust generated during the oil-refining process caused them harm. The confidential settlement was reached after three weeks of trial.
Bug Repellent Candles Could Cause Serious Injuries
The firm has learned of several individuals who were injured while lighting a bug repellent candle manufacturered by NAPA Home & Garden. The candle is also referred to as a firepot and uses a citronella, pourable, eco-gel fuel. RPWB attorneys are investigating these cases. If you or someone you know has been injured by burns resulting from these candles, please contact us at 1-888-293-6883.
Terry E. Richardson, Jr. Named 2011 South Carolina Super Lawyer
Terry E. Richardson, Jr. of Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC (RPWB) has been named by South Carolina Super Lawyers magazine as one of the top attorneys in South Carolina for 2011. Mr. Richardson was selected as a South Carolina Super Lawyer in the category of Business Litigation. Only five percent of the lawyers in the state are named by Super Lawyers.
The selections for Super Lawyers are made by the Thomson Reuters, Legal Division. Each year, the research team at Super Lawyers undertakes a rigorous multi-phase selection process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, independent evaluation of candidates by the research staff, a peer review of candidates by practice area, and a good standing and disciplinary check.
Mr. Richardson is a founding member of Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman. His practice areas are business torts, class actions, railroad accidents, securities fraud, truck accidents, and vehicle defects.
Ward Selected for Compleat Lawyer Award
March 1, 2011 – Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC (RPWB) attorney James L. (Jay) Ward, Jr. has been selected by the University of South Carolina Law School Alumni Association as one of nine outstanding alumni to receive the Compleat Lawyer Award. The awards were established in 1992 to recognize alumni for outstanding civic and professional accomplishments. Nominees are attorneys who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and exemplify the highest standard of professional competence, ethics, and integrity.
Mr. Ward is a practicing trial lawyer and a member of RPWB. He is also the firm’s Business Manager. Mr. Ward’s areas of practice include antitrust and deceptive trade, class actions, complex commercial litigation, healthcare fraud, mass torts, and products liability.
January 3, 2011 - Richardson Patrick Westbrook & Brickman, LLC (RPWB), one of the leading sophisticated litigation law firms in the country, announced the election of Nina Hunter Fields as a new member of the firm. Ms. Fields earned a B.S.degree from the College of Charleston and her J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Ms. Fields practices in RPWB’s Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina office. Her areas of practice are mutual funds and securities fraud.
Gressette appointed to Federal Bar Association's Professional Ethics Committee
December 17, 2010 - Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC (RPWB) attorney Thomas P. Gressette, Jr. has been appointed to a two – year term as a member of the Federal Bar Association’s (FBA) Professional Ethics Committee. The Federal Bar Association is a national organization that serves to enhance the professional growth and development of attorneys and judges employed by the government of the United States. The Federal Bar’s Ethics Committee oversees and promotes the high standards of professional competence and ethical conduct in the legal profession. Mr. Gressette is an active member of the FBA having recently served as the Fourth Circuit Vice President for the Federal Bar Association after serving as President of the South Carolina Chapter of the FBA.
Settlement Reached in Oil Refinery Catalyst Lawsuits
November 23, 2010 - A settlement has been reached in a group of toxic exposure lawsuits involving more than 80 refinery workers and Defendants Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corporation (HOVIC) and Hess Corporation. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman attorneys Jerry Evans and Gordon Rhea were lead counsel for the Plaintiffs.
September 10, 2010 - Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman (RPWB) partner James (Jay) L. Ward, Jr. has been elected to the South Carolina Association for Justice (SCAJ) Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is comprised of the SCAJ officers and four members of the Board of Governors, and its function is to act with the power and authority of the Board of Governors when it is not possible for the Board of Governors to convene.
Five RPWB Attorneys Selected as Best Lawyers for 2011
August 9, 2010 - Terry E. Richardson, Jr., Charles Patrick, Ed Westbrook, Michael Brickman and Hoyt Rowell have been selected for the 2011 Best Lawyers In America edition.
Gressette Authors Article on Controversial Supreme Court Decision
May 20, 2010. Tom Gressette, Jr. enters national debate by publishing article on controversial Supreme Court decision in the prestigious Drake Law Review.
Three Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman Attorneys Named Super Lawyers
April 9, 2010. Three of the firm’s attorneys—Terry E. Richardson, Jr., Michael Brickman, and Hoyt Rowell—have been named 2010 Super Lawyers in South Carolina 2010 Super Lawyers in South Carolina.
Ward & McElveen Author Article for SCAJ Magazine
January 19, 2010. James (Jay) L. Ward, Jr. and Katie McElveen authored an article for the Fall issue of The Justice Bulletin published by the South Carolina Association for Justice.
Hahn Selected for Inclusion in Top 100 Trial Lawyers
January 12, 2010. H. Blair Hahn, a founding member of RPWB, has been selected for inclusion in the American Trial Lawyers Association's Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
RPWB Appointed Plaintiffs' Interim Co-Lead Counsel in Airline Baggage Fee Litigation
January 8, 2010. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman has been appointed plaintiffs' interim co-lead counsel in a class action lawsuit filed against Delta Airlines and AirTran Airways.
RPWB Elects Four New Members
January 7, 2010. Congratulations to four new Members at RPWB.
Richardson Admitted to American College of Trial Lawyers
January 5, 2010. Terry E. Richardson, Jr. becomes Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Ward Recognized as Riley Institute Diversity Fellow
December 14, 2009. Attorney James (Jay) L.Ward, Jr.has been recognized as a Riley Institute Diversity Fellow after completing the requirements of the South Carolina Diversity Leaders Initiative Lowcountry Class IV.
Gressette Guest Speaker at Federal Criminal Practice Seminar
November 12, 2009. Tom Gressette, Jr. continues to teach trial skills at the 2009 Federal Criminal Practice Seminar.
Ward Named to SCAJ Board of Governors
October 22, 2009. James (Jay) L. Ward, Jr. is a new member of the South Carolina Association for Justice (SCAJ) Board of Governors and Chairman of the SCAJ Torts and Negligence Section.
Former Pipefitter Recovers More Than $500,000 in Asbestos Verdict
October 22, 2009. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman attorney wins verdict for asbestos victim.
Gressette Authors Article Featured on the Cover of South Carolina Lawyer Magazine
September 3, 2009. Attorney Tom Gressette, Jr. published in South Carolina Lawyer magazine.
Rhea to Speak at ABA Fall Meeting
September 1, 2009. Attorney Gordon Rhea will speak to the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Taxation 2009 Joint Fall CLE Meeting.
RPWB Announces $22.5 Million Settlement in WV Zyprexa Suit
August 25, 2009. A $22.5 million settlement was reached in a lawsuit brought by the state of West Virginia against Eli Lilly & Company, the manufacturer of Zyprexa.
Ward to Serve on SC Bar Judicial Committee
August 20, 2009. James (Jay) L. Ward, Jr. has been asked to serve on the SC Bar Judicial Qualifications Committee.
Ward Vice Chair of SC Bar Torts & Insurance Section
August 3, 2009. James (Jay) L. Ward, Jr. assumes duties as new Vice Chair of SC Bar Committee.
Hahn Featured in Of Counsel Magazine
July 28, 2009. RPWB Partner, H. Blair Hahn interviewed in Of Counsel magazine.
RPWB Litigating Chantix® Cases
July 9, 2009. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman attorneys are filing cases for plaintiffs who have suffered from potentially life-threatening side effects from taking the smoking cessation drug called Chantix. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman Chantix attorneys have also filed a petition to consolidate all Chantix cases into multi-district litigation (MDL).
Legal 500 Names RPWB One of the Top Firms in the United States
July 9, 2009. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman was named one of the top firms in the United States for mass tort and class action plaintiff representation by the 2009 Legal 500 Directory.
Terry Richardson and Michael Brickman Named Two of the Top Lawyers by South Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine
April 9, 2009. South Carolina Super Lawyers magazine has named founding members Terry E. Richardson, Jr. and Michael J. Brickman as two of the top attorneys in South Carolina for 2009.
RPWB Appointed Co-Lead Counsel for Plaintiffs in Inflated Drug Price Litigation
March 20, 2009. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman Member James (Jay) L. Ward, Jr. announces that the firm has been appointed co-lead counsel on behalf of a variety of state and local government entities in class action litigation against McKesson Corporation.
Gressette - Special Guest Speaker at College of Charleston
March 12, 2009. Attorney Tom Gressette, Jr. was a special guest speaker for a College of Charleston graduate course. Gressette discussed his recently published article, "Storytelling at Sentencing" (The Champion, January 2009).
RPWB's Gordon Rhea Wins Acquittal in $300 Million Tax Fraud Case
March 12, 2009. A federal jury in the U.S. Virgin Islands returned a verdict of not guilty on all counts in favor of eight co-defendants in the Kapok tax evasion case. Gordon Rhea represented J. David Jackson, Kapok's Chief Financial Officer.
Four New Members at RPWB
February 19, 2009. Four Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman (RPWB) associates have been elected to be members of the firm.
Butler to Speak at 2009 South Carolina Bar Convention
January 21, 2009. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman (RPWB) attorney J. David Butler has been selected to speak at the 2009 South Carolina Bar Convention scheduled for January 22-25 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Tuck to Speak at OBA Institute
January 13, 2009. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman (RPWB) attorney T. Christopher Tuck has been selected to speak at the 2009 Ontario Bar Association (OBA) Institute of Continuing Legal Education in February.
Firm Continues Growth with Hire of New Attorney Christopher J. Moore
December 10, 2008. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC (RPWB), one of the leading sophisticated litigation law firms in the country, announced it has hired Christopher J. Moore as an associate attorney.
Ward Appointed to SCAJ Legislative Policy Steering Committee
October 31, 2008. RPWB member James (Jay) L. Ward, Jr., has been appointed to the South Carolina Association for Justice (SCAJ) Legislative Policy Steering Committee.
Gressette Elected to Fourth Circuit Federal Bar Association Office
September 26, 2008. Attorney Thomas P. Gressette, Jr. has been elected to the office of Fourth Circuit Vice President for the Federal Bar Association (FBA).
Richardson Receives Founder's Award
August 15, 2008. Terry E. Richardson, Jr., a founding member of Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, received the Founder's Award from the SC Association for Justice, formerly the SC Trial Lawyers Association.
RPWB 2008 Class of Summer Clerks
Terry Richardson Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree
May 15, 2008. Senior Partner, Terry E. Richardson, Jr. recently received an honorary doctorate degree.
RPWB, LLC Secures Settlement in Avondale Mills v. Norfolk Southern Lawsuit
April 9, 2008. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook and Brickman, LLC (RPWB) in conjunction with the Atlanta-based law firm of King & Spalding announced that a confidential settlement has been reached in the Avondale Mills v. Norfolk Southern case.
RPWB, LLC Announces Jury Verdict in Minnesota Asbestos Lawsuit
March 18, 2008. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC (RPWB) in conjunction with Sieben Polk Attorneys at Law announced today a verdict handed down in Minnesota District Court against John Crane, Inc. on behalf of a mesothelioma victim and his wife.
Class Action Suits Filed Against Nation's Two Largest Pest Control Providers
January 17, 2008. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC (RPWB) in conjunction with Hoffman & Lazear in Oakland, California and Campbell Law, P.C., in Birmingham, Alabama, today announce filing separate class action lawsuits against the country's two largest subterranean (ground) termite control providers.
Ward Speaks on SC Bar-Sponsored Radio Program
November 29, 2007. James (Jay) L. Ward, Jr., a member with the law firm of Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, spoke on a SC Bar-sponsored radio segment on the topic "Anatomy of a Civil Lawsuit from Start to Finish."
Court Awards $1M to Rowan Companies, Inc. Whistleblower for His Efforts to Stop Pollution in the Gulf of Mexico
November 20, 2007. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC (RPWB) in conjunction with Robertson & Hollingsworth Attorneys at Law, and Kanner & Whiteley, LLC, announced today that the U.S. District Court in Beaumont, Texas has awarded the firm's client a $1 million award for blowing the whistle on Rowan Companies, Inc., an oil and gas drilling company, for illegally dumping hazardous substances into the waters of the United States.
Richardson to Serve on Access to Justice Commission
November 5, 2007. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman attorney Terry E. Richardson, Jr. has been appointed to serve on the Access to Justice Commission by the South Carolina Bar Foundation.
Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook, and Brickman Attorney Elected President of the SC Chapter of the Federal Bar Association
August 29, 2007. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook, & Brickman, LLC (RPWB) attorney Thomas P. Gressette, Jr. has been sworn in as the President of the South Carolina Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA).
Ward Elected to SC Bar Section Council
August 1, 2007. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman attorney James (Jay) L. Ward, Jr. has been elected to serve a three-year term on the South Carolina Bar Torts & Insurance Practices Section Council.
Richardson, Patrick Makes Significant Donation to the South Carolina Bar Foundation
July 19, 2007. The S.C. Bar Foundation received a check for more than $630,000 Thursday that will allow it to fund two significant South Carolina projects.
Burke Elected to New Post on Alumni Board
May 15, 2007. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook and Brickman attorney, Beth Middleton Burke has been elected Vice President of the College of Charleston Alumni Board.
Patrick Receives Gold Compleat Lawyer Award
March 27, 2007. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman attorney, Charles W. Patrick, Jr. has been selected to receive the Gold Compleat Lawyer Award given by the University of South Carolina School of Law Alumni Association.
Hahn Elected Lead Counsel in Bausch & Lomb Contact Lens Solution Products Liability Litigation
January 23, 2007. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman attorney H. Blair Hahn has been elected lead counsel in the Bausch & Lomb contact lens solution litigation.
Patricks Honored as Lowcountry Philanthropists of the Year
December 7, 2006. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman founding member Charles Patrick and his wife, Celeste, were honored as Individual Philanthropists of the Year in the Lowcountry.
Richardson Patrick Attorney Tuck to Speak at NBI Seminar
November 8, 2006. RPWB announced today that attorney Chris Tuck will present "Special Issues Arising in the Class Action Suit" at the National Business Institute's (NBI) upcoming seminar entitled "Class Action Update: Today's Trends & Strategies for Success".
Haltiwanger To Speak at ATLA Seminar
September 27, 2006. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman attorney Dan Haltiwanger will speak at the American Trial Lawyers Association's (ATLA) seminar entitled "Litigating Trucking Cases — From Discovery to Trial".
Beth Middleton Burke to Present at ATLA Seminar
September 26, 2006. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman attorney Beth Middleton Burke will be speaking and moderating at the upcoming Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA) Trial Advocacy College: Depositions.
Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman Attorneys to Speak at SCTLA
August 2, 2006. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman attorneys Gordon Rhea and James (Jay) L. Ward, Jr. will speak at the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association (SCTLA) Annual Convention.
RPWB Expands Pharmaceutical Drug Practice with High Profile Lateral Hire
July 13, 2006. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman is set to expand its pharmaceutical drug practice through the hiring of David L. Suggs, a leading trial attorney in numerous high profile cases.
Jay Ward Appointed to ATLA Task Force
June 27, 2006. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman attorney James (Jay) L. Ward, Jr., has been appointed to the American Association for Justice's Leaders Forum Seventh Amendment Task Force.
Marcum to Speak at Mealey's Teleconference
June 5, 2006. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman partner Christiaan A. Marcum will speak on contact lens dolution litigation at a Mealey's Teleconference on June 27, 2006.
Marcum To Speak at Pharmaceutical Conference
May 23, 2006. Christiaan A. Marcum will speak at the Pharmaceutical & Human Tissue Litigation Conference sponsored by Harris Martin Publishing.
Karl Novak Interview (mp3 - 23.4MB - 25:35)
April 15, 2006. Fox News interview with Karl Novak concerning asbestos.
Ward Receives Volunteer Service Award
James (Jay) L. Ward, Jr., an associate with the law firm of Richardson Patrick Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, has received the President's Volunteer Service Award from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.
