Lipe Lyons Welcomes New Associates Rebecca Israel and Elise Ruff to the Firm
Ms. Israel earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2020, where she was the Student Editor. She graduated from Saint Louis University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Forensics. Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Ms. Israel worked as an associate attorney at a downtown Chicago law firm where she concentrated her practice on civil litigation matters.
Ms. Ruff earned her Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School in 2018, where she was Teacher’s Assistant for a Property Law professor. She graduated from Indiana University, College of Arts and Sciences in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Ms. Ruff worked at a downtown Chicago law firm specializing in long term care, personal injury, wrongful death and medical malpractice cases.
Lipe Lyons Wins Summary Judgment in a Prisoner Pro Bono Matter
Congratulations to Partner Amanda Zink, and Associate Elise Ruff who successfully overcame a Motion for Summary Judgment in a Prisoner Pro Bono case in the Southern District of Illinois. The Prisoner’s case was previously dismissed due to a determination that the Prisoner failed to exhaust his administrative remedies. The case went up on appeal to the 7th Circuit, who determined that the District Court Judge was required to hold a new evidentiary hearing when declining to follow the Magistrate Judge’s recommendations. A new Pavey hearing was conducted. Following direct and cross-examination by Ms. Zink, the Court determined that the Prisoner exhausted his available administrative remedies and in turn denied Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgement.
Lipe Lyons Wins Summary Judgment in Eight-Figure Case
Shareholder Jeffrey Lipe, Partner Amanda Zink, and Associate John Miceli were granted summary judgment on behalf of an international manufacturer of drive shafts and components for heavy machinery. In a consolidated action involving five plaintiffs who made claims of vicarious liability, negligence, wrongful death, and loss of consortium, Plaintiffs alleged that Lipe Lyons’ client was liable for their injuries including wrongful death and traumatic brain injury following a motor vehicle accident. Plaintiffs claimed that a purchase order between Lipe Lyons’ client and its third-party contractor, created an agency relationship making defendant responsible for its third party contractors’ actions.
Following extensive briefs and oral arguments, the court ruled in favor of Lipe Lyons’ client. The Court granted Summary judgment finding that Lipe Lyons’ client did not have and did not exercise any right to control its third party contractors’ actions at the time of the motor vehicle accident.
Jordan Tank and Alejandra Barcenas Obtained Dismissal with Prejudice for Their Client in a Construction Defect Case Alleging Millions in Damages
Shareholder Jordan Tank and Associate Alejandra Barcenas secured a dismissal with prejudice for their client, which was facing an express contractual indemnity claim in a construction defect case alleging $2.8 million in damages to a 66-unit residential condominium and retail development in Forest Park, Illinois.
Lipe Lyons’ client was alleged to be primarily responsible for causing the plaintiff’s damages. However, the firm’s investigation into the claim revealed serious legal and factual issues. When the rest of the parties went to mediation, Lipe Lyons’ client took a no pay position. The rest of the parties reached a global settlement and dismissed all claims with prejudice, including the express contractual indemnity claim pending against the firm’s client.
