A PYMNTS Company

US: Lawyer considers rare sanction a ‘badge of honor,’ other plaintiffs’ lawyers alarmed

By  |  March 26, 2013

The plaintiffs’ lawyer who was served a rare sanction on Monday concerning his contesting of the Southwest Airlines and AirTran 2011 merger has called the reprimand a “badge of honor.” Joseph Alioto of the Alioto Law Firm was ordered to pay $67,495 in legal fees for what the defendants called “unreasonable and vexatious” litigation, a rare order that has added fuel to the debate concerning private antitrust litigation. In response, Alioto has said his fight against these mergers will continue, vowing to challenge those that impact the people “so long as the government does not do it.” Alioto said he would personally pay the fee. The fee, however, has reportedly brought concern to other plaintiffs’ lawyers as the court did not clearly specify the guidelines to determining what makes a challenge “vexatious.”

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

     

    Full Content: Thomson Reuters

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.