So, Sue Me!

There is confusion about a one sentence letter submitted by counsel for Luigi Mangione, seemingly reversing news reported yesterday that he would pursue an extreme emotional disturbance defense. Rich explains the letter, the relevant provisions of CPL § 250.10, what was and wasn't withdrawn, and what it might mean going forward. Plus, he shows off his new haircut - although you can't see that on t...

In one of the crazier cases you will find, a former JPMorgan Chase & Co. employee has sued the bank and his alleged former superior, claiming he was made a sex slave, sexually assaulted, discriminated and retaliated against, etc. The former fellow employee he has sued has counterclaimed, asserting that it is all untrue and defamatory. And thus, a salacious and hotly contested dispute is born....

The judge in the state court prosecution has ruled on the admissibility of the contents of the backpack that was located at the time of Luigi Mangione's arrest. Rich goes through the contents of the decision to explain what can come into evidence, what is excluded, and which side "won" the ruling. Rich also considers the implications for the continuing state and federal prosecutions and two trials...

Kouri Richins has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, following a sentencing hearing where she behaved abhorrently and gave a stunningly dumb presentation to the court. Alex Murdaugh did better, as his convictions for murder have been reversed on appeal. Rich takes a look at both of these cases, what happened at the sentencing hearing, and how a court clerk derailed...

Continuing the trend of defamation cases over the past few years, four witnesses from the Karen Read criminal case have brought a defamation action against Ms. Read and the podcaster/journalist known as Turtleboy, while FBI Director Kash Patel has sued the Atlantic and its reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick. Assembled on the Lawfare field of battle, legal analysts Terri Austin, Marie Pereira, and Joe Rich...

Another chapter opens in the Karen Read saga, as she and online personality Aidan Kearney (a/k;a Turtleboy) are sued by Jennifer McCabe, Brian Albert, Colin Albert, and Brian Higgins for defamation and related causes of action. Rich takes a first look at the Complaint, the claims, and the issues that are likely to be the focus of this litigation.

Lawfare - The Game: the true crime online legal analyst panel discussion that is guilty on all counts. This week's panelists are Dave Aronberg, Sunny Slaughter and Josh Schiffer. They take on: The Gilgo Beach guilty pleas and potential civil litigation Luigi Mangione's dual (and competing) prosecutions Blake Lively v. Justin Baldoni - upcoming trial Play Law!

Checking in on the latest in the Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni lawsuit, as most of her claims are dismissed by the Court. Rich looks at the legal strategies, case developments, and implications for celebrity litigation.

The Federal court has moved it's trial date back, very slightly, but Luigi Mangione still faces the prospects of two murder trials this year. Rich unpacks the latest court proceedings, the current schedule, the potential double jeopardy implications, Mangione's right to a fair trial, and Rich's view that the dual prosecutions of Mangione are tripping over themselves by failing to cooperate and ove...

The fallout from the Law&Crime Network's acquisition of CourtTV continues, with positive reports from the acquirors, and the launch of the new service Law&Crime+. Rich talks about the latest developments and the continuing reaction to changes at CourtTV. In addition, juries in New Mexico and California rendered verdicts this week holding social media companies liable for injuring teens. Ri...

The landscape has changed at CourtTV following its acquisition by the Law & Crime Network. Rich is joined by legal analysts Josh Schiffer and Franz Borghardt to discuss the merger, the new landscape, and what lies ahead. The three analysts talk about their experiences on the two networks, the true crime community, and the value of on-air legal analysis. Ask

Meta and YouTube are on trial in California, where a plaintiff alleges that the sites were addictive and harmful. The trial is a bellwether for some 1,600 consolidated cases and many more filed in other state. Mark Zuckerberg himself was questioned about Meta's knowledge and culpability, in a legal matter that may help frame societal norms for social media companies going forward. Rich discusses t...

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni had a settlement conference but did not settle their case. Can they ever? In this episode of 'So Sue Me', Rich Schoenstein discusses settlements in civil litigation, using the Lively and Baldoni case as a backdrop. He explains the reasons why most civil cases settle before reaching trial, the processes involved in reaching a settlement, and the various outcomes that...

Luigi Mangione is facing trial for the murder of Brian Thompson in both New York State and New York Federal Court. The proceedings have raised concerns about the timing, preparation, and fairness of the trials, as well as the overcharging and double jeopardy issues. These concerns were heightened by the recent scheduling of the state court trial for June 8, 2026, just three months before jury sele...

Last week's blockbuster rulings in the Federal prosecution of Luigi Mangione eliminated charges that could be punishable by death - although prosecutors may appeal that - and ruled that the backpack and its contents are admissible as evidence. Rich discussed the reasoning in their decisions and how they will impact the case. Takeaways Death penalty charges dismissed Backpack evidence admissible Ch...

Duke University commenced arbitration and a lawsuit against its quarterback, Darian Mensah, over his entry into the college football portal and potential transfer to the University of Miami. The case raises important issues concerning the enforceability of written contracts, the ability to seek injunctive relief in court in the aid of arbitration, and whether injunctive relief is merited. Rich tak...

Luigi Mangione is headed back to federal court, with key motions pending challenging the possibility of the death penalty and seeking to suppress evidence. Rich Schoenstein provides insights into the legal strategies employed by the defense and the pending motions, emphasizing the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.

This episode discusses the newly enacted Consumer Litigation Funding Act in New York, which aims to regulate litigation funding practices. The law introduces a 25% cap on the recovery amount for funding companies and outlines various consumer protections, including clear contract disclosures and attorney responsibilities. The conversation explores the implications of this law on the litigation fun...

Can a backpack make or break a case? This week on So Sue Me, we unpack the pending evidentiary battle surrounding Luigi Mangione's backpack, which allegedly holds crucial evidence against him. We discuss the procedural status, with no decision on the evidence expected until May 2026, and the substance of the issues. #LuigiMangione #Evidence #backpack #SoSueMe #Schoetime #TrueCrime

In this episode, Rich Schoenstein discusses the complexities of contingency cases in civil litigation. He explains why many lawyers, including himself, are hesitant to take on business cases on a contingency basis, highlighting the financial risks involved, the importance of case evaluation, and the need for clients to be well-prepared. Rich also offers insights into the challenges of navigating t...

In this episode of So Sue Me!, Rich Schoenstein delves into the fundamental concepts of contracts and breach of contract. He explains the essential elements required to establish a breach of contract claim and what constitutes a contract. Rich emphasizes that contracts do not always need to be in writing, although written agreements provide clarity and enforceability. He discusses the importance o...

The civil case brought by Karen Read has been removed to federal court. Rich digs in on this strategic maneuver, discussing federal jurisdiction in civil cases, the removal process, why a litigant might want to be in federal court and why these particular defendants may have decided to move the case. Rich explains the nuances of federal question jurisdiction and the potential advantages of federal...

The Karen Read case is in civil litigation and, accordingly, we discuss it on the podcast about civil litigation. Rich Schoenstein provides an overview of the prior legal proceedings, the divided public opinion, the outcomes of the criminal trials, and the subsequent civil lawsuits filed by both the O'Keefe family and Karen Read. The episode also discusses the implications of fundraising efforts b...

Alienation of affection and criminal conversation - two uncommon civil law claims - were at issue in Akira Montague v. Brenay Kennard, a North Carolina lawsuit in which the plaintiff sued a TikTok star for allegedly having an affair with plaintiff's husband, resulting in a jury awarding her $1.75 million. Rich breaks down the legal concepts, jury instructions, and implications of the verdict, whil...

This edition of "So, Sue Me!" delves into the O.J. Simpson case, of all things, focusing on the recent developments regarding his estate. Rich Schoenstein discusses the media's portrayal of supposed agreement to honor a $58 million claim by Fred Goldman, the father of Ron Goldman, and clarifies the realities of the situation. It is an agreement on amount, not payment, and there are substantial cha...