HOT DOCS

INSURANCE – Axis Surplus Ins. Co. v. Glencoe Ins. Ltd.

OPINION – Axis and Glencoe each provided insurance to a construction company for the same project. When the company was sued, Axis provided a defense while Glencoe stood aside. Axis settled the case, then sued Glencoe for contribution. Judgment that Glencoe owed 60 percent of the settlement was not an abuse of discretion. (Cal.Ct. App., 4th Dist.)

ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE – In re Oracle Securities Litigation

ORDER – Oracle’s board formed a special litigation committee to investigate the merits of a derivative action against some of Oracle’s officers. Outside counsel interviewed witnesses and compiled a report. The committee waived attorney-client privilege regarding the report and the interview memoranda, but not regarding the original interview notes. (N.D. Cal.)

BALLOT INITIATIVES – McDonogh v. Superior Court

OPINION – A ballot initiative to reduce San Jose city employee pension benefits had an improper title (“Pension Reform”) and a ballot question (“To protect essential services, including neighborhood police patrols, fire stations, libraries, community centers, streets and parks, shall the Charter be amended…”), which improperly favored the initiative. The ballot title and question are ordered to be amended. (Cal.Ct. App., 6th Dist.)

COURT WIRE: JUST FILED