Judge Doug Pullen’s ‘Gifts’: Records reveal judge directed millions to Mercer and Morehouse, gained recognition

The Ledger-Enquirer discusses the issue of distributing settlement money to plaintiffs and mentions Ted Frank's insights on the subject.

Critics say the potential of benefits for judges and lawyers underscores a need to limit charitable contributions and reform the way they are distributed.

“The problem is that there aren’t restrictions in place,” said Ted Frank, a tort-reform advocate and founder of the Washington, D.C.,-based Center for Class Action Fairness who has pushed for attorneys to return more remainder funds to plaintiffs. “You certainly have academics and others speaking out against the unfettered slush funds aspect of it, but the courts have not yet policed themselves in this regard to a large extent.”

Attorneys often are left with few options. They can redistribute leftover money to plaintiffs, but that distribution can cost more than the actual payout.

Advocates for reform have suggested giving the money to the government, but this option is often criticized as not benefiting the plaintiffs. An even more unpopular move is to return unclaimed funds to the defendant.

Read the full article at the Ledger-Enquirer.