Texas law firm can sell off 6,000 tort cases in bankruptcy deal to repay funders
May 14 (Reuters) - A bankrupt Texas law firm facing allegations it filed lawsuits on behalf of people it did not represent can sell off thousands of mass tort cases as part of a settlement it struck with a pair of litigation funders, according to court records.
Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Eduardo Rodriguez in Houston on Wednesday approved the settlement between MMA Law Firm and litigation backers Equal Access Justice Fund and EAJF ESQ Fund in a deal that could allow MMA to sell more than 6,000 of its cases, filings show.
The cases include claims in mass litigation over heartburn drug Zantac, weed killer Roundup, and cow's milk-based baby formula for premature infants. The settlement assigns 75% of the proceeds of those sales to the litigation funders, which say they are owed nearly $38 million from MMA.
The remainder of the sale proceeds will go to the firm's other creditors. But the funds must receive at least $18 million from the sale, the settlement agreement said.
Representatives for MMA and the funds did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Avi Moshenberg, an attorney representing the unsecured creditors in the bankruptcy, welcomed the judge's ruling and said the deal is 'an enormous step toward getting the creditors paid.'
The deal resolves a bitter fight playing out in both Texas state court and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court between the Florida-based funds and the troubled law firm MMA, formerly known as McClenny Moseley & Associates.
MMA, its founder Zach Moseley and its other attorneys drew scrutiny from several federal judges in Louisiana and prompted an investigation by the FBI after the firm filed thousands of lawsuits in Louisiana state and federal courts in 2022 against insurers on behalf of homeowners who suffered property damage from hurricanes Laura, Delta and Ida.
The status of the FBI investigation is unclear. Representatives for the New Orleans FBI office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The judges held hearings in 2023 over allegations that MMA attorneys improperly solicited or paid for clients through a marketing company and a roofer, filed lawsuits on behalf of people it did not represent and mishandled checks for clients from settlements, according to court records.
Attorneys from the firm have faced disciplinary proceedings in both state and federal court, court records show. Separately, law enforcement in Louisiana has also said they are investigating the firm.
MMA, facing a lawsuit from the litigation funders in Texas state court, filed for bankruptcy in April 2024.
As part of the settlement with the litigation funders, MMA and Zach Moseley will continue to work on some of the firm's cases, although Moseley will not receive a salary increase or bonus until the firm's debts to the funds have been paid, the filing said.
The court filings did not address whether any of the 6,000 cases that the firm can sell off include those that were under investigation.
In cases brought by attorneys for MMA as part of the bankruptcy filing, which include claims against rival law firms over fees in MMA hurricane damage cases the other firms took over, MMA is slated to keep the majority of the recoveries, according to the agreement.
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Reuters
28 minutes ago
- Reuters
Nasdaq-bound Hotel101 eyes expansion into Latin America, Oceania, CEO says
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Wales Online
33 minutes ago
- Wales Online
The best fish and chip shops in Wales according to the people who know best
The best fish and chip shops in Wales according to the people who know best National Fish and Chip Day is the perfect time to indulge in the treat Page's Fish & Chips in Cwmbran is one of the establishments on the list (Image: Page's Fish & Chips/Facebook ) Today marks an important day in the calendar - National Fish and Chip Day. There's little that can compare to venturing to your local favourite for a delectable serving of cod and chips and today is the perfect day for it. A fish and chip supper is a treat we simply can't resist, and it's one of the nation's favourite takeaway options - particularly during the summer months when beach outings and evenings lounging by the seafront are commonplace. The succulent flakes of cod encased in golden batter, served with piping hot chips and lashings of vinegar... just thinking about them makes us hungry. Whether you're partial to a cod bite, a sausage-in-batter, or curry sauce, there are plenty of fish and chip shops in Wales serving up the most tantalising portions. From the shores of north Wales to the market towns of the south, you'll find a chippy whose offerings are as breathtaking as the views that surround it. Here, in no particular order, are the Welsh chippies that should be on your list, whether you're local or just passing through.... 1. Caersws Fish Bar When one of Wales' - and indeed the UK's - top chefs (none other than Ynyshir's Gareth Ward) recommends a fish and chip shop as one of his three top places to eat ever, you don't question it. You can read all about Caersws' story here, reports Wales Online. Owner Tim Harrison prides himself on experimenting with new, exciting dishes for his chippy, including sourdough batter, Parsi-style masala battered fish, Koji Fried Chicken - his take on KFC but with fermented ingredients - and much more. This truly is a fish bar with a 'really cool' difference. Article continues below Where: 2 Cwrt Swswen, Station Road, Caersws SY17 5EQ Caersws Fish Bar (Image: Tim Harrison ) 2. Victoria Fish Bar On a chilly, dark autumn evening, the bright lights of Victoria Fish Bar invite in hungry patrons, offering comforting fish and chips with crispy batter embracing thick cuts of cod. Where: 41 Old Church Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1AB The team at the Victoria Fish Bar in Whitchurch (Image: Victoria Fish Bar ) 3. The Mermaid This Barmouth-based chippy was the only other Welsh establishment recognised by The Times in 2023 as one of the UK's best. It was described as: "What beverage pairs best with fish and chips? Champagne? An unoaked chardonnay? A pint of bitter? All are good, but none beats a mug of tea. "In most chippies that's a teabag on a string in a polystyrene cup, but at the Mermaid (established 1964) it comes out of a metal pot, strong and slightly overstewed - the perfect accompaniment to a crunchy fillet of battered cod and crisp yet fluffy chips." Sounds lush. Where: Jubilee Road, Barmouth LL42 1LT 4. O My Cod Not only is O My Cod a scrumptious fish bar in Bridgend, but it's also an award-winning one. The chippy has been recognised not just for its top-notch food but also for its charitable endeavours. The chippy regularly provides hearty meals to local homeless individuals and fundraises for local charities - Hope Rescue for abandoned dogs and the Tŷ Hafan children's hospice. Not to forget, it has bagged the Blue Ribbon in Good Food award for Fish and Chips - its ingredients are locally sourced, fresh and it boasts an extensive gluten-free and vegetarian menu. Where: 66 Nolton St, Bridgend CF31 3BP 5. Hikary's Fish Bar This chip shop is a firm favourite amongst the residents of Neath and Port Talbot. With numerous prestigious awards to its name, its fresh and high-quality menu is cooked and fried using groundnut oil, making it a deliciously healthy takeaway option. Alongside staple options like fishcakes, scampi, jumbo sausages and traditional cod, they offer burgers, halloumi fries and even jacket potatoes. Plus, they were recently named as one of six Welsh fish and chip shops listed in the UK's Top 50. Where: 74 Briton Ferry Road, Neath Hikary's Fish Bar (Image: South Wales Evening Post ) 6. Môr Ffein This stunning shop offers traditional fish and chips daily, but it also serves special menus for when you fancy treating yourself or your loved ones. And it's not just fish you'll find. You can indulge in pulled pork, vegan chilli, and even a cheesecake or two – we're salivating at the thought. Where: 2 High Street, St Dogmaels, SA43 3ED Môr Ffein (Image: Môr Ffein Llandudoch / Instagram ) 7. The Creel This snug, family-run chippy exudes warmth and friendliness. With its proximity to the port ensuring the freshest of fare, it's no wonder TripAdvisor is awash with glowing reviews. One visitor wrote: "Amazing fish and chips. Just freshly made. Good price. Friendly staff and helpful. Nice wee sitting area outside. Well worth a visit." Where: 84 High St, Porthmadog LL49 9NW 8. Dorothy's Fish Bar A night out in Cardiff isn't complete without a jaunt down Caroline Street, affectionately dubbed Chippy Lane, culminating in a feast at Dorothy's. Whether it's classic fish and chips, Welsh favourite chips and curry sauce, or another takeaway delight, missing out on Dorothy's means missing out on a true Cardiff experience. Since it opened in 1953, this enduring family-run chippy has become an institution for satisfying those fish and chip cravings, whether it's lunchtime or the early hours. Where: 39-40 Caroline St, Cardiff CF10 1FF 9. Cardiff Arms Fish Bar The new proprietors of this Rhondda chip shop have inherited years of fish supper history from the Italian family who previously ran it for decades. They've also taken over the iconic cafe next door, giving both a modern makeover whilst maintaining the familiar feel of their predecessors. Alongside classic fish suppers (quality fish, light batter, generous portions), they've updated the menu to include burgers, loaded fries, an expanded range of seafood delights and a rotating selection of homemade fishcakes and rissoles. Where: 147-148 Bute St, Treorchy CF42 6BN 10. Beales Beales offers beautifully crunchy batter that's not at all greasy, succulent flakes of fish, and chips that are fluffy on the inside and golden on the outside. Everything is served in a cardboard box and is always fresh and tasty. Expect queues at any time of day. Where: 2-3 Eastern Promenade, Porthcawl CF36 5TS 11. Off the Hook Bistro Boasting a stunning location overlooking Broad Haven beach, Off the Hook serves up fantastic fish and chips with equally impressive views - and the portions are huge. The batter is light without being greasy and the chips are simply divine. Most of their menu can also be made gluten-free - just let them know your preference. Where: 2 Marine Rd, Broad Haven, Haverfordwest SA62 3JR 12. Penaluna's Famous Fish and Chips This family-owned chippy has received numerous awards for its fish and chips. The shop only purchases fish that has been processed and frozen at sea within six hours of being caught. Where: 36 High St, Hirwaun, CF44 9SW 13. Hiks This Swansea-based chip shop boasts a 42-seater restaurant adjacent to its original site. They place a strong emphasis on freshness, with all cod cooked to order. Their menu includes meal deals, desserts, and a build-your-own-burger option. Where: 189 Llangyfelach Rd, Brynhyfryd, Swansea SA5 9LE 14. The BoatHouse Fish Bar Experience the full package at this traditional fish shop located right on the seafront. Jessica and Chris, who are graduates of the Frying School of Excellence, offer a wide variety of fish options. If you're feeling adventurous, give their Irish curry or fishcake special a try. Where: 36 Esplanade, Porthcawl CF36 3YR 15. Boofy's Chips always taste better by the seaside, and the ones served at Boofy's are no exception. Expect generous portions, golden chips, and perfectly-cooked fish. This chip shop, which featured in the BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey, offers gluten-free chips every day. However, gluten-free fish is only available on weekends and must be ordered in advance. Where: 2 Western Arcade, Barry CF62 5TQ 16. O'Shea's Nowadays, O'Shea's and Boofy's are situated adjacent to one another, both renowned for their delicious fish and chips. Some patrons may be loyal to one shop, while others might alternate visits or make a spontaneous decision. Either way, those visiting Barry Island won't be disappointed when choosing between the Western Arcade pair. Where: 1 Western Arcade, Barry CF62 5TQ 17. Hennighan's Top Shop As a family-run enterprise, this fish and chip shop has consistently served high-quality food with impeccable customer service for over four decades. From its humble beginnings in a converted corner shop, the business has continued to impress multiple generations of customers in Machynlleth. Where: 123 Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth SY20 8EF Hennighan's Top Shop (Image: Hennighan's Top Shop/Facebook ) 18. Chippy Dre-Sglod a Cod With a glowing review, calling it the "best fish and chips in Gwynedd" from one TripAdvisor user and boasting an unrivaled five-star rating, this fish and chip shop exceeds customer expectations. Where: 11-13 Church Street, Tremadog LL49 9RA 19. Fish Kitchen 1854 Having transformed from an abandoned Chinese restaurant, the updated establishment has evolved into this chic, family-friendly fish and chip shop, a place that seems to have resonated well within the community. Reviews praised both the culinary delights and the outstanding service. Menu highlights include crispy prawn offerings, fishcakes, and locally-grown onion rings. Also, look out for gluten-free dinner nights. Where: 58 Main Road, Maesycwmmer, Hengoed 20. Johnnies If you're a local to Mumbles, you're likely a regular at Johnnies, a true gem of a fish and chip shop that's an unmissable spot. Expect to join a queue, particularly on weekends, but the wait is rewarded with generous portions served in boxes and curry sauce that's simply perfect; a real hit with families. Where: 2a Chapel Street, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4NH 21. The Posh Fish and Chip Company For scrumptious fish dishes and friendly service, The Posh Fish and Chip Company in Cardiff is a must-visit venue. Fine options include succulent lobster and homemade fishcakes made in-house. Where: 1, Llantrisant Road Retail Park, Llantrisant Rd, Cardiff CF5 2BF 22. Plassey Fish Bar Seeking a hefty helping of splendidly fried fish and chips? Make your way to Plassey Fish Bar, just off Penarth's High Street. One happy customer wrote on their Facebook page: "The best chip shop in Penarth when you see a queue down the street you know it's going to be good and the staff are nice I wouldn't go anywhere else. 5 stars." Where: 87 Plassey Street, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 1EP 23. Les and Rita's Fish Bar Recognised by The Times as one of the UK's top fish and chip shops, Les and Rita's has been a staple for over 50 years, perfecting their craft of delivering top-notch fish and chips. The establishment was lauded for its traditional fish supper with bread that is neither "artisan nor sourdough", and its nostalgic décor. Chris Haslam, The Times' travel editor, wrote about the 55-year-old chippy: "Les and Rita Pidduck began selling chip suppers in Rhyl 55 years ago and the contemporary art adorning the walls of their shop on Wellington Road, a mere 10-minute stroll from the promenade, does little to alter the feeling that you've stepped back into the Swinging Sixties.... opting for takeaway would be missing out here. Instead, choose a booth - crafted from authentic vinyl and genuine Formica - and order a sit-down supper of fish, chips, mushy peas and bread that is neither artisan nor sourdough." Where: 28 Wellington Rd, Rhyl LL18 1BN 24. Yan's Fish Bar, Cardiff The chip shop in Cardiff has been dishing out proper traditional fish and chips since 1969, priding itself on using the freshest ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible. Their curry gravy and batter mix are unique to their kitchen. Where: 182 Whitchurch Rd, Cardiff CF14 3NB Yans Fish Bar 25. Page's Fish and Chips With nearly seven decades of experience, this establishment is a treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to crispy calamari, Thai crab cakes, and breaded whitebait. Where: Woodside Road, Cwmbran NP44 3EW (also a branch in Sebastopol!) 26. Finney's at The Golden Fry Catering to gluten-free diets with everything from vinegar to batter, The Golden Fry stands out for its fresh, sustainable fish and specials like battered smoked haddock, not to mention their new burger range. A chippy tea from here is sure to be a hit. They also have another location in Amlwch. Where: The Square, Benllech, Anglesey, LL74 8SN/1 Quay St, Amlwch Port, Amlwch LL68 9HD 27. Ship Deck As for the chips... : "Ship Deck's chips tasted good and we had a generous portion of them." Where: Newport Road, Trethomas, Caerphilly CF83 8BR Ryan Hughes of Ship Deck (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) 28. Catch Cymru Tucked away halfway down a tranquil back street in the heart of town, this Welsh fish bar 'with a difference' may be inconspicuously located, but its reputation is anything but hidden. Since opening, it has become the talk of the town, propelled by glowing word-of-mouth recommendations. Online reviews from thrilled customers speak volumes. "Gorgeous breaded sea bass and homemade tartare sauce, haddock burger delicious and best chips I've eaten in ages. Will definitely be back," one customer wrote. Another review said: "Honestly the nicest fish and chips I've had! We also tried the halloumi fries on the side and the homemade coleslaw - both were beautiful. Would 100% recommend - well worth the trip up from Swansea!". Where: Red Lion Lane, Guildhall Square, Carmarthen SA31 1PN Catch Cymru (Image: Catch Cymru ) 29. Enoch's With a blend of "new skool attitude" and "old skool roots", Enoch's, an award-winning fish and chip shop in North Wales, boasts a rich history dating back to 1969 when it was first opened by fish merchant Arthur Enoch Hughes. Danny White-Meir took the helm in 2006, continuing the legacy with a promise that Enoch's fish and chips offer an unparalleled taste experience. Notably, they claim to be one of the few fish and chip shops globally to fry their food in a special high-oleic sunflower oil, which is heart-friendly. Their thick-cut chips are double-fried to achieve a divine texture. Where: 146 Conwy Road, Conwy, LL31 9DU 30. Ainsworth's Fish and Chip Shop This small chip shop has been recognised amongst the UK's 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways and 10 Best Fish and Chip Restaurants 2022/2023 by Fry Magazine. Despite its modest size, it packs a punch with its flavours. Customers have lauded their 'lovely batter' and homemade mushy peas on their own website. Location: 41 Bridge St, Caernarfon LL55 1AF 31. The Lime Crab Offering a fresh take on the fish and chips market, this shop serves up traditional favourites alongside exciting options like lobster, deep-fried halloumi, and tempura-battered prawns. If you're after fish and chips with a twist, this is your spot. They even cater to dietary requirements with gluten-free and vegan options. Location: South John St, New Quay SA45 9NP The Lime Cab (Image: The Lime Cab/Facebook ) 32. Fish Tram Chips Restaurant This licensed café offers classic fish 'n' chips in a relaxed dining room complete with table linen. Situated at the top of a hill opposite the Great Orme Tramway (hence the name), it's well worth the climb. Both locals and tourists love it, and they serve beans and mushy peas in a separate dish to prevent your chips from getting soggy - a thoughtful touch! Location: 24 Old Rd, Llandudno LL30 2NB Article continues below
Finextra
37 minutes ago
- Finextra
A third of EMEA-based firms are already using AI for compliance
A third of EMEA firms are already using AI in compliance, and 71.4% plan to introduce it in the next year – with EMEA firms also much less likely to ban communications like WhatsApp for business use 0 This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. Global Relay, a leading provider of end-to-end compliance solutions for highly regulated industries, has shared the findings of its third annual report into the major compliance challenges facing financial firms. Based on insights from hundreds of compliance and surveillance professionals worldwide, the Industry Insights: Compliant Communications Report 2025 leverages this data to track key compliance trends, with findings including: A third of EMEA-based firms are already using AI for compliance – and for those that aren't yet, 71.4% intend to introduce it in the next year, compared to only 43.7% of North American firms Just 31.7% of EMEA-based respondents think that banning certain communications channels is an effective compliance solution, compared to the 50.6% of NA respondents who believe they work EMEA-based firms are much more likely to enable and monitor all communications channels, with over half (52.4%) of firms doing so compared to just 31.2% of NA firms There has been a considerable drop in respondents struggling to get staff to stick to compliance policies, down to just 29.5% compared to 61.5% in 2023 EMEA-based firms are leading the way with AI adoption for compliance use cases, coming as little surprise given that the EU AI Act provides a world-first regulatory guardrail for AI development. Coupled with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)'s recent commitments to support AI innovation, the U.K. and Europe are presenting firms with a permissive environment when it comes to AI. 'Recent technological advances in AI are moving the needle quickly when it comes to adoption, although AI is still generally perceived as difficult, expensive, and only marginally effective for risk detection use cases,' explains Don McElligott, Vice President, Compliance Supervision, Global Relay. 'It will be very interesting to see if adoption numbers increase as organizations realize the value and availability of effective AI solutions.' Given the tempo of regulatory enforcements and punitive fines for off-channel communications over the last four years in the U.S., it's unsurprising that NA firms are taking a more cautious approach to communications compliance and are more likely to believe that banning channels is an effective solution that eliminates potential risk and avoids regulatory scrutiny entirely. 'It's very interesting to see that a surprisingly high number of firms are enabling the use of communications channels like WhatsApp, as conventional wisdom suggests the majority prohibit it,' says Rob Mason, Director, Regulatory Intelligence at Global Relay. 'Since our 2023 report, we have seen the dial shift away from channel bans and towards communicating compliantly throughout the finance industry, and firms, their employees, and even regulators will no doubt continue to see the benefits of a more permissive, collaborative compliance environment.' The Industry Insights: Compliant Communication Report series provides an annual snapshot of the changing face of compliance, combining insight from industry professionals and compliance experts for a data-driven overview of how compliance challenges are evolving, and how the industry is responding.
