Avalon Zoppo

Avalon Zoppo is an appellate courts reporter for The National Law Journal. Contact her at [email protected]. On Twitter: @AvalonZoppo.

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February 09, 2022 | Texas Lawyer

5th Circuit Judge Gregg Costa to Return to Private Practice, Saying He's 'Better Suited to Being an Advocate'

Judge Gregg Costa is resigning from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in August.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read

February 09, 2022 | National Law Journal

Are Test Scores Property? 'Varsity Blues' Parent Argues Government Is Criminalizing Cheating

A former private equity executive challenging his three-month prison sentence argues tests scores are not property under fraud statutes.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

February 08, 2022 | National Law Journal

Senators Knock 'Texas Two-Step' Bankruptcy Tactic Used by J&J in Talc Cases

While most senators criticized the strategy, they didn't land on what, if any, legislative fix would be appropriate.

By Avalon Zoppo

6 minute read

February 08, 2022 | National Law Journal

6th Circuit, Citing Filing Errors, Orders Sidney Powell to Refile Challenge to 'Kraken' Lawsuit Sanctions

The court noted several filing mistakes in Powell's brief asking the it to overturn sanctions stemming from her lawsuit challenging election results in Michigan.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

February 07, 2022 | National Law Journal

Attorney's $12K Sanction Can't Be Wiped Out in Bankruptcy, Appeals Court Rules

The lawyer attempted to argue his debt wasn't a "fine, penalty or forfeiture" under the Bankruptcy Code.

By Avalon Zoppo

2 minute read

February 07, 2022 | National Law Journal

Citing Conflict of Interest, Ex-Defender Asks Panel to Recuse Itself or Vacate Order in Her Harassment Case

The woman, identified as Jane Roe, said the selection process for judges in her case favored the judiciary, which is being sued.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read

February 03, 2022 | National Law Journal

Complaint Filed Against Judge Who Directed Lawyer to Remove Mask During Oral Arguments

The Fifth Circuit panel previously denied the attorney's request to appear for the argument virtually.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read

February 03, 2022 | National Law Journal

Sen. Durbin Criticizes Tom Cotton for Delaying Vote on US Attorney, Marshall Nominees

Sen. Cotton requested that two U.S. attorney nominees and two U.S. marshal nominees be held over.

By Avalon Zoppo

2 minute read

February 02, 2022 | National Law Journal

Judge Criticizes 6th Circuit 'Stay-and-Delay Tactic' in Abortion Ban Case

Judge Karen Nelson Moore, in a dissent, said the court's decision is part of a growing trend to use procedures to "delay the adjudication of laws that significantly impair constitutional rights."

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

February 02, 2022 | National Law Journal

Biden Nominates Michigan District Court Judge to 6th Circuit

Davis, who currently sits on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, would be the first Black woman from Michigan to serve on the Cincinnati, Ohio-based federal appeals court.

By Avalon Zoppo

2 minute read

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