imMERSed in a sea of differing opinions.

On February 11, 2011, Judge Karlin of the Kansas bankruptcy court sent more waves through the foreclosure and title community pool (a "title pool?"). The Martinez decision upholds MERS status as the lender's agent, for purposes of establishing standing by the current lienholder.

Compare this to New York bankruptcy Judge Grossman's February 10, 2011 Agard decision, for purposes of assignments that establish standing.

Read for yourself, and you'll be left to ask, "who's steering this boat?" I've talked with several local trustees, and they simply don't know what to do with this patchwork of analysis that is dropping from the various courts. I personally believe that recent state court decisions defining "non-possessory holders" will cut through this issue.

Unforgettable

I continue to be amazed at what lingers on the internet. Here's something from a 1998 parental rights case. Even I forgot about this one! This fellow fought to reclaim his daughter, who had been given up for adoption by her mother. I may be listed as co-counsel, but Jack Condliffe pulled the heavy weight, fired by some real passion for this client. It cemented my opinion of Jack as one of the best family law lawyers around. I was deeply dissapointed when he didn't get his appointment to the Circuit Court bench.

What do we give to our clients?

I stumbled across this link to the minutes of the Dorchester County Council describing a road abandonment case of mine. I really enjoy that part of the State, but I didn't enjoy getting to that particular hearing! It was scheduled on the same date as my wedding anniversary, while my wife and I were in Duck, N.C. on vacation with about a dozen family members.

My wife graciously dropped me at the car rental agency so I could drive to Norfolk, and then fly to BWI, rent another car, and drive to the 6:30 PM hearing in Dorchester County. I was home, in Baltimore, by 2 AM, and back to BWI by 8 AM to fly to Norfolk and then drive to Duck in order to celebrate our Anniversary, a day late.

I sure love that woman!

But the client who wouldn't allow my car rental expense from BWI to the hearing, and then wanted to cut time I spent at the hearing??? Not so much.

Oh, yes, and we persuaded the council to abandon the road.

Of course, you don't get any of that from the council minutes!