MDL Judge Rejects Effort to Disqualify Va., N.C. Counsel

NEW ORLEANS - The Chinese Drywall MDL judge has denied a motion that sought to prevent plaintiffs' counsel from representing claimants in two federal class actions, while at the same time bringing individual complaints on behalf of homeowners in state court litigation. Germano v. Taishan Gypsum Co., Ltd., et al., No. 09-202 (E.D. Va.).

Judge Eldon E. Fallon of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana denied a motion Dec. 4 to disqualify the plaintiffs' lawyers from representing the federal claimants under state professional conduct rules.

The motion was denied for reasons provided following a hearing before …