Defendant Accused of 'Judge Shopping' Silica Cases Moves for Recusal

JACKSON, Miss. - A silica defendant accused of hiring counsel in an attempt to force the recusal of a trial court judge with an apparent conflict of interest with the firm has filed a mandamus petition in Mississippi Supreme Court asking that the judge be removed from hearing the case. In Re: Parmelee Industries, Inc., No. 2003-M-1633-4 (Miss. Sup. Ct.).

In a petition for writ of mandamus filed July 24, counsel for defendant Parmelee Industries, now doing business as Chicago Eye Shield Company, denies allegations that it is marketing the conflict as a means of retaining silica clients in Mississippi. …