The decision to file the suit in Illinois may also raise eyebrows, since the only party with any significant ties to the state is the Chicago based law firm.

FORBES: Shipwreck Suit Filed In U.S.; Judge May Send It To Italy

In the second case, involving a client Phillips successfully represented in a whistleblower suit against General Electric, the client sued him in California State Court, alleging secret financial ties between the taxpayer group and Phillips' firm.

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The suit also names Michael Fitzgibbons, a Virginia personal injury attorney who is accused of using close ties with labor unions to set up screening halls where workers would obtain X-rays and materials to file asbestos claims.

FORBES: Legal Affairs

People tithed in Mercury dimes and buffalo nickels, and pews filled with old men who wore ancient black suit coats over overalls, and young men in short-sleeved dress shirts and clip-on ties.

NPR: Excerpt: 'The Prince of Frogtown'