News - 2015

Julie E. Green was quoted in an article in the July 6, 2015 issue of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly regarding a federal judge's order to shorten a voluminous complaint.

Describing the lengthy pleading as "unwieldy," "disorganized" and "rambling," U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs has twice dismissed the complaint. The judge is giving the plaintiff a third and likely final opportunity to file an amended complaint that meets the standards of Rule 8 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, according to the article.

A complaint filed in federal court must include a "short, plain statement of a claim," and "simple, concise and direct" allegations.

Ms. Green (who is not involved in the case) said the judge's ruling is important. "These situations are rare," she told the publication, "but they do arise, and it's important to reaffirm that Rule 8 really does call for a short and plain statement in the complaint."