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Tolbert & Tolbert Wins 7th Circuit Appeal
in Monumental First Amendment Lawsuit
In a high profile First Amendment, wrongful termination case entitled, Artis v. Santos, Tolbert & Tolbert successfully defended former City of East Chicago Clerk, Adrian Santos in an alleged political firing case. Santos was sued for allegedly terminating a City employee for political reasons in violation of the First Amendment after an election. At trial, evidence was presented that showed the termination was not for political reasons, but because the Plaintiff had a previous felony conviction.
During this process, Tolbert & Tolbert sought the expertise of Gary-based Insurance icon Roosevelt Haywood III of Haywood and Fleming Associates. At trial, Mr. Haywood testified that the plaintiff, “was a risk the City of East Chicago need not take on and that his presence would cause unnecessary additional expense at the least or an uncovered exposure at best.”
After the jury returned a verdict in favor of Santos, the Plaintiff appealed to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. After an oral argument, in a published opinion the Court found again in favor of Santos. The Court also found Mr. Haywood to be an expert in the field of insurance with “significant insurance and risk assessment experience.”
“This was a major win for Mr. Santos and the taxpayers of East Chicago," said firm partner Michael E. Tolbert. "Our firm is just blessed to have the chance to serve people like the Santos family, the great City of East Chicago, and debunk the negative stereotypes some might have regarding Lake County politics. We were also fortunate to have Mr. Haywood's expertise in the field of insurance. His insight further solidified our argument which resulted in a victory for our client.”
Learn more about this case and the 7th Circuit’s opinion here. Listen to the oral argument before the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals here.
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