US ex rel. Greenfield v. Medco Health Solutions — civil / false claims — affirmance — Ambro

The Third Circuit today affirmed a district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of the alleged false claimant in a qui tam case. The case arose when, first, a health-care provider made donations to charities then, second, two of those charities alleged recommended the provider to patients. The panel rejected the provider’s argument that the relator had to prove that the charities’ recommendation actually caused members to use the provider, but also rejected the relator’s argument that it was enough just to show that the recommendations were made and the provider submitted claims around the same time. The panel held that the relator lost because he failed point to any specific patient who was referred by the charities and for whom the provider later sought government reimbursement.

Joining Ambro were Krause and Conti WDPA by designation. Arguing counsel were Regina Poserina of Begelman Orlow for the relator, Craig Singer of Williams & Connolly for the provider, and Katherine Allen for the government as amicus. (Making this the rare Third Circuit case where a majority of the panel and a majority of the arguing counsel were women.)

Williams v. AG — immigration — affirmance — Smith

The Third Circuit today held that a conviction under Georgia’s forgery statute, which covers using a false name when signing a document, is an aggravated felony supporting removal. The petitioner was a lawful permanent resident who immigrated to the US when he was 13 months old; his parents, grandparents, siblings, and children all are US citizens. The court split with the Ninth Circuit.

Joining Smith were Hardiman and Brann MDPA by designation. Arguing counsel were Christopher Mauro of Dechert for the petitioner and Christina Greer for the government.