Four Judge Transitions; Fifth Change in Plaintiffs' Legal Team

A Timeline of the Gallegly Center's Legal Proceedings (Early 2025)

Early-Mid 2025

Judicial Transition

  • Judge Walsh retires.
  • The Court reassigns the case to Judge Ronda McKaig, who initially declines to recuse herself for being a graduate of CLU; she later recuses herself due to another conflict.
  • The Court appoints Judge Mark Borrel to replace McKaig
  • CLU successfully appeals Borrel’s appointment
  • Court assigns fourth judge, Maureen Houska, to the case in May 2025

The Galleglys' Attorney Withdraws

  • The Galleglys’ 4th attorney, Charles Slyngstad, files a motion to be relieved as the Galleglys’ attorney. Slyngstad states that the Galleglys have “breached” the terms of their agreement with his firm.
  • The Galleglys initially do not consent in having Slynstad released; afterwards, they begin searching for new counsel.

Early 2025

Spring 2025

The Galleglys Engage New Counsel

  • The Galleglys retain their latest attorneys (the fifth team they engage): Matthew Umhofer and Peggy Dayton of UMK, LLP.

Phase Two of Trial

  • Court initially schedules Phase Two of trial for July 2025.
  • The Gallelgys’ new attorneys ask for and receive a continuance.
  • Court pushes back Phase Two of trial; new trial date is October 2025.

Spring-Summer 2025

Summer 2025

Industry Press Learns of Case and Covers it Deeply

  • The Chronicle of Higher Ed assigns topic to investigative journalist, David Jesse, who gets a detailed article published in May 2025.
  • Varlotta begins to receive support letters from colleagues across the country who are deeply troubled by both the actions of the Galleglys and Associates and the inactions of others.