Comments for Publisher's Notebook

Comment on So, who wants to be a juror? by J. Martelino, Jr.

J. Martelino, Jr. — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:28:53 +0000

I have also been summonsed for jury duty in Henrico County, and I tried to waive the exemption. The chief judge, however, wrote me a letter politely not allowing my offer to serve on jury duty.

Comment on So, who wants to be a juror? by Scott Pickus

Scott Pickus — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:30:48 +0000

This issue arose in Chesterfield County a few years ago…..the Circuit Court Clerk interpreted the exemption (which may be claimed) to be the functional equivalent of a disqualification from jury duty.

I know many people think poorly of attorneys (until they need one) but I had never before heard that an attorney was disqualified from serving as a juror simply because that person was a lawyer!

I’m not sure whether Chesterfield still maintains this policy today or not……….

Comment on So, who wants to be a juror? by Jon Sheldon

Jon Sheldon — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:19:50 +0000

Interesting. About 5 years ago I wrote to Ferguson’s predecessor asking why I had never received a summons for jury service, yet some of my friends who had lived in Arlington for far less time had been summoned at least 3 times. I never received a response, but I suspect that they were pre-screening and exempting lawyers barred in Virginia. I look forward to serving!

– Jon Sheldon

Comment on Good Guy: Rob Kaplan by Mark Flynn

Mark Flynn — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:25:37 +0000

I agree with the note of appreciation for Rob Kaplan. When I was a city attorney, his office did a great job of connecting the city with excellent candidates for summer law clerk positions (I know, archaic term – summer interns) and helped with the financing for the public practice position.

Comment on A kudo for Cooper by Bill Barrett

Bill Barrett — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:22:42 +0000

Bravo! Alan. The Best of it All to you.

Comment on A kudo for Cooper by john w luxton

john w luxton — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:54:06 +0000

I miss seeing Allan in the halls of the Richmond area courthouses. He was everyone’s friend and a great reporter. Take care Allan.

Comment on A kudo for Cooper by Dawn Chase

Dawn Chase — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:12:55 +0000

Well-deserved! Alan has always used his powers for the good! Alan is ethical, humane, and a gentleman.

Comment on Breakfast with the devil by Prison Mike

Prison Mike — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:12:28 +0000

Thank you for actually investigating this story. It’s one of those urban myths that people are so quick to believe because it plays to the public’s sense of irony and it plays on their distrust of lawyers and the legal system. Another variation of this tale is when a burglar sues a homeowner because he hurt himself while trying to burglarize the home. It’s amazing how the public is so gullible and quick to believe certain tales.

Comment on Breakfast with the devil by James Dodd

James Dodd — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 03:46:05 +0000

I have practiced law in Crockett-Stark’s district for 20 years, much longer than she has even been a delegate (about 7 or 8 years) and I can tell you for a fact that this story is not true. This is not Richmond, Fairfax or Norfolk. Every lawyer in a 100 mile radius knows each other and any kind of major or significant case is well discussed by the local bar. Those of us here in \Annie B’s\ district know she is just simply making this up.

Comment on Breakfast with the devil by CW

CW — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:56:53 +0000

Well….as we say over here in Roanoke: “The truth screws up many a good story.”