Free Newsletter
Prescriptive easement claim over quarry access rejected
Virginia Court of Appeals rules permissive use of land does not support a prescriptive easement, reversing circuit court’s ruling in property dispute.
New law expands liability for employee misconduct
A new Virginia law expands employer liability for employee misconduct involving vulnerable victims, raising risks in healthcare and caregiving industries.
Panel rejects class certification in collision suit
The 4th Circuit reversed class certification in a lawsuit claiming Progressive underpaid totaled vehicle claims using “projected sold adjustments.”
Negligence claim revived in student’s sexual assault case
Virginia Court of Appeals reinstates gross negligence claim against educators in case involving alleged sexual assault of special needs student.
In wake of cyber threats, federal courts change process for filing sealed records
Virginia federal courts now require hard copy filing of sealed documents amid rising cyberattacks targeting sensitive legal information.
Federal judge narrows plaintiff class in FLSA suit
A federal court ruled FLSA wage claims can proceed only for Virginia Pizza Hut drivers, citing lack of jurisdiction over out-of-state plaintiffs.
Funding gap leaves court-appointed counsel unpaid, reluctant to accept new CJA cases
Court-appointed CJA attorneys in Virginia go unpaid amid a national funding shortfall, raising concerns about access to indigent defense services.
Relocation of easements isn’t unwarranted hardship
Court of Appeals of Virginia affirms developer’s right to relocate easements under § 55.1-304, finding no economic harm or undue hardship to landowners.
4th Circuit revives employee’s disability bias suit
4th Circuit rules a jury must decide if SSA employee’s reassignment without supervisory duties was adverse under ADA and Rehabilitation Act.
Court reverses med-mal verdict over jury’s ‘habit instruction’
Court of Appeals of Virginia reverses medical malpractice verdict, citing confusion caused by a jury instruction on doctor’s habit evidence.
Circuit Court limits scope of records expungement
A Fairfax judge ruled that preliminary protective orders can't be expunged, even when criminal charges are dropped or nolle prossed.
BofA, Merrill not the same taxpayer
4th Circuit rules Bank of America can't offset tax interest with Merrill Lynch overpayments made before their 2013 merger under IRS § 6621.
Legal Tech
- AI in practice: How new technology is affecting litigation practice
- Experts foresee legal malpractice risk for those who eschew AI
- Legal Decoder launches AI-powered billing analytics interface
Verdicts & Settlements
- Negligence and Tort – E-bike collision leads to neck injury, psoriasis flare
- Motor Vehicle Negligence – ‘Daydreaming’ driver hit plaintiff walking by road
- Motor Vehicle Negligence 92-year-old dies after being hit by vehicle
- Motor Vehicle Negligence – Motorcyclist suffers severe injuries in vehicle accident
- Medical Malpractice – Patient dies after alleged improper medicine admin
Opinion Digests
- Civil Procedure – Circuit court lost jurisdiction 21 days after final order
- Municipal – City has sovereign immunity against commercial owner’s claims
- Criminal – Speedy trial violation results in conviction being reversed
- Criminal – Defendant convicted of assault and battery of a law enforcement officer
- Landlord and tenant – 2019 amendment to Virginia Code didn’t apply retroactively
- Criminal – Defendant attempts to burn house using fireworks
- Criminal – Man convicted of abducting girlfriend
