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Sexual harassment prevention training that actually works
It seems like every few weeks a new sexual harassment scandal explodes across the headlines. In most cases, salacious allegations involve powerful politicians or well-known executives who often end up resigning in shame. In a futile attempt to defend themselves, these men (yes, they are most often men) often attempt to excuse their behavior by […]
Resources available to help address substance abuse in legal community
In 2016, a landmark study from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and the American Bar Association Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs found a troubling trend: Attorneys were more likely than the average person to report problem drinking, anxiety or depression. The study found that over one-third of responding practicing attorneys are problem drinkers, while nearly […]
Sea change? The pandemic may be shifting patterns in retirement
When you reach a certain age, retirement is on everyone’s mind. And the age varies. Several of my schoolteacher friends reached retirement age a couple of years ago. Retirement was a hot topic for the then- 54-year-olds. Many were exploring second careers, going back to school or spending more time with adult children and grandchildren. […]
Workplace wisdom: Think before you post to social media
If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: Think before you post. This recommendation applies to everyone, of course. But if you’re a lawyer, then you’d best heed my advice and tread lightly when posting commentary online on social media sites or elsewhere. Otherwise you run the risk of running afoul of your ethical […]
Bar challenges may reach U.S. high court
A Michigan lawyer failed last month in her challenge to the requirement that she join the State Bar of Michigan and pay dues supporting advocacy activities with which she disagreed. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in Taylor v. Buchanan, on July 15 found that two U.S. Supreme Court cases were right on point […]
Remote work: LEO clarifies issues surrounding out-of-state lawyers
A North Carolina-based attorney can work out of at a vacation home on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia so long as he works only on cases involving North Carolina or federal law, according to a proposed Legal Ethics Opinion from the Virginia State Bar. Proposed LEO 1896 states that Virginia has no interest in regulating […]
VSB rates 45 for 7 appeals court seats
A Virginia State Bar committee has reported recommendations to the General Assembly for 45 candidates for seven vacancies on the Virginia Court of Appeals. The VSB’s Judicial Candidate Evaluation Committee, or JCEC, rated candidates as “qualified” or “highly qualified” for the court. The candidates were recommended based on votes taken across several interview dates, including […]
10 ways to practice, promote civility in mediations
Lawyers tend to limit their practice to a few areas. Nonetheless, people come to us with myriad problems — many of which fall outside our expertise. Here is some practical information to help you assist those who have employment, disability benefit, workers’ compensation and related problems. In my experience, those problems often are best resolved […]
Not playing hurt: Promoting mental health is a team effort
In the sporting world, athletes often “play hurt” through a variety of physical injuries. Competing now is their focal point, and long-term health risks the afterthought. The practice of law is similar in many respects. Many lawyers often find it difficult, no matter what else they may be going through, to call for a substitute. […]
Top priority: Encourage clients to focus on self-care during divorce
No matter the area of law in which you practice, odds are good you will run across a client who is going through a divorce. Divorce is one of the most stressful life-changing events a person can experience. According to the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale — a tool which measures the degree to which […]
Supreme Court relaxes pandemic restrictions
In extending the declaration of judicial emergency on June 29, the Supreme Court of Virginia marked a milestone in the commonwealth’s legal system’s response to COVID-19. For the first time in more than a year, circuit courts do not need an approved plan by a panel of Supreme Court justices in order to conduct jury […]
The cost of not paying attention, and payoffs of doing so
When your to-do list runneth over, the idea of giving someone or something more attention may seem like a luxury you cannot afford. After all, as a mentor once told me, “Your work will expand to the time you give it.” Wise words indeed, but I offer that the presence you bring will create a […]
Verdicts & Settlements
- Plaintiff injured in crash with oncoming vehicle — $235,000 settlement
- Driver killed in rear-end collision with tractor-trailer — $1.5M settlement
- Man died from pancreatic cancer after delayed response — $1.8M settlement
- Worker fell off roof, rendering him a paraplegic — $1.25M settlement
- Driver sustained permanent hearing loss after traffic collision — $240,000 settlement
- Plaintiff suffered concussion in rear-end collision — $81,000 verdict
- Builder misrepresented home status to buyers — $675,000 verdict
- Low potassium led to cardiac arrest, death of patient — $1M settlement
- Excessive propofol caused death in dialysis patient — $850,000 settlement
- Pedestrian struck in crosswalk in hit-and-run incident — $300,000 settlement
- Navy veteran killed in collision with box truck — $1.85M arbitration award
- Motorcyclist ejected from bike in collision with SUV — $1.5M settlement
Opinion Digests
- Company owner dodges breach of contract suit
- Employee’s own allegations doom minimum wage claim
- Federal government defeats former employee’s claims
- Principal wasn’t entitled to exclusively remote work
- USPTO properly redacted info in responsive documents
- Untimely lawsuit allowed to proceed
- Engineering consultant dismissed from suit
- Rule 60 motion was filed too late
- Nonprofit directors immune from ex-employees’ claims
- City, employees immune from whistleblower claims
- Experts excluded in condemnation damages suit
- Judgment entered against company for horse’s death
