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Lawyers

Oct 11, 2021

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 […]

Sep 27, 2021

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 […]

Sep 20, 2021

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. […]

Aug 16, 2021

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 […]

Aug 2, 2021

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 […]

Jul 26, 2021

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 […]

Jul 26, 2021

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 […]

Jul 26, 2021

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 […]

Jul 19, 2021

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. […]

Female hiker taking breath of fresh air in forest and enjoying relaxing walk through woods
Jul 12, 2021

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 […]

Jul 12, 2021

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 […]

Paying attention during conversation
Jul 5, 2021

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 […]

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