Drew Eckl & Farnham partner Taylor Poncz was recently interviewed by Law360 for their article, "Georgia Justice Breaks New Ground With Judicial Maternity Leave." The piece highlights the notable decision of Georgia Supreme Court Justice Sarah Warren to take maternity leave while serving on the bench, and the impact her decision may have on "lead[ing] the way for prospective and working mothers who want to climb the legal ladder with families in tow." "Dialogue is the thing that creates change and moves us forward... It furthers the narrative so that maybe other women feel more confident in talking about it and maybe men are seeing it more."Taylor Poncz for Law360, October 2021 ... Continue Reading
Neil Brunetz on Continued Heat Exposure
On Monday, September 20th, the White House announced they are "launching a coordinated, interagency effort to respond to extreme heat that threatens the lives and livelihoods of Americans, especially workers, children, and seniors. While climate-related disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods produce dramatic images of devastation, extreme heat often takes place out of sight and out of the views." Below, DEF attorney Neil Brunetz elaborates on what to anticipate from OSHA's response to heat exposure. "Heat is the nation's leading weather-related killer." - The White House Back to Heat Exposure. We have talked about it before, but as expected, OSHA is making Heat ... Continue Reading
2021 Interactive Map on COVID Insurance Coverage Rulings
Last year's Interactive Map for First Party COVID-19 cases throughout the US has been updated for 2021, with Partner Karen Karabinos continuing to provide essential information such as the ruling, case number, and file date as well as insight into each case's ruling. If you would like access to the map and receive weekly updates from Partner Karen Karabinos, sign up now! ... Continue Reading
Client Alert: Eleventh Circuit Issues Opinion Upholding Ruling for Insurer in COVID-19 Lawsuit
The insured filed suit seeking coverage under the Business Income, Civil Authority and Extra Expense provisions of the policy. Each of these policy provisions hinged on a covered cause of loss being a “direct physical loss.” The Eleventh Circuit agreed that the insured failed to allege “nothing that could qualify, to a layman or anyone else, as physical loss or damage.” The court rejected the insured’s argument that the possible presence of viral particles constituted physical damage or loss to the property. The court noted that while the shelter-in-place orders prevented the dental practice from conducted routine or elective procedures, the practice was still able to perform emergency ... Continue Reading
DEF Attorneys Recognized in 2022 Best Lawyers in America © and Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch ©
Please join us in congratulating the 16 Drew Eckl & Farnham attorneys who were named as 2022 Best Lawyers in America©, including two named to 'Lawyer of the Year', and the six who were named 2022 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch©. To see the full list of 2022 Best Lawyers in America© and 2022 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch©, visit the Best Lawyers website, linked below. ... Continue Reading
Taylor Poncz to Present at Georgia Workers’ Compensation Association Fall Conference
Partner Taylor S. Poncz will speak on Monday, September 20, 2021 at the Georgia Workers' Compensation Association (GWCA) Fall Conference at The Classic Center in Athens, Georgia. Taylor, alongside three other attorneys, will present "Legal Challenges Presented with COVID-19." For more information, click on the link below. ... Continue Reading
James V. Painter and Robin E. Daitch Join Drew Eckl & Farnham in New Augusta Office
Drew Eckl & Farnham is pleased to announce that James Painter and Robin Daitch have joined the firm as of August 1, 2021 in the firm’s new Augusta office. The Augusta office will be located at 801 Broad Street, Suite 501. "Adding an office in Augusta strengthens our ability to efficiently provide services to our clients throughout Georgia and in the Southeast. Jim and Robin are a great fit for our firm and our culture, and their experience complements our growing medical malpractice presence." Joseph Chancey, Managing Partner This office will be Drew Eckl & Farnham’s fourth location in Georgia, and we are excited to be a part of the Augusta community. James V. Painter ... Continue Reading
Drew Eckl & Farnham Held On-Campus Interviews at Florida A&M University for the First Time
On July 26, Drew Eckl & Farnham participated in on-campus interviews at Florida A&M University (FAMU). FAMU is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top public historically black college or university in the nation and, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we are excited to expand our pipeline with candidates from this school. Senior Associates Anelise Codrington and Blake Williams and Associate Kendra Talley led the interviews for all the candidates who applied. In addition to FAMU, Drew Eckl & Farnham also participated in on-campus interviews for Southeast Minority Job Fair (2-day), Georgia State University, University of Georgia, Emory, and ... Continue Reading
SUMMER HIGHLIGHT: Meet Austin Albertson
Drew Eckl & Farnham welcomed Austin Albertson as one of our 2021 summer associates. Read below as we get to know more about Austin. What/Who inspired you to become a lawyer? My dad definitely inspired me to become a lawyer. Growing up in a small, rural town with a dad who liked to talk about everything exposed me to so much and gave me a healthy curiosity and desire to problem solve. I grew up with a healthy chip on my shoulder for the little guy because of my background, and it's something I wouldn't trade. Oh, and a scholarship. What are some activities you enjoy doing when you are not studying or working? I grew up in the mountains, so I love to go hiking ... Continue Reading
SUMMER HIGHLIGHT: Meet Elias Walker
Drew Eckl & Farnham welcomed Elias Walker as one of our 2021 summer associates. Read below as we get to know more about Elias. What/Who inspired you to become a lawyer? My hero and the American icon: Barack Obama. What are some activities you enjoy doing when you are not studying or working? Gaming, including video games, board games, and tabletop games. If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be and why? Teleportation. If you were an item in a happy meal, what would you be and why? The surprise extra french fry at the bottom of the bag. Elias was mentored by Gary McGinty and Mary Alice Jasperse. ... Continue Reading