DEF was featured in an article by SHRM, "Silver Linings: Managers See Upsides During the Pandemic," highlighting how our firm has focused on efficiency, collaboration and automation during the pandemic. Managing Partner Joe Chancey explained that as the spread of COVID-19 escalated and working remotely suddenly became necessary, the firm's Emergency Response Team worked quickly to update our business processes. "Since the law firm's employees were physically disconnected during the pandemic, the company's emergency response team had to find ways to help managers and staff communicate efficiently, stay coordinated and connected and eliminate the need to lay hands on paper in any aspect of ... Continue Reading
Congratulations to Karen Karabinos for being Appointed as Georgia State Representative of FDCC
Partner Karen Karabinos has been appointed as the Georgia State Representative of FDCC, effective July 1st. This new role allows Karen to further promote the goals of FDCC, including the development of membership in the Federation, as well as to promote the efforts of Lawyers for Civil Justice. Karen Karabinos has been litigating cases for more the 32 years, with the last 21 primarily focused on the complexities of property insurance law. She also represents clients with family law issues, including divorce and child custody issues, and assists her individual clients to resolve the family issues with her domestic relations team, which consists of accountants, financial advisors, and ... Continue Reading
Partner Melody Kiella Joins the FDCC
Congratulations to Melody Kiella for joining the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC). For over 80 years, the hand-picked members of the FDCC have been leaders in-house and in the courthouse and this membership speaks of Melody's professional success. Melody Kiella is an experienced litigator specializing in all aspects of complex civil litigation. She represents clients in connection with a broad spectrum of legal matters, including transportation/trucking law, personal injury, premises liability, negligent security, mold damage and exposure, catastrophic injuries, commercial litigation, breach of contract, and general liability. Melody has extensive experience in ... Continue Reading
Georgia Supreme Court to Reinstate Filing Deadlines
On May 21, the Georgia Supreme Court will begin issuing orders to reinstate filing deadlines that were previously tolled by Chief Justice Melton’s March 14th Order. If you have a case in front of the Georgia Supreme Court, you will want to read the notice and the forthcoming orders very carefully to ensure compliance. If you have questions or need guidance on your appeal, please contact Elissa Haynes (link to email with GA Supreme Court Deadlines as the subject). ... Continue Reading
How To Talk To Your Landlord In A Difficult Time
Attorney David Rusnak participated in a webinar to assist business owners affected by COVID-19 with how to have a conversation with landlords about expenses, such as monthly leases. David elaborates on various approaches on how and when to initiating this discussion, as well as tactics on how to negotiate a solution that benefits both the business owner and the landlord. "Be the first person to pick up the phone. Be the person who says "look, this is my siutation. This is what I'm worried about. This is what I'm going to be dealing with going forward." Get that conversation started with the landlord now. Being proactive will save you from an angry ... Continue Reading
SBA and the Department of Treasury Issue New Guidance Regarding Eligibility for Loans Under the Paycheck Protection Program
On April 29, 2020, the SBA and the Department of Treasury (DOT) published the additional guidance regarding the certification of “necessity” a company makes on its application for a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of the Cares Act. On its application, borrowers must certify in good faith that: “Current economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the Applicant.”[1] After Congress passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, which, among other things, increased PPP funding by $310 billion, and following public backlash in response to certain public companies receiving large PPP loans, the SBA and ... Continue Reading
DON’T TELECOMMUTE WITHOUT A NET: COVID-19 and the importance of a Telecommuting Policy
Even before the COVID-19 crisis, businesses were warming up to the benefits of remote working, or “telecommuting.” Allowing employees to telecommute can benefit the employer and the employee alike. Some of the benefits include: Lower rent and other overhead and operational costs.Broaden the geographic scope of hiring.Better work/life balance.Reduce commuting time and expense.Increase employee loyalty and morale. Many states offer incentives for employers to allow remote working. For example, Georgia employers can claim a state income tax credit of up to $1,200 per employee for eligible telework expenses, including costs for computers, computer related hardware and software, modems, ... Continue Reading
Partner Michael Miller has joined the International Association of Defense Counsel
Congratulations to Michael Miller for being selected to join the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC). This organization is composed of leading attorneys and insurance executives and is one of the most prestigious legal organizations in the world. It is an invitation-only association for lawyers and insurance executives who represent corporate and insurance interests around the world. This invitation is a high honor and testament to Michael's professional accomplishments. ... Continue Reading
DEF Attorneys Hosting Webinar with Qualified Staffing Regarding Coronavirus and the New Workplace
Attorneys Dan Kniffen, Megan Noble, Meredith Guerrero, and Neil Brunetz are hosting a live webinar with Qualified Staffing regarding Coronavirus and the New Workplace on April 16, 2020 from 2:00-3:00pm EDT. Topics will include: Illness & Prevention in the WorkplaceHiring and Return to Work Issues During COVID-19Paid Sick Leave under FFCRA/FMLA BenefitsWage & Hour Issues—especially in a work-from-home environmentPredictions on how the workplace will look as we come out of the pandemic Register for the webinar here. ... Continue Reading
Shell Talk 080: How To Get Through Crises Legally, Financially, and Emotionally
In the first of a series of online Shell Talks, Juliana Neelbauer will be discussing her experiences managing her business through a recession and beyond. Juliana Neelbauer is a shell alumni, and currently a senior associate attorney at Drew Eckl & Farnham. She has over 10 years of experience in industry and experience with working on startups. Join this call by clicking the link below on April 13th, at 7pm EST. Join Zoom Call ... Continue Reading