Attorneys Dan Kniffen and Neil Brunetz participated in a webinar with Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council to explore safety precautions that need to be considered prior to reopening businesses during COVID-19. Dan and Neil address health and safety considerations, test screenings and privacy concerns. ... Continue Reading
COVID-19 Forward Focused | What are the Legal Obligations of Returning to the Workplace?
Attorneys Dan Kniffen and Neil Brunetz participated in a webinar with Georgia Minority Supplier Development Counsil to explore safety precautions that need to be considered prior to reopening businesses during COVID-19. Dan and Neil address health and safety considerations, test screenings and privacy concerns. Watch the Webinar ... Continue Reading
COURT ISSUES FIRST RULING IN A COVID-19 RELATED FIRST PARTY PROPERTY CLAIM
On July 1, 2020, Michigan Circuit Court Judge Joyce Draganchuk issued what it appears to be to be the first U.S. court decision in an insured’s first party property lawsuit against an insurance carrier seeking business interruption coverage as a result of a governor’s shelter-in-place order. See Gavrilides Management Company v. Michigan Insurance Company. The insurer filed a motion for summary disposition asking the Michigan Court to rule as a matter of law that its policy did not provide coverage for business interruption losses caused by COVID-19 shelter-in-place order. Judge Draganchuk agreed with the insurer. The hearing on the motion is posted on You Tube. Michigan ... Continue Reading
Georgia Supreme Court Refrains from Finding Active Tortfeasor Limitation Unconstitutional
On June 29, 2020, the Georgia Supreme Court issued its Opinion in Reid v. Morris, a case challenging the constitutionality of the active tortfeasor limitation in Georgia’s punitive damages statute. Partner Elissa Haynes served as amicus counsel for the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, arguing remotely before the Georgia Supreme Court and co-authoring the brief with GDLA Vice President Marty Levinson. The case involved a direct appeal from state court following a motor vehicle collision between plaintiff and Morris, a drunk driver. Plaintiff also sued a second uninsured and unrepresented defendant, Stroud, for negligent entrustment. The record revealed that Stroud had no involvement ... Continue Reading
Mike Bagley Appointed Chairperson of the State Bar of Georgia’s Standing Committee on Disciplinary Rules and Procedures
Partner Mike Bagley has been appointed the Chairperson of the State Bar of Georgia’s standing committee on Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. This standing committee advises the Executive Committee and Board of Governors with respect to all procedural and substantive disciplinary rules, policies and procedures. The committee drafts and/or is consulted about all Bar Rules which are later considered for adoption and implementation by the Board of Governors and Supreme Court. Mike Bagley has been practicing for more than 37 years in both First Party Insurance Matters and Workers’ Compensation defense. He has extensive experience in insurance coverage and in representing the health ... Continue Reading
DEF Named Most Innovative Law Firm for Path to Partnership Program
Drew Eckl & Farnham was selected by the Daily Report’s Georgia Legal Awards as an honoree for one of the Most Innovative Law Firms for our Path to Partnership program. We started this program in 2018 and each year it has proven to be exceptionally beneficial and successful. Read more about the Path to Partnership Program here Full list of honorees ... Continue Reading
DEF Ranked As One of the Largest U.S. Law Firms by NLJ 500
Drew Eckl & Farnham is proud to announce that we have been ranked as the 343 largest firm in the US on the National Law Journal 500. The NLJ 500 is a survey comprised of the largest U.S. based law firms. With over 115 attorneys, we are continuing to grow to exceed the needs of our clients. ... Continue Reading
COVERAGE ISSUES RELATED TO REMOTE ACCESS BREACHES- Part Three: What Damages Are Not Covered?
This article is the third of several articles addressing the various cyber insurance coverage issues that might arise in connection with a claim relating to data/security breaches. The focus of this article explores the types of damages that are not covered under the typical cyber insurance policy when there is a covered data/security breach. As highlighted in our previous articles, cyber insurance policies address both first-party and third-party claims that arise as a result of covered cyber events such as a data/security breach. First-party coverage addresses losses incurred directly by the insured, such as a business interruption loss, while third-party coverage addresses liability ... Continue Reading
DEF Highlighted in “Silver Linings: Managers See Upsides During the Pandemic”
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