The National Law Journal released their 2021 survey on the nation's largest law firms by headcount. Drew Eckl & Farnham ranked #348. For the first time since the 2008 financial crisis, law firm head count slightly declined nationally in 2020 by 0.1%, with DEF remaining unchanged. To read more, click on the link below. ... Continue Reading
Partner Karen Karabinos Featured by Law360 in Article on Opposing Counsel Sanctions due to “Frivolous Motion”
The motion for remand showed "deliberate indifference to obvious facts" and had no basis in law, said one of Phoenix Insurance's attorneys, Karen Karabinos of Drew Eckl & Farnham LLP. Coffman should have known his motion to remand had no merit, Karabinos said. "It was just absurd," Karabinos said of the motion. "It was just objectively frivolous."Law360, Ga. Judge Says Sanctions Likely Over Frivolous Motion Drew Eckl & Farnham Partner Karen Karabinos was recently featured by Law360 in a recent article "Ga. Judge Says Sanctions Likely Over Frivolous Motion." Karabinos represented The Phoenix Insurance Co. as they were being sued for conversion and negligence, accused of missing ... Continue Reading
Partner Karen Karabinos Featured by the DRI In-House Defense Quarterly
In the cases in which a court has found in favor of policyholders, the courts have held "direct physical loss" means "the act of losing possession" and "deprivation." Courts applying these definitions would find coverage in scenarios—even where an insured's operation is able to continue albeit at a reduced volume or capacity.In-House Defense Quarterly, The Past, Current, and Future: Landscape of COVID-19-Related Business Interruption Claims and Litigation Drew Eckl & Farnham Partner Karen Karabinos was recently featured in the DRI In-House Quarterly with her article "Landscape of COVID-19-Related Business Interruption Claims and Litigation. Karabinos spoke on the changing environment ... Continue Reading
Partner Elissa Haynes Featured by The Daily Report in Article on Appellate Law
"Your adrenaline's running, you're in the trial zone and you don't necessarily think before you speak, and you say the wrong thing," said appellate attorney Elissa Haynes in Atlanta. "That wrong thing is oftentimes what a juror latches on to, and it results in these outrageous verdicts."Daily Report, Trend: Defense Adding Appellate Lawyers at Trial to Fight Plaintiffs' 'Emotional' Closings Drew Eckl & Farnham Partner, Elissa Haynes, was recently featured by The Daily Report in their recent article "Trend: Defense Adding Appellate Lawyers at Trial to Fight Plaintiffs' 'Emotional' Closings. Haynes, chairwoman of DEF's Appellate practice group, spoke to the impact of emotional closing ... Continue Reading
Partner Melody Kiella Featured by DRI for Article on Litigation Funding
"While litigation funding may allow greater access to “justice,” it is clear that litigation funding is rife with potential ethical issues and dilemmas, including the potential for inappropriate relationships between lawyers and funding companies, third-party control over litigation, and possible interference with the attorney–client privilege. Id."Melody Kiella Partner Melody Kiella's article, "The 'Party' You Didn't Realize Was Exercising Control over Your Litigation and What You Can Do About It," was selected for inclusion in DRI's In Transit Newsletter, Volume 24 Issue 1. Read the full article below. ... Continue Reading
Did you Know: Understanding the Department of Labor Withdrawal of FLSA Independent Contractor Rule
In response to the Department of Labor's announcement regarding an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act, attorney Meredith Riggs Guerrero has published an essay to help employers and independent contractors better understand these changes. Read her full article below. Department of Labor Withdraws FLSA Independent Contractor Rule On May 5, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it will formally withdraw the Independent Contractor Rule that it just put into effect just a few months ago, on March 8, 2021 in an effort to provide a formalized definition for independent contractor for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Why ... Continue Reading
COVID-19 in the Workplace: Requiring Vaccinations and Making Exceptions
With COVID-19 vaccines now being made available for all adults, many employers are considering requiring employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to the workplace. Can employers require their employees get vaccinated? When must employers make exceptions and accommodations for employees who have reasons NOT to receive the vaccine? Do employees need proof to be excused from receiving the vaccine? Attorney Meredith Riggs Guerrero has written a guide to understanding COVID-19 vaccination requirements and exceptions in the workplace. Check it out below. ... Continue Reading
Ryan Hathcock Featured in February 2021 Issue of Construction Business Owner
Read the most recent issue of Construction Business Owner, where Senior Associate Ryan Hathcock explains how to navigate subcontracting & workers’ compensation issues in the construction industry. "Understanding the ladder of liability in workers’ compensation claims will help you better understand your liability as a contractor, which may ultimately protect you and your business from detrimental claims in the long run." Click below to access Ryan's article, and the entire February issue of Construction Business Owner. ... Continue Reading
COVID-19 FAQs — February 2021
Can you require employees to routinely submit for COVID testing? Do you have to notify other employees if there is a COVID exposure at your business? COVID-19 regulations are changing everyday. Attorney Dan Kniffen has answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you know what to do when it comes to staying safe in the workplace and handling COVID-19 the right way. Access Here ... Continue Reading
Partners Douglas Burrell and J.C. Roper Speaking at Diversity & Inclusion Roundtable Sessions
On Thursday, January 21 from 11:00-12:30pm, Douglas Burrell will be discussing recruiting on a panel titled "Embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Principles into Recruiting Systems at Midsize Law Firms," This panel will assist in learning how to attract candidates from underrepresented groups and removing bias from recruiting systems for junior lawyers and lateral hiring. Register Now for the Diversity Webinar On Thursday, February 24 from 11:00-12:30pm, J.C. Roper will discuss retention on a panel titled, "Build a Culture of Inclusion to Retain High Talent at Midsize Law Firms." Retention of lawyers from underrepresented groups is heavily influenced by inclusion. Inclusion is made up ... Continue Reading