Layoffs This Time of Year

Unfortunately, the end of the year is the time for layoffs. If you are one the many chosen for termination, think twice before signing any separation agreement. Most corporations will allow you to take the termination home to review. If this option is given, take it, read it over carefully, and seek legal advice from an experienced employment lawyer.

Pitfalls in a Separation Agreement

1. Waiver of all discrimination and worker's compensation claims;

2. No limitation on what the employer can say in a call from a prospective employer;

3. No obligation for the employer to provide a neutral reference letter for the employee;

4. One sided non-disparagement clause;

5. Nonpayment of vacation and sick leave time;

6. Low severance pay;

7. No information on COBRA rights; and

8. Prohibition on seeking future employment with the company.

Despite bruising, spanking daughter, 12, with wooden spoon wasn't child abuse, appeals court rules

Despite bruising, spanking daughter, 12, with wooden spoon wasn't child abuse, appeals court rules

Interesting result for a so called liberal state.
Georgia has statutory protection for parents who use reasonable corporal punishment.
The courts have decided this statute gives parents pretty broad authority to spank their children.

Indeed, with limitations on who can administer punishment, schools can spank children unless parents put their objections in writing.

Attorney Updates

http://answers.justia.com/question/2013/09/04/will-my-lawyer-let-me-know-whats-going-m-64639

Clients are entitled to updates about their cases.  However, at many points during the life of a case, there are long lulls because the attorney is waiting for a judge to issue an order, a court date, or responses to discovery or motions.  Check in with counsel if you haven't heard anything for 2-4 weeks.  However, checking in once a week is normally unnecessary.

Why So Many Offices in Atlanta?

In August 2011, I decided to open up several virtual offices around Atlanta. Virtual offices are created under agreements with office suits that give companies the ability to receive mail at designated locations(s) and meet in offices or conference rooms. This set up is cost efficient and convenient.
Moreover, it benefits the clients by having a close place to meet during lunch or after work.

Recent Answers from Justia's Question and Answer Webiste

Q: Is a set fee that an attorney gives you before they begin a probate matter the same if they are unsuccessful?
A: Look at the contract/retainer agreement. If the contract does not specify a decreased rate if the matter is unsuccessful, you have to pay the agreed upon rate.


7 August 2013Q: If I go see a child-custody Lawyer in NYC, must I retain him to get client-laweyr priv or am I protected either way?
A: With the little information you provided, you should be protected by the attorney-client privilege. The attorney client privilege is created when you seek legal advice from an attorney. You don't have to necessarily pay or retain an attorney to create that privilege. If you're truly concerned about it, ask the attorney.


7 August 2013Q: Dad died two years ago and his spouse sold the house as a quick sale. Are living children entitled 2 the money
A: It all depends. She may have automatically obtained full ownership of the house through rights of survivorship or his will may have left it to her. If you have concerns, determine if he had a will. Also, deeds are public records. Check with the county land records where the house is located.

Retrieving a Television from the Ex Live in Girlfriend

http://answers.justia.com/question/2013/07/31/how-do-i-retrieve-television-i-bought-wh-62954

Adult Name Change in New York

http://answers.justia.com/question/2013/07/29/how-can-i-change-my-birth-certificate-ma-62841?answer=1