FMG’s attorneys and staff respond to the hotlines for Ascot Insurance Miscellaneous Professional Liability (MPL) and Employment Practices Liability (EPL) Risk Management. These hotlines may only be used by Ascot policyholders with an active Private or Non-Profit Management Liability Policy.
If you are calling for specific legal advice for risk management or a potential claim that will necessitate our first establishing an attorney-client and privileged consultation, you will need to first submit a request for consultation form and agree to the terms of our consultation. Please note that no attorney-client relationship will be formed nor exist, between the Ascot insured (“you”) and Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP, (“FMG”) unless and until (1) you complete the below Request for Consultation Form, (2) you agree to the terms and conditions of the engagement as set forth in the attached agreement (3) FMG advises you there are no conflicts in connection with the potential consultation, and (4) FMG accepts the request and agrees to consult with you.
In the event FMG accepts your request, you will thereafter be eligible for 1 hour of legal consultation free of charge. Please note, the activities and/or tasks to be completed (within this unpaid hour) are solely within FMG’s discretion.
Fees & Billing: In the event FMG accepts your request, you will thereafter be eligible for 1 hour of legal representation free of charge. Any additional representation beyond the complimentary hour is conditioned upon your prior acknowledgment and agreement in writing to be responsible for and pay any additional legal fees and expenses at the agreed-upon Ascot agreed hourly rate beginning at the time of your acceptance. In other words, you will not be charged for any fees beyond the 1-hour free consultation, unless and until you agree to additional paid consultation and services.
*Please review and agree to the below terms and conditions of representation if my request for consultation is accepted by FMG.
Click the appropriate Ascot policy type below to access the consultation form:
Federal Agencies May Require Project Labor Agreements For Federal Construction Projects
2/16/09
On Friday, February 6, 2009, President Barack Obama issued what may be the most far reaching of the various Executive Orders he has issued affecting federal contractors. The Executive Order, entitled “Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects,” sets forth an official government policy to recommend that executive agencies begin requiring project labor…
Stimulus Bill Clears Congress: What Employers Need To Know
2/16/09
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA” or “the Act”) has been largely publicized in terms of its price tag, roughly $787 billion. However, the Act also contains several provisions affecting employers’ workplace duties.
President Obama Issues Executive Orders Affecting Federal Contractors
2/13/09
President Barack Obama has executed three executive orders covering contractors who receive money from the federal government. In Executive Order 13495, entitled “Notification of Employee Rights Under Federal Labor Laws,” President Obama expressly revoked President Bush’s Beck Order which required federal contractors to inform employees of their right to refuse to pay union dues for…
President Obama Signs Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
2/4/09
President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (“Fair Pay Act”) into law last Thursday, making it the first bill he signed as President. The Fair Pay Act overturns the Supreme Court’s decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 550 U.S. 618 (2007), and expands the length of time an employee has…
Supreme Court Issues New Retaliation Decision
1/28/09
This week, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision clarifying what conduct constitutes “opposition” for purposes of a retaliation claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. This case expands the protection afforded to employees who provide their employers information regarding conduct they believe to be unlawful and effectively…
Changes to the Familiar Form I-9
1/16/09
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has issued an interim rule that makes changes to the Form I-9 employment verification process. The interim rule amends regulations governing the types of documents employers may accept for the I-9 Form and also creates a revised version of the I-9 Form. USCIS currently is accepting comments on the…
The DOL Issues New FMLA Regulations
12/17/08
On November 17, 2008, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued new regulations implementing the Family and Medical Leave Act. These regulations become effective on January 16, 2009. As these new regulations modify the obligations imposed upon employers and alter the rights of employees, they certainly will affect the manner in which employers manage potential FMLA…
11/3/08
In a previous LawLine article, we reported on the Georgia Court of Appeals’ decision in Austin v. Moreland, 288 Ga. App. 270, 653 S.E.2d 347 (2007). Yesterday, the Supreme Court of Georgia unanimously reversed that decision. Austin involved a medical malpractice claim where defense counsel had ex parte discussions with prior treating physicians of the plaintiff’s deceased husband. The Court of…
Congress Passes ADA Amendments Act of 2008
9/25/08
The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) is about to undergo a major change. Last week, Congress passed the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (“ADAAA”), which will overturn two prior Supreme Court cases and dramatically increase the scope of employees covered by the ADA. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law this week,…