Sanctions for E-Discovery Violations Increase: What Can Be Done Now?
3/1/11
By Sun Choy and David Cole
In 2006, substantial amendments were made to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure “to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination” of discovery disputes involving electronically stored information. Ironically, however, it appears that the …
Defaults in Construction: Managing Discord and Divorce
3/1/11
By Kamy Molavi
What should you do when a company is not performing as required in a construction contract? The consequences of this decision are significant, and it merits careful consideration. The wrong decision can lead to the foreclosure of …
Georgia Legislative Session at Mid-Point
3/1/11
By Bobby Baker
The Georgia General Assembly has now passed the halfway point of its Legislative Session and the issues of immigration, water and tax reform still dominate the session. On February 24 the Senate approved (46-4) the amended state …
The Budget, Immigration and Water Policy Dominate Early Session
2/1/11
By Bobby Baker
Yesterday marked Day 7 for the 2011 Georgia Legislative Session. While the state budget and taxation reform will dominate this Session, immigration legislation and water policy will have a long-term impact on all Georgia businesses.…
Whistleblower Claims Require Employers to Update Complaint Policies
2/1/11
By Ben Mathis and David Cole
Whether it is Title VII retaliation claims, Sarbanes Oxley complaints, qui tam actions, or other claims, lawsuits by “whistleblowers” continue to increase and now are among the most frequent federal cases. Indeed, according to …
The Supreme Court Expands Retaliation Protections To Third Party Family Members
1/26/11
By Bradley Adler
In an opinion released on January 24, 2011, the Supreme Court held that third parties may have a cause of action for retaliation under Title VII if they suffer an adverse employment action due to their connection …
EEOC Issues Final Regulations On Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
1/17/11
By: Ben Mathis and Jonathan Kandel
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently issued final rules related to the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (“GINA”). Title II of GINA, which became effective on November 21, 2009, makes it unlawful for …
Want to Avoid Juries–Why Not Try Arbitration?
1/1/11
By Ben Mathis
The beginning of the New Year is not just a good time for personal resolutions, but also is a good time to consider important Human Resource policy changes. One idea that more and more employers are putting …
2011 Legislature All About the Budget
1/1/11
By Bobby Baker
The 2011 session of the General Assembly will be dominated by the state budget shortfall. Current estimates are that the budget will have to be cut between $1.5 and $2.0 billion to meet expected revenue for FY …
FMG Adds New Attorneys – New Associates
1/1/11
C. Whitfield Caughman joined the firm as an Associate and practices in the firm’s Business Liability and Insurance Law Practice Group. She focuses on professional liability matters, including directors and officers and medical malpractice litigation. Ms. Caughman received her B.A. …
FMG Adds New Attorneys – Seth Kirby, Of Counsel
1/1/11
Seth Kirby joined the firm as Of Counsel in the Atlanta office. Mr. Kirby practices in the firm’s Business Liability and Insurance Law Group. He focuses on insurance coverage matters and professional liability defense. Mr. Kirby has extensive experience in …
FMG Adds New Attorneys – Bobby Baker, Partner
1/1/11
Bobby Baker joined FMG as a Partner in the Atlanta office. Mr. Baker’s practice will focus on providing strategic and regulatory counseling to private companies and local governments, with an emphasis on energy, transportation and technology issues. His practice also …