FMG staffs the Bell & Clements IP LPL Risk Management Hotline. This hotline is only for insureds of Bell & Clements who have an active policy of insurance.
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 Bell & Clements 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 2 hours of legal consultation free of charge. Please note, the activities and/or tasks to be completed [within these unpaid hours] are solely within FMG’s discretion.
Fees & Billing: In the event FMG accepts your request, you will thereafter be eligible for 2 hours of legal representation free of charge. Any additional representation beyond the complimentary hours 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 Bell & Clements agreed hourly rate beginning at the time of your acceptance. In other words, you will not be charged for any fees beyond the 2-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.
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 with a person who has filed an EEOC Charge. Thompson v. N. Am. Stainless, LP, 09-291, 2011…
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 covered employers to discriminate on the basis of “genetic information.” In addition, covered employers are prohibited from requesting,…
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 into place is mandatory arbitration agreements that cover legal claims by employees.
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 2011. Reduced tax collections and the elimination of federal subsidies will force significant budget cuts…
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. in English, with a minor in Sociology from Emory University. She graduated from Tulane Law School in…
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 representing insurance companies in litigation involving coverage issues as well as allegations of bad faith. Mr.…
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 will include appellate cases and mediations. Mr. Baker served as a statewide elected member of the Georgia…
12/1/10
By Ben Mathis For over a decade, it has been my privilege to write this annual year-end note to our clients and friends on behalf of our firm. In doing so this year, I am reminded this is now the third consecutive time I’ve written with the shadow of the “Great Recession” on all our…
12/1/10
Robert “Bobby” B. Baker, Jr., will join the firm on January 1 as a Partner. Commissioner Baker is currently finishing his third term as a statewide elected member of the Georgia Public Service Commission. At FMG, Mr. Baker’s practice will focus on strategic and regulatory advice and representation of clients (both private companies and local…