FMG’s BlogLine features an array of articles written by our attorneys who cover recent legal trends and developments both locally and nationally. Explore our blogs on a multitude of legal and industry topics.
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 budget of $18 billion for the remainder of FY 2011. The supplemental budget cut most 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 statistics released by the EEOC, retaliation for the first time outpaced race discrimination as the…
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.…