Tag Archives: Legal and Law

Mg O’Hare Law Releases White Paper on New York State’s Industrial Equipment Rental Industry for Owners and Operators

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mg O'Hare Law, a New York Law Firm, releases white paper on New York State's Industrial Equipment Rental Market for Owners and Operators. The industrial equipment rental market is forecast to grow over the next five years to 2023. New York State is expected to outpace the rate of growth of the U.S. industry. A focus on customer retention can give operators an edge over the competition.

Mg O'Hare Law announced the publication of its white paper, "The Competitive Edge: New York State's Industrial Equipment Rental Market Report: For Owners and Operators."

The white paper, authored by New York attorney Marti Granizo-O'Hare, uses market data to analyze how focusing on customer retention can help equipment rental operators compete.

"Businesses that increase their customer retention rate by 5 percent could increase the value of a customer by 25 percent to 100 percent. Companies focus on customer volume when analyzing profit margins for a specific period but often overlook calculating the loss rate of existing customers in the same period," Ms. O'Hare cites the research.

Ms. O'Hare's whitepaper considers how "eighty-five percent of New York equipment rental operators employ less than twenty employees, and the average less than ten," according to industry data. "Personnel and budget constraints prevent an operator from designating and training staff to perform the type of customer service needed to cement long-term customer relationships," says Ms. O'Hare.

"Given the potential in even a small increase in customer retention, equipment rental operators should consider whether outsourcing this responsibility makes sense for their business," says Ms. O'Hare. She outlines five criteria for operators to evaluate the outsourcing option.

Ms. O'Hare's white paper consists of industry data, customer retention research and professional experience to support her conclusions.

View the whitepaper at: https://www.businessdisputeclinic.com/ny-equipment-rental-market-report/

About Mg O'Hare Law, The Business Dispute Clinic:

Marti Granizo-O'Hare is a New York State licensed attorney. She has been practicing law and alternative dispute resolution for twenty-six years. Ms. O'Hare is a professional mediator and a former adjunct law professor. Since 2011 she has focused her law practice on assisting clients in the equipment rental industry.

To learn more please visit Mg O'Hare Law at https://www.businessdisputeclinic.com/

Mg O'Hare Law, a New York Law Firm, releases white paper on New York State's Industrial Equipment Rental Market for Owners and Operators. The industrial equipment rental market is forecast to grow over the next five years to 2023. New York State is expected to outpace the rate of growth of the U.S. industry. A focus on customer retention can give operators an edge over the competition.

Related link: https://www.businessdisputeclinic.com/

Rukab Brash Law Firm Achieves Significant Decision with Victory in Recent Adjacent Property Access Dispute

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Rukab Brash PLLC, a boutique New York City real estate law firm, successfully saved a Bronx developer from paying an adjacent property owner a license fee of over $8,000 per month and over $100,000 in professional fee reimbursement. The firm also helped the Bronx developer obtain access to the adjacent property in order to install New York City Department of Buildings required protections in connection with the its 12-story mixed use affordable housing development.

A once described "little-used law," Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law 881 a/k/a RPAPL 881 is now increasingly being called upon to decide neighboring access disputes in New York City - and is considered required knowledge for landowners and developers in the Big Apple. The current economic and political climate of the City has dramatically increased the applicability of RPAPL 881 making each new court decision significant as it sets a new standard to expand this evolving legal area.

On January 18, 2019, Honorable Donald A. Miles of the Supreme Court, Bronx County, issued a Decision that granted the Developer the access being sought.

Jack Rukab, Partner at Rukab Brash PLLC represented the developer.

At the outset, the Developer offered to compensate the adjacent property owner with a commercially reasonable license fee and to reimburse the adjacent property owner's reasonable professional fees. However, the adjacent property owner demanded an $8,000 monthly license fee and refused to negotiate any lower in exchange for entering into an access agreement with the Developer.

Mr. Rukab argued that the adjacent property owner's refusal to negotiate a commercially reasonable license fee was tantamount to a denial of access, and as such Court intervention under RPAPL 881 was warranted. Mr. Rukab further argued that a license fee must be calculated according to the adjacent property owner's loss of use and enjoyment in the areas the Developer sought to access, and not based on an arbitrary "market rate" requested by the adjacent property owner.

The Court upheld Mr. Rukab's arguments and issued a Decision granting Mr. Rukab's client, the Developer, access to install New York City Department of Buildings' required protections on the adjacent property in exchange for a monthly license fee less than half the rate requested by the adjacent property owner and a nominal one-time payment of professional fees.

"With the building boom and evolving safety regulations there has been an increase in RPAPL 881 actions," said Mr. Rukab. "This decision was a significant one that will play an integral role in the future of development and expansion of RPAPL 881. The judge came to the right and fair decision in recognizing that the adjacent property owner was attempting to seek a commercially unreasonable license fee."

New decisions such as this one will continue to expand this legal area and certain requirements will be imposed on the New York City Department of Buildings, including providing written notification to adjoining property owners when an application for approval of construction is submitted to them. Developers and contractors seeking access are likely to face an adjacent property owner who is already informed about the Project that the Developer will need access for.

About Rukab Brash PLLC:

Founded in 2017, Rukab Brash PLLC is one of New York City's premier real estate law firms offering a hands-on approach and practical, effective solutions to their expansive portfolio of clients. Rukab Brash provides full service representation and advice in every aspect of real estate, from negotiation and execution of the gamut of construction agreements, access agreements between adjacent property owners, real estate agreements for the sale and leasing of residential and commercial properties, as well as corporate compliance, entity formation and risk management.

Rukab Brash's wealth of experience in New York real estate makes it the ideal firm for owners, developers, corporations, equity investors and lenders in both real estate transactions and in all court venues.

Learn more at: https://www.jblegalpllc.com/

Rukab Brash PLLC, a boutique New York City real estate law firm, successfully saved a Bronx developer from paying an adjacent property owner a license fee of over $8,000 per month and over $100,000 in professional fee reimbursement. The firm also helped the Bronx developer obtain access to the adjacent property in order to install New York City Department of Buildings required protections.

Related link: https://www.jblegalpllc.com/

NY Law Firm Levy Konigsberg LLP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Rockefeller University Hospital Related to Decades of Alleged Sexual Abuse

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- New York-based law firm Levy Konigsberg LLP has filed a class action lawsuit against Rockefeller University Hospital based on allegations related to the Hospital's handling of sexual abuse claims made against Dr. Reginald Archibald, a faculty member who served on the University's faculty between the 1940s and 1980s.

According to the complaint filed February 13, 2019, Archibald was a pediatric endocrinologist at the hospital and saw more than 9,000 patients over the course of his career.

The lawsuit alleges that Archibald likely molested thousands of patients in hospital examination rooms and his office and also made pornographic photos of his victims, which were kept on Rockefeller property. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that staff members were aware of both Archibald's conduct and the existence of the photographs and did not disclose either.

LK lawyers representing the plaintiffs allege that complaints regarding Archibald go back to at least the 1990s, and Rockefeller University admits that it has been aware of the abuse since 2004 at the latest.

The complaint further claims that the University waited until 2018 to contact former patients and that the shock of receiving an unsolicited communication from the facility that facilitated Archibald's abuse caused severe emotional distress and invaded patients' privacy.

The lawsuit is seeking compensatory, punitive, and exemplary damages for past and future pain and suffering and past and future emotional distress and mental anguish, costs of future counseling, therapy, and medical treatment related to the injuries inflicted by the defendant, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, attorneys' fees, and various other forms of relief.

About Levy Konigsberg LLP:

Levy Konigsberg LLP is a New York-based law firm that represents plaintiffs throughout the United States in a variety of matters, including lead poisoning litigation, sex abuse cases, mesothelioma litigation, and actions against pharmaceutical companies. Prospective clients can schedule a free case evaluation by calling the nationwide toll-free line at 1-800-988-8005.

Information: https://www.levylaw.com/rockefeller-university-hospital-reginald-archibald-sexual-abuse-lawsuit/

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Media Contact:
Corey Stern
Levy Konigsberg LLP
800 Third Avenue, 11th Floor
New York, New York 10022
Telephone: 212-605-6298

New York-based law firm Levy Konigsberg LLP has filed a class action lawsuit against Rockefeller University Hospital based on allegations related to the Hospital's handling of sexual abuse claims made against Dr. Reginald Archibald, a faculty member who served on the University's faculty between the 1940s and 1980s.

Related link: https://www.levylaw.com/

Advanced Mediation Solutions and Princeton Financial Group Announce Partnership for High Net Worth Divorces

HADDONFIELD, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Advanced Mediation Solutions and Princeton Financial Group are pleased to announce that they have teamed up to handle divorces for high net worth couples in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Divorce mediation has become an increasingly popular alternative for couples who want to dissolve their marriage. Mediation is appealing for divorcing couples because it allows them to complete the process in far less time, and for a fraction of the cost of traditional litigation. In recent years, a growing number of high net worth couples have opted for mediation as well, because it provides confidentiality and gives them more flexibility to be creative during the process.

In response to the rising demand for mediation among couples with significant and unique assets, Advanced Mediation Solutions and Princeton Financial Group have joined forces to provide a "one-stop" solution and help ensure a smooth and seamless divorce process for couples in this category.

"We saw that there was a real need to help high net worth couples who want to take advantage of mediation, but who may have been apprehensive about how they could resolve more complex issues with this process," says Roseann Vanella, founder of Advanced Mediation Solutions. "So, it made sense for us to partner with Princeton Financial Group to fill this need."

Princeton Financial Group has extensive experience working with business owners in a variety of industries. They know the importance of understanding each unique business, its structure and how internal and external factors will impact that business. They use a team approach, leveraging the experience and talents of their own team as well as their extensive professional network, to understand how the details can affect the bigger picture. The firm is also recognized for its extensive experience with multi-unit franchisee operations.

Jim Colitsas, a partner at Princeton Financial Group, specializes in support and alimony, and he has done a lot of work with attorneys and the court system. Jim brings a very realistic perspective that comes from countless hours working on these types of cases.

"I'm excited to be able to bring my expertise to help these couples stay out of the courtroom," Colitsas says. "I've seen the devastation that can happen when couples have to go through costly and protracted litigation, and I'm pleased to be able to help provide an alternative that can save them time, money, and lower the emotional stress that comes with getting a divorce."

How Does High Net Worth Divorce Mediation Work?

Mediation is a voluntary process that is facilitated by a neutral, third-party mediator with the goal of resolving the underlying issues (in a divorce) through a cooperative rather than combative approach. Sessions can be conducted in-person or remotely, depending on the needs and schedules of the participants.

In addition to the time and cost savings, many high net worth couples prefer divorce mediation because it gives them more control over the process, and it allows them to develop customized solutions that are more suitable to their unique circumstances. Business owners and professionals are visionaries, and mediation appeals to their creative nature.

Through mediation, participants have the opportunity to cooperate on a joint effort to forge a peaceable and workable agreement that both sides will be happy with. Participants can still hire attorneys at any time during the process and/or to have the agreement reviewed (by their attorneys) before it is finalized.

The partnership between Advanced Mediation Solutions and Princeton Financial Group provides divorcing couples with the experience and expertise needed to tackle some of the most complicated issues that may come up during a high net worth divorce.

These may include:
* Business Valuations;
* Analysis of Complicated Business Arrangements (e.g., stock options, deferred compensation, partnership buyout agreements);
* Valuations for Real Estate Holdings;
* Valuations for Complicated Investments (e.g., stocks, bonds, trusts, international investments);
* Valuations for Unique Assets (e.g., art collections, jewelry, classic automobiles);
* Complex Tax Implications of the Divorce.

AMS and PFG have already worked together for several years, and they have always had a shared philosophy of leveraging experts to help achieve the best possible outcome for their clients. They have access to a wide network of other professionals whom they work closely with and can bring in to help when needed. Participants are also free to bring in their own outside professionals to help with the process.

"Mediation is definitely now viewed by high net worth couples as a realistic approach to divorce, and we have seen numerous high-profile couples utilize this process. In fact, Jeff Bezos and his wife decided to settle their divorce amicably and announce it jointly on Twitter, and we wouldn't be surprised if they are mediating."

"We are excited about our joint partnership, because it puts us at the forefront of this movement."

For more information about Advanced Mediation Solutions, go to https://advancedmediationsolutions.net/

For more information about Princeton Financial Group, go to https://www.tcacpa.com/

Advanced Mediation Solutions and Princeton Financial Group are pleased to announce that they have teamed up to handle divorces for high net worth couples in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Divorce mediation has become an increasingly popular alternative for couples who want to dissolve their marriage.

Related link: https://advancedmediationsolutions.net/

Continuing Its Growth, VLP Law Group Welcomes Partner Jim O’Hare to the Firm’s Corporate Practice Group

BOSTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that Jim O'Hare has joined the firm's Corporate Practice Group as a partner based in the Boston area. Mr. O'Hare brings over 30 years of experience as a trusted adviser to companies, investors, management teams and boards of directors. He has served as a valued resource for businesses and investors across each stage of a company lifecycle - from emerging growth through multinational organization.

Focused on technology-based companies, Mr. O'Hare represents companies and their investors in a variety of organizational, governance and transactional matters, including M&A, complex financings, reorganizations, restructurings, technology licensing, joint ventures, strategic investments and venture capital investments. His clients include start-ups, family-owned, institutionally-financed and publicly-held businesses.

Christopher La Chance, Chair of the firm's Corporate, Emerging Growth Companies & Venture Capital, Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities & Capital Raising Practice Groups said, "We are delighted that Jim is joining VLP. Jim and his practice align ideally with our corporate group, and we are confident that he will flourish at VLP as he continues to service his impressive roster of clients in the sophisticated transactions in which they are consistently involved."

"I look forward to working with VLP's team of accomplished corporate lawyers in the technology sector," said Mr. O'Hare. "VLP's track record of delivering strong results for clients across the life-cycle of technology companies, together with its commitment to client service, will be enormously valuable for current and future clients."

Prior to joining VLP, Mr. O'Hare was a partner with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. He began his technology-focused practice in 1985 with Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault in Boston and, from 1996 to 2000, served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Cambridge Technology Partners, Inc., headquartered in Cambridge Massachusetts.

About VLP:

Founded in 2008, VLP is a business and transactional law firm that delivers top quality legal services from experienced attorneys through an efficient platform. The firm has a broad practice, reaching across many industry sectors, including high tech, life sciences, clean tech, retail, consumer products, edtech, and real estate. VLP has continued its strong growth and is made up of noted attorneys with significant experience who believe VLP's unique, client-oriented model is the best platform for their practice.

Our partners are regularly recognized by their peers as outstanding attorneys, and the firm has been recognized as a top company for its promotion of quality of life in the workplace. VLP partners represent clients that vary in size from individual executives and early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. Our clients include public and private corporations, venture capital investors, private equity funds, educational institutions and companies, nonprofits and individuals.

We provide general corporate, licensing, contract, intellectual property protection and counseling, securities regulation, financing, merger and acquisition, real estate, commercial lending, tax, employment and other legal services.

Visit us at https://www.vlplawgroup.com/.

VLP Law Group LLP ('VLP') is pleased to announce that Jim O'Hare has joined the firm's Corporate Practice Group as a partner based in the Boston area. Mr. O'Hare brings over 30 years of experience as a trusted adviser to companies, investors, management teams and boards of directors.

Related link: https://www.vlplawgroup.com/

Experienced Attorney Michael Rieman Joins Dungan and LeFevre

TROY, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- Dungan & LeFevre is pleased to announce that Michael Rieman has joined the firm's Troy office as a Director/Partner and member of the Board of Directors. A seasoned civil litigator, Mr. Rieman has significant experience across a wide array of legal fields. Throughout his career, Rieman has handled cases involving business law, real estate, criminal defense, personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice defense, and legal malpractice defense.

Prior to practicing in Troy, Ohio, Mr. Rieman worked at Bieser, Greer, and Landis in downtown Dayton handling complex civil litigation cases. He also has experience as an assistant prosecuting attorney handling felony criminal cases. Mr. Rieman continues to reside in Greenville, Ohio, his hometown, with his wife Amanda and their two children, soon to be three.

Mr. Rieman is admitted to the bars of the State of Ohio and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

"Michael comes to us with a unique background. With shared time as an assistant prosecutor and defense attorney, he is able to see all angles of a case," said Steven Justice, General Partner with Dungan & LeFevre. "His extensive litigation experience will be a tremendous asset to the firm and our clients."

"I am thrilled to be joining Dungan & LeFevre and its elite group of attorneys," Mr. Rieman said. "I am proud of the work I've done at Bieser, Greer, and Landis, and now look forward to providing the highest level of legal services to Dungan and LeFevre's clients. Working at Dungan and LeFevre will allow me to better serve my friends and neighbors in Darke County."

Rieman received his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 2011, and an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the Ohio State University. While at Notre Dame, he was elected to the Honor Council and was a member of the Business Law Forum.

About Dungan & LeFevre:

The Troy, Ohio law firm of Dungan & LeFevre consistently provides positive outcomes for their clients located in Darke, Miami, and Montgomery counties. The firm's motto of "Every Client Matters" plays out every day as the firm's eleven attorneys practice legal representation in the areas of business law, civil litigation, criminal defense, domestic relations, family law, estate planning, elder law, estate administration, real estate, title insurance, personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death.

Learn more at: https://dunganattorney.com/

Dungan & LeFevre is pleased to announce that Michael Rieman has joined the firm's Troy office as a Director/Partner and member of the Board of Directors. A seasoned civil litigator, Mr. Rieman has significant experience across a wide array of legal fields.

Related link: https://dunganattorney.com/

Robert Golan, PC Overturns Judge’s Ruling and Restores Benefits to Injured Worker

PLAINVIEW, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Robert Golan, PC, a worker's compensation lawyer serving the areas of Long Island, Nassau County, Queens and Suffolk County, recently settled a $250,000 case for a union carpenter who hurt his back at work in 2016. A misunderstanding over the definition of "work" caused the Judge to suspend the $800 per week monetary benefits to that worker and his family.

At most Workers Compensation hearings, before monetary awards are made to an injured worker, the attorney for the insurance company routinely asks the worker if he has done any "work" since the last hearing or since his accident. "Work" to the court is defined as any activity that could be considered to be "work" such as bartering your services, volunteering your services, helping out a friend or family member with a business, working on the books, off the books, etc. Attorneys routinely inform the client of this definition before asking the client about work.

In this case, instead of the insurance company attorney asking the client, the Judge questioned the injured carpenter about work, but did not explain what the word "work" meant.

The carpenter answered "no" to the question, because most blue-collar workers define "work" as going to a job and getting a paycheck. Later, when the carpenter told the Judge, as required, that he had been helping his wife with her organic farm business, the Judge accused the carpenter of hiding his "work activity" from her and suspended the $800 per week workers compensation benefits that supported him and his family, and set a trial date for him to testify in detail about what he does to help his wife with her business.

The carpenter stated that had he known that "work" included volunteering his services to his wife, he surely would have told her about it up front.

"Even Judges make mistakes, but when they do it has an enormous impact on an injured worker who relies on them until that worker is able to go back to work," said Mr. Golan, a worker's compensation attorney with Golan & Masiakos, LLP.

Mr. Golan appealed the Judge's actions and was successful in getting the Decision overturned and restored the carpenter's $800 per week workers comp benefits.

For more information about Robert Golan, PC, visit: http://www.workerscompensation-law.com/.

About Robert Golan, PC of Golan & Masiakos, LLP:
For over 15 years, Robert Golan, PC has represented injured workers in their workers compensation cases. We serve the following areas of New York:
* Nassau, NY
* Long Island, NY
* Suffolk, NY
* Queens, NY

If you had a work-related accident and want to see if you have a case, contact Long Island workers compensation attorney, Robert Golan, PC. Mr. Golan gives his clients personal and professional service.

Robert Golan, PC serves as a Long Island social security disability attorney and workers compensation attorney, serving Long Island, Nassau, Queens and Suffolk, New York.

We believe your accident and injuries are important. Robert Golan, PC is dedicated to providing you with excellent service. Call us at 516-586-3910 to discuss your case or contact us online for your free case evaluation.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/TvoTkh7XX2c

Robert Golan, PC, a worker's compensation lawyer serving the areas of Long Island, Nassau County, Queens and Suffolk County, recently settled a $250,000 case for a union carpenter who hurt his back at work in 2016. A misunderstanding over the definition of "work" caused the Judge to suspend the $800 per week monetary benefits to that worker and his family.

Related link: http://www.workerscompensation-law.com/

Advanced Mediation Solutions Sees Rise in Business and Workplace Mediations

HADDONFIELD, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Advanced Mediation Solutions (AMS) provides a wide range of mediation services. Some of their specialties include divorce and family mediation, high net-worth divorce mediation, business partnership mediation, and workplace mediation. Recently, they have seen a sharp rise in requests for business and workplace mediation services.

"Mediation is becoming an increasingly preferred form of alternative dispute resolution in the corporate world," says Carmela DeNicola, business and workplace mediator for AMS. "As litigation becomes more and more expensive, a growing number of companies are realizing that mediation is a practical, efficient, and cost-effective option that allows participants to settle disputes on their terms rather than the terms set out by a court or arbiter."

Mediation has been used to resolve family issues for many years, but in the past, a lot of people did not see this as a viable process for more complex legal matters, such as high asset divorces and commercial disputes. Today, however, practitioners with more specialized knowledge are entering the field, providing more sophisticated solutions that did not exist a decade or two ago.

"Roseann (Vanella) and I each have several decades of corporate experience," DeNicola continues. "We have diverse experience including working with Fortune 100 companies, and we have seen and experienced first-hand many of the common issues that need to be resolved for companies to move forward and achieve greater success. On the family mediation side, we have a team of in-house experts that can handle complicated issues such as business ownership calculations, franchise ownership, real estate holdings, complex investments, tax issues, and much more."

How is Mediation Different from Arbitration or Litigation?

Mediation is a voluntary process that takes place in a cooperative rather than combative setting. Though it is facilitated by a neutral, third-party mediator, participants are in control of the outcome, and no settlement can be binding unless all parties agree to it. Unlike court proceedings, the process is confidential, and because participants decide the outcome, they are more likely to take ownership of the results and uphold their end of any agreement that is reached.

Mediation is now being used regularly for virtually any type of commercial legal matter, such as:
* Business Partnership Mediation
* Mediating Operating Agreements
* Mediating Partnership Disputes
* Mediating Disputes Between Employee.

"Mediation is definitely becoming mainstream," says Roseann Vanella, founder of AMS. "In fact, we are even seeing human resource departments add mediation services as part of their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Corporations are realizing the value of investing in workplace wellness programs, and mediation is an ideal add-on, because it helps employees who have personal issues such as divorce, estate settlements, and elder care disputes that need to be resolved. As the labor market continues to tighten and become more competitive, we expect to see more EAPs include mediation as a way to help attract top employee talent."

About Advanced Mediation Solutions (AMS)

Advanced Mediation Solutions (AMS) is a full-service mediation provider that offers family/divorce mediation, high net worth divorce mediation, business/workplace mediation, onsite mediation (teams, groups, mergers, reorganizations, etc.), separation mediation, LBGTQ mediation, elder care mediation, and many others. The mediators at AMS have several decades of combined business experience, and they are one of the few practices in the state of New Jersey that is exclusively focused on mediation.

AMS also works closely with a team of in-house experts that provide skilled guidance with several complicated and specialized issues. This allows AMS to help resolve even the most complex legal matters. AMS has offices in Haddonfield, NJ and Princeton, NJ serving clients in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. They also provide virtual mediation that can be conducted anywhere participants have a phone or internet connection.

Website: https://advancedmediationsolutions.net/

Advanced Mediation Solutions, 89 N. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield, NJ 08033. Phone: 856-669-7172.

Advanced Mediation Solutions (AMS) provides a wide range of mediation services. Some of their specialties include divorce and family mediation, high net-worth divorce mediation, business partnership mediation, and workplace mediation. Recently, they have seen a sharp rise in requests for business and workplace mediation services.

Related link: https://advancedmediationsolutions.net/

EPIC’s Casey Lillis to Present on Cyber Security and Data Privacy at GLAMM 2018 in Dallas

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Account Executive Casey Lillis will present at the Globalaw Annual Members Meeting (GLAMM) 2018 on Thurs., Oct. 25 at 11:30 a.m. at the Jackson Walker office in Dallas, Texas.

Lillis will participate in the panel, "Cybersecurity and Data Privacy - Innovation and Risk at a Crossroads" alongside Batya Forsyth of Hanson Bridgett and Richard Healy of Oldham, Li & Nie. This panel will discuss existing legal frameworks surrounding cybersecurity and data privacy, along with strategies and best practices for both advance compliance and responses in the event of a data breach.

The EPIC-sponsored event will offer attendees the opportunity to attend panel sessions, build relationships with industry experts and exchange, educate and improve what is delivered to clients.

Click here to register for the event: https://www.globalaw.net/event/globalaw-annual-members-meeting-2/.

About Casey Lillis, account executive at EPIC:

Casey Lillis is a knowledgeable cyber risk resource supporting EPIC's client base in California. Prior to joining EPIC, Lillis was an underwriter for Chubb in their financial lines group. He specialized in the analysis and pricing of cyber risk and professional liability insurance for middle and major market organizations.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Account Executive Casey Lillis will present at the Globalaw Annual Members Meeting (GLAMM) 2018 on Thurs., Oct. 25 at 11:30 a.m. at the Jackson Walker office in Dallas, Texas.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Levy Konigsberg LLP Wins $43.1 Million Lung Cancer Verdict in Tobacco and Asbestos Exposure Case

BOSTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Late Friday afternoon, on October 12, 2018, a jury in Boston awarded $43.1 million dollars in a historic lung cancer trial involving both tobacco and asbestos claims. The case began in June of 2015 when Levy Konigsberg LLP, and its co-counsel Shepard Law, filed the case on behalf of Louis E. Summerlin and his wife Joanna M. Summerlin, against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (“Reynolds”), Philip Morris USA, Inc. (“Philip Morris”) and numerous companies who manufactured and sold asbestos-containing products with which Mr. Summerlin worked as a brake mechanic. (*Note 1)

Before his death in October 2015, Mr. Summerlin gave sworn, videotaped testimony in the case, which was presented to the jury during trial. Mrs. Summerlin continued the action on behalf of herself and the Estate of Mr. Summerlin. Prior to trial, four companies against whom asbestos-related claims were brought settled the claims against them. The case proceeded to trial beginning on September 7, 2018 against Reynolds and Phillip Morris (the companies who manufactured and sold the cigarettes Mr. Summerlin smoked) as well as Hampden Automotive Sales Corporation (“Hampden”), a manufacturer of asbestos-containing brakes that Mr. Summerlin used in the late 1950s through early 1960s.

The jury heard evidence that Mr. Summerlin began smoking as a teenager in the late 1950s, before warnings were put on cigarette packs. When Mr. Summerlin first tried smoking he coughed and gagged on the smoke. But he then tried a menthol cigarette which -- due to the anesthetic properties of menthol – was easy for Mr. Summerlin to inhale which led to Mr. Summerlin becoming a daily cigarette smoker. The jury heard testimony from multiple expert witnesses regarding Mr. Summerlin’s 50-plus year addiction to menthol cigarettes (including Kool, Salem and Marlboro Menthol), as well as his unsuccessful attempts to quit using smoking cessation aids such as nicotine gum, the nicotine patch and a prescription drug (Chantix). At trial the Plaintiff called experts in a variety of specialties including: nicotine addiction, health behavior, tobacco industry conduct, history, industrial hygiene, and occupational and environmental medicine.

After a 5 week trial, the jury deliberated for over 23 hours during the course of 4 days, before rendering a verdict against Reynolds, the maker of the menthol cigarettes (Kool and Salem) that Mr. Summerlin smoked from the late 1950s through the mid-1980s. The jury found Reynolds liable on all 5 counts: breach of implied warranty of merchantability (defective design and inadequate warning); negligence (negligent design and failure to adequately warn) and fraud. The jury awarded $5.3 million for Mr. Summerlin’s pain and suffering, $3.5 million for Mrs. Summerlin’s “loss of consortium”, $4.3 in wrongful death damages, for a total of $13.1 million in compensatory damages.

The jury also found that Reynolds was “grossly negligent” and acted “maliciously, willfully, wantonly or recklessly” in causing Mr. Summerlin’s lung cancer, and awarded $30 million in punitive damages. Although the jury found that Philip Morris and Hampden breached the implied warranty of merchantability in selling “defective” products, the jury determined that these breaches were not a “substantial contributing factor” in causing Mr. Summerlin’s lung cancer, resulting in a defense verdict in favor of these two companies.

The case was tried by Jerome H. Block, partner at Levy Konigsberg LLP, and Michael Shepard, founding partner of Boston-based Shepard Law. The trial team also included Robert Ellis and Amber Long (Levy Konigsberg) and Michael McCann and Erika O’Donnell (Shepard Law). Mr. Block commented on the verdict, stating: “Throughout the trial Reynolds and its co-defendants attempted to avoid responsibility by blaming Mr. Summerlin, despite his severe addiction to menthol cigarettes. We are gratified that the jury determined that Reynolds’ outrageous conduct not only caused Mr. Summerlin’s lung cancer, but recognized the significant damages suffered by the Summerlin family and the need to punish Reynolds with punitive damages.”

About Levy Konigsberg LLP:
Levy Konigsberg LLP is a national trial law firm based in New York City that has won numerous ground-breaking verdicts and settlements over the last four decades. Partner Jerome “Jerry” Block has won numerous verdicts in both tobacco and asbestos litigation. This is Mr. Block’s third consecutive multi-million dollar verdict against a tobacco company on behalf of a plaintiff who developed lung cancer after beginning smoking as a teenager in the 1950s or 1960s. For more information, please visit https://www.levylaw.com/.

(*Note 1) Joanna M. Summerlin, Individually and as Executor of the Estate of Louis E. Summerlin, Docket No. 15-5255 (Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Superior Court).

On October 12, 2018, a jury in Boston awarded $43.1 million dollars in a historic lung cancer trial involving both tobacco and asbestos claims. The case began in June of 2015 when Levy Konigsberg LLP, and its co-counsel Shepard Law, filed the case on behalf of Louis E. Summerlin and his wife Joanna M. Summerlin, against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company ("Reynolds"), Philip Morris USA, Inc. ("Philip Morris") and numerous companies who manufactured and sold asbestos-containing products with which Mr. Summerlin worked as a brake mechanic.

Related link: https://www.levylaw.com/

SBEMP Launches a New Website Design with Online Booking Consultation with an Attorney

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- SBEMP, a full-service law firm with offices in Palm Springs, Orange County, San Diego, New Jersey, and New York, launched a new website for potential and existing clients to easily find our offices, contact information, see our practice areas. The site offers a simplified, streamlined design with information about our practice areas, partners and team at https://sbemp.com/.

"We are excited to debut our updated law firm website to our clients, partners, media, and visitors who are looking to schedule appointments, find one of our offices, see our practice areas, and find one of our experienced lawyers," said SBEMP law firm partner, Shaun Murphy.

SBEMP's website will be updated regularly with news about the company's services, accomplishments, and events, as well as information on law topics within our practice areas and industry news.

The new website also offers a new Book Online feature for new clients to request a consultation from one of our attorneys at any of our offices.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the new website and sign up for SBEMP's newsletter list. SBEMP also offers a contact form for those experiencing a legal issue to request a consultation from one of our attorneys at https://sbemp.com/.

About SBEMP:

SBEMP LLP is a full service law firm with offices in Palm Springs, Orange County, San Diego, New Jersey, and New York. The founding members were partners in the largest law firm in the Inland Empire, each with a proven track record of substantial success. They formed SBEMP to concentrate exclusively on providing clients with superior legal representation and first-class service at competitive pricing.

Our attorneys have handles hundreds of trials, arbitrations, and alternative dispute resolution proceedings, as well as negotiated and closed complex business and real estate transactions totaling billions of dollars throughout the United States. Our attorneys also provide full-service labor and employment legal services ranging, from day-to-day employment law, employment law related litigation, and collective bargaining.

Please visit our website at https://sbemp.com/ to see our Practice Areas and Book Online for a consultation with one of our attorneys.

*(LOGO 72dpi: https://sbemp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.png)

VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/3jR0HRZNK4c

SBEMP LLP, a full-service law firm with offices in Palm Springs, Orange County, San Diego, New Jersey, and New York, launched a new website for potential and existing clients to easily find our offices, contact information, see our practice areas. The site offers a simplified, streamlined design with information about our practice areas.

Related link: https://sbemp.com/

VLP Law Group Continues Its Growth with the Addition of Patent Attorney Jim White

PALO ALTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that patent attorney Jim White has joined the firm's Intellectual Property Practice Group as a partner based in Seattle, Washington.

Mr. White is a seasoned patent attorney with over 20 years of experience in patent procurement in computer-related areas, including computer software and Internet-related patents. He focuses his practice on the domestic and foreign prosecution of computer-related patents, and also provides services in strategic planning and analysis of patent portfolios, patent validity and infringement opinions, and patent licensing.

Prior to becoming a software patent attorney, Mr. White worked as a software engineer in Silicon Valley for over six years.

"We are thrilled that Jim will be joining the VLP patent team," said David Roise, Co-Chair of VLP's Intellectual Property Practice Group. "Jim's technology background in software and Internet-related technology will further strengthen our expertise in these areas. His experience working as a software engineer in Silicon Valley prior to becoming a patent attorney, and his subsequent legal practice in patent prosecution, strategic IP planning and analysis and patent diligence speak to the expertise and value he provides his clients. We look forward to having him as part of our IP group."

Mr. White said, "VLP's sophisticated cloud-based infrastructure, as well as its existing team of skilled patent procurement professionals, will enable me to provide outstanding service to clients. I am very excited to be joining this fine team of lawyers in such a dynamic environment."

About VLP:

Founded in 2008, VLP is a business and transactional law firm that delivers top quality legal services from experienced attorneys through an efficient platform. The firm has a broad practice, reaching across many industry sectors, including high tech, life sciences, clean tech, retail, consumer products, edtech, and real estate. VLP has continued its strong growth, and is made up of noted attorneys with significant experience who believe VLP's unique, client-oriented model is the best platform for their practice. Our partners are regularly recognized by their peers as outstanding attorneys, and the firm has been recognized as a top company for its promotion of quality of life in the workplace.

VLP partners represent clients that vary in size from individual executives and early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. Our clients include public and private corporations, venture capital investors, private equity funds, educational institutions and companies, nonprofits and individuals.

We provide general corporate, licensing, contract, intellectual property protection and counseling, securities regulation, financing, merger and acquisition, real estate, commercial lending, tax, employment and other legal services.

More information: https://www.vlplawgroup.com/

VLP Law Group LLP ('VLP') is pleased to announce that patent attorney Jim White has joined the firm's Intellectual Property Practice Group as a partner based in Seattle, Washington. Prior to becoming a software patent attorney, Mr. White worked as a software engineer in Silicon Valley for over six years.

Related link: https://www.vlplawgroup.com/

SafeChain to Integrate ALTA Registry into Its Real Estate Wire Fraud Prevention Platform SafeWire

COLUMBUS, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- SafeChain, the industry leader in wire fraud prevention software for land title, announced today that it will integrate the national ALTA Registry into its real estate wire fraud prevention platform SafeWire. Through the integration, mortgage lenders will be able to search the Registry and verify the identity of title insurance agents and settlement companies, providing an enhanced level of efficiency and security to the real estate transaction.

"The national ALTA Registry is a unique real estate utility created specifically for mortgage lenders," said Paul Martin, ALTA's Registry director. "We're pleased to offer this tool to SafeChain as it looks to deliver innovative products to its customers. The emergence of the ALTA Registry as an effective and easy to use source of data and information comes at the perfect time to help counter the alarming increase in wire fraud."

ALTA launched the ALTA Registry in 2017 as the first national database of title insurance agents and settlement companies. In addition to contact information and branch locations for agents and title companies, each ALTA Registry listing also includes a title agent or real estate attorney's unique seven-digit ALTA ID. As most real estate wire fraud schemes involve spoofing the identity of the title and/or settlement agent involved in transaction, the ability to verify the identity of these individuals using the ALTA ID and contact information contained within the ALTA Registry provides added assurance that lenders are interacting with legitimate parties to the transaction.

"With wire fraud on the rise, everyone in the real estate transaction - lenders included - must increase their level of vigilance to maintain the integrity of the process," said Tony Franco, SafeChain co-founder and CEO. "Integrating the ALTA Registry ALTA ID into SafeWire enhances the level of security we're able to provide to all parties, bringing us one step closer to completely eliminating fraud in the wire transfer process."

Learn more about the ALTA Registry by visiting https://www.altaidregistry.org/.

About ALTA:

The American Land Title Association, founded in 1907, is a national trade association representing more than 6,200 title insurance companies, title and settlement agents, independent abstracters, title searchers, and real estate attorneys. ALTA members conduct title searches, examinations, closings, and issue title insurance that protects real property owners and mortgage lenders against losses from defects in titles.

About SafeChain:

SafeChain makes real estate transactions safer and simpler. Built by real estate title experts in collaboration with banking technologists, SafeChain tackles the inefficiencies of the buying and selling process from the inside-out to help title companies, mortgage bankers and realtors decrease costs and deliver a better experience for customers. Leveraging the most advanced technologies, including blockchain, SafeChain increases the speed and security of closings to deliver faster transactions and better consumer confidence. For more information visit http://www.safechain.io.

SafeChain, the industry leader in wire fraud prevention software for land title, announced today that it will integrate the national ALTA Registry into its real estate wire fraud prevention platform SafeWire. Through the integration, mortgage lenders will be able to search the Registry and verify the identity of title insurance agents and settlement companies, providing an enhanced level of efficiency and security to the real estate transaction.

Related link: https://www.safechain.io/

RESPECT May Not Be Exactly What Aretha Franklin’s Legacy Will Get

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Weeks have passed since the death of the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, and the world is still reeling - mainly from the loss of a such a beloved icon, but also from the fact that she seems to have died without a trust, says estate planning attorney Kirsten Howe of Absolute Trust Counsel. Without a will, and without any sort of estate plan in place, where will that $80 million go?

"From what we know, Aretha died intestate, meaning without a will or a trust as part of a written estate plan," says leading Walnut Creek estate planning attorney Kirsten Howe. "This means her estate will be administered according to the laws of intestacy in the state of Michigan, where she resided at the time of her death, and that what remains after probate will eventually be distributed among her four adult sons."

Franklin's estimated $80 million estate far exceeds the threshold for probate under Michigan law, which is only $15,000. This means that her family will have to go through a court-supervised probate process to pay her bills, debts, and taxes, and to secure transfer of what remains to her sons.

Kirsten adds, "It's not uncommon for people, even wealthy people who have lots of professionals advising them to prepare an estate plan, to end up dying intestate. In California, only 40 percent of residents have done some sort of estate planning. Why Aretha resisted creating an estate plan, we will never know, but there are lots of reasons why people fail to do estate planning. We all tend to procrastinate, especially when it comes to things that don't feel urgent or seem unpleasant. Thinking about your own death is never fun. Some people are superstitious; more than one client have admitted to me that they had an irrational fear that as soon as they did their estate plan, they would die, so they naturally put it off. Others are nervous or afraid to meet with lawyers, believe it or not."

Pancreatic cancer, the disease from which Aretha Franklin died, is almost always terminal, and patients usually die a relatively short time after diagnosis. The time to do estate planning is not when you receive a terminal diagnosis.

Howe goes on to say, "If Aretha had held her estate in a trust, her family could have avoided the very public probate process that is now going to take place. She could have protected the value of her estate from the hefty fees that the probate process will require and helped reduce the 40 percent estate tax - an estimated $27 million in this case - that will now have to be paid to the IRS. But more than that, she could have made sure her wishes were carried out and protected the relationships among her four sons. With an $80 million estate, she could have benefited many people and many organizations with enough money left over for each of her sons to be financially secure. And while she did spend the last of her time surrounded by loved ones, she also left one important lesson to us all: Get your affairs in order while you're healthy and you have time."

About Kirsten Howe:

For more than 20 years, individuals and families in Walnut Creek, California, and the surrounding areas have trusted Absolute Trust Counsel Managing Partner Kirsten Howe and her team to help them secure their legacies.

Uniquely qualified to create individualized estate plans, Kirsten and her team provide focused counsel on estate planning, trust administration, probate, Medi-Cal planning, special needs planning, and other estate-related issues.

Kirsten earned her law degree cum laude from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and a B.S. in biology from the University of Michigan. While in law school, she was a member of the Thurston Society and managing editor of The Hastings Law Journal.

A noted speaker on estate planning issues, Kirsten is a member of the Trust and Estates Section of the California State Bar, and the Estate Planning and Probate, Elder Law, and Women's section of the Contra Costa County Bar. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Estate Planning Council Diablo Valley and is a member of the Robert G. McGrath Chapter of American Inns of Court.

About Absolute Trust Counsel:

While some law firms offer general services meeting every conceivable legal need, Absolute Trust Counsel takes a different approach. California estate law is our specialty. It's what we love, and what we do best.

Our focus is on serving our neighbors in Walnut Creek and the surrounding area. We work with seniors every day. We work with families needing estate planning every day. We work with families who have lost loved ones and are now facing probate. We work with families who have members with special needs. We work with families needing nursing home assistance. Our belief is that this specialization and dedication translates into better results for our clients.

Choosing the right attorney is always a decision that should be made thoughtfully, particularly when it comes to planning for your future. You need a legal team who will take the time to listen closely to you and gain a thorough understanding of your particular situation and your most pressing concerns, goals, and hopes for your legacy. We pride ourselves on practicing that sort of personalized law. We are a law practice that will be there for you and your family today, tomorrow, and for years to come - a law firm for life.

Learn more at https://absolutetrustcounsel.com.

Weeks have passed since the death of the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, and the world is still reeling - mainly from the loss of a such a beloved icon, but also from the fact that she seems to have died without a trust, says estate planning attorney Kirsten Howe of Absolute Trust Counsel. Without a will, and without any sort of estate plan in place, where will that $80 million go?

Related link: https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/

Ave Maria School of Law to Host Solo Practitioner CLE Workshop

NAPLES, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- On Friday, August 17 from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Ave Maria Law will host an interactive workshop with an exciting line-up of local, talented speakers. Topics of discussion will include, "What I Wish I Knew When I Started," "Transitioning from Law Firm to Solo Practice," and presentations on eDiscovery, marketing, financial planning and legal research.

Local Solo Practitioner Presentations by:
* Jaimie Miller, APR, Conric PR & Marketing
* Zully Vergel, Mint Legal Solutions
* Stacey Adams, Alliance Financial Group
* Ulysses Jaen, Ave Maria Law
* Derek Rooney, GrayRobinson
* -- plus a panel.

$45 Ave Law Alumni & Lee and Collier Young Lawyers Division / $95 General Admission.

Continental Breakfast and Lunch provided.

For more information, visit: https://www.avemarialaw.edu/ave-maria-cle-workshop/ - and to RSVP http://bit.ly/avelawclecourse

Contact Alumni Affairs: alumniaffairs@avemarialaw.edu

We're grateful to our alumni sponsors:
Law Offices of Gary De Pury, P.A., Lutz, Fla.; Law Office of John A. Arceri, Marco Island, Fla.; Verderamo & Nunez, Naples, Fla.; Lindsay & Allen, Naples, Fla.; The Mendieta Law Firm, PLLC, Naples, Fla.

ABOUT AVE MARIA SCHOOL OF LAW:
Ave Maria School of Law was founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1999 and in 2009 relocated to Naples, Florida. Ave Law was named the best Catholic Law School in the United States for the devout three times by The National Jurist's PreLaw Magazine, winter 2014 and spring 2016 and 2017 issues. Ave Law was ranked #1 Most Diverse Law School in the spring 2016 issue of PreLaw through a quantifiable study.

The Princeton Review named Ave Law one of the nation's most outstanding law schools in the 2015 edition of its annual book, "The Best 169 Law Schools" and again in 2017 & 2018. The Law School was also ranked number one on the "Most Conservative Students" list in the book. Ave Maria Law has earned the 2017 & 2018 Military Friendly(R) School designations by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs(R), STEM Jobs and Military Spouse.

Ave Maria School of Law is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License Number 4007 and is fully accredited by the American Bar Association.

Learn more at: https://www.avemarialaw.edu/.

On Friday, August 17, 2018 from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Ave Maria School of Law will host an interactive workshop with an exciting line-up of local, talented speakers. Topics of discussion will include, "What I Wish I Knew When I Started," "Transitioning from Law Firm to Solo Practice," and presentations on eDiscovery, marketing, financial planning and legal research.

Related link: https://www.avemarialaw.edu/

LACC Basketball Coach Mike (Michael) Miller Reveals Facts About His Innocence on TV show After Being Found Not Guilty On All Charges In Jury Trial

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Los Angeles City College Coach Mike Miller, who gained fame as the most winning college basketball coach in the country from 1997-2006, with a winning percentage of .885 and a record of 241-38, was found not guilty by 12-0 vote in a jury trial verdict in Los Angeles Superior Court; announced the California Basketball Association (CBA).

Coach Miller coached Los Angeles City College to a national record 14 straight conference championships from 1993-94 to 2006-07. This amazing record of excellence is highlighted by legendary Division I coach Bill Self and his University of Kansas Jayhawks who just tied LACC and coach Miller's long standing record of consecutive conference championships by the same coach.

Coach Miller scored his biggest victory off the court when a jury unanimously found him not guilty in a three week long jury trial in Department 54 of the Los Angeles Superior Court at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles. Coach Mike Miller was aggressively prosecuted and charged with 13 misdemeanor counts by the Los Angeles City Attorney Chadd Kim, who waited almost an entire year to bring the misdemeanor charges in case number 4CA00067 on November 17, 2014.

Because of Coach Miller's past successes as a college basketball coach and a noted author, the case received major media attention, specifically from KTLA Channel 5 News who falsely reported that Coach Miller was the owner of a Prep School and that he ran it out of his house as well as going to great lengths to detail the accusations made against Coach Miller. Neither Channel 5 News nor the L.A. Times bothered to provide further updates, nor subsequent articles on the outcome of the matter.

After a three week jury trial, commencing on June 8, 2015 and ending on June 30, 2015, the jury unanimously found Coach Miller not guilty of the serious charges of (i) Penal Code Section 243.4(E)(1) (i.e., the sexual battery claim against Miller) and (ii) four counts of Penal Code Section 242 (i.e., the battery claims against Miller). The court also dismissed all eight counts of Penal Code §647(J)(3)(A) (i.e., the claims that Miller used a concealed camera to view a person's body in a private room) in the furtherance of justice.

The Los Angeles Times article and KTLA Channel 5 news stories read in a vacuum and without further context of Coach Miller's resounding exoneration, is ultimately misleading to the public about the truth of the matter.

"Sex crimes are very easy to make up and very hard to defend," stated Former Prosecutor and Miller's defense attorney Joe Weimortz.

Throughout the proceedings Coach Miller steadfastly maintained his innocence and reflected on the absurdity of the charges: "This was like an abnormal psychology text book coming to life."

Miller stated in a recent exclusive interview on his own TV show: "It was like she (L.A. City Attorney Chadd Kim) didn't want to prove I was a vegetarian, she just wants to prove I don't eat meat."

After his new experience in the criminal justice system, Coach Miller is currently writing a book highlighting the insanity of the criminal justice system and in some cases the abuse of power that occurs by police and prosecutors.

The following is the search result of case number 4CA00067 and is found online at: http://www.lacourt.org/criminalcasesummary/ui/.

Count Charge Section Charge Statute Plea Disposition Disposition Date
01 647(J)(3)(A) Penal Code Not Guilty Dismissed or Not Prosecuted 06/09/2015
02 647(J)(3)(A) Penal Code Not Guilty Dismissed or Not Prosecuted 07/22/2015
03 647(J)(3)(A) Penal Code Not Guilty Dismissed or Not Prosecuted 06/09/2015
04 647(J)(3)(A) Penal Code Not Guilty Dismissed or Not Prosecuted 07/22/2015
05 647(J)(3)(A) Penal Code Not Guilty Dismissed or Not Prosecuted 06/09/2015
06 647(J)(3)(A) Penal Code Not Guilty Dismissed or Not Prosecuted 07/22/2015
07 647(J)(3)(A) Penal Code Not Guilty Dismissed or Not Prosecuted 07/22/2015
08 647(J)(3)(A) Penal Code Not Guilty Dismissed or Not Prosecuted 06/09/2015
09 243.4(E)(1) Penal Code Not Guilty Acquitted 06/30/2015
10 242 Penal Code Not Guilty Acquitted 06/30/2015
11 242 Penal Code Not Guilty Acquitted 06/30/2015
12 242 Penal Code Not Guilty Acquitted 06/30/2015
13 242 Penal Code Not Guilty Acquitted 06/30/2015

The California Basketball Association (CBA) is a premier Basketball League in Los Angeles formed to give players an opportunity to showcase their skills to overseas scouts. The CBA is an exciting fast paced semi-pro basketball league for men and women. The season runs November to March with all games on Sundays in same location.

Learn more: https://www.californiabasketballassociation.com/

Los Angeles City College Coach Mike Miller, who gained fame as the most winning college basketball coach in the country from 1997-2006, with a winning percentage of .885 and a record of 241-38, was found not guilty by 12-0 vote in a jury trial verdict in Los Angeles Superior Court; announced the California Basketball Association (CBA).

Two Arrested at Civil Disobedience Protest on Rainbow Ridge

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Forests Forever, a non-profit forest protection advocacy group, today announced that five employees of Lear Asset Management, a security contractor for Humboldt Redwood Co. (HRC), swept down on protesters camped near a logging road on Rainbow Ridge in the Mattole River watershed at about 5 a.m. yesterday (July 22).

With tasers drawn the guards forcibly restrained two non-resisting protesters who had refused a request to leave, placing them under citizens arrest and confiscating personal equipment including solar panels and a camera.

The guards contacted the Humboldt County Sheriff's Dept., which arrived on the scene about 8 a.m. and took custody of the arrestees, who were later booked and released with pending court dates. At this writing the road blockade remains in place.

At issue is about 1,100 acres of primary, or ancient, forest consisting of Douglas-fir and diverse hardwoods, as well as natural coastal prairies. The area is vital habitat for listed species including but not limited to the Pacific fisher, pine marten, Northern spotted owl, Northern Goshawk, Golden eagle, Coho salmon, Sonoma tree vole, and the rare fungus agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis).

Logging of these forests along Rainbow Ridge could take place under two currently approved Timber Harvesting Plans. Opponents of the plans have raised objections about the validity of at least one of these plans, as well as calling into question the "green" certification accorded to HRC by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Not only is HRC logging virgin forest on its lands, but also is poisoning hardwoods through the use of a highly controversial practice known as "hack and squirt." Such practices should disqualify any timber company from FSC certification, critics say.

Rainbow Ridge is run by San Francisco's Sansome Partners, of which the Fisher family (best known for its GAP clothing) are major investors.

On the other side of the fight are citizens groups including the Lost Coast League (LCL), which has undertaken conservation projects in the area since the 1970s. LCL has sought from HRC to permanently protect Rainbow Ridge, outright purchase being one option, but thus far the company has refused.

Rainbow Ridge is bordered to the east by Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home of the Rockefeller Grove, at 9,000 acres the largest contiguous virgin redwood forest remaining in the world. To the west lies the King Range National Conservation Area.

Preservation of Rainbow Ridge would thus safeguard a corridor between the two neighboring areas, providing enormous conservation values in an age of species decline and global warming.

About Forests Forever:

Forests Forever was founded in 1989 during the historic campaign to save the Headwaters ancient redwood forest in Humboldt County, California.

For almost 30 years we have been rallying Calif. in defense of the state's 17 million acres of woodland ecosystems and watersheds. Forests Forever is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. Our Federal Employer ID Number is 68-0201338. Our website is http://www.forestsforever.org.

Forests Forever, a non-profit forest protection advocacy group, today announced that five employees of Lear Asset Management, a security contractor for Humboldt Redwood Co. (HRC), swept down on protesters camped near a logging road on Rainbow Ridge in the Mattole River watershed at about 5 a.m. yesterday (July 22).

Related link: http://forestsforever.org/

Coach Michael ‘Mike’ Miller found not guilty by 12-0 vote in jury trial verdict in Los Angeles Superior Court

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Former Los Angeles City College (LACC) Coach and current CBA Commissioner, Michael Miller, exonerated on all charges in jury trial, the California Basketball Association (CBA) announced today. Miller, was unanimously found not guilty in a jury trial in Department 54 of the Los Angeles Superior Court at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in down town Los Angeles. Coach Miller was charged with 13 misdemeanor counts by the Los Angeles City Attorney in case number 4CA00067 on November 17, 2014.

Because of Coach Miller's past success as a college basketball coach the case received major media attention and Coach Miller was the subject of an article written for the Los Angeles Times on October 28, 2014 by Olga Grigoryants and Daina Beth Solomon.

The Article goes to great lengths to detail the accusations made against Coach Miller, but according to attorney JaQay Carlyle there are no details, updates nor subsequent articles from the Los Angeles Times on the outcome of the matter once it went to court.

After a three week jury trial, commencing on June 8, 2015 and ending on June 30, 2015, a jury unanimously found Coach Miller not guilty of (i) Penal Code Section 243.4(E)(1) (i.e., the sexual battery claim against Miller) and (ii) four counts of Penal Code Section 242 (i.e., the battery claims against Miller). Moreover, the court dismissed all eight counts of Penal Code §647(J)(3)(A) (i.e., the claims that Miller used a concealed camera to view a person's body in a private room) in the furtherance of justice.

The Los Angeles Times article, read in a vacuum and without further context of Coach Miller's exoneration, is tremendously damaging and embarrassing and is ultimately misleading to the public about the truth of this matter stated attorney JaQay Carlyle. Providing the not guilty verdict and dismissal of claims below, updates the facts and is important in the interest of justice.

When asked for a statement Coach Miller replied: "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account." (Matthew 5:11.)

Since all court matters are public record, the case information is found online at: http://www.lacourt.org/criminalcasesummary/ui/.

The following is the search result of case number 4CA00067:

Count
Charge Section
Charge Statute
Plea
Disposition
Disposition Date

01
647(J)(3)(A)
Penal Code
Not Guilty
Dismissed or Not Prosecuted
06/09/2015
02
647(J)(3)(A)
Penal Code
Not Guilty
Dismissed or Not Prosecuted
07/22/2015
03
647(J)(3)(A)
Penal Code
Not Guilty
Dismissed or Not Prosecuted
06/09/2015
04
647(J)(3)(A)
Penal Code
Not Guilty
Dismissed or Not Prosecuted
07/22/2015
05
647(J)(3)(A)
Penal Code
Not Guilty
Dismissed or Not Prosecuted
06/09/2015
06
647(J)(3)(A)
Penal Code
Not Guilty
Dismissed or Not Prosecuted
07/22/2015
07
647(J)(3)(A)
Penal Code
Not Guilty
Dismissed or Not Prosecuted
07/22/2015
08
647(J)(3)(A)
Penal Code
Not Guilty
Dismissed or Not Prosecuted
06/09/2015
09
243.4(E)(1)
Penal Code
Not Guilty
Acquitted
06/30/2015
10
242
Penal Code
Not Guilty
Acquitted
06/30/2015
11
242
Penal Code
Not Guilty
Acquitted
06/30/2015
12
242
Penal Code
Not Guilty
Acquitted
06/30/2015
13
242
Penal Code
Not Guilty
Acquitted
06/30/2015

About the CBA:

The California Basketball Association (CBA) is a premier Basketball League in Los Angeles formed to give players an opportunity to showcase their skills to overseas scouts. The CBA is an exciting fast paced semi-pro basketball league for men and women. The season runs November to March with all games on Sundays in same location. Learn more: https://www.californiabasketballassociation.com/.

Former Los Angeles City College (LACC) Coach and current CBA Commissioner, Michael Miller, exonerated on all charges in jury trial, the California Basketball Association (CBA) announced today. Miller, was unanimously found not guilty in a jury trial in Department 54 of the Los Angeles Superior Court .

CandyLipz Conducts Clinical Trial to Resolve Consumer Cupping Concerns

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- When some customers showed concern over cupping marks after using the lip plumper manufactured by CandyLipz, LLC, the company quickly jumped into action. It hired a third-party independent investigative research vendor, Biometrix, Inc. - a company that has conducted clinical trials for major multinational biotech, dermatology, product manufacturers and more for 20 plus years - to prove that there was nothing to worry about.

Thienna Ho, Ph.D., founder, CandyLipz, did some research of her own and learned that there were no hard and fast stats to be found on the effects of cupping. She found this surprising, especially after all the press hype that resulted from the 2016 Olympics - several swimmers sported cupping marks on their shoulders and backs.

"I figured there was no time like the present to do a clinical study and get to the bottom of this ancient Chinese healing therapy which dates back to 1,500 B.C. and is also the basis of how the CandyLipz Lip Plumper delivers its lip enhancing results," Dr. Thienna says.

The clinical study, "A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study to Access the Safety and Efficacy of an Over-The-Counter At-Home Lip Enhancer Device Intended to Induce Plumping of the Lips Sponsor: CandyLipz LLC," (Protocol: CAZ050217DVCA), evaluated approximately 50 women who were assigned use of the CandyLipz test device, in accordance with typical use instructions over the course of a 56-day period. The results showed 31 percent of these women had no marks, 45 percent had mild marks, 19 percent had moderate marks, and five percent had severe marks.

The validated clinical findings revealed that cupping marks are actually erythema - or in plain English - a superficial reddening of the skin. The treated group didn't perceive any significant symptoms of subjective irritation, which included stinging, burning, itching, discomfort and pain, following use of the device as instructed and throughout the study period.

While some subjects did exhibit "cupping marks" in the form of an erythemal response, it was determined that these marks were temporary and were observed in the absence of any pain or other discomfort. The device did not elicit any bruising, showed no sign of vascular hemorrhaging, capillary breakage or red blood cell leakage on the treated skin.

"There are many negative aspects to filler injection procedures so I'm happy to have developed a safe and effective product for people who want to improve their lip appearance," Dr. Thienna says. "For most, the cost of the procedure and the need to follow up at a doctor's office are major deterrents for those who want fuller lips. I can now confidently report that the CandyLipz Lip Plumping System is clinically proven safe!"

The most common traditional "cupping" method uses glass cups with heat to create suction on local skin. The CandyLipz lip plumping method uses hand-operated suction silicone tubes/bulbs with an internal mouth piece to shape, contour and plump lips naturally and without needles.

This study sought to determine the effects of cupping in lip and lip area tissue as well as to define the physiological state of skin afflicted with cupping marks. It revealed that the CandyLipz Lip Plumping System is not only safe when used as directed, but that it also improves barrier skin health, increases lip volume by water accumulation and retention for 24 hours, increases vascularization and smooths wrinkles and lines in nine days.

"Investing in this clinical trial is one of the best things I've done," Dr. Thienna says.

For more information about CandyLipz, visit: https://www.candylipz.com/

Google patents: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9119758

VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/ptFAco183uM

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycandylipz/

About CandyLipz, LLC:
CandyLipz has won more than 40 beauty/technical design awards and has been granted 35 plus patents, worldwide. It is the leading provider of natural lip enhancement products. Dr. Thienna Ho, founder, is also the creator of The Sulfur Diet as well as holding four Guinness World Records for endurance feats. She's one of the world's leading experts on skin health and has earned five academic degrees in economics (BA), microbiology (BS), genetic engineering (MA), Business Administration (MA) and scientific nutrition (PhD).

When some customers showed concern over cupping marks after using the lip plumper manufactured by CandyLipz, LLC, the company quickly jumped into action. It hired a third-party independent investigative research vendor, Biometrix, Inc. - a company that has conducted clinical trials for major multinational biotech, dermatology, product manufacturers and more for 20 plus years - to prove that there was nothing to worry about.

Related link: https://www.candylipz.com/

Lloyd A. Schmidt Elevated to Shareholder at Hoge Fenton

SAN JOSE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Hoge Fenton is pleased to announce that, effective July 1, 2018, attorney Lloyd A. Schmidt was elevated to the status of shareholder. With more than 30 years of experience counseling clients in corporate and business transactions, Lloyd has extensive knowledge in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and entity selection, formation and dissolution, in addition to providing general corporate advice and counsel.

He is also well-versed in issues relating to vendors, suppliers, and other service providers, employee relations and agreements, stock plans, and contract negotiation. Lloyd has been an integral member of Hoge Fenton's Corporate Group since joining the firm in July 2017.

Prior to joining Hoge Fenton, Lloyd was a shareholder at Hopkins & Carley in San Jose, and served as a chair of its Corporate, Tax, and Business Transactions Department.

"I am fortunate to join such an experienced group of shareholders at Hoge Fenton. They show sincere commitment to professionalism and the community, uphold the value of excellence, and are trusted by our clients," said Lloyd A. Schmidt.

"Lloyd's longstanding relationships with a number of loyal clients have developed over many years of his providing outstanding legal and business representation," said Daniel W. Ballesteros, managing shareholder at Hoge Fenton. "Lloyd exemplifies the high standards of client care we expect from our attorneys. Now, Hoge Fenton business clients have the benefit of Lloyd's excellent advice, counsel, and advocacy. We are honored to call Lloyd a shareholder."

ABOUT HOGE FENTON:

Hoge Fenton is a multi-service law firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, with highly focused practitioners who can meet most of its clients' ongoing needs. As a member of Mackrell International, a premier network of independent law firms in 60 countries, the firm's reach extends around the world. Mackrell International has been named a Top Ranked Chambers Global Leading Law Firm Network.

More information: https://www.hogefenton.com/ and http://www.mackrell.net/.

Hoge Fenton is pleased to announce that, effective July 1, 2018, attorney Lloyd A. Schmidt was elevated to the status of shareholder. Hoge Fenton is a multi-service law firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, with highly focused practitioners.

Related link: https://www.hogefenton.com/

Florida Law Firm Finds Solid Niche in Drug and Alcohol Treatment Space

BOCA RATON, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- South Florida law firm - Beighley, Myrick, Udell + Lynne, P.A. (BMULaw) - a legal consultancy firm with a growing niche practice within the substance use disorder treatment provider space, recently served as lead counsel on behalf of national treatment provider, Banyan Treatment Center, in the acquisition of the well regarded Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches.

"The transaction was more complicated and complex than originally presented. Aside from the corporate acquisition, the existing licensing, insurance contracts, intellectual property, and real estate required us to dig deep into the well to get the deal closed quickly and smoothly," Jeffrey Lynne, Chair of the firm's Drug Treatment Industry Provider Group, says.

"Our unique expertise in this space of working with treatment and housing providers allows us to offer the full suite of services, from real estate and zoning, to corporate, regulatory compliance and marketing," Lynne says.

Eric Oakes, COO, Banyan Treatment Center, said that they have used BMULaw to navigate the industry's many complexities that impact Banyan's ability to deliver services within this critical sector.

"Their array of services have provided solid guidance several times when operational questions have been posed," he says.

For example, during the acquisition process, BMULaw provided the necessary contract skill and knowledge to be efficient and expeditious.

"Once the process of purchase/sale gets underway, everyone wants to ensure fairness, accuracy and rapid resolution," Oakes says. "The firm's cadre of professionals responded to meet those goals in ways firms not familiar with our industry could not. The firm has positioned itself well to provide concierge service to our industry, with multiple access points."

Lynne has become recognized as the "go-to" attorney and consultant in this space because of his in-depth knowledge of industry practices that other firms may not have the background and experience to understand.

The firm just recently expanded its service offerings to include highly-regarded Sam Winikoff, Esq., whose practice focuses on revenue cycle management and health insurance litigation, ensuring clients are fairly reimbursed for the services they render.

"We continue to see health insurance companies violating fundamental norms for payment of health care services, simply because the health care provider is an addiction treatment program. This discrimination is illegal and immoral, particularly as we continue to navigate through the opioid epidemic gripping our country," Winikoff says.

Lynne explains that the firm will continue to expand their services to meet all of their clients' needs.

"We're committed to helping those who help others sustain sobriety within the South Florida Recovery Community," he says. "We're also committed to working with our local, state and federal partners to make sure our clients and the communities where they exist are treated fairly and ethically."

About Beighley, Myrick, Udell & Lynne P.A.:

In business for more than 20 years, BMULaw's hands-on and deal-oriented approach helps ensure that their clients' goals are achieved professionally, ethically, efficiently and cost-effectively. With locations in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties, the firm's scope of services extends across the State of Florida and nationally.

For more information, visit: http://www.bmulaw.com/ and check out the postings on Lynne's blog about emerging legal and business trends in behavioral health care treatment, housing, and marketing practices at: http://soberlawnews.com/.

South Florida law firm, Beighley, Myrick, Udell + Lynne, P.A. (BMULaw), a legal consultancy firm with a growing niche practice within the substance use disorder treatment provider space, recently served as lead counsel on behalf of national treatment provider, Banyan Treatment Center, in the acquisition of the well regarded Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches.

Related link: http://www.bmulaw.com/

NotaryCam Honors U.S. Military Veterans and Service Members with Complimentary Notarizations During Memorial Day Holiday

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- NotaryCam, Inc. (NotaryCam) today announced the return of its annual "Help a Hero" initiative. This Memorial Day weekend from Friday, May 25, through Monday, May 28, NotaryCam will honor those who have served by offering no-cost online notarization sessions to United States military veterans and service members.

NotaryCam allows businesses and individuals to legally notarize, sign and execute documents and agreements online. Parties from anywhere in the world can connect to a live notary public in a secure virtual signing room. Identities and e-signatures are verified in a face-to-face web interaction, enabling parties to e-close real estate and mortgage transactions and notarize deeds, powers of attorneys, health directives and more.

"This marks the sixth year NotaryCam has helped our heroes, who are deployed all over the world protecting our freedom," said NotaryCam founder Rick Triola. "We're proud to once again offer veterans and service members a small token of our appreciation by providing the convenience, flexibility and time savings of online notarization at no charge this Memorial Day weekend."

"For the many men and women who need to conduct family business but find it difficult to travel to a notary - whether because of a past injury or a current deployment - NotaryCam has you covered," Triola added.

"Being deployed and needing to take care of legal documents back home can be a big hassle without the right support here," said a United States Army Field Service Representative in a testimonial submitted to NotaryCam's website. "NotaryCam is an ingenious idea that has helped save stress and time."

Current United States military service members and veterans who wish to take advantage of this offer need only notify their notary and present a valid military or Veterans ID card during the promotion. For more information, please visit https://www.notarycam.com/.

About NotaryCam, Inc.:

NotaryCam is a pioneer and leader in remote notarization and identity verification solutions. NotaryCam's enterprise-grade platform has helped thousands of companies and individuals get documents notarized online from anywhere in the world, at any time, by a network of certified, licensed notaries. NotaryCam's technology provides the highest level of identity verification, security and fraud prevention as well as unmatched customer convenience.

Visit https://www.notarycam.com/ for additional information or to get a document notarized today.

NotaryCam, Inc. (NotaryCam) today announced the return of its annual "Help a Hero" initiative. This Memorial Day weekend from Friday, May 25, through Monday, May 28, NotaryCam will honor those who have served by offering no-cost online notarization sessions to United States military veterans and service members.

Related link: https://www.notarycam.com/

PitBullTax Software Expands its Power with Release of New Version 4.0

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- PitBullTax Software, the leading IRS Tax Resolution Software for CPAs, EAs and Tax Attorneys, just released its new and more feature rich Version 4.0. For nine years PitBullTax Software has transformed the tax resolution business by making it more efficient and intuitive for tax professionals to solve their clients' IRS problems.

Listening to feedback from its thousands of licensees across the country, the company added major technological enhancements for even greater efficiency in case preparation and in client communications.

"PitBullTax Version 4.0 is the most advanced tax resolution platform for tax pros on the market today," Irina N. Bobrova, COO of PitBullTax Software stated. "This cloud-based application makes the work of tax professionals even easier, faster and more rewarding - incorporating the most up-to-date technological features thanks to our team of engineers who create the real magic."

"PitBullTax Software has always had a positive impact in the tax resolution specialty. After many years on the market, PitBullTax swiftly detects the needs of the industry and develops immediate solutions to maintain its leadership role," Jose L. Alfaro, Co-Founder and CTO of PitBullTax explains. "This new release was launched to support the tremendous growth of the company."

Mr. Alfaro added: "In Version 4.0 there are new modules such as incoming e-mail correspondence, state forms, response letters and a business client questionnaire in both English and Spanish. We have also significantly improved our IRS Transcripts Delivery system with customizable alerts and bulk transcript requests. Our mobile application had a major facelift too.

"PitBullTax licensees can now enter their security codes received from the IRS in the mobile app, making their work flow more ergonomic. Sharing files and chatting with clients is also available through our mobile app, as well as Touch ID protection. Thanks to the feedback of our users we boosted our user interface with an enhanced forms preview and mouse over previews."

To further serve the needs of our licensees, the company has become vertically integrated, adding a critical education component. PitBullTax is now a Continuing Education Provider approved by the IRS and NASBA to provide live and internet group-based classes through its PitBullTax University.

Jaime S. Buchwald, Co-Founder and CEO says: "PitBullTax Software has again raised the bar in tax resolution software while maintaining critical mass in the industry. Up to 90 percent of the enhancements in Version 4.0 are a result of positive customer feedback." Mr. Buchwald further added, "Our mission is to always be the leader in tax resolution software by listening, responding and delivering incredible value to our current and future licensees."

About PitBullTax Software:

PitBullTax Software has licensees in all 50 states that rely on their Software to prepare and automate their IRS Tax Practices. Innovation, efficiency and making its licensees more profitable are the cornerstones of the company's philosophy.

Learn more at: https://www.pitbulltax.com/.

PitBullTax Software, the leading IRS Tax Resolution Software for CPAs, EAs and Tax Attorneys, just released its new and more feature rich Version 4.0. For nine years PitBullTax Software has transformed the tax resolution business by making it more efficient and intuitive for tax professionals to solve their clients' IRS problems.

Related link: https://www.pitbulltax.com/

Jailed Actor Steve Comisar Finally Gets His Freedom

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- On April 27, 2018, actor and con man Steve Comisar returns to Hollywood to resume his acting career after finally finishing his federal prison sentence. Comisar says, "I'm counting on all the industry heavyweights to help me out. Especially the ones who did prison time themselves like Mark Wahlberg."

With the help of A-list actors, agents, directors and producers, Comisar will immediately begin taking on acting roles in motion pictures.

Jennifer Gray, Steve's publicist says, "Steve is going to make a comeback in a very big way. He will certainly be a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. A lot of major players in this industry seem willing to help him."

Barry Freed, a retired ICM talent agent says, "Steve can do anything he sets his mind to. His brute determination is exactly what it takes to make it in this business. There is no way he won't succeed."

Comisar, 56, is from Beverly Hills, California, and has appeared in dozens of movies, television shows, and commercials. He is best known for being the only Hollywood actor who was also a famous con man. He commands millions of social media followers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Learn more about Steve at: http://www.stevecomisar.com/.

Social Links:
- https://www.facebook.com/SteveComisarFanPage
- https://twitter.com/SteveComisar
- https://www.instagram.com/SteveComisar/
- https://Youtube.com/user/stevec9689/

On April 27, 2018, actor and con man Steve Comisar returns to Hollywood to resume his acting career after finally finishing his federal prison sentence. Comisar says, "I'm counting on all the industry heavyweights to help me out. Especially the ones who did prison time themselves."

Related link: http://www.stevecomisar.com/

East Bay Law Office, Absolute Trust Counsel, Launches Podcast, Absolute Trust Talk

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Greater Bay Area estate planning firm Absolute Trust Counsel announces the launch of the Absolute Trust Talk podcast. Absolute Trust Talk launches as a new avenue to educate clients and prospects on a wide variety of trending business and financial wellness topics and how they can make better-informed decisions when planning for the future.

"I've done a lot of presentations and speaking engagements throughout the greater Walnut Creek and Bay Areas, and it never ceases to amaze me how much people don't know or understand about future planning," says Absolute Trust Counsel founding attorney Kirsten Howe. "Having the opportunity to get together with so many of the other great business leaders in our community and being able to break these types of topics down into thought-provoking, approachable, and easy to consume content seemed like the right next steps to take to start debunking so many myths and misconceptions about wealth and estate planning."

"Educating at every step." Absolute Trust Talk is not your run of the mill general counsel show filled with legal jargon that doesn't resonate. Through her 20+ years of practice, Absolute Trust Counsel founding attorney Kirsten Howe found herself working with clients who were confused and overwhelmed by the complexity of estate planning and saw a need to help clients with education and specific client-centered estate planning services.

Now Kirsten is taking her expertise and experience to a new level; she is on a mission to bring a thought-provoking and approachable, friendly voice not only to estate planning, but to a wide variety of business and financial wellness topics. Through a series of podcasts, Kirsten will connect with like-minded business professionals and work to coach and encourage listeners to make educated and informed planning decisions. Preparing for the future doesn't have to be stressful or hard, but it does have to be smart.

Each Absolute Trust Talk episode will run about 30 minutes long, and the show will run bimonthly after our initial seven-episode launch.

Learn more about the Podcast at: https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/podcast/.

Absolute Trust Talk is available to listen to on iTunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/absolute-trust-talk/id1371742254.

About Absolute Trust Counsel:

Absolute Trust Counsel is among the most highly ranked estate planning law firms in Walnut Creek. The firm's areas of expertise include Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Medi-Cal Planning, Probate, Retirement Assets Planning and Special Needs Planning. Absolute Trust Counsel's mission is to provide easy legal solutions for every client.

Kirsten Howe, the firm's managing attorney, was admitted to the California bar in 1987 and has practiced in Walnut Creek since 1997. She earned her J.D. cum laude at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where she was a member of the Thurston Society and Managing Editor of The Hastings Law Journal. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan.

Kirsten is a member of the Trusts and Estates Section of The State of California Bar; the Estate Planning and Probate Section, the Elder Law Section and the Women's Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association. She is on the Board of Directors of the Estate Planning Council of Diablo Valley and a member of the Robert G. McGrath American Inn of Court.

Learn more at: https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/.

Greater Bay Area estate planning firm Absolute Trust Counsel announces the launch of the Absolute Trust Talk podcast. 'Absolute Trust Talk' is a new avenue to educate clients and prospects on a wide variety of trending business and financial wellness topics and how they can make better-informed decisions when planning for the future.

Related link: https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/

Matic Marks Commitment to Compliance with Appointment of Shaz Kojouri to Senior Management Team

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matic, a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, today announced it has tapped Shahrzad "Shaz" Kojouri as vice president of legal and compliance.

A licensed attorney with more than 15 years' experience in corporate compliance, Kojouri will have responsibility over corporate governance, regulatory compliance and vendor management at Matic. Prior to joining Matic, Kojouri was assistant general counsel for nonprofit student loan provider AccessLex Institute.

Before that, Kojouri oversaw regulatory compliance testing and Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) readiness for national mortgage lender New Penn Financial. She first joined New Penn in 2009, in the immediate aftermath of the subprime mortgage crisis, and guided the lender through a time of intense regulatory change.

"Matic's strategic partners count on us to hold ourselves to the highest standards in regulatory compliance and corporate governance, and we take that commitment very seriously," said Matic CEO Aaron Schiff. "We welcome Shaz to the team and look forward to working with her to deliver an even higher level of compliance assurance to our customers."

"Spending much of the last 10 years inside a top national lender has allowed me to bring a thorough and nuanced understanding of mortgage regulations to my work with Matic," said Kojouri, who officially joined in the Matic team in January. "I look forward to helping Matic and its clients navigate these complex regulations with confidence."

About Matic:

Matic is a technology-driven insurance agency focused on helping lenders and loan officers better integrate homeowner's insurance into the lending process. By using loan application information and first-of-its-kind technology, Matic provides homebuyers multiple policy options within seconds, helping loan officers close their loans faster. Matic delivers the most trusted, affordable insurance policies available thanks to its partnerships with a diverse network of insurance carriers. Today's borrowers expect a digital home-buying experience, and Matic gives them the digital insurance experience to match.

For more information, visit http://matic.com or follow Matic on LinkedIn.

Matic, a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, today announced it has tapped Shahrzad "Shaz" Kojouri as VP of legal and compliance. Prior to joining Matic, Kojouri was assistant general counsel for nonprofit student loan provider AccessLex Institute.

Related link: https://maticinsurance.com/

Attorneys from Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh Attended The FJA’s Workhorse Seminar

ORLANDO, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Several Managing Partners from the personal injury law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh participated in the Florida Justice Association's Workhorse CLE Seminar and Networking Event. As one of the most important meetings for civil trial organizations, the Florida Justice Association's Workhorse Seminar offers a huge array of continuing education accredited presentations by many of the State's most experienced attorneys and industry professionals.

Held at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, the four day event hosted dozens of seminars on a wide variety of topics including damages from personal injury and wrongful death cases, bad faith and insurance coverage, and many more. One featured seminar on traumatic brain injury was given in part by doctor Bennet Omalu, a forensic pathologist and neuropathologist, who was the first to publish findings of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in NFL players. In total, attendees had the opportunity to earn over 100 CLE credits in General Law, Ethics, and Technology Civil Trial Certifications.

Several members of the personal injury law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh participated in the Florida Justice Association's Workhorse Seminar. In attendance were, Attorney David L. Goldman of the Sarasota office, Bernard F. Walsh of the Bradenton Office, Michael J. Babboni from the firms St. Petersburg office, and attorneys Daniel Murphy, and Adam Shapiro.

FJA board member and founder of the Manasota Trial Lawyers Board, Bernard F. Walsh had this comment about the FJA event: "Of all CLE events available to attorneys in Florida, Workhorse is the most comprehensive and the most important. For an attorney to truly offer the best legal services for their personal injury clients, it is essential that they are fully versed in the latest technological advances in diagnostic, imaging, and treatment of serious injuries."

Walsh added, "FJA's Workhorse event brings together some of the nation's foremost experts on many different topics, and every plaintiff's attorney in Florida should take advantage of this opportunity. Often the outcome of a serious injury case may come down to an attorney's ability to convey the extent of injury and damage suffered by their client, and having an understanding of how to leverage the latest techniques to illustrate this to a jury can make all the difference. I am proud to be here with my fellow partners from Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez and Walsh."

About Bernard F. Walsh:

Bernard Walsh is an active member in multiple legal organizations including the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, member of the Florida Justice Association Board of Governors, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

A partner at the Personal Injury law firm of Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez and Walsh; Bernard Walsh has won one of Florida's largest motorcycle accident recoveries and has an AV Preeminent(r) rating on Martindale-Hubbell(r), and is a Superb rated attorney with Avvo.com.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
5291 Office Park Boulevard, Bradenton FL, 34203
Local: 941-752-7200
https://www.getmejustice.com/

*Web photo caption: Attorney Bernard Walsh and Attorney David Goldman, at the Florida Justice Association's Workhorse Seminar.

Several Managing Partners from the personal injury law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh participated in the Florida Justice Association's Workhorse CLE Seminar and Networking Event. Held at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, the four day event hosted dozens of seminars on a wide variety of topics including damages from personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Related link: https://www.getmejustice.com/

Gallo LLP Files first 10 Consumer Claims Against Google Following Injunction and Revision of Gmail Architecture

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- San Francisco Bay Area law firm Gallo LLP has filed the first of what it predicts could be thousands of individual damages cases against Google based on the same misconduct alleged in Matera v. Google, Case No. 15-CV-04062-LHK. Acting for a class of consumers who never signed up for Gmail (but nevertheless had their email scanned by Google), the Matera plaintiffs sought injunctive relief under the federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act (the "Wiretap Act") and California Invasion of Privacy Act ("CIPA"). The Matera case was brought by Gallo LLP, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, and Carney, Bates, & Pulliam, PLLC.

On February 9, 2018, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California issued an injunction against Google's pre-delivery scanning of email for advertising purposes pursuant to a settlement. (See http://www.gmailsettlement.com.) However, the settlement did not release any damages claims non-Gmail users may have.

"Even if you never used Gmail, Google was still scanning all your emails to Gmail users, whether they were to your mother or your doctor, and using the content to create profiles and build advertising data," explains Senior Partner Ray E. Gallo. "We excluded damages claims from the Matera case because of the court's ruling in related litigation, which suggested that individual questions of implied consent might preclude certification of a damages class."

Following court decisions denying Google's challenges to the legal basis for the Matera lawsuit, Google agreed, and on that basis was court-ordered to stop intercepting and processing inbound emails to Gmail accounts for advertising purposes for three years. Google reports that it has changed its architecture to do that.

"Damage claims remain viable for affected individuals during a short statute of limitations window," says Gallo. "CIPA protects Californians and requires that both sides consent to the interception of communications between them and authorizes statutory damages of $5,000 per violation. If each intercepted email constitutes a violation, Google could have billions of dollars in liability. Individuals in other states with two-party consent laws have similar claims, and we may accept those claims too."

Gallo is accepting certain clients who have never signed-up for Gmail accounts through its website at https://emailprivacy.gallo.law to assert their $5,000 claims (or the applicable statutory damages under that plaintiff's state law).

Gallo LLP pursued a similar strategy in 2016 in Corley v. Google, seeking damages on behalf of about 900 individuals who alleged they never consented to Google's email processing practices. Court records indicate those cases settled in 2016.

About Gallo LLP:

San Francisco Bay Area law firm Gallo LLP ( https://gallo.law ) represents consumers, employees, and investors in large-scale litigation. Gallo is noted for its industry-leading use of technology in lieu of class treatment. Gallo's software is now available to other lawyers at https://leverage.law. Client reviews of Ray E. Gallo at AVVO.com suggest clients love the approach.

Ray E. Gallo is a graduate of Yale and the UCLA Law School, has been listed in Los Angeles Magazine as one of LA's "Rising Stars," is listed in Martindale Hubbell's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, is a regular "Clients' Choice" award winner on AVVO, and has been named as a Top 100 national Legal Consultant in Technology by Lawdragon.

Gallo LLP, 1299 4th St., Suite 505, San Rafael, CA 94901.

San Francisco Bay Area law firm Gallo LLP has filed the first of what it predicts could be thousands of individual damages cases against Google based on the same misconduct alleged in Matera v. Google, Case No. 15-CV-04062-LHK. Acting for a class of consumers who never signed up for Gmail (but nevertheless had their email scanned by Google), the Matera plaintiffs sought injunctive relief under the federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act (the "Wiretap Act") and California Invasion of Privacy Act ("CIPA").

Related link: https://gallo.law

Renee Crow of EPIC to Present on Litigation Impact Awareness at CLM Annual Conference in Houston

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Vice President, Hospitality Practice Leader Renee Crow will present at the CLM Annual Conference on Thurs., March 15 at 10:10 a.m. at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, Texas.

In the claims handling process, insurers can often overlook the differing perspectives of the insured and the insured's insurance broker. In her presentation "Putting the Client First: Increasing Awareness of Litigation Impacts for Insureds," Crow will discuss the claims-related issues that keep the client awake at night, such as impact to an insured's reputation once a matter becomes public, eDiscovery that can be a monumental drain on an insured in both time and expense and distractions created by depositions that can cause loss of productivity.

Crow will present alongside Pam Colpoys of Ashford, Inc., Fredoon Mistry of Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. and David Samuels of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP with the goal to increase the awareness and sensitivity of the claims professional to the claims-related issues that have a direct impact on the insured's operations, employees and insurance profile.

CLM Annual Conference is the premier annual event for professionals in the claims and litigation management industries. The conference is a mix of interactive educational sessions and fun networking events. Participants can select from more than 80 collaborative educational sessions focused on all facets of the industry.

Click here to see the full agenda: https://www.theclm.org/Event/GeneratedScheduleAndCourses/7986#divevent9505

About Renee Crow, vice president, hospitality practice leader:

Renee Crow joined EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants in January 2016 as vice president and hospitality practice leader. Prior to joining EPIC, Crow held the position of vice president of risk management for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants for nine years. In that role her responsibilities included oversight of all property, casualty, executive protection and employment related insurance, claims, insured litigation, compliance and employee training. She was responsible for coordination of all insurance programs for both owned and third-party managed hotels and restaurants through a Kimpton master program.

Previous to Kimpton, Crow worked for over 20 years as a licensed insurance broker with national insurance brokerage firms. Her brokerage experience included positions of outside risk management consultant and account executive for many hotel, restaurant, real estate and construction clients.

Crow holds the designations of Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS). In 2015, Crow was the chairperson for the AHLA Risk Management Committee and continues to be actively involved with the committee as a regular speaker. She is also a regularly invited speaker for hospitality related groups and panels.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Vice President, Hospitality Practice Leader Renee Crow will present at the CLM Annual Conference on Thurs., March 15 at 10:10 a.m. at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, Texas.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Lion’s Heart Receives $10,000 from Shulman Hodges & Bastian LLP in Support of Teen Volunteers and Leaders

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Lion's Heart is thrilled to announce it has received a $10,000 corporate partner sponsorship from the esteemed Orange County law firm, Shulman Hodges & Bastian LLP. These funds will support the cultivation of age-appropriate service projects for over 10,000 empowered teen Members across the country as well as support general law and business counsel for the organization.

Over the past six years, Lion's Heart teen Members have served over 850,000 community service hours in nearly thirty states, providing support for a wide variety of local causes--including animal care, children's health, environmental protection, military support, senior advocacy, and so much more.

"Lion's Heart helps teens understand the value of giving back while discovering the power they have inside themselves to contribute meaningfully to this world - now and for a lifetime," says Terry Corwin, Lion's Heart Founder and Executive Director.

"We are so excited to have the support of Shulman Hodges & Bastian LLP. With their help, thousands of teens will have more opportunities to discover empathy, collaborate with others, and practice leadership. All by experiencing service opportunities in their own neighborhoods."

Support teens in action by forming a Lion's Heart chapter in your neighborhood, becoming a Member, or requesting Lion's Heart teen volunteers to support your cause. For more information, visit https://lionsheartservice.org/ today!

About Lion's Heart
We are Lion's Heart: teens dedicated to positive social impact. We are a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides 5th-12th grade students with local service opportunities that help them build a strong community service portfolio. Teens can track hours, earn leadership awards, and export their service portfolio to use on scholarship, college, and career applications. We are over 10,000 Members strong with new chapters forming every day across the United States! To form a chapter in your neighborhood, become a Member, request volunteers for your cause, or become a corporate partner, visit https://lionsheartservice.org.

Twitter: @LionsHeartOrg @SHBLLPLawyers #teenvolunteers #communityservice

VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/L5tl-BNGK18

Lion's Heart is thrilled to announce it has received a $10,000 corporate partner sponsorship from the esteemed Orange County law firm, Shulman Hodges & Bastian LLP. These funds will support the cultivation of age-appropriate service projects for over 10,000 empowered teen Members across the country as well as support general law and business counsel for the organization.

Related link: https://lionsheartservice.org/

Senior Litigator and Trial Attorney Eugene Ashley Joins Hoge Fenton in California

SAN JOSE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Hoge Fenton is pleased to announce that Eugene "Geno" Ashley has joined the firm's Business Litigation group. A senior litigator and trial attorney, Geno, a former Hopkins & Carley shareholder, brings a wealth of litigation and trial experience to Hoge Fenton.

For more than 24 years, Geno has both counseled and advocated on behalf of his business clients in significant matters. A veteran trial lawyer, Geno's experience ranges from "bet the company" lawsuits with multi-million-dollar outcomes, to prosecuting and defending actions arising out of contracts and business torts, unfair business practices and trade secrets claims, and construction and real estate disputes. In addition, his experience as his previous firm's General Counsel has provided him with a strong foundation in legal ethics and professional responsibility.

"Geno is a stellar trial attorney with a remarkable record, especially when dealing with high stakes cases," said Alison Buchanan, Chair of Hoge Fenton's Business Litigation practice group. "His ability to formulate strategy and achieve client objectives is impressive. I am so pleased to have Geno as part of the Hoge Fenton Business Litigation team."

"I am thrilled to join Hoge Fenton and feel that my clients will be well served at the firm," said Geno Ashley. "Hoge Fenton's reputation for passionate client advocacy and its diverse practice offerings define quality service."

"We want only the best attorneys who also share the values and culture of the firm. Geno exemplifies the qualities that we look for in an attorney: excellence in the profession, dedication to the community and one another, and integrity," said Daniel W. Ballesteros, Managing Shareholder of the firm. "Geno is a highly-respected litigator with a distinguished record in court. Continuing our rich history of trial advocacy in the Silicon Valley community, we welcome Geno to the firm."

For more information, visit https://www.hogefenton.com/news-events/senior-litigator-and-trial-attorney-eugene-ashley-joins-hoge-fenton/.

ABOUT HOGE FENTON:
Hoge Fenton is a multi-service law firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, with highly focused practitioners who can meet most of its clients' ongoing needs. As a member of Mackrell International, a premier network of independent law firms in 60 countries, the firm's reach extends around the world. Mackrell International has been named a Top Ranked Chambers Global Leading Law Firm Network.

More information: https://www.hogefenton.com/ and http://www.mackrell.net/.

Hoge Fenton is pleased to announce that Eugene "Geno" Ashley has joined the firm's Business Litigation group. A senior litigator and trial attorney, Geno, a former Hopkins & Carley shareholder, brings a wealth of litigation and trial experience to Hoge Fenton.

Related link: http://www.hogefenton.com/

In Michigan, a Battle between Veteran Asbestos Cancer Victims and the Asbestos Industry

LANSING, Mich. /ScoopCloud/ -- Two weeks ago a bill HB 5456 titled Asbestos Claim Transparency, drafted by the National Chamber of Commerce and Asbestos companies was pushed into Michigan with promises of campaign donations, says Goldberg, Persky & White P.C. Today, Michigan's Commanders Group (Congressionally Chartered Veterans Organizations) filed their resolution in opposition to the bill.

The group includes American Legion, American Veterans, Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans of the United States, Marine Corps League, Noncommissioned Officers Association, Polish American Veterans, Order of the Purple Heart, Vietnam Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Legal advocates claim HB 5456 - seeks to delay if not deny compensation from the responsible corporations to victims. "Since we already have transparency by law in Michigan this transparency titled proposal is designed with one goal in mind - to run out the clock on asbestos victims in Michigan so they die before their cases even make it to court," said Attorney Lane Clack of Saginaw.

"People who were unknowingly sickened by asbestos deserve justice, and the companies responsible for poisoning them should be held accountable."

In Lansing today, Clack said that legislation - Asbestos Claim Transparency HB 5456 - passed by the Republican controlled Michigan House of Representatives last week would penalize Michigan residents who are sick and dying from asbestos exposure, many of whom are veterans, and would be an unwarranted giveaway to big companies that made products with asbestos.

"An estimated 10,000 - 15,000 Americans die each year from asbestos-related diseases and people are still getting sick. Dozens of countries have banned asbestos, but it is not banned in the United States," said Clack. "As companies continue to import hundreds of tons of asbestos into the U.S. each year, workers, first responders and others continue to be exposed, especially when buildings are renovated or demolished. HB 5456 puts onerous burdens on victims and asbestos trusts, but does nothing to protect innocent Michigan workers from exposure to asbestos. And don't forget, this is a veterans' issue. Forty percent of all Michigan asbestos victims are veterans. That's why many of the major veterans groups oppose this bill."

Asbestos was once widely used in a number of industries that employed many people in Michigan, including construction, steel, pulp and paper production and the auto industry. Michigan has a higher-than-average mortality rate for asbestos-related diseases, according to AsbestosNation.org.

Michigan Veterans are disproportionally afflicted with asbestos-related diseases. While they make up 8 percent of the U.S. population, they account for roughly 30 percent of Americans who contract mesothelioma, a cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs, stomach and other organs caused only by asbestos.

Legal experts with the Michigan Association for Justice, point out the bill makes no sense in Michigan. Michigan already has "Transparency" by Court Order and Michigan juries already consider fault of all bankrupt asbestos companies; MI has had apportionment by Statute since the 1990's.

Clack said, "Since the Republican majority in the House of Representatives rolled over like puppy dogs for the Asbestos Companies and the Chamber, the bill now moves to the Senate. It is now left to the Senators on the Senate Competitiveness Committee to decide which side they are on - either Michigan Residents, Veterans and First responders or the Asbestos Companies and their lobbyists."

Senate Competitiveness Committee Members are:

* Mike Shirkey (R) Committee Chair, 16th District - (517) 373-5932
* Jim Stamas (R) Vice Chair, 36th District - (517) 373-7946
* David Robertson (R) 14th District - (517) 373-1636
* John Proos (R) 21st District - (517) 373-6960
* Rebekah Warren (D) Minority Vice Chair, 18th District - (517) 373-2406.

Anyone in Michigan who has been exposed to asbestos should call your State Senator and the Senators on the Committee above immediately. Ask them to oppose the Asbestos Industry Bill.

https://www.gpwlaw-mi.com/mesotheliomalawfirm

"The very essence of civil liberty certainly consists in the right of every individual to claim protection of the laws whenever he receives an injury." Marbury v. Madison (1803) (John Marshall).

Suggested royalty-free image for this story: https://unsplash.com/photos/xOUs1VJnIP0

Two weeks ago a bill HB 5456 titled Asbestos Claim Transparency, drafted by the National Chamber of Commerce and Asbestos companies was pushed into Michigan with promises of campaign donations, says Goldberg, Persky & White P.C. Today, Michigan's Commanders Group (Congressionally Chartered Veterans Organizations) filed their resolution in opposition to the bill.

Related link: https://www.gpwlaw-mi.com/

Michigan Veterans File Opposition to Asbestos Bill

LANSING, Mich. /ScoopCloud/ -- Michigan's top Mesothelioma legal expert on behalf of hundreds of Michigan Veterans with asbestos disease, Goldberg, Persky & White P.C., today issued the following statement and alert in response to passage of HB 5456, the so-called "Asbestos Bankruptcy Transparency Act," out of the Michigan House of Representatives Republican controlled "Competitiveness" committee on a straight party line vote.

The bill, better entitled "delay 'til they die plan," would shield corporations from being held accountable for deadly asbestos-related diseases like Mesothelioma and delay justice for victims:

The asbestos industry's ongoing nationwide campaign to avoid accountability to those they harmed has reared its ugly head in Michigan. This bill would impose burdens on asbestos victims, including active and retired service members, the civil justice system, asbestos bankruptcy trusts, and taxpayers. It would force victims and their families to jump through several expensive and time-consuming hoops before being allowed to move forward with a claim in state court.

Those suffering from mesothelioma, on average, have 12 to 18 months to live. Asbestos victims do not have extra time or money to spare. Unfortunately, the asbestos industry is seeking to take advantage of this fact. Their goal: To delay and deny until victims die.

Michigan ranks 12th nationally for mesothelioma and asbestos deaths, and 40 percent of asbestos victims in the state are veterans. Hundreds of asbestos exposed Veterans in Saginaw, Detroit, Muskegon, Escanaba, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Alpena, Port Huron and other industrial cities will be disproportionally put at risk. Veterans were extensively exposed to asbestos products not only during military service but in their civilian work at Michigan's automobile plants, steel mills, paper mills and in construction trades.

It is wrong to give asbestos companies new ways to stonewall their victims, especially those that served their country. This injustice is magnified by the fact that this legislation is unnecessary in Michigan as state law already requires transparency. Asbestos victims must provide asbestos defendants with copies of all claim forms six months before trial, and juries are already compelled to assign responsibility to bankrupt defendants under existing Michigan Law.

Asbestos victims deserve justice. It is unconscionable that Michigan lawmakers would pass legislation to allow the same out-of-state corporations and their front groups who hid the dangers of asbestos for decades and caused hundreds of thousands of deaths to avoid accountability. Once again our elected representatives should be fighting for asbestos victims and their families - not those who harmed them.

We urge all Michigan veterans to immediately call their state senator and representative and urge them to oppose HB 5456.

Learn more at:
https://www.gpwlaw-mi.com/mesotheliomalawfirm
https://www.gpwlaw-mi.com/

Michigan's top Mesothelioma legal expert on behalf of hundreds of Michigan Veterans with asbestos disease, Goldberg, Persky & White P.C., today issued the following statement and alert in response to passage of HB 5456, the so-called 'Asbestos Bankruptcy Transparency Act,' out of the Michigan House of Representatives Republican controlled 'Competitiveness' committee on a straight party line vote.

Related link: https://www.gpwlaw-mi.com/

Continuing Its Growth, VLP Law Group Welcomes Partner Debra B. Vernon to the Firm’s Corporate Practice Group

PALO ALTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that Debra B. Vernon has joined the firm's Corporate Practice Group as a partner based in the San Francisco Bay area.

An experienced corporate and securities attorney, Ms. Vernon advises founders, companies and investors on legal issues faced throughout all stages of growth. She specializes in startup formation and capitalization, financings, corporate venture, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings and corporate governance. Ms. Vernon also serves as a strategic advisor to executives and corporate boards. She has successfully negotiated, documented and closed hundreds of transactions, including numerous cross-border investments.

Ms. Vernon is a mentor at the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and for the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship - Caribbean. She is also a founding board member of two nonprofit organizations focused on gender equity, the Athena Alliance, whose mission is to increase the number of women serving on corporate boards, and LabGirls STEM Initiative, which hosts events that foster girls' interest in science and technology.

"Debra is an outstanding corporate and securities practitioner and we are thrilled to welcome her to VLP," said Christopher La Chance, Chair of the firm's Corporate, Emerging Growth Companies & Venture Capital, Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities & Capital Raising Practice Groups.

"VLP's highly-regarded Corporate Practice Group continues to thrive and expand, and the addition of an attorney of Debra's caliber brings yet further distinction and breadth to the service capabilities of our firm," added Mr. La Chance.

"I am excited to join VLP, which has a rich history and legacy in the legal community in Silicon Valley," said Ms. Vernon. "The firm's work with startups and emerging growth companies has been central to technology development for years and I look forward to continuing my work with entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of technology."

Prior to joining VLP, Ms. Vernon was a corporate lawyer at global law firm DLA Piper LLP. She began her career in the corporate group at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.

About VLP:

Founded in 2008, VLP is a business and transactional law firm that delivers top quality legal services from experienced attorneys through an efficient platform. The firm has a broad practice, reaching across many industry sectors, including high tech, life sciences, clean tech, retail, consumer products, edtech, and real estate. VLP has continued its strong growth, and is made up of noted attorneys with significant experience who believe VLP's unique, client-oriented model is the best platform for their practice. Our partners are regularly recognized by their peers as outstanding attorneys, and the firm has been recognized as a top company for its promotion of quality of life in the workplace.

VLP partners represent clients that vary in size from individual executives and early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. Our clients include public and private corporations, venture capital investors, private equity funds, educational institutions and companies, nonprofits and individuals. We provide general corporate, licensing, contract, intellectual property protection and counseling, securities regulation, financing, merger and acquisition, real estate, commercial lending, tax, employment and other legal services.

More information: https://www.vlplawgroup.com/.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-0117s2p-Debra-Vernon-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Debra B. Vernon has joined the VLP's Corporate Practice Group.

VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that Debra B. Vernon has joined the firm's Corporate Practice Group as a partner based in the San Francisco Bay area. Ms. Vernon is a mentor at the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and for the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship - Caribbean.

Related link: http://www.vlplawgroup.com/

VLP Law Group Continues Its Growth with the Addition of Real Estate Partner Debra Schiff

PALO ALTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that Debra Schiff has joined the firm's Real Estate Practice Group as a partner based in Los Angeles, California. Ms. Schiff is the second Los Angeles based attorney to join the firm's growing Real Estate Practice Group in recent weeks. Los Angeles attorney Craig P. Wood joined the firm as a Partner in December.

Ms. Schiff's practice focuses on commercial leasing (office and retail) with a special emphasis on high-rise developments. She has helped to develop and structure office leasing programs, guidelines and documentation for clients and projects throughout the country. She is frequently involved in complex lease restructurings and has negotiated leases with some of the largest social networking and internet companies in the U.S.

Ms. Schiff represented Shorenstein Properties, as landlord, in connection with Twitter's 900,000 square foot headquarters' lease in the San Francisco Tenderloin District, which was awarded "Winner/Best Office Lease, San Francisco" in 2011 by the San Francisco Business Times.

"Debra is a first class and nationally renowned lawyer specializing in sophisticated commercial leasing transactions," said Stephen Wright, Chair of the firm's Real Estate Group. "We could not be more pleased to add an attorney of Debra's caliber to the VLP Real Estate Group."

"VLP's sophisticated virtual platform, combined with its roster of talented lawyers nationwide, makes VLP the ideal law firm for a national real estate practice such as mine," said Ms. Schiff. "I am very excited to be joining this fine team of lawyers in such a dynamic environment."

Prior to joining VLP, Ms. Schiff was General Counsel of the Shorenstein Company and continues to represent the company on leasing and other matters pertaining to its portfolio of first class office, retail and residential projects throughout the U.S. She was also a partner at Kennerly, Lamishaw & Rossi, LLP, in Los Angeles.

About VLP:

Founded in 2008, VLP is a business and transactional law firm that delivers top quality legal services from experienced attorneys through an efficient platform. The firm has a broad practice, reaching across many industry sectors, including high tech, life sciences, clean tech, retail, consumer products, edtech, and real estate.

VLP has continued its strong growth, and is made up of noted attorneys with significant experience who believe VLP's unique, client-oriented model is the best platform for their practice. Our partners are regularly recognized by their peers as outstanding attorneys, and the firm has been recognized as a top company for its promotion of quality of life in the workplace.

VLP partners represent clients that vary in size from individual executives and early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. Our clients include public and private corporations, venture capital investors, private equity funds, educational institutions and companies, nonprofits and individuals.

We provide general corporate, licensing, contract, intellectual property protection and counseling, securities regulation, financing, merger and acquisition, real estate, commercial lending, tax, employment and other legal services.

Learn more at: https://www.vlplawgroup.com/.

VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that Debra Schiff has joined the firm's Real Estate Practice Group as a partner based in Los Angeles, California. Ms. Schiff is the second Los Angeles based attorney to join the firm's growing Real Estate Practice Group in recent weeks. Los Angeles attorney Craig P. Wood joined the firm as a Partner in December.

Related link: http://www.vlplawgroup.com/