The Library

On September 9, 2025, the Department of Defense (DoD) released its long-anticipated final rule implementing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program. After several years of proposals, public comments, and interim measures, the DoD has now solidified the framework for its revamped CMMC program. The goal: ensure contractors in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) properly protect sensitive information, particularly Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI), while clarifying legal obligations, streamlining processes, and providing a phased implementation. The final rule introduces a phased, three-year implementation period that begins on November 10, 2025. At a basic level, the CMMC program changes the […]

In Virginia, there is an ethical rule that prohibits attorneys that are representing a client from speaking about the subject of representation with another person that is represented by another attorney for that matter.[1]  For example, say Employee A has hired Attorney A to represent her in a claim against Organization B before the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (“Commission”).  The rule prohibits Organization B’s attorney from talking about the claim with Employee A without either Attorney A’s presence or permission, i.e. Organization B’s attorney could not have an ex parte communication with Employee A. But what about the reverse?  Does […]

In July 2022, a former Virginia state senator, Brandon Bell, and his wife, Deborah Bell, sent a letter on state Senate letterhead accusing a 15-year-old Cave Spring High School student of sexually assaulting their daughter. Three years later, a Roanoke County jury ruled that the Bells’ accusations were not only false but defamatory per se, and awarded the plaintiff, Jane Doe, $1 million in damages plus pre-judgment interest. Background: The dispute traces back to 2021, when Jane Doe, then a high school sophomore, and the Bells’ daughter, began a same-sex relationship after meeting in band. Both testified that the relationship […]

As a plaintiff personal injury attorney, clients often wonder which court their case will be filed in. This article will discuss the three trial courts in which a Virginia civil lawsuit can potentially be filed—general district court, circuit court, and federal district court. General District Court In Virginia, general district courts have jurisdiction over almost all types of civil claims up to $50,000.[1] In other words, any claim for breach of contract, personal injury, or property damage not exceeding $50,000 can be filed in general district court.[2] If you have a contract, personal injury, or property damage claim for $4,500 […]