The Library

Article originally published by Valley Business Front in Issue 168, September 2022: Valley Business FRONT, Issue 168, September 2022. “A term sheet can be a relatively simple, non-binding description of the deal… [It] can set mutual expectations and help avoid disagreements.” When considering a transaction to buy or sell a business, there are a number of issues to think about. The following considerations can help you maximize value, limit risk, and make your transaction run smoother: 1. Define your objective. Whether you are buying or selling, you first need to determine what the objectives of your transaction are going to […]

“My Cousin Vinny” is a 1992 comedy film that follows Bill and Stan, two college students who are mistakenly accused of murder while traveling in Alabama. Bill’s cousin, Vinny Gambini, a brash and inexperienced lawyer from New York, comes to their aid. The film humorously explores Vinny’s fish-out-of-water experiences in the Southern legal system as he attempts to defend the two young men. Throughout the movie, Vinny faces various challenges, misunderstandings, and clashes with the local legal community. The film is known for its comedic elements, courtroom drama, and the dynamic performance of Joe Pesci as Vinny. Funny bits? It […]

If you are looking for the best Virginia personal injury attorney for your case involving a trucking accident with a tractor trailer, the following five important considerations should be made: 1. Find an experienced Virginia trucking attorney who is also a licensed (CDL) truck driver. As you might imagine, there are very few. Why is this so important? Tractor trailers are extremely different than other motor vehicles. A typical car may weigh a couple thousand pounds and be 12’ long. A tractor trailer, on the other hand, weighs approximately 35,000 pounds empty and up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. […]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on October 27th that it has expanded the scope of its financial data security rule, which will now require nonbank financial institutions – like vehicle dealers and mortgage brokers – to report data breaches. This new amendment to the FTC Safeguards Rule imposes similar reporting requirements to those already applicable to banks. Specifically, the amendment will require nonbank financial institutions to report to the FTC any data breach affecting 500 or more consumers’ data. The rule gives financial institutions 30 days to report the breach, however the FTC encourages reporting as soon as possible. […]

Article originally published by Bloomberg Law: AI Standing Orders Proliferate as Federal Courts Forge Own Paths (bloomberglaw.com) Reproduced with permission. Published Nov. 8, 2023. Copyright 2023 Bloomberg Industry Group 800-372-1033. For further use please visit https://www.bloombergindustry.com/copyright-and-usage-guidelines-copyright Gentry Locke’s Jessiah Hulle surveys federal courts’ ever-expanding guidance on artificial intelligence, and finds that, for now, courts are experimenting with varied approaches to the new technology. Federal courts nationwide are weighing in on how artificial intelligence can be used in court filings, and they’re exploring different approaches to address issues such as disclosure, accuracy, and ethical duties. A comprehensive review of 196 federal […]

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced charges against SolarWinds Corp. and its chief information security officer (CISO), accusing the publicly traded company of misleading investors as to its vulnerability to cyberattacks. SolarWinds is accused of defrauding investors by overstating its cybersecurity practices, while failing to implement appropriate internal digital safeguards and ignoring red flags for years before announcing that it was the victim of a two-year long cyber attack in December 2020. This landmark lawsuit represents the first time in an SEC cyber case that the commission has alleged that an organization intended to deceive investors. Perhaps even more […]

A favorable and unanimous opinion released on October 19, 2023 in the case of Ashley Nicole Noonan v. Consolidated Shoe Company, Inc. by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, upheld a win for Gentry Locke’s client, Consolidated Shoe Company, Inc. The Plaintiff brought gender discrimination, Equal Pay Act, and retaliation claims against our client. Cate Jackson argued the case in the Western District of Virginia Court with assistance from Paul Klockenbrink and Amanda Morgan. Judge Moon granted summary judgment in Consolidated Shoe’s favor in November 2021. The Plaintiff appealed and the appeal was argued in January 2023 […]

On March 9, 2023, Virginia Governor Glenn Younkin signed into law legislation (SB1213/HB2180) that directed the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) to create Universal Licensing Recognition (ULR) for 85 occupations, including construction trades. ULR applies to all individual licenses regulated by DPOR, except architects, engineers, land surveyors, and landscape architects. ULR does not apply to contractor licenses. ULR does not mean that Virginia will automatically recognize an out of state individual’s license. The out of state individual must apply for a Virginia license before the person commences work in Virginia. DPOR boards will grant licenses to out-of-state applicants […]

VDOT will be holding a design public hearing on September 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lord Botetourt High School (located at 1435 Roanoke Road, Daleville), on an upcoming project to widen I-81 from two to three lanes in both directions along a seven-mile stretch between Exit 143 in Roanoke County and Exit 150 in Botetourt County. The hearing will be an open house format, and VDOT representatives will be present to answer questions. The project is expected to include: The replacement of eight bridges on I-81 The installation of approximately 8,500 feet of sound barrier along the […]