Weekly Edition
Instructor’s role key in aviation case
By Peter Vieth
April 7, 2008
A Shenandoah County jury last month returned a $250,000 verdict for a student pilot injured in a plane crash – even though the plaintiff was a licensed pilot flying his own plane at the time of the crash. In one of the few aviation cases to go to a jury in Virginia, the student […]
‘Hostile’ anti-Muslim claim can go to jury
By Deborah Elkins
April 7, 2008
A rental company must defend at trial a Muslim employee’s Title VII claim of a hostile environment from coworkers calling him a terrorist, a towel head and a Taliban in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
In EEOC v. Sunbelt Rentals Inc. (VLW 008-2-052), a Maryland federal district judge acknowledged that the “coarse behavior” at the […]
Douglass is new law dean at University of Richmond
By Alan Cooper
April 7, 2008
John G. Douglass, acting dean at the University of Richmond law school since July 1, has been named dean of the school.
Douglass took the interim position after former dean Rodney A. Smolla left for the Washington and Lee University law school with the understanding that he would not be a candidate for the full-time post.
Part […]
Magistrate system is upgraded, pay is not
By Alan Cooper
April 7, 2008
The General Assembly approved this year the structure for a system that should result in better trained and managed magistrates.
That structure represents a substantial financial commitment, especially in a year with a budget shortfall. It will require $3.6 million for 35 positions to be created in the next fiscal year and $4.3 million in fiscal […]
Thanks for not suing, Feinberg tells VTLA
By Deborah Elkins
April 7, 2008
Kenneth Feinberg wants to congratulate personal injury lawyers for not filing suit.
Feinberg served as special master for distribution of the federally funded 9/11 Fund for victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. He came to the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association annual meeting at The Homestead on March 28 because he said he takes every opportunity to […]
Youth advocate urges reforms
By Peter Vieth
April 7, 2008
Andy Block of Charlottesville thinks that too many children accused of crime are getting caught up in the adult justice system. Block – a much-honored child advocate – offered “modest proposals” for reforms at the recent meeting of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association at the Homestead.
Block questions “whether Virginia is getting what it wanted” […]
Agee offers advice to appeals counsel
By Peter Vieth
April 7, 2008
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a hundred times. From law professors, colleagues and appellate judges, the admonishment on brief writing is the same – keep it short and concise.
Few advisors, however, illustrate the issue as colorfully as Supreme Court Justice Steven Agee speaking to the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association:
“We […]
Lawyers in the News
By Sarah Rodriguez
April 7, 2008
Matthew R. Foster has become associated with the Portsmouth law firm of Bangel, Bangel & Bangel LLP, where he will specialize in personal injury litigation. Foster earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and his law degree from Widener University.
* * *
Daniel H. Caldwell has joined the Abingdon law firm of McElroy […]
Lawyers offer poll in bid for justice’s recusal from Massey case
By News in Brief
April 7, 2008
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) Lawyers defending a $76 million judgment won against Massey Energy Co. hope a poll of 753 West Virginians will help convince a state Supreme Court justice to recuse himself from deciding the case.
Justice Brent Benjamin has previously declined requests from Harman Mining Co. and its president to withdraw from Massey’s appeal.
Harman and […]
Federal judge: college alcohol-ad ban violates free speech
By News in Brief
April 7, 2008
A federal magistrate judge has overturned Virginia’s decades-old ban on alcohol-related advertising in college newspapers, saying that the law violates the student publications’ constitutional right to free speech.
U.S. Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck sided with the student newspapers at the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, which said the restrictions on alcohol references – including […]
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