Blogs

Business and Financial Services

Avoiding the “Sunk Cost Fallacy” in Legal Disputes

When considering a settlement proposal, businesses and individuals alike often fall into the decision-making trap termed the “sunk cost fallacy.” This article will discuss what the sunk cost fallacy is, provide common examples, and explore strategies for avoiding its pitfalls. What is the Sunk Cost Fallacy? The sunk cost fallacy is a concept in economics…

February 21, 2024

Employment Law

What is a “Low Wage” Worker and Why It Matters to Virginia Employers

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) announced recently that the average weekly wage, which is used to define “low wage employee” in the Commonwealth would increase to $1,410 per week in 2024, up from $1,343 per week in 2023. Why might that matter if you are a Virginia employer? Since 2020, Virginia law…

February 7, 2024

Divorce and Family Law

Essential Steps for Modifying Child Support and Custody in Virginia

Navigating the complexities of child support and custody orders can be challenging. Every family, and every child, has different needs that should be addressed while also working within the framework of Virginia laws and statutes. Custody orders are entered after consideration of a number of statutorily defined factors all focusing on the best interests of the child, while child support orders are typically entered using a guidelines formula taking into account each parent’s earnings and other…

January 31, 2024

Employment Law

When Stormy Weather Closes Your Business, Do You Still Have to Pay Your Employees?

For the first time in more than two years, the northern Virginia area was blanketed by a significant winter storm recently, with enough snow accumulation that many businesses made the decision to close for the day. Those office closures likely raised questions that many Virginia employers hadn’t thought about for a while: Do I have…

January 22, 2024

Business and Financial Services

Generative AI and Intellectual Property: Navigating the Trademark Terrain

Introduction: Beyond Copyrights – The Trademark Frontier In our previous exploration of generative AI, we pierced the veneer of copyrights. Today, we venture further into the realm of Intellectual Property (IP), focusing on another cornerstone: trademarks. As AI’s prowess expands, the boundaries of trademarks are increasingly tested, compelling us to reexamine foundational principles in this…

January 22, 2024

Business and Financial Services

The Labyrinth of Civil Disputes: A Litigator’s Guide to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

In the world of civil litigation, the pursuit of resolution does not always necessitate the formal battleground of a courtroom. As a practical litigator at Bean, Kinney & Korman, I recognize how valuable it is to guide parties through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process—often a more collaborative and empowering pathway to settle disputes. ADR…

January 16, 2024

Business and Financial Services

What is “Beneficial Ownership” under the Corporate Transparency Act?

In a move to fortify transparency within corporate America, the enactment of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA or Act) and its implementing regulations have introduced critical changes to the reporting and disclosure requirements for businesses. A central aspect of this legislation is the concept of “beneficial ownership.” This term, crucial yet complex, is essential for…

January 8, 2024

Business and Financial Services

Generative AI and Copyright Law: The Future Awaits Deciphering

Introduction: Embracing the Digital Renaissance In the expansive digital universe, few technological marvels evoke as much fascination and debate as generative AI. At its core, this technology, powered by intricate algorithms, challenges conventional notions of creativity by producing content autonomously, often surpassing human capabilities in nuance and complexity. But as with all disruptive innovations, its…

December 19, 2023

Divorce and Family Law

Significant Changes in District of Columbia Divorce Law

The District of Columbia has been a no-fault jurisdiction for a long time. However, on December 3, 2023, the D.C. City Council enacted D.C. Act 25-322 (originally introduced in 2019 as “Elaine’s Law”), which materially alters the statutory grounds for divorce and amends the factors that a Court may consider when equitably dividing property and/or making an award of alimony. Currently if a party wishes to file for divorce in the District of Columbia, you must be mutually and voluntarily…

December 19, 2023

Employment Law

The Employee’s Handbook to Holiday Work

The holiday season often brings a surge in work hours, especially for those in the retail and service industries. This period, while potentially lucrative for both employers and employees, also brings with it questions about holiday pay, overtime, and legal rights. This article aims to address these concerns, offering clarity and some guidance to help…

December 14, 2023