MEMBERSHIP we see in the news involve at least one federal criminal law issue . However , we are normally not aware of the specific legal and practice problems these attorneys are facing in each case . The panelists provided us with a refresher on the burden of proof standard , identified issues that must be proven at trial , and highlighted the various advocacy skills required of the litigating attorney .
" Estate Planning and Elder Law - Learn the Basics " Moderator : Danielle Humphrey ( Hurley Elder Care Law ) Panelist : Jennifer Ghorley ( Hurley Elder Care Law )
The first panel to kick off the second day of BYSYAL provided us with an overview of the important items to consider when advising elder law clients . As a general matter , both Humphrey and Ghorley reminded us of the 5 D ’ s that prompt a Will change : dependency , divorce , death , displacement , and diagnostics . Often , CLEs only cover the basic estate planning items such as Wills and advanced directives . While these items are important , they are not the only items to consider when developing an estate plan . Ghorley covered many topics including long-term care options , asset protection , and probate . Specifically , she addressed ways in which attorneys need to “ look at the full picture ” to properly develop an effective estate plan .
" Personal Injury Law " Moderator : Dusty Otwell ( US Acute Care Solutions ) Panelists : Alan Hamilton ( Shiver Hamilton Campbell ) and Lindsey Macon ( McArthur Law Firm )
Hamilton and Macon continued as an amazing panel on personal injury law . Atlanta has a plethora of personal injury attorneys providing clients with numerous options . Both Hamilton and Macon stressed that one of the first steps a potential client should take is to have consultations with multiple attorneys to decide whether that attorney is right for you . Your lawyer should be able to provide updates to you even if it ’ s just to let you know the status of the case has remained the same . When looking for the right attorney be sure to ask questions that make you feel comfortable . Remember you never have to go with the first firm you reach out to for a consultation . many judges have noticed that this has allowed attorneys and their clients to become laxed . What is meant to make our lives easier can also make our lives harder . The panelists noted that many lawyers are unprepared for potential mishaps in technology . For instance , what is scheduled to be only a 30-minute hearing can easily be prolonged if the client has issues working Zoom . Many attorneys fail to prepare clients and are forced to attempt to troubleshoot for their client in the middle of a hearing . This creates distractions and inefficiency . Panelists suggested that attorneys take some time to conduct a mock hearing for their client to ensure their client knows how to properly work the system before a scheduled hearing .
" Sex , Lies , and Videotapes - The Work Edition " Moderator : Heather Ancrum ( Atlanta Housing ) Panelists : Val Rusk ( The Employment Law Solution ), and Brianna Williams ( Mélange LLP )
Our final panel to close out our signature two-day program provided us with meaningful steps to confront labor and employment issues such as sexual harassment and racial discrimination . Many companies have mechanisms in place to conduct internal investigations . Whether these mechanisms provide unbiased , effective reporting is always questioned during litigation . The panelists provided examples of how an employer could conduct internal investigations surrounding these issues to avoid the appearance of bias . If possible , it is best to go with an external investigator to avoid bias within the company . By using a third party company to conduct an investigation , the investigation has a stronger chance of withstanding concerns about the adequacy of the investigation .
If you missed this program , we encourage you to view the program on the Atlanta Bar ’ s CLE online library at www . atlantabar . org .
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" COVID-19 , Zoom and Appellate Oral Arguments in Family Law : Is the Future Virtual ?" Moderator : Ronne Kaplan ( Kaplan Family Law ) Panelists : Hon . Anne Elizabeth Barnes ( Court of Appeals of Georgia ), Nancy Jordan ( Kessler & Solomiany LLC ), and Jed Silver ( The Silver Law Firm LLC )
Our third panel of the second day offered attendees tips on how to successfully use Zoom and other functions during virtual hearings . It is true that COVID-19 ushered in a new way to connect for many industries that normally relied on in-person meetings . Courts and practitioners were forced to adapt to a virtual setting to keep the course of business . Virtual hearings have some perks , but it also has some disadvantages individuals should consider when choosing to conduct them . Virtual hearings have allowed attorneys to be in more than one place at the same time . Attorneys do not have to fight with traffic to get from one courthouse to the next . However , www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 27