Blogs

Real Estate

Zoning Ordinance Revisions Affecting Arlington County’s By-Right Outdoor Cafés

Arlington County’s 2013 zoning amendments brought greater clarity and flexibility to the rules governing by-right outdoor cafés. In this Bean, Kinney & Korman article published in the BKK Construction & Land Use Newsletter, Matthew G. Roberts explains that the Arlington County Board approved revisions to the zoning ordinance that formalized many long-standing administrative practices while updating the rules for outdoor dining areas. The article notes that the amendments created a formal…

June 1, 2013

Employment Law

Pets in the Workplace: Policies and Guidelines, Part 3

This is the final part of the three part series addressing pets in the workplace. The first post discussed the benefits of allowing pets in the workplace. This second post provided insight into the legal liabilities of having pets in the office and other litigation that has occurred in this area. This final post provides…

May 28, 2013

Employment Law

Pets in the Workplace: Legal Liabilities Part 2

This is part two of the three part series addressing pets in the workplace. The first post discussed the benefits of allowing pets in the workplace. This second post will provide insight into the legal liabilities and other litigation that has occurred in this area. Our final post next week will include information on how…

May 24, 2013

Employment Law

Pets in the Workplace: Part 1

Pet Sitter International’s Take Your Dog to Work Day (“TYDTWDay”) is the first Friday after Father’s Day. It raises questions regarding the legal and practical aspects of allowing pets in the workplace. What policies should be in place prior to opening the doors to your employees’ four-legged friends, whether it’s a permanent policy or a…

May 23, 2013

Divorce and Family Law

How Is Child Custody Determined?

Child custody decisions are driven by one central principle: the best interests of the child. In this Bean, Kinney & Korman article, James W. Korman explains that Virginia courts look at a broad range of practical factors when determining custody, including each parent’s involvement in the child’s daily life, the quality of the parent-child relationship, the parent’s ability to provide stability, and any concerns about abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or other forms of parental unfitness. The…

May 3, 2013

Business and Financial Services

New I-9 Creates Risk for Employers

The federal government’s revised Form I-9 created new compliance challenges for employers by expanding the form, increasing documentation requirements, and adding complexity to the employment verification process. In this Bean, Kinney & Korman article published in the BKK Business Law Newsletter, James V. Irving explains that the 2013 version of the I-9 became significantly longer and more detailed than prior versions, increasing the likelihood of clerical mistakes and incomplete entries. The…

May 1, 2013

Estate Planning

The Benefits of Appointing A Standby Guardian

Parents often name a guardian for minor children in a will, but a will only becomes effective at death and does not address situations where a parent is still living but unable to care for a child. In this Bean, Kinney & Korman article, the analysis explains that a standby guardianship allows a parent to designate someone in advance to assume responsibility for a child if a triggering event occurs, such as incapacity, terminal illness, or death. The article notes that Virginia law permits…

May 1, 2013

Divorce and Family Law

Emergency Points if a Divorce is Impending: Financial Accounts and Personal Property

When divorce appears likely, one of the biggest immediate risks is that a spouse may begin dissipating assets, moving money, or taking control of jointly held property before any formal court orders are in place. In this Bean, Kinney & Korman article, James W. Korman explains that individuals considering separation should promptly review joint bank accounts, brokerage accounts, credit cards, debit cards, safety deposit boxes, and valuable personal property. The article notes that either party…

March 27, 2013

Construction

Lien Rights of Lenders and Landlords – Part II

In Part I of this blog post, we discussed the varied interests of the landlord and the tenant’s lender in the tenant’s personal property located at the premises in the context of a commercial lease. Part II below will discuss suggested compromise solutions and a typical landlord waiver.

March 10, 2013

Business and Financial Services

Business Torts in Virginia: Alliance Technology Group LLC v. Achieve 1, LLC

Virginia business tort claims often rise or fall based on pleading standards, particularly in disputes involving former employees, trade secrets, and alleged business conspiracies. In this Bean, Kinney & Korman article published in the BKK Business Law Newsletter, James V. Irving explains how the Eastern District of Virginia’s decision in Alliance Technology Group, LLC v. Achieve 1, LLC analyzed claims involving breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference, conspiracy, trade secret…

March 1, 2013