The response to the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented—worldwide, governments have shut down businesses across the board, often with catastrophic consequences for those affected by such orders. Many contracts have force majeure clauses, sometimes referred to as “Acts of God” clauses,...

We are pleased to announce firm managing partner, Dave Ventker, spoke on April 27, 2018, at the annual meeting of the American Harbor and Docking Pilots Association, held in Jacksonville, Florida.  Mr. Ventker drew on his extensive experience in defending...

By Rachel Shafer. Just as there is a general district court (“GDC”) in each city and county in Virginia, the same is true for the circuit courts in Virginia. The Virginia circuit court system is comprised of 31 judicial circuits...

By Rachel Shafer. Each city and county in Virginia houses a general district court (GDC). These courts deal with traffic violations, hear minor criminal cases (misdemeanors), and handle preliminary hearings for major criminal cases (felonies). These courts have exclusive control...

By Rachel Shafer. In the upcoming weeks, we will be posting a series on the quirks of Virginia procedural law, mostly in state courts but with some mention of federal practice in Virginia. Let’s put it this way–there are a...