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![Lisa A. Bertini, owner of Virginia Beach-based Bertini Law PC, was forced to furlough her associate and receptionist due to the economic crisis caused by the pandemic. “It was unsettling,” she says. “I was worried about [paying] rent and meeting payroll.” Photo by Mark Rhodes](https://virginiabusiness.com/files/1/2020/08/Bertini-VaBus-Sept2020-5010.jpg)
Law and disorder
The coronavirus pandemic shutdowns led some Virginia law firms to furlough employees and cut pay. Will an onslaught of COVID-19-related litigation be enough to prevent another wave of cutbacks? Bill Van Buren, president and chairman of Norfolk-based Kaufman & Canoles PC, estimates that staffing levels at law firms throughout[...]
California PPE supplier sues Chain Bridge Bank
A California medical supply company is suing McLean-based Chain Bridge Bank, alleging the bank was responsible for destroying the company’s reputation and making it lose a $600 million state contract for personal protective equipment. In the lawsuit, Blue Flame Medical claims that Chain Bridge Bank told California official[...]
South Hampton Roads Bar Association names president
Vandeventer Black LLP attorney Michael D. Pierce has been named president of the South Hampton Roads Bar Association (SHRBA), the Norfolk-based law firm announced Tuesday. The minority bar association for the Hampton Roads area, SHRBA helps members develop professional skills and knowledge for their profession. Pierce joined the[...]
Troutman Sanders completes merger with Pepper Hamilton
After postponing its original April 1 merger date due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Atlanta-based law firm Troutman Sanders LLP and Philadelphia-based Pepper Hamilton LLP announced Wednesday they have merged to become Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP (Troutman Pepper). Among Troutman Pepper’s 23 nationwide offices, the R[...]
Two Va. lawyers plead guilty in $200M extortion plot
Two Virginia lawyers have pleaded guilty to an extortion plot targeting a multinational chemicals company with demands for $200 million in “consulting fees,” according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release. Lawyers Timothy Litzenburg of Charlottesville, and Daniel Kincheloe of Glen Allen, both pleaded guilty June 19 in Charlottesville federal court. They face up […]
2020 Legal Elite balloting now open
Balloting for Virginia Business magazine’s 2020 Legal Elite project has begun. For the 21st year, Virginia Business, in partnership with the Virginia Bar Association, is holding its annual Legal Elite nominations project. The Virginia Business Legal Elite recognizes the top Virginia lawyers across 20 specialties as selecte[...]
Global law firm opens Tysons office
Atlanta-based global law firm King & Spalding LLP will open its 22nd office in Tysons, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) announced Tuesday. Founded more than 130 years ago, King & Spalding employs more than 1,100 lawyers across 22 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. T[...]
Jehmal Hudson appointed to State Corporation Commission
Jehmal Hudson, who held several roles at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and served as a law clerk for then-Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, was appointed to the Virginia State Corporation Commission on Tuesday. He is the first African American person named to the judicial seat. An Arlington resident, Hudson previously served as vice president of […]
Altria sues Reynolds over e-cigarette patent infringement
Henrico County-based Altria Group Inc.’s e-cigarette and smokeless tobacco divisions filed suit Thursday against competitor R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co. for patent infringement on e-cigarettes and associated products. Altria owns a 35% stake in e-cigarette industry leader Juul Labs Inc., a direct competitor of Reynolds’ V[...]
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association names Norfolk attorney as parliamentarian
The Virginia Trial Lawyers Association has confirmed Paul R. Hernandez, a partner at the Norfolk-based law firm Kalfus & Nachman PC, as its parliamentarian, a position on the association’s board of governors and its 2020-21 executive council. A trial attorney and Virginia native who practices in personal injury, worker[...]
Walking out the door
During her 13 years of practicing law, Christy L. Murphy has been called “honey” and “sweetie” by older men when they were adversaries in legal cases. “This is an old boys’ network,” says Murphy, 40, a partner at Bischoff Martingayle in Norfolk. “It’s hard to get people out of the mindset.” Law firms [...]
