Consumer advocates say they dislike the sneakiness involved, from the arbitration clauses many consumers do not realize they signed, to the system of private negotiations which hamper class action suits. They argue the system is stacked against the consumer.
"Arbitration providers know the companies are repeat customers, so they have an economic incentive to rule in favor of the company," said Stephanie Hines of Public Citizen, a non-profit consumer rights advocacy group.
"There is no judicial review, so even if the arbitrator makes a completely whacky ruling of law you can't go to a court and do an appeal of it," Bland said. "One of the things that happen a lot in forced arbitration is that the consumer ends up having to pay the company's attorney's fees, which is something that almost never happens in the court system."
Chad Husby, a Local 10 News viewer and South Florida botanist, had an issue with a car he purchased from Miami Auto Wholesale. Husby did not realize his contract with the dealership included an arbitration cause.
"Not all of us can become versed in this area of law. I mean, I don't think we should be," Husby said. "I was kind of horrified at what I learned about arbitration."
"The people who end up being arbitrators are almost always lawyers who work for the same type of company that you're suing," Bland said. "Instead of having a jury decide your case against a car dealer, the people who decide the case are going to end up being lawyers for other car dealers."
Husby filed a complaint against Miami Auto Wholesale and Export and BMW Financial services. In November, the arbitrator denied his claims and ordered Husby to pay for the dealership's attorney fees totaling more than $20,000, which Husby's lawyer Dana Manner pointed out is more than the price of the car.
Stead Law Firm
Why Do Law Firm Offices Keep Changing?
A case study panel gave the inside scoop on Hogan Lovells' extensive search for a new building; the firm narrowed its options to 30 sites before voting to stay in Columbia Square—with a full renovation of its 400k SF space.
Cushman & Wakefield executive director Malcolm Marshall moderated, joined by Hogan Lovells employment partner Bill Flanagan (who's co-chairing the renovation and was at the firm when it first moved into Columbia Square in '87), and two real estate professionals who are working with the firm: Gensler's Kim Sullivan and DAVIS Construction's Meghan Callahan.
Bill says the firm began internal discussions in 2011, five years before the lease was up, and engaged a strategic consulting firm. The partnership "voted overwhelmingly" to stay at 555 Thirteenth St, in part because of a convenient location atop Metro Center. The project should be finished in 2017.
Jones Lang LaSalle VP Scott Homa gave a quick State of the Market:
Though US law firms' average annual revenue growth is around 3% (compared to double-digit growth in the past), the key metric—profits per partner—shows 5% to 6% growth.
86% of law firms have already reset their space needs. Whether they renew or relocate, firms give back about 25% of their space. (Scott's also seen one or two cases of over-correction.)
The legal sector is still down 7,200 attorney and paralegal jobs since 2008 peaks. (On the plus side, DC is in a three-year high for job growth.)
88% of new DC households don't have a vehicle. The District has been the second-fastest-growing jurisdiction nationally over the past four years, without any net increase in automobile registrations. Metro accessibility is a necessity for those new entrants, many of them Millennials. (So if tenants are OK with off-metro locations, they can drive a hard bargain.)
Input from the staff and attorneys has been critical, Bill says. A 50-person team called the "Revision Committee" advises on the renovation, with a core group of 10 meeting once a week for three to four hours.
Since it's a phased renovation, people's feedback can be incorporated into the next project, Kim says, and their insights from living in the space have been helpful. Bill says change furthers a key strategic objectives: the "one team worldwide approach."
Hogan is integrating all of its support staff and professionals onto the 6.5 practice floors with attorneys. Flexible zones around the interior can use removable partitions to make 80 SF offices, 165 SF associate offices, secretarial spaces or huddle rooms.
Since this space is for the next 20-plus years, Kim says, they wanted to make sure it can evolve with changes in the business model or leverage ratio.
Cushman & Wakefield executive director Malcolm Marshall moderated, joined by Hogan Lovells employment partner Bill Flanagan (who's co-chairing the renovation and was at the firm when it first moved into Columbia Square in '87), and two real estate professionals who are working with the firm: Gensler's Kim Sullivan and DAVIS Construction's Meghan Callahan.
Bill says the firm began internal discussions in 2011, five years before the lease was up, and engaged a strategic consulting firm. The partnership "voted overwhelmingly" to stay at 555 Thirteenth St, in part because of a convenient location atop Metro Center. The project should be finished in 2017.
Jones Lang LaSalle VP Scott Homa gave a quick State of the Market:
Though US law firms' average annual revenue growth is around 3% (compared to double-digit growth in the past), the key metric—profits per partner—shows 5% to 6% growth.
86% of law firms have already reset their space needs. Whether they renew or relocate, firms give back about 25% of their space. (Scott's also seen one or two cases of over-correction.)
The legal sector is still down 7,200 attorney and paralegal jobs since 2008 peaks. (On the plus side, DC is in a three-year high for job growth.)
88% of new DC households don't have a vehicle. The District has been the second-fastest-growing jurisdiction nationally over the past four years, without any net increase in automobile registrations. Metro accessibility is a necessity for those new entrants, many of them Millennials. (So if tenants are OK with off-metro locations, they can drive a hard bargain.)
Input from the staff and attorneys has been critical, Bill says. A 50-person team called the "Revision Committee" advises on the renovation, with a core group of 10 meeting once a week for three to four hours.
Since it's a phased renovation, people's feedback can be incorporated into the next project, Kim says, and their insights from living in the space have been helpful. Bill says change furthers a key strategic objectives: the "one team worldwide approach."
Hogan is integrating all of its support staff and professionals onto the 6.5 practice floors with attorneys. Flexible zones around the interior can use removable partitions to make 80 SF offices, 165 SF associate offices, secretarial spaces or huddle rooms.
Since this space is for the next 20-plus years, Kim says, they wanted to make sure it can evolve with changes in the business model or leverage ratio.
What Law Firms Need To Know About Local Reviews
Firms with multiple, staffed offices need to setup a Google My Business listing for each location. Once these listings are setup and verified, a firm should work with clients from each of those locations to leave reviews specific to that location.
To build out listings for multiple locations, start by focusing attention on the main office location. Focus efforts on getting the main office ranking locally. Then, slowly, start with the second most important location and begin building out that location's listings.
If you have duplicate business listings, is it safe to delete the second copy?
Depending on the site, there are various ways to go about getting rid of a duplicate listing by following the steps for each specific site. Some may allow youto simply delete the listing, but often times the process is more involved.
The short answer is, yes, you can safely delete a duplicate listing. Make sure you follow the correct process for each site, as processes differ.
Stead Law Firm Reviews
To build out listings for multiple locations, start by focusing attention on the main office location. Focus efforts on getting the main office ranking locally. Then, slowly, start with the second most important location and begin building out that location's listings.
If you have duplicate business listings, is it safe to delete the second copy?
Depending on the site, there are various ways to go about getting rid of a duplicate listing by following the steps for each specific site. Some may allow youto simply delete the listing, but often times the process is more involved.
The short answer is, yes, you can safely delete a duplicate listing. Make sure you follow the correct process for each site, as processes differ.
Stead Law Firm Reviews
Predicting the future of the Redskins brand
This
week, the Washington Post Frances Stead Sellers invent a time when the
analysis of the data analysis will contribute argued that language,
language expert Geoffrey Nunberg, said. However, to pose the question of linguistic debate over the Washington
Redskins team name is only one dimension of trademark law, marketing
considerations, concern for social justice, economic or political
pressure will eventually convincing evidence has been fighting for
change.
Redskins-term history of the debate over the name of the newspaper, using the Native American groups to report to the defense prior to a positive working pro bono linguistics, was humiliating during registration and Nunberg, an important issue to illustrate the use of the term "Between 1920 and 1979 the term 'Native American' far more "India" more so "wild" has negative connotations associated with adjectives, the "bloodthirsty" and "predatory." Nunberg Washington Post said: "Racist use is usually a deliberate choice, unreflecting habit of mind is not the only one."
As mentioned above, however, many of these discussions is not only the linguistic dimension. If not - - in this case for a change in the environment, it has become the most powerful force leads to a situation of uncertainty. The political world, such as Native Americans, their nickname, the American people and the peoples of the Trademark Act as the most recent non-disparagement derogatory slur used to introduce legislation to prevent teams Congressman Mike Honda's steps were taken. existing federal law clearly fall foul of their own standards that allow you to cancel trademarks retrospective, a judge, as well as focuses on the Redskins. However, the bill has been submitted and will be a surprise if you move farther along in the legislative process.
When it comes to the world of the brand, it also marks the TTAB has lifted the team to challenge the decision that was not the first time. In 1992, the American artist and activist Suzan Harjo, because they disregard the Lanham Act in 1999, Native Americans, it was humiliating marks TTAB ruled that (a) to cancel a number of Section 2 of the Redskins, has applied for registration. However, both based on a review of the court overturned the decision on the merits, and laches. Currently a result of problems remains to be seen, but it's also a lot of debate over the role of government in deciding how humiliating it would. 'To change the password "why the pressure of the American Civil Liberties Union, for example, they" must have "name the team the option" failed ", while arguing, Blackhorse a friend last month and filed a brief pro football t Select the role of government and" not acceptable and Select the idea.
TTAB decision is upheld, then the team is still in the process of common law rights, does not require a change in name. Team owner Daniel Snyder will be the name that remained firm in its position, so maybe the latest trademark law does not hold sway. James Bikoff, Smith, Gambrell & Russell IP practice partner, said: "Snyder never voluntarily leave the name, in many cases to the public. The public may change under pressure, but I soon will have to decide if it's for a few years, and applications You can drag the score with handles. So there will be no change in the law in the near future. He's going to leave a lot of goodwill built up a decision to get rid of the name, if not - prices have been in use since 1960, is very valuable and fans here in DC if you talk to the "name can not be changed, it will.
Edward O'Hara, senior partner of the brand and design consultancy SME Brand ago, Miami University (Ohio) to transfer the "Redskins" to "Redhawks and to change the name of St. John's team, worked with a lot of sports brands" Redstorm "to" REDMEN "in its name. The change is not easy, given his experience, he explained, it is possible to take the heritage and identity of the team said: "Daniel Synder decided to go ahead, this is a very simple fix is probably there. I even 'R' or Native American profile may need to change the image, I do not think there is any need to change the color. You just have to accept the pain caused by the removal of a component, you do not need to be dramatic. "
Redskins-term history of the debate over the name of the newspaper, using the Native American groups to report to the defense prior to a positive working pro bono linguistics, was humiliating during registration and Nunberg, an important issue to illustrate the use of the term "Between 1920 and 1979 the term 'Native American' far more "India" more so "wild" has negative connotations associated with adjectives, the "bloodthirsty" and "predatory." Nunberg Washington Post said: "Racist use is usually a deliberate choice, unreflecting habit of mind is not the only one."
As mentioned above, however, many of these discussions is not only the linguistic dimension. If not - - in this case for a change in the environment, it has become the most powerful force leads to a situation of uncertainty. The political world, such as Native Americans, their nickname, the American people and the peoples of the Trademark Act as the most recent non-disparagement derogatory slur used to introduce legislation to prevent teams Congressman Mike Honda's steps were taken. existing federal law clearly fall foul of their own standards that allow you to cancel trademarks retrospective, a judge, as well as focuses on the Redskins. However, the bill has been submitted and will be a surprise if you move farther along in the legislative process.
When it comes to the world of the brand, it also marks the TTAB has lifted the team to challenge the decision that was not the first time. In 1992, the American artist and activist Suzan Harjo, because they disregard the Lanham Act in 1999, Native Americans, it was humiliating marks TTAB ruled that (a) to cancel a number of Section 2 of the Redskins, has applied for registration. However, both based on a review of the court overturned the decision on the merits, and laches. Currently a result of problems remains to be seen, but it's also a lot of debate over the role of government in deciding how humiliating it would. 'To change the password "why the pressure of the American Civil Liberties Union, for example, they" must have "name the team the option" failed ", while arguing, Blackhorse a friend last month and filed a brief pro football t Select the role of government and" not acceptable and Select the idea.
TTAB decision is upheld, then the team is still in the process of common law rights, does not require a change in name. Team owner Daniel Snyder will be the name that remained firm in its position, so maybe the latest trademark law does not hold sway. James Bikoff, Smith, Gambrell & Russell IP practice partner, said: "Snyder never voluntarily leave the name, in many cases to the public. The public may change under pressure, but I soon will have to decide if it's for a few years, and applications You can drag the score with handles. So there will be no change in the law in the near future. He's going to leave a lot of goodwill built up a decision to get rid of the name, if not - prices have been in use since 1960, is very valuable and fans here in DC if you talk to the "name can not be changed, it will.
Edward O'Hara, senior partner of the brand and design consultancy SME Brand ago, Miami University (Ohio) to transfer the "Redskins" to "Redhawks and to change the name of St. John's team, worked with a lot of sports brands" Redstorm "to" REDMEN "in its name. The change is not easy, given his experience, he explained, it is possible to take the heritage and identity of the team said: "Daniel Synder decided to go ahead, this is a very simple fix is probably there. I even 'R' or Native American profile may need to change the image, I do not think there is any need to change the color. You just have to accept the pain caused by the removal of a component, you do not need to be dramatic. "
College Athletes Ran Tax-Refund Fraud Scheme, Netted $400K
He wore a hoodie and a stocking cap as he made multiple trips to an ATM on a warm day in April 2012, cutting a suspicious enough figure that a concerned citizen tipped off police in the college town. Using surveillance video, they discovered a cornerback for the University of South Dakota's football team was using a preloaded debit card that had been issued for a tax refund.
The card, however, did not belong to Alphonso "Rico" Valdez. A scheme to defraud the IRS of $1.1 million began to unravel. After a months-long investigation, authorities busted up the fraud ring, which netted about $400,000 over nearly a year.
Six people involved in the complicated scheme were USD football players at the time, and another had once been on the track and field team and impeached as USD's student government president over allegations of misused funds. But for the hundreds of thousands of dollars the group collected, the school's athletic officials were never suspicious of any extracurricular activity.
All 11 involved have pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges in Sioux Falls. Valdez, the 23-year-old ringleader, and a co-conspirator are to be sentenced Monday. Those already sentenced received prison times ranging from 2 years to more than 5 years and all but three were ordered to pay $422,000 in joint restitution.
Valdez recruited students, his girlfriend and others he knew in his hometown of Tampa, Florida, to gather names, addresses, Social Security numbers and other identifying information, federal authorities said of the scheme, which went on between June 2011 and May 2012. They used the data to file fraudulent tax returns, using addresses that weren't associated with the identity theft victims so that members of the scheme could retrieve the refunds.
The group coordinated the scheme through text messages, which contained much of the information needed to file the bogus returns, court records show. Through texts, Valdez ordered some of his accomplices, including then-defensive back Marquis Butler, to make deposits to Valdez's bank account and check addresses for incoming tax refunds.
"Mr. Valdez had a contact saved in his phone under 'Quis,' and I was able to verify that it belonged to Marquis Butler," IRS special agent Corey Vickery testified in September. Prosecutors allege Butler, 24, netted the group $85,500.
Valdez's now ex-girlfriend, Tampa resident Melissa Dinataly, was employed by an insurance company and managed to collect more than 30 Social Security numbers. Twelve false returns connected to her were filed in 2011 claiming over $110,000 worth of refunds, and authorities caught all but one of the fakes before the defendants got the money.
"They had to get these (returns) submitted before the real person could submit it," assistant U.S. attorney John Haak told the court during Dinataly's sentencing hearing in June. "If successful, this thing would have gotten much bigger than it did."
It's unclear where the bulk of the money is or how it was spent, other than the airplane ticket that former USD cornerback Dametrius Turner bought and the money that remained on the preloaded cards. There was no Louis Vuitton, no Mercedes Benz, no Tiffany and Co. jewelry.
The card, however, did not belong to Alphonso "Rico" Valdez. A scheme to defraud the IRS of $1.1 million began to unravel. After a months-long investigation, authorities busted up the fraud ring, which netted about $400,000 over nearly a year.
Six people involved in the complicated scheme were USD football players at the time, and another had once been on the track and field team and impeached as USD's student government president over allegations of misused funds. But for the hundreds of thousands of dollars the group collected, the school's athletic officials were never suspicious of any extracurricular activity.
All 11 involved have pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges in Sioux Falls. Valdez, the 23-year-old ringleader, and a co-conspirator are to be sentenced Monday. Those already sentenced received prison times ranging from 2 years to more than 5 years and all but three were ordered to pay $422,000 in joint restitution.
Valdez recruited students, his girlfriend and others he knew in his hometown of Tampa, Florida, to gather names, addresses, Social Security numbers and other identifying information, federal authorities said of the scheme, which went on between June 2011 and May 2012. They used the data to file fraudulent tax returns, using addresses that weren't associated with the identity theft victims so that members of the scheme could retrieve the refunds.
The group coordinated the scheme through text messages, which contained much of the information needed to file the bogus returns, court records show. Through texts, Valdez ordered some of his accomplices, including then-defensive back Marquis Butler, to make deposits to Valdez's bank account and check addresses for incoming tax refunds.
"Mr. Valdez had a contact saved in his phone under 'Quis,' and I was able to verify that it belonged to Marquis Butler," IRS special agent Corey Vickery testified in September. Prosecutors allege Butler, 24, netted the group $85,500.
Valdez's now ex-girlfriend, Tampa resident Melissa Dinataly, was employed by an insurance company and managed to collect more than 30 Social Security numbers. Twelve false returns connected to her were filed in 2011 claiming over $110,000 worth of refunds, and authorities caught all but one of the fakes before the defendants got the money.
"They had to get these (returns) submitted before the real person could submit it," assistant U.S. attorney John Haak told the court during Dinataly's sentencing hearing in June. "If successful, this thing would have gotten much bigger than it did."
It's unclear where the bulk of the money is or how it was spent, other than the airplane ticket that former USD cornerback Dametrius Turner bought and the money that remained on the preloaded cards. There was no Louis Vuitton, no Mercedes Benz, no Tiffany and Co. jewelry.
Lawmaker Arrested for Alleged Fraud
A member of Vietnam’s National Assembly was arrested late Wednesday over an alleged real estate scam.
Police searched the home of 49-year-old Chau Thi Thu Nga for several hours Wednesday, seizing an undisclosed number of documents.
She was arrested over alleged fraud involving a housing project run by her private company. The company collected deposits from 80 potential home buyers between 2009-2010 worth a total of $14 million, but did not pay them back when the project did not materialize, a report in Thanh Nien newspaper said. It was expected to be finished by the end of 2015.
Nguyen Minh Thuyet, former deputy chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture, Education and Youth, said some negative information about Nga began circulating at the beginning of the assembly election process in 2011.
However, he suggested that perhaps the relevant agencies did not investigate this thoroughly and the electorate voted her in.
She was suspended on Wednesday from her position as a member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Finance and Budget.
Lawmakers in Vietnam are allowed a level of immunity from prosecution, as Dinh Xuan Thao, chairman of the National Assembly’s Legislative Research Institute explained in an interview with state broadcaster VTV Thursday.
He said according to the constitution, no one is allowed to arrest, detain or prosecute a deputy without approval from the National Assembly.
In Nga’s case Chairman of the Assembly Nguyen Sinh Hung gave permission for investigation agencies to go ahead.
The government has been carrying out a crackdown on corruption in recent years amid economic woes with several high profile trials, some of which have resulted in the death penalty.
Police searched the home of 49-year-old Chau Thi Thu Nga for several hours Wednesday, seizing an undisclosed number of documents.
She was arrested over alleged fraud involving a housing project run by her private company. The company collected deposits from 80 potential home buyers between 2009-2010 worth a total of $14 million, but did not pay them back when the project did not materialize, a report in Thanh Nien newspaper said. It was expected to be finished by the end of 2015.
Nguyen Minh Thuyet, former deputy chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture, Education and Youth, said some negative information about Nga began circulating at the beginning of the assembly election process in 2011.
However, he suggested that perhaps the relevant agencies did not investigate this thoroughly and the electorate voted her in.
She was suspended on Wednesday from her position as a member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Finance and Budget.
Lawmakers in Vietnam are allowed a level of immunity from prosecution, as Dinh Xuan Thao, chairman of the National Assembly’s Legislative Research Institute explained in an interview with state broadcaster VTV Thursday.
He said according to the constitution, no one is allowed to arrest, detain or prosecute a deputy without approval from the National Assembly.
In Nga’s case Chairman of the Assembly Nguyen Sinh Hung gave permission for investigation agencies to go ahead.
The government has been carrying out a crackdown on corruption in recent years amid economic woes with several high profile trials, some of which have resulted in the death penalty.
U.S. Court Weighs Texas Law's Burden On Women Seeking Abortions
A U.S. appeals court on Wednesday is scheduled to hear arguments on the constitutionality of a hotly contested abortion law in Texas. The measure mandates stricter building codes for clinics that perform the procedure, and Fifth Circuit judges in New Orleans will decide whether that poses an undue burden.
The Texas law — HB2 — requires clinics that perform abortions to operate like ambulatory surgical centers. Think wider hallways and hospital-style equipment — upgrades that could cost millions.
Emily Horne of Texas Right to Life says it's needed for women's safety. She cites the case of Philadelphia doctor Kermit Gosnell, who was convicted of murder in botched abortions in 2013. Horne points out that he ran a filthy clinic with untrained staff and was found guilty in the death of a woman from an overdose of sedatives.
"And when they did the research, the grand jury report said had they been able to get to her sooner, had the hallways been wider, she may not have died. But it was a small facility, it wasn't emergency-equipped, and so that was one of the factors that contributed to her death," Horne says.
But Nancy Northup with the Center for Reproductive Rights — a group that's challenging the Texas law and others like it — says that case was an outlier.
The Texas law — HB2 — requires clinics that perform abortions to operate like ambulatory surgical centers. Think wider hallways and hospital-style equipment — upgrades that could cost millions.
Emily Horne of Texas Right to Life says it's needed for women's safety. She cites the case of Philadelphia doctor Kermit Gosnell, who was convicted of murder in botched abortions in 2013. Horne points out that he ran a filthy clinic with untrained staff and was found guilty in the death of a woman from an overdose of sedatives.
"And when they did the research, the grand jury report said had they been able to get to her sooner, had the hallways been wider, she may not have died. But it was a small facility, it wasn't emergency-equipped, and so that was one of the factors that contributed to her death," Horne says.
But Nancy Northup with the Center for Reproductive Rights — a group that's challenging the Texas law and others like it — says that case was an outlier.
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