A Special Message of Gratitude on Veterans Day

A Message from Craig Lawless, Chair of General Counsel, P.C’s Government Contracts Practice Group, Editor of the Bid Protest Weekly, and Captain, United States Navy On behalf of General Counsel, P.C. and its affiliate, VetWorking, we are proud, appreciative, and so very grateful to our Veterans and their families for the service they have given to the United State
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What Happened at General Counsel, P.C. Today


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U.S. Supreme Court Holds Employee Who Accessed Work Database for Improper Purpose Did Not Violate CFAA

In a recent case, the United States Supreme Court held that a former police sergeant did not violate the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (“CFAA”) when he accessed a law enforcement database for personal use. As a general matter, the CFAA provides both criminal penalties and a civil cause of action that employers have utilized
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Joanna Foard Joins General Counsel, P.C. to Lead Family Law Practice

Virginia Family Law Attorney Joanna Foard
General Counsel, P.C. is pleased to announce that we have convinced Joanna M. Foard  to relocate from sunny and warm Florida to join our legal team to build and lead a family law practice. As recently awarded by the Orlando Family Magazine (from where she recently relocated), she is an AWESOME ATTORNEY in the family law category.  Her 120 (and
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Employers Should Have A COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

Now that COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available, employers may be considering whether or not to ask, or even require, employees to be vaccinated. It’s important for employers to consider what makes the most sense for their business, based on contact with the public, level of risk, and other factors, and then institute a clear policy.
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Client Alert: EEOC Guidance regarding COVID Vaccine

With the availability of the COVID-19 vaccinations, questions may arise regarding employer and employee rights surrounding these vaccinations and the applicability of various employment laws. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued new guidance that preemptively answers some questions that may arise now that COVID-19 vaccinations are beginning to be administered.  Relevant portions of the
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Forms Generator to Help Employers Comply COVID-19 Emergency Standard

Link to video on what, why and how the VES Forms Generator helps Virginia Employers comply with COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (16VAC25-220)
6849 Old Dominion Drive, Suite 220 McLean, Virginia 22010 Phone: 703-556-0411 / Fax: 703-774-3965 Web: www.generalcounsellaw.com PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Merritt Green, Founder/Managing Partner, General Counsel, P.C. 703-556-0411 or mgreen@gcpc.com Virginia Emergency Standard Forms Generator (VES Forms Generator) Available to Help Employers Comply with Virginia’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard August 26, 2020…McLean, VA…Employer
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Employer Obligations & Penalties – COVID-19 Emergency Standard

Virginia Emrgency Covid-19 Mandatory Standard for Employers
6849 Old Dominion Drive, Suite 220 McLean, Virginia 22010 Phone:  703-556-0411 / Fax:  703-774-3965 Web:  www.generalcounsellaw.com PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Merritt Green, Founder/Managing Partner, General Counsel, P.C. 703-556-0411 or mgreen@gcpc.com Employer Obligations and Penalties of the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard All Virginia employers MUST comply by August 26, 2020. August 21, 2020…McLean, VA…Virginia’s
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Business Attorney Matthew Brennan Joins General Counsel, P.C.

NEWS RELEASE Contact:  Merritt Green (mgreen@gcpc.com)  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         Matthew Brennan (mbrennan@gcpc.com)  June 23, 2020     Telephone:  703-556-0411 McLean, Virginia:  General Counsel, P.C. is honored to have Mr. Matthew Brennan join the firm.  For the past 25 years, Mr. Brennan represented clients at Brennan & Waite, P.L.C., a firm he
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Corona Virus Alert

Coronavirus Covid-19 Alert
COVID-19 is everywhere. Not just the virus itself, but the news coverage of the virus as well. On Wednesday the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic, the stock market has plummeted over 20%, professional sporting events are being cancelled, and to cap off a crazy day, the President banned all travel from  Europe to
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Client Alert for Virginia Employers: Virginia Bans Discrimination on the Basis of Hairstyles

On March 3, 2020, Governor Ralph Northam signed HB 1514 into law, which amends the Virginia Human Rights Act. The Virginia Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination “on the basis of race.” HB 1514 adds to that and explains that “on the basis of race” includes “on the basis of traits historically associated with race, including
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Client Alert for Maryland Employers: “Ban the Box” Veto Overridden

Maryland On January 30, 2020, the Maryland General Assembly voted to override Governor Larry Hogan’s veto of the “Act Concerning Record Screening Practices (Ban the Box).” Under the Act, employers with 15 or more full-time employees are prohibited from requiring an applicant “to disclose whether the applicant has a criminal record or has had criminal
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Client Alert for D.C. Employers: Updates to Universal Paid Leave Act (UPLA)

District of Columbia Under the District of Columbia’s Universal Paid Leave Amendment Act of 2016 (UPLA) some changes to employee’s paid leave benefits are going to take effect in July 2020. Under UPLA, covered employees will receive paid time off for: (1) parental leave to bond with a new child (up to 8 weeks in
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Western District of Virginia Finds Employee Diagnosed With Cancer “Disabled” Under the ADA

In a recent case, the court found an employee diagnosed with Stage IV inoperable Adenocarcinoma pancreatic cancer had a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The court further held that the employee was entitled to reasonable accommodations in the form of a modified work schedule to obtain chemotherapy treatment. The court concluded that
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Harsher Penalties Recommended for Employers Who Misclassify Employees as Independent Contractors

The distinction between a 1099 independent contractor and a W-2 employee is an important one, as this classification affects federal income tax, social security and Medicare taxes, as well as impacts eligibility for Medicare benefits. It is critical that business owners correctly determine whether individuals are employees or independent contractors. If a business misclassifies an
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General Counsel, P.C. Welcomes Lewis P. Rhodes to Our Firm

General Counsel Law Shield and Name
Dear General Counsel, P.C. Clients and Friends:  General Counsel, P.C. is pleased to announce that Lewis P. Rhodes has joined the firm.  Lewis brings a combination of over 15 years of government contracts and legal experience and 26 years of management and leadership experience that will be invaluable to General Counsel, P.C. clients.  Lewis is
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New DOL Overtime Rules Effective January 1, 2020

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced a change to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that will make over a million more American workers now eligible for overtime pay. Business owners should be aware of this new rule, which goes into effect on January 1, 2020. The new rule changes the earnings threshold necessary
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Action Required: D.C. Employers Required to Provide Paid Family Leave Notice to Employees by 2/1/2020

Coronavirus Covid-19 Alert
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced a change to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that will make over a million more American workers now eligible for overtime pay. Business owners should be aware of this new rule, which goes into effect on January 1, 2020. The new rule changes the earnings threshold necessary
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Business and Business Owner Liable for FLSA and Breach of Contract Damages.

In a recent case, the court found that plaintiffs established violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) for unpaid minimum wages and retaliation, as well as breach of contract for failing to pay employees under employment contracts. The court found the employer business liable for damages for these violations and also decided to pierce
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General Counsel, P.C.’s 15th Anniversary

General Counsel Law Shield and Name
Today, December 13, 2019, marks General Counsel, P.C.’s 15th Anniversary.  We want to take this opportunity to reflect and give thanks. To all of our clients and friends, thank you for your trust, support and loyalty.  We could not have reached this milestone without you. The firm was established in 2004 with the philosophy of focusing
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