According to the filing, the Plaintiff reported inappropriate conduct from a male volleyball coach with the The Latin School of Chicago with female volleyball players to her supervisor, in an effort to protect young female students. The lawsuit alleges that at no point did the leadership at The Latin School of Chicago express any concerns for the female volleyball players. However, The Latin School of Chicago and its administration ignored these reports, allowing the conduct to continue.

The Complaint also further alleges that Plaintiff was discriminated against by coaches in The Latin School of Chicago’s athletics department by being marginalized, ignored and dismissed.  The Complaint alleges that the head coach of the volleyball team ensured that he only worked with male coaches at  The Latin School of Chicago by ignoring any improper behavior by male coaches, conspiring with another male coach to manufacture a complaint about the Plaintiff, all to facilitate the wrongful termination of the Plaintiff.

“This complaint describes a continued pattern of failed leadership and institutional misconduct at The Latin School of Chicago. The safety and well-being of students must always come first” said  Justin DeLuca, counsel for the Plaintiff and attorney at Ellis Legal P.C “However, The Latin School of Chicago’s reputation is more important than the safety and protection of students and the only way to  do that is to silence those who speak out about the pattern of abuse, discrimination, and toxic environment at The Latin School of Chicago.”

The defendants have not yet filed a response to the lawsuit. All allegations described in the complaint are claims made by the plaintiff and have not been adjudicated by the Court.

The program’s first contribution goes to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati, nominated by Maya Gabay, a paralegal in the firm’s personal injury department.

The plan operates on a rotating basis. Each cycle, a team member nominates a local organization they believe addresses a pressing need in the Cincinnati tri-state community. The firm then directs its contribution to the selected organization. 

Rather than having leadership choose recipients from the top down, the program places that decision with the employees who live and work in the neighborhoods the firm serves.

Why Ronald McDonald House

Gabay selected Ronald McDonald House because of the organization’s direct role in supporting families with critically ill children who travel to Cincinnati for medical care. 

Located steps from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center on Erkenbrecher Avenue, the House provides private bedrooms, home-cooked meals, play areas, and laundry facilities for up to 177 families every night. Many of these families arrive from outside the region, often facing significant financial strain on top of the stress of a child’s serious illness.

The donation marks the first time an O’Connor, Acciani & Levy employee has directed the firm’s charitable giving to a specific organization. The firm plans to continue the rotation, giving additional team members the opportunity to nominate organizations in future cycles.

What Makes the Program Different

Employee-directed giving programs remain uncommon in the legal industry, where charitable contributions are typically determined by firm leadership or marketing departments. 

O’Connor, Acciani & Levy’s model inverts that structure by treating frontline staff, including paralegals, legal assistants, and support personnel, as the people best positioned to identify where community support is needed most. 

The program has no restriction on the type of organization employees may nominate, as long as it serves the greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, or Columbus communities where the firm operates.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati, now part of Ronald McDonald House Southwest Ohio following a merger with the Dayton chapter earlier this year, provides families with critically ill children a place to stay near the hospitals where their children receive treatment. 

The combined organization ranks among the largest Ronald McDonald House chapters globally for nights of care provided and serves families from across Ohio, the United States, and around the world.

Bloomberg Law’s Leading Law Firms recognition highlights firms that demonstrate exceptional performance across key measures of success, including financial strength, talent, growth, and innovation. The distinction reflects a firm’s ability to deliver outstanding client service while adapting to the evolving legal and business landscape.

“We are honored for GreatLaw to be recognized by Bloomberg Law as one of its Leading Law Firms for 2026,” said Barry McFadden, Co-Managing Partner of McFadden Trachtenberg PLLC. “We are incredibly grateful to our clients, colleagues, and team members who have supported us throughout our 10 year journey as a firm.”

Founded in 2016, McFadden Trachtenberg has built a reputation for delivering sophisticated legal services with the responsiveness and efficiency clients expect from a modern law firm. The firm’s attorneys advise businesses, governmental entities, contractors, entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, politicians, and individuals on a wide range of matters, including corporate transactions, commercial litigation, government and public law, commercial real estate, construction, golf course industry, lending and financial services, energy, aviation and employment law.

The firm’s inclusion on Bloomberg Law’s Leading Law Firms 2026 list follows a period of continued growth and expansion, reflecting GreatLaw’s ongoing investment in talent, technology, and client service initiatives.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to be acknowledged for the hard work our team puts into every matter, for every client,” said Brian Trachtenberg, Co-Managing Partner of McFadden Trachtenberg PLLC. “This is what happens when a great group of people likes what they do, likes doing it together, and likes who we do it for every day.”

As McFadden Trachtenberg celebrates its tenth year in practice, the firm remains committed to delivering practical and innovative legal solutions to clients for many years to come.

Seattle, Washington — June 12, 2026 — Scan Logic, a forerunner in legal finance automation, today announced the launch of APSync, an intelligent accounts payable solution designed specifically for law firms. Building on the success of BillSync, APSync extends Scan Logic’s platform to streamline and automate the full financial lifecycle—from vendor invoice capture through payment—helping firms reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and gain real-time financial visibility.

Law firms continue to face increasing time requirements and complexity in managing vendor invoices, expense approvals, and payment workflows. APSync addresses these challenges by delivering a unified, AI-driven solution that integrates seamlessly with leading financial systems, including SurePoint, TABS3, Orion, Centerbase, and other core platforms.

“Law firms continue to evolve billing through AI Solutions, but accounts payable remains highly manual and fragmented,” said Scott McCarthy, Chief Innovation Officer of Scan Logic. “With APSync, we’re bringing the same level of automation, intelligence, and control to AP that we’ve delivered with BillSync on the e-billing side. Together, they give firms a complete, end-to-end approach to managing their finances.”

APSync Key Capabilities Include:

• Automated Invoice Capture — AI-powered OCR extracts and validates data from vendor invoices and expense submissions
• Streamlined Approvals — Configurable workflows ensure invoices are routed, reviewed, and approved efficiently
• Seamless System Integration — Direct integration with leading legal accounting platforms eliminates duplicate entry
• Expense Management — Supports firm-wide expense capture, including credit cards and reimbursements
• Third Party Administrator (TPA) Ready – Firms struggle to manage TPA invoices, tracking and processing, APSync manages this.
• Real-Time Visibility — Centralized dashboards provide insight into AP status, cash flow, and liabilities

APSync was developed with mid-sized law firms in mind, particularly those seeking to replace manual or homegrown processes with a modern, scalable solution. Early adopters are already seeing improvements in processing time, accuracy, and operational efficiency.

The launch of APSync represents a key milestone in Scan Logic’s evolution from a services-based organization to a product-driven platform company. Combined with BillSync, APSync enables firms to manage both sides of the financial equation—payables and receivables—within a single, unified environment.

Availability

APSync is available immediately. Scan Logic will be showcasing APSync at upcoming industry events.

About Scan Logic

Scan Logic is a legal technology company focused on simplifying law firm finances. Its platform solutions, including BillSync and APSync, automate complex billing and payment processes, improve compliance, and accelerate cash flow. With deep expertise in legal operations and a growing network of platform and reseller partners, Scan Logic helps law firms operate more efficiently and profitably.

For more information, visit www.scan-logic.com or contact Sales@scan-logic.com.

Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience, and navigating the complexities of court filings, asset transfers, and creditor claims can often compound a family’s grief. By establishing a dedicated presence on Sunrise Boulevard, the firm is making it easier than ever for local families to access premier legal guidance during difficult times.

Led by experienced attorneys Thomas R. Walser and Michael Bracchi, Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC focuses on a singular, vital mission: getting the right assets to the right people as efficiently and stress-free as Florida law allows.

“Our new Fort Lauderdale office represents our commitment to this community,” says partner Thomas R. Walser. “While we utilize cutting-edge technology to make the legal process as seamless as possible, having a physical anchor at 1975 E. Sunrise Blvd allows us to better serve South Florida families, offering them honest answers and a clear path forward when they need it most.”

A Modern, Client-First Approach to Estate Law

What truly sets Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC apart is its departure from traditional, slow-moving legal practices. Even with the opening of the new Fort Lauderdale suite, the firm continues to offer a 100% remote and electronic option. Clients are never required to drive to an office, mail physical paperwork, or appear before a judge for standard administrations, everything can be handled via secure e-signatures and electronic court filings.

Furthermore, the firm is built for speed and accessibility:

• Rapid Document Prep: Capable of preparing essential legal pleadings in as little as 24 to 48 hours to push cases forward quickly.
• No Large Upfront Deposits: Recognizing that estate funds are often locked during transition, the firm typically collects fees from the final proceeds of the estate itself.
• Direct Partner Access: Clients work directly with partners Thomas R. Walser (an NYU School of Law alumnus with a concentration in Trusts and Estates) and Michael Bracchi (who holds advanced degrees in law, pharmacy, and business management), ensuring high-level oversight.

Comprehensive Probate and Trust Solutions

From their new Fort Lauderdale headquarters, the legal team provides a versatile suite of services designed to meet varying local and statewide legal needs:

• Formal Probate Administration: The standard court-supervised process required for settling a Florida resident’s estate, managed meticulously from the initial petition to final distribution.
• Summary Administration: An expedited, simplified probate option utilized when an estate’s value is $75,000 or less (excluding exempt homestead property) or when the decedent passed away more than two years ago.
• Ancillary Probate: Seamless legal support for out-of-state families and attorneys dealing with property owned by non-residents within the state of Florida.
• Trust Administration: Reliable guidance for successor trustees navigating their legal duties under Florida’s Trust Code (Chapter 736), ensuring compliant accountings and distributions.

To celebrate the opening of the new office and help families determine their best path forward, Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC is currently offering free initial consultations.

The firm, which focuses exclusively on personal injury law, works with clients injured in car accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, and other serious accidents across Texas. With personal injury law shifting rapidly, the firm has structured its practice to remain current on the specific legal developments that directly affect case outcomes.

“Our clients are more than case numbers,” said George Salinas, trial lawyer and founder, who has provided legal service to the area for 20 years. “They are human beings who have had something unjustly taken from them. We are here to make sure their voices are heard and their lives are restored.”

The 15-year-old firm is drawing attention to a gap many injury victims discover too late: when an individual goes up against a large insurer or corporation, the opposing side often arrives with significant financial and legal resources already in motion. George Salinas Injury Lawyers was built to close that gap, bringing focused legal knowledge and trial experience to cases where the stakes are highest.

A key part of the firm’s approach is direct attorney access throughout the legal process. Clients are kept informed on the progress of their case and are never left without answers during a stressful and often lengthy process.

The firm has received recognition from multiple legal rating services, recognition the firm says reflects client outcomes above all else. Holding responsible parties accountable through the civil justice system remains the driving force behind its work.

Injured San Antonio residents can contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers to discuss their case and legal options.

The audit found that “Testimonials” remains the most common social proof label across law firm websites, outranking “Reviews” by 32%. Across the dataset, 35% of firms publish a Testimonials nav page compared to 27% publishing a Reviews page. Google Trends data for 2025 showed the consumer search terms “lawyer reviews” and “law firm reviews” generating steady search interest throughout the year, while “lawyer testimonials” and “law firm testimonials” registered zero measurable interest for every week of the year.

The disconnect extends beyond navigation labels to URL structure. The full report on testimonials vs reviews found that 2,350 law firm domains route their social proof page through a “/testimonials/” URL path, while only 1,516 use a “/reviews/” path. Even among firms that updated their nav label to “Reviews” or “Client Reviews,” many left the underlying URL unchanged, leaving the indexed page address tied to the term consumers do not search for.

In a finding that captures the transition in motion, 563 firms in the audit publish both a “Testimonials” and a “Reviews” item in their main navigation as separate menu entries. More than half of those firms, 304 in total, point both menu items to the exact same URL.

Personal injury showed the widest gap between consumer language and on-site language, with 54.8% of personal injury firms publishing a Testimonials nav page compared to 27.6% publishing a Reviews page. Business law was the only practice area in the audit where Reviews appeared more frequently than Testimonials.

The full study, including methodology, practice area breakdowns, and a four-step migration sequence for firms changing from Testimonials to Reviews, is available on Custom Legal Marketing’s website.

CASA of Travis County empowers trained volunteers to advocate for children’s safety, well-being and long-term stability in court and in the community. The organization works toward its vision of providing quality advocacy, a safe home and a promising future for every child in Travis County. 

Kimbrough, a Texas attorney whose firm focuses on divorce and family law matters, will support CASA’s mission through board service, community engagement and advocacy for children and families navigating complex legal and personal challenges.

“CASA’s work matters because every child deserves someone who will show up, listen closely and speak up for what they need,” Kimbrough said. “I am honored to serve on the board and support an organization that helps children move toward a stronger future.”

In 2025, CASA of Travis County served 982 children with the support of 560 assigned volunteers. CASA reported that 96% of its recommendations were ordered by a judge or negotiated or agreed upon before a hearing.

CASA of Travis County has served the community for more than 40 years. In 2022, the organization reached its long-standing goal of accepting all case assignments from the court and is now appointed automatically to all newly filed child abuse or neglect cases in Travis County.

Through Kimbrough Family Law, Kimbrough has built a practice focused on legal strategy, clear client communication and advocacy for families facing major transitions. Her work with custody, parental rights and child-related legal issues gives her a direct connection to CASA’s mission and the needs of children whose lives intersect with the court system. 

CASA of Travis County continues to seek new volunteers, with a current need for bilingual volunteers. Individuals interested in volunteering can visit www.casatravis.org/volunteer or RSVP for an information session at www.casatravis.org/infosession. Donations can be made at www.casatravis.org/donate.

The proposed legal action seeks to stop the conversion of a recently acquired industrial warehouse into a detention center reportedly capable of housing between 7,500 and 10,000 immigrants. Uproar Utah contends that federal officials moved forward with the project without conducting the environmental reviews, public disclosures, and administrative procedures required under federal law.

The anticipated lawsuit will name DHS, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, ICE, and ICE Acting Director David J. Venturella as defendants. The coalition alleges violations of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), and other federal requirements intended to ensure transparency, public participation, and environmental review before major federal actions are undertaken.

“This project represents one of the largest proposed immigration detention facilities in the nation,” said Brent Ward, attorney and spokesperson for Uproar Utah. “Federal agencies cannot bypass environmental safeguards, public accountability, and lawful procedures when pursuing a project of this magnitude.”

According to public reports, DHS purchased the Salt Lake City warehouse for approximately $145 million as part of a broader federal initiative to expand detention capacity nationwide. Coalition leaders argue that the project could have significant impacts on local infrastructure, public health systems, and environmental resources, including the Great Salt Lake ecosystem.

Uproar Utah maintains that federal officials failed to adequately consult with state and local leaders before purchasing the property and have not provided sufficient information regarding operational plans, environmental impacts, or community consequences.

The coalition’s concerns include:

• Potential impacts on the Great Salt Lake and regional water resources.
• Increased strain on local healthcare, emergency response, and public infrastructure systems.
• Public health risks associated with large-scale detention operations.
• Family separation and due process concerns affecting detained individuals.
• Lack of public transparency and community engagement in the decision-making process.

“This is about more than a land-use dispute,” said attorney Jim McConkie. “It raises fundamental questions about government accountability, community impact, and the treatment of human beings within our immigration system.”

The legal action comes amid similar challenges to immigration detention projects in other states. Uproar Utah says the lawsuit aims to ensure federal agencies comply with established legal requirements before constructing or operating facilities of this scale.

Initiative 25-0022, officially titled the “Protecting Automobile Accident Victims from Attorney Self-Dealing Act,” is scheduled to appear before California voters on November 3, 2026. While its name suggests the measure champions injured consumers, attorney Damoun Yazdi, founding attorney of The Accident Network Law Group, says the opposite is true.

“This initiative is not written to protect victims. It is written to protect Uber,” said attorney Yazdi. “Uber has invested over $32 million to get this on the ballot because the company knows that if it passes, fewer injured people will be able to find lawyers willing to take their cases. That means fewer lawsuits against Uber, less accountability, and less money paid to people they injure.”

What the Initiative Actually Does

Beneath its consumer-friendly title, Initiative 25-0022 contains provisions that critics say systematically disadvantage injured Californians:

• The measure would impose a hard 25 percent cap on attorney contingency fees. That model is what currently makes it possible for injured people with no money to hire experienced lawyers and pay nothing until they win. Reducing the cap to 25 percent makes many cases financially unworkable to pursue, particularly complex injury claims that demand expert witnesses and months of litigation. Attorneys will be forced to turn those clients away.
• Medical expense recovery would be calculated using Medicare, Medi-Cal, and insurance database rates rather than actual treatment costs. Most California providers bill well above those government benchmarks, which leaves injured victims responsible for the difference between what their settlement covers and what their doctors actually charge.
• Referral agreements between attorneys and medical providers would be prohibited outright. Proponents frame this as rooting out conflicts of interest. In practice, those referral networks are what allow uninsured and underinsured patients to get treated after an accident with nothing due upfront. Doctors agree to wait for payment until the case resolves. Without those arrangements, injured people without coverage will find far fewer options for immediate care.

Who Really Wins If This Passes

Yazdi argues the beneficiaries of Initiative 25-0022 are corporate defendants and insurance companies, not accident victims.

“Insurance companies stand to gain enormously from this measure,” said attorney Yazdi. “If victims can’t find attorneys to represent them, or can only recover a fraction of their medical costs, insurance companies pay out less. Period. This is a multi-hundred-million-dollar investment by corporate interests to rig the system against the very people the legal system is designed to protect.”

The Accident Network Law Group represents clients throughout California injured in car accidents, rideshare accidents, motorcycle collisions, pedestrian accidents, and more. The firm operates on a strict contingency fee model, meaning clients pay no fees unless the firm wins their case.

“My job is to level the playing field between an injured person and a powerful insurance company or corporation like Uber,” said attorney Yazdi. “This initiative is designed to tip that scale back in favor of the corporations. I cannot stay silent about that.”

Attorney Yazdi Calls on Californians to Reject the Initiative

Attorney Yazdi is urging fellow Californians to research the initiative beyond its title before the November vote, and to be skeptical of any measure bankrolled overwhelmingly by a single corporation with a direct financial interest in reducing injury payouts.

“When a company like Uber spends $32 million to put something on your ballot, you have to ask yourself: who is this really for?” said attorney Yazdi. “It is not for you. It is for them.”

The law firm did an analysis of May because, historically, Memorial Day is the start of Summer travel. This year, drivers in Illinois are facing historically high gas prices, which are possibly shifting would-be drivers into the bike lane.

According to data provided by the City of Chicago and reviewed by Briskman Briskman & Greenberg’s attorneys, total vehicle crash records in May fell to 19,700 in 2026, the lowest figure in four years. That marks a 1.3 percent decline from 2025 and sits 6.4 percent below the May 2024 peak of 21,056. May crash volume has now decreased two years in a row.

The trend for cyclists ran in the opposite direction. Bicycle involvement in May crashes climbed from 181 in 2023 to 279 in 2026, a 29.2 percent increase over the past year and a 54.1 percent rise across the full period. Pedestrian involvement followed a similar upward path, increasing 6.4 percent year over year.

The report also documents a steady change in the vehicles on Chicago roads. Passenger car involvement declined 11.3 percent over the four years, while SUV involvement rose every single year, for a cumulative increase of 26.8 percent.

Paul Greenberg, the managing member of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, is an avid cyclist and bicycle safety advocate. Last month, Greenberg shared the firm’s research on the growing dangers to bicyclists in the windy city on CAN TV’s Chicago This Week, airing on Channel 21.

“The value of an independent study like this is not in any single number, it is in what those numbers prompt people to do,” said Paul Greenberg. “When drivers learn that overall crashes are falling but the people with the least protection are being hit more often, we hope it leads to more caution behind the wheel, especially around cyclists and pedestrians.”

The analysis covers every May from 2023 through 2026 and includes the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a period of elevated travel across the region.

“A citywide decline in crashes is genuinely encouraging, but it can mask who is still being put at risk,” Greenberg said. “Bicycle accidents in Chicago are up more than fifty percent since 2023. That is the trend we want drivers, planners, and policymakers paying attention to, because those are the collisions where a person on a bike has very little to shield them and most at risk of serious injury.”

The full report on Chicago Car Accidents in May 2026 is available on the law firm’s website.

According to various media sources, prosecutors allege that on Dec. 30, the complainant called 911 to report a domestic violence incident. The woman claims that the sergeant groped her buttocks during the incident. Shortly afterward, the officer was charged with various misdemeanor sex offense charges. The sergeant was then arraigned and released on recognizance; he was later suspended without pay. 

“When an accusation involves unwanted sexual contact, the first court appearance often brings immediate conditions that reshape day-to-day life,” Brill said. “That can include a temporary order of protection and other restrictions that are easy to violate if someone does not understand the terms.

“A single allegation can lead to several charges, and the accusatory instrument is only the starting point,” Brill said. “The focus should remain on what the prosecution can prove beyond a reasonable doubt, using reliable evidence and lawful procedures.

​The arraignment stage also entails practical risks that many people underestimate. New York courts issue a securing order at arraignment, and courts frequently issue temporary orders of protection in pending criminal cases. Those orders can include no-contact and stay-away terms that apply immediately, including through third parties and digital communication.

The ​Brill Legal Group, P.C., represents individuals and organizations facing prosecution for state and federal crimes in New York, and also represents professionals in disciplinary inquiries and hearings, including doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, and police officers. For more information, contact the Brill Legal Group, P.C., at 888-315-9841.

William Mattar 2026 Super Lawyers attorneys are:

• Dave Rusin (Super Lawyers® 2012–2026);
• Anthony Tantillo (Super Lawyers® 2012–2026); and
• Sara Wallitt (Rising Stars 2015; Super Lawyers® 2026).

Attorneys named to the Rising Stars list include:

• Brendan Denz (Rising Stars 2023–2026);
• Matthew Kaiser (Rising Stars 2018–2026);
• and Ashley Mitchell (Rising Stars 2022–2026).

“At William Mattar Accident Lawyers, we are proud of our exceptional team of professionals who deliver outstanding client service each and every day,” said William Mattar. “While we see their dedication firsthand, we are especially pleased to have their efforts recognized on a broader stage through this prestigious honor.”

The Super Lawyers® designation is awarded to no more than five percent of attorneys in each state following a rigorous, multi phase selection process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and evaluation across key indicators of professional excellence. The Rising Stars designation recognizes top up-and-coming attorneys who are under 40 or have been practicing for 10 years or less, with only 2.5 percent of eligible attorneys selected.

The Super Lawyers® lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers® Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers® Magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information about Super Lawyers®, visit SuperLawyers.com.

Hatfield’s Note, titled “The Plight of Workers: ALJ Independence in Arkansas Workers’ Compensation,” appears in Volume 101 of the Indiana Law Journal, the flagship publication of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington, Indiana. His article evaluates how legislative, executive, and institutional bodies in Arkansas have influenced outcomes for injured workers and the judges who decide their claims and have sent a clear message to judges who decide their claims.

The Note places Arkansas within a national trend in which many states have tightened eligibility rules and limited injured worker benefits, which have resulted in record insurance company profits.  The costs of workplace injuries have shifted away from the workers’ compensation insurance companies and toward public safety-net programs. It highlights the role of agency structure — including appointment and removal of commissioners and judges, funding mechanisms, and panel rotation — in either insulating adjudicators from political pressure or leaving them exposed to it.

It also analyzes a line of recent decisions applying the “dual employment” doctrine to temporary workers, and how the Arkansas workers’ compensation commission has used the doctrine to insulate negligent companies from both workers’ compensation and tort liability. By tracing these developments, the note highlights how legal interpretations can significantly narrow the rights and remedies available to some of the state’s most vulnerable workers. 

Jason Hatfield, whose Springdale firm represents injured workers in Arkansas, said the publication underscores the importance of close scrutiny of state-level systems that rarely draw national attention yet play a critical role in shaping broader public outcomes.

“Workers’ compensation is often invisible until someone gets hurt,” he said. “When companies are immune from paying benefits, they no longer need to be concerned with safety.  And when the unsafe companies are not required to pay benefits, then injured workers are forced to rely on government benefits to survive.  In essence, the burden of unsafe employers gets shifted to the taxpayer.  Brock’s Journal Note takes a hard look at how the system is currently structured in favor of business and insurance.  The public deserves this broader understanding of what injured workers and their families are currently enduring.  I’m very proud of Brock’s hard work to illustrate the unfairness, and I am excited for him to come work with me to help injured workers and to work to change the current system to level the playing field for injured workers.”

Beyond the academic analysis, the publication reflects Brock Hatfield’s deeply rooted commitment to the people of Arkansas. Having grown up, worked, and built his life in the state, he brings a vested interest in strengthening the systems that affect everyday Arkansans. His belief that workers deserve fairness, dignity, and accountability fuels both his scholarship and his emerging legal career. He intends to carry that passion directly into his practice, advocating for greater equity for the communities where he and his clients work, play, and live.

The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield is excited to welcome him as he begins his legal career, continuing the Hatfield tradition of standing up for Arkansas workers — including the frontline employees who keep our communities running — and fighting for a system that treats them with the fairness they deserve.

According to the wrongful death complaint, Carle suffered severe neglect during her time at the facility, including multiple preventable falls and inadequate supervision. The lawsuit alleged that staff failed to properly monitor residents with dementia and high fall risks, failed to implement appropriate fall prevention measures or provide sufficient assistance with daily living activities, and delayed obtaining emergency medical care as Carle’s health deteriorated.

“While no award can undo their loss, we are honored to have stood with Lily’s family as they fought for accountability after an unimaginable loss. Our clients sought accountability for a death they believe could have been prevented with proper care and attention,” said Spencer Payne, Esq., founding partner of Moore Payne Law and lead counsel on the case. “What is especially troubling is that the evidence showed Lily’s case was not an isolated failure. This facility had prior warning signs involving the safety of memory care residents, yet the same types of preventable lapses continued, and inadequate insurance coverage at facilities like this is a pattern that raises serious questions about accountability.”

The case comes amid broader scrutiny of safety practices and staffing challenges within assisted living and memory care facilities in Florida and across the U.S. The Waverly recently faced public attention following separate reported incidents involving memory care residents, including the death of an 83-year-old dementia patient who allegedly wandered undetected from his room and was found dead in the facility’s walk-in freezer. These tragedies highlight a pattern of severe lapses in resident supervision, safety protocols, and accountability at The Waverly and other long-term care facilities. 

Both attorneys Payne and founding partner Geoff Moore, Esq. are passionate advocates for systemic change in nursing home reform and are active in state government efforts to expand the rights of nursing home residents. The firm motto, “Big Injuries, Big Justice, Bigger Purpose,” drives Moore Payne Law’s mission to effect change both through results for their clients and accountability of big businesses and insurance companies.

Moore Payne Law is currently accepting new clients and offers free consultations to help individuals understand their rights and legal options. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit moorepaynelaw.com or call 407-216-1000.

CASE INFORMATION

Sixth Judicial District – Pasco County, FL
The Estate of Lily Carle, by and through Stephanie Baerkland, Personal Representative, V. Wellness Center of Trinity, LLC d/b/a The Waverly
Case No. 2025-CA-000530

An experienced litigator within GGL Injury Lawyer’s Central Jersey team, Attorney Guage-Zachary was appointed by fellow committee members to champion transparency, manage crucial operations, and support regulatory and legislative updates affecting injured workers across the state.

The NJSBA Workers’ Compensation Executive Committee serves as a vital bridge within the legal community, uniting practitioners representing both Petitioners (injured employees) and Respondents (employers and insurance carriers). This balanced, bipartisan structure ensures that new procedural changes remain fair, practical, and legally sound. 

“The committee’s work actively shapes how complex litigation moves through the New Jersey courts, particularly as we adapt to evolving legislative developments surrounding remote hearings and medical clearance timelines,” said Guage-Zachary. “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues for trusting me with this leadership role. My focus is to keep our discussions practical and fair for the people who rely on this system every day.”

As a dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer at GGL Injury Lawyers, Guage-Zachary brings extensive courtroom experience to her new board seat. Her practice is intensely focused on complex workers’ compensation litigation, including cases involving severe, life-altering catastrophic injuries.

She has litigated extensively across New Jersey state courts and successfully represented clients in high-stakes appeals before the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. She is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, New York, and before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Beyond her primary appointment, her professional leadership profile includes active memberships in the Bench/Bar Liaison Subcommittee of the NJSBA and the New Jersey Council on Safety & Health.

Scioneaux’s certification adds to an already impressive resume that includes recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2025 and 2026, a peer nominated distinction awarded through a patented multi criteria selection process to no more than 2.5% of California attorneys statewide. The CFLS designation further strengthens Reel Fathers Rights’ position as one of the most credentialed family law firms representing fathers anywhere in California.

“Sahar Scioneaux is one of the most credentialed emerging family law attorneys in Southern California, and her CFLS certification is a formal confirmation of what her clients and her colleagues have known for years,” said Mark Reel Jr., Founder and CEO of Reel Fathers Rights APC. “The CFLS is not an easy credential to earn. It requires years of substantial family law practice, hundreds of hours of continuing education, a comprehensive written examination, peer references, and a documented record of complex family law case experience. Sahar met that bar and exceeded it. The fathers we represent at our Irvine office now have access to a Senior Trial Attorney who is a Super Lawyers Rising Star and a State Bar certified Family Law Specialist. That is exactly the kind of legal firepower we set out to deliver when we built this firm.”

What It Takes to Become a Certified Family Law Specialist in California

The Certified Family Law Specialist designation is administered by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, and the requirements to earn it are among the most demanding in California legal practice. To qualify, an attorney must be an active member of the California Bar for at least five years, must demonstrate substantial involvement in family law as a primary practice area with documented case experience across trials, settlements, premarital and postnuptial agreements, and a wide variety of family law matters, must complete a minimum of forty five hours of continuing legal education in family law within the three years preceding application, must pass a comprehensive written examination administered by the State Bar, and must submit favorable references from judges and attorneys familiar with the applicant’s family law practice. Certified Family Law Specialists must also complete continuing education and recertify at regular intervals to maintain the designation.

For fathers selecting a family law attorney, the CFLS credential is a verified marker that the attorney has met the State Bar’s published standards for specialized expertise. It is not a self awarded label or a paid recognition. It is a formal certification by California’s lawyer regulator that the attorney has demonstrated the experience, examination performance, and continuing education that California requires of attorneys who hold themselves out as specialists in family law.

Years of Family Law Focus and Specialized Practice

Since 2017, Scioneaux has devoted her practice to the full spectrum of high conflict family law and asset protection. She works with forensic accountants and business valuation experts on high asset dissolution proceedings, handles complex custody matters involving evaluators and minor’s counsel, provides family law mediation as an alternative dispute resolution path, drafts prenuptial and postnuptial agreements compliant with California’s Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, and offers integrated trust and estate planning services for clients across all stages of family transition. That sustained, exclusive focus on family law is the foundation on which the CFLS certification is built.

Scioneaux earned her Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Fullerton and her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law. She practices in English, Dari, German, and French. She previously served on the board of the Young Lawyers Division of the Orange County Bar Association, currently serves on the board of the Public Law Society, and is a member of the Robert A. Banyard Inn of Court, one of the most prestigious legal societies in Orange County dedicated to professionalism and excellence in courtroom advocacy.

While recent data reveals a minor year-over-year decline in Pinellas County traffic incidents, St. Petersburg consistently averages 30 to 40 fatal traffic accidents per year. To curb these numbers and safeguard local families, the firm is urging motorists to exercise extreme vigilance, particularly when navigating the city’s documented accident hot spots.

Critical Hazard Zones Identified in St. Petersburg

A multi-year tracking analysis highlights several key zones within the city limits where severe and fatal collisions occur with high frequency:

• 34th Street (Particularly at 5th Avenue): Situated west of downtown, this corridor logs some of the highest numbers of fatal accidents in the city, with the 5th Avenue intersection remaining a chronic danger zone year after year.
• 5th Avenue (Between I-275 and 4th Street): This high-speed crossing area averages roughly one fatal crash per year. Intersecting roadways with elevated speed limits create highly volatile, deadly conditions.
• Interstate 275 (U.S. Highway 19 Interchange): Heavy traffic volumes combined with rapid lane changes yield a dangerous environment. The area immediately surrounding the U.S. 19 interchange has recently recorded approximately five fatal crashes.
• 4th Street (Near 22nd Avenue): Running north of downtown, this major city artery is a leading site for non-interstate fatalities, recording roughly three fatal crashes over a four-year baseline.

Knowing Your Legal Rights Following a Collision

“Awareness on these high-risk corridors is essential, but drivers must also understand their legal protections if the unexpected happens,” says the legal team at Roman Austin.

While Florida operating guidelines follow a no-fault insurance system, victims who sustain significant injuries carry the legal right to pursue fair damages against an at-fault driver. Navigating insurance corporations and state statutes can be complex, making dedicated legal representation essential. The St. Petersburg attorneys at Roman Austin help victims by collecting vital evidence, managing state compliance deadlines, negotiating complex insurance settlements, and escalating claims to trial when necessary.

Immediate Action Steps Post-Accident:

1. Call 911 immediately to secure emergency medical help and official police documentation.
2. Seek a professional medical evaluation, even if injuries appear minor at first.
3. Consult with a lawyer before signing insurance waivers or accepting quick, lowball settlement offers.

The St. Petersburg car accident lawyers at Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers have successfully secured over $200 million in client compensation. Residents seeking a free, no-obligation safety and legal consultation can contact the firm’s St. Petersburg office directly at (727)-335-1373 or visit romanaustin.com.

This year’s recipients include Macy B., Phillip B., and Kyra S. Each was awarded $2,000 scholarships. The awards are intended to help offset the rising costs of tuition, books, and other expenses associated with attending college or other postsecondary programs.

The Steinberg Law Firm Scholarship Program is held each year and is part of the firm’s ongoing efforts to support students in the communities it serves. By highlighting individual recipients, the program draws attention to the academic and personal commitments required of students at a time when education costs continue to climb.

The Steinberg Law Firm Scholarship Program reflects a broader pattern of community-focused initiatives undertaken by local institutions, including law firms, that see education as closely tied to economic and civic life. In the Lowcountry, privately funded scholarships have become one way for businesses and professional organizations to engage with questions of access and opportunity in higher education.

The firm’s scholarship announcement comes at a moment when families across South Carolina and the country are weighing the costs and benefits of postsecondary education. For many students, small and mid-sized awards constitute an important part of the financial patchwork that makes enrollment possible.

Hatfield, who serves as chair of the association’s Workers’ Compensation Section, helped plan the recent Workers’ Compensation Conference, a key continuing education program for Arkansas lawyers who handle workplace injury and related matters. As part of the conference, he presented a session titled “Demystifying the Functional Capacity Exam,” addressing a subject that often plays a central role in workers’ compensation disputes.

The CLE Award is presented by the Arkansas Bar Association to members who demonstrate sustained commitment to the development and delivery of educational programs for the legal community. The recognition highlights Hatfield’s work in designing programming intended to give practitioners clear, practical guidance in an area of law that frequently involves complex medical and vocational evidence.

Hatfield will be honored during the Arkansas Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in Hot Springs on June 10 at a special, invitation-only Leadership Reception with Awards Recognition. The CLE Award will be conferred by Arkansas Bar Association President Jamie Jones Walsworth as part of the evening’s program.

Award recipients, including Hatfield, will also be recognized beyond the Annual Meeting. The Arkansas Bar Association has announced that honorees will be featured in the Summer issue of The Arkansas Lawyer, the association’s quarterly magazine, as well as in the August issue of AY Magazine. In addition, profiles of the award recipients will appear on the association’s website.

Hatfield’s role as chair of the Workers’ Compensation Section places him at the center of efforts to develop programming and resources for Arkansas lawyers who represent injured workers, employers and insurers. His work on the Workers’ Compensation Conference, including the planning of sessions and selection of topics and speakers, reflects the association’s broader emphasis on continuing legal education as a professional obligation.

The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield is a Northwest Arkansas law firm serving clients in workers’ compensation and personal injury matters and participates in professional activities through the Arkansas Bar Association and other legal organizations.