News from October 2024
Insurance Information Institute CEO: Georgia is 'the number one judicial hellhole' for legal abuse
By J. D. Suayan | Oct 31, 2024
Sean Kevelighan, CEO of the Insurance Information Institute, said legal abuse has made Georgia “the number one judicial hellhole" because of the negative impact on consumers.
Attorney Bill Lundy shares insights on federal preemption with AJMLS students
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 25, 2024
Attorney Bill Lundy recently addressed Professor Malempati’s constitutional law class at AJMLS, sharing his extensive legal experience.
Uber expands accessibility features to empower riders with disabilities
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 24, 2024
As part of its ongoing efforts to make transportation more inclusive and accessible for riders with disabilities, Uber has introduced new features aimed at improving the experience for those with mobility, hearing, and vision impairments, ensuring their transportation needs are met with greater independence and safety.
Former defense employee pleads guilty to mishandling classified materials
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 23, 2024
A former employee of a U.S. Department of Defense component agency is facing up to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to mishandling classified documents. Margaret Anne Ashby, 26, from Henderson, Nevada, awaits sentencing following her guilty plea to Unauthorized Removal/Retention of Classified Documents. This was announced by Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
AJMLS student awarded 2024 NAMWOLF DEI scholarship
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 22, 2024
Krystal Robledo, a student at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), has been named one of the three recipients of the 2024 NAMWOLF Joel Stern Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Pipeline Scholarship. The scholarship, valued at $10,000, is awarded to students who contribute significantly to diversity within their law school community while pursuing legal careers.
Hellerstein discusses state tax measures in Savannah Morning News
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 21, 2024
Walter Hellerstein, a Distinguished Research Professor and Shackelford Distinguished Professor in Taxation Law Emeritus, was recently featured in the Savannah Morning News. The feature discussed state ballot measures on taxation.
Elizabeth Taxel discusses attorney-client privilege limits in Law360 feature
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 21, 2024
Clinical Assistant Professor and Criminal Defense Practicum Director Elizabeth Taxel has been featured in a Law360 article discussing the limitations of attorney-client privilege. The piece, titled "Narrow Ga. Ruling on Atty-Client Privilege Draws Concerns," was authored by Emily Johnson and published on October 18, 2024.
Gordon Wayne receives award for efforts against homelessness
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 21, 2024
Congratulations to second-year student Gordon Wayne for receiving the 2024 Anna Bissonnette Award from Hearth Inc. Wayne was recognized by the Boston area nonprofit for his work in raising awareness of and helping to end homelessness. He has raised more than $200,000 benefiting the National Alliance to End Homelessness, primarily through two 500+ mile walks - one to UGA to attend law school and the other to Boston College, where he earned an undergraduate degree.
Georgia election challenges face new hurdles post-2020
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 21, 2024
Lori A. Ringhand, a Hosch Professor and Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor, was recently featured in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The article, authored by Mark Niesse and David Wickert, discusses the importance of public trust in election outcomes. Titled "Challenging Georgia elections is harder than in 2020 – but some may try," it was published on October 18, 2024.
Uber continues collaboration with MARTA to enhance public transport access in Georgia
By A. I. Benavidez | Oct 18, 2024
Uber continues its collaboration with Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) through the MARTA Connect Early Bird Program.
Orford discusses oil pollution act at environmental history congress
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 18, 2024
Assistant Professor Adam D. Orford delivered a presentation titled “The Oil Pollution Act of 1924: A Centennial Reassessment” at the Fourth World Congress of Environmental History. The event, themed “Transitions, Transformations and Transdisciplinarity: Histories Beyond History,” was hosted by the University of Oulu in Finland.
Atlanta man sentenced for violent crimes against seniors
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 18, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction of Aaron Neil Johnson, 22, for his involvement in two violent robberies targeting senior citizens. A jury found Johnson guilty on April 1, 2024, of armed robbery, robbery, and theft by receiving stolen property related to incidents involving two women aged 74 and 78.
Bruner discusses US corporate sustainability at University of Oslo
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 17, 2024
Christopher M. Bruner, the Stembler Family Distinguished Professor in Business Law, delivered a presentation titled “A Political Economy of Corporate Sustainability Reform in the United States” at the University of Oslo Faculty of Law this October. The event was conducted online and organized by Oslo’s Sustainability Law research group.
No charges filed in veteran's fatal shooting at Atlanta VA Medical Center
By D. D. Diggs | Oct 17, 2024
After a thorough review of the evidence, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has made a decision regarding the officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of John Robert Smith, Jr. The incident occurred at the Atlanta VA Medical Center on January 29, 2024.
U.S. Attorney announces measures for overseeing November 2024 general election
By B. B. Urness | Oct 17, 2024
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan announced that an Assistant U.S. Attorney will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. This appointment is part of the Department of Justice's nationwide Election Day Program. The DEO will oversee complaints related to voting rights concerns, threats against election officials or staff, and election fraud in coordination with the Department of Justice’s Headquarters.
Amann discusses child rights at Nuremberg Forum 2024
By B. B. Urness | Oct 16, 2024
Regents' Professor of International Law and Woodruff Chair in International Law, Diane Marie Amann, participated in the Nuremberg Forum 2024. She presented a topic titled "Child-Taking" as part of the panel "Ways Forward: Protecting Future Generations." The forum was themed "For Every Child: Protecting Children’s Rights in Armed Conflict" and took place at the International Nuremberg Principles Academy in Germany during October.
Amann discusses child rights at Nuremberg Forum 2024
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 16, 2024
Diane Marie Amann, Regents' Professor of International Law and Woodruff Chair in International Law, presented at the Nuremberg Forum 2024. Her presentation, titled "Child-Taking," was part of the panel Ways Forward: Protecting Future Generations. The forum focused on the theme "For Every Child: Protecting Children’s Rights in Armed Conflict" and took place in Germany during October.
Two gang members convicted in murder; one suspect remains at large
By K. R. Nelson | Oct 15, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced the conviction of two men in connection with the murder of a transgender woman. On October 4, jurors found JaQuan Brooks, 25, and Davonte Fore, 26, guilty on multiple charges including Malice Murder and Felony Murder for the death of Skyler Gilmore (legal name Chase Gilmore), who was killed on June 4, 2021.
Federal firearms charges lead to multiple convictions in Georgia
By A. I. Benavidez | Oct 15, 2024
Federal authorities in the Southern District of Georgia have returned indictments involving illegal firearms possession and drug distribution. Several defendants face federal prison sentences or are awaiting further proceedings after pleading guilty to gun-related charges.
Blue Cross settles antitrust lawsuit with $2.8 billion payout
By A. D. Nghiem | Oct 15, 2024
A significant $2.8 billion settlement has been reached in the Blue Cross Blue Shield antitrust case, marking a historic moment in U.S. healthcare history. Announced on October 14, 2024, by the provider side settlement team, this resolution concludes a lengthy legal battle involving healthcare providers nationwide. The negotiation process was led by a dedicated committee that included Beasley Allen’s Dee Miles.