News from October 2024
Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema indicted for obstruction amid ongoing legal battles
By D. D. Diggs | Oct 11, 2024
Allen Onyema, the CEO and founder of Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, has been indicted for obstruction of justice. The charges stem from allegations that he submitted false documents to the government in an attempt to halt an investigation into earlier accusations of bank fraud and money laundering. Ejiroghene Eghagha, Chief of Administration and Finance at Air Peace, faces similar charges.
Eleventh Circuit invites applications for bankruptcy judge position in Atlanta
By K. R. Nelson | Oct 11, 2024
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit is inviting applications for a United States Bankruptcy Judge position in Atlanta. This appointment will be for a term of fourteen years and will serve the Northern District of Georgia.
Georgia law schools achieve highest bar pass rate in a decade
By J. D. Suayan | Oct 11, 2024
School of Law Dean Peter B. "Bo" Rutledge was featured in a recent Law360 article discussing the achievements of the School of Law. The institution has led Georgia's law schools in first-time bar passage for the 11th consecutive year. This success contributes to raising the state's bar pass rate to a ten-year high.
Georgia law schools reach decade-high bar pass rate
By E. F. Cullerton | Oct 11, 2024
School of Law Dean Peter B. "Bo" Rutledge has been featured in Law360 for the School of Law's achievement in leading Georgia’s law schools in first-time bar passage rates for the 11th consecutive year. The article, written by Emily Johnson, was published on October 11, 2024.
Rideshare services create new paths to employment for deaf and hard-of-hearing drivers
By E. F. Cullerton | Oct 10, 2024
Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have long faced significant hurdles in securing traditional jobs, but rideshare platforms are offering a solution. Through customized technology and inclusive practices, Uber and Lyft are empowering this community with greater access to employment and independence.
Uber: 'Access to care is the foundation of better health outcomes for mothers and babies' across Georgia
By E. F. Cullerton | Oct 9, 2024
A spokesperson for Uber said Uber Health's partnership with Amerigroup Georgia and the Georgia Primary Care Association to support expectant mothers is one of the efforts made to support families and their health across the state.
Georgia man sentenced for running meth labs
By M. N. Tirado | Oct 9, 2024
Genaro Davalos-Pulido has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and for illegally possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, "Methamphetamine manufacturers and traffickers like Davalos-Pulido pose a tremendous threat to the safety of our communities." He credited the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for bringing Davalos-Pulido to justice.
Investigation launched into deadly explosion at Atlanta airport
By A. D. Bamburg | Oct 9, 2024
Beasley Allen attorneys LaBarron Boone and Duane King are currently investigating a fatal explosion that occurred at the Atlanta airport. The incident resulted in the death of Mirko Marweg, a Delta Tech with nearly two decades of experience in Delta’s TechOps paint shop. Marweg, who was also an Air Force veteran, was affectionately known as “Mr. Fix-It” by his family.
UGA leads state in bar passage rates for 11th consecutive year
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 9, 2024
The University of Georgia School of Law has achieved the highest bar exam passage rate in the state for the 11th year in a row. Graduates from UGA Law who took the July 2024 exam led first-time takers across Georgia's law schools, surpassing the overall passage rate by over 9%.
The Q3 2024 Flex Report by The Flex Index for Georgia
By E. F. Cullerton | Oct 9, 2024
Georgia ranks twenty-first in the nation for workplace flexibility, with 81% of companies offering flexible work options. In Atlanta, the state's economic center, the same percentage of businesses provide workplace flexibility, reflecting a consistent trend across the state.
Advocacy Executive Board announces leadership roles for 2024-2025
By A. I. Benavidez | Oct 8, 2024
Kristen Gough has been named President of the Advocacy Executive Board for 2024-2025. Gough, originally from Annapolis, Maryland, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/Criminology from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Crime Scene Investigation from Stevenson University. Her achievements include being selected as Best Appellee in her LWRA II Spring 2023 class and competing as an attorney in the Spring 2024 National Trial Competition. She received the CALI award for Trial Advocacy during her time at law school. "Serving as President of the Advocacy...
Walter Hellerstein presents at OECD meeting on crypto-asset taxation
By A. I. Benavidez | Oct 8, 2024
Distinguished Research Professor and Shackelford Distinguished Professor in Taxation Law Emeritus, Walter Hellerstein, co-presented at a meeting of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Technical Advisory Group. The meeting focused on the VAT/GST treatment of activities involving crypto-assets and was held in October as part of Working Party No. 9 on Consumption Taxes.
Hellerstein discusses crypto-assets taxation at OECD meeting
By C. D. McHugh | Oct 8, 2024
Walter Hellerstein, a Distinguished Research Professor and Shackelford Distinguished Professor in Taxation Law Emeritus, participated in a presentation at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Technical Advisory Group meeting. The event took place in October in Paris, France. Hellerstein's co-presentation focused on the VAT/GST Treatment of Activities Involving Crypto-Assets. This was part of discussions held by Working Party No. 9 on Consumption Taxes.
Authorities warn against charity scams following Hurricane Helene
By M. N. Tirado | Oct 8, 2024
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan has issued a warning to the public regarding potential charity scams following Hurricane Helene. He emphasized the need for vigilance when contributing to hurricane relief efforts, noting that scammers often exploit such disasters to deceive well-meaning donors.
Department of Justice awards $700K grant to combat gun violence in Atlanta
By K. R. Nelson | Oct 8, 2024
The Department of Justice has allocated nearly $700,000 to the City of Atlanta to support the Atlanta Police Department's (APD) efforts in establishing an Atlanta Crime Gun Intelligence Center. This initiative aims to tackle violent crime in the area.
Lori Ringhand presents at Knight Election Law Forum
By C. D. McHugh | Oct 7, 2024
Hosch Professor and Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor Lori A. Ringhand participated in the Knight Election Law Forum in September. The event, titled "Decoding Election Law for Journalists: Essential Insights from Top Experts," featured her presentation.
Somodi receives recognition from Georgia Library Association for contributions
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 7, 2024
Szilvia Somodi has been honored with the Georgia Library Association's Library Support Services Award. This accolade is given to individuals who have significantly advanced library development or made notable contributions to libraries in Georgia through their professional efforts.
Law firm announces $2.5 million settlement in premises liability case
By C. D. McHugh | Oct 7, 2024
For more than 45 years, the Beasley Allen Law Firm has been dedicated to "helping those who need it most." The firm recently announced a $2.5 million settlement in a premises liability case.
Taylor co-presents on active learning at AALL Annual Meeting
By K. R. Nelson | Oct 4, 2024
Clinical Services and Research Librarian Amy Taylor participated in a presentation at the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) 2024 Annual Meeting. The session, titled "Experience Active Learning Implementation," included co-presenters W. Moore, S. Nolan, and H. Simmons.
Simmons speaks at AALL Annual Meeting on technology and active learning
By C. D. McHugh | Oct 4, 2024
Heather Simmons, the Associate Director for Instruction and Access Services, participated in two panels at the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) 2024 Annual Meeting. Simmons contributed to discussions on "Cool Tools Café: Existing and Emerging Technologies" and "Experience Active Learning Implementation."