News & events
Things are always happening at Hull Barrett. We welcome you to our news and events site where you can find information about legal and business issues, our clients, attorney and firm accomplishments and industry trends and events.News
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Chris Driver to Speak at Columbia County Chamber of Commerce's Before Hours
May 8, 2012
Chris Driver will present at the 1st Columbia County Chamber of Commerce's Before Hours of this year on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 from 7:30 am to 9:00 am at the Government Complex - Building A in Evans, Georgia.
Topic: Give Me My Money Now!
~ Balance Your Budget
~ Collect on debt and working with a collection agency
~ Tackling Taxes in small business
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David E. Hudson Honors General Perry Smith at Law Day with the Liberty Bell Award
May 3, 2012
David E. Hudson gave remarks and recognized Gen. Perry Smith with the 2012 Liberty Bell Award during the Augusta Bar Association's Law Day Dinner. The liberty bell award recognizes the very best in civilian service by recognizing a leader who exhibits the finest qualities of service to their country and to their community. General Smith served in the United States Air Force for 30 years. He earned his PhD in International Relations from Columbia University and is the author of 6 books on historical subjects and principles of leadership. He also has served as a military analyst for CNN, NBC, MSNBC, CBS TV, and CBS Radio. After living all over the county General Smith and his wife made Augusta, Georgia their home in 1990. Since then General Smith has been very involved in fundraising for local projects around Augusta and serves as secretary for the Medal of Honor Foundation.
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J. Milton Martin, Jr., Respected Real Estate and Business Attorney, To Join Hull Barrett, PC
April 24, 2012
Effective, May 1, 2012, J. Milton Martin, Jr., who is widely respected for his extensive real estate, business law, and wills and estates knowledge will join Hull Barrett, PC as the firm continues to enhance its transactional practice. Mr. Martin will work in Hull Barrett’s Evans office and brings along Lucinda M. Rowe and Karen I. Holden from his practice at J. Milton Martin, Jr. P.C. He will help represent private equity investors, property owners, operators and lenders in purchase, sale and financing transactions.
“Hull Barrett is a great fit for me and my staff given the firm’s strength and history of providing outstanding legal advice to a multitude of clients. Hull Barrett is an impressive firm and has highly been recognized for its corporate and litigation work. I too believe in their motto that ‘clients come first’ and am proud to be a part of such a well-regarded and experienced team,” said Mr. Martin.
Read More About J. Milton Martin, Jr. Joining Hull Barrett, PC
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F. Michael Taylor to Present at Paul Knox Middle School's Career Day
April 22, 2012
On Friday, April 27, F. Michael Taylor will present to eighth graders at Paul Knox Middle School's Career Day. Mr. Taylor will discuss why he became a lawyer, the requirements to be a lawyer, and what classes to take in high school if you are interested in becoming a lawyer.
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James V. Painter to Present to Richmond County Medical Society
April 21, 2012
James V. Painter will present to the Richmond County Medical Society on Tuesday, April 24th at the The Old Medical College located at 598 Telfair Street. Mr. Painter's presentation will discuss how to Avoid Malpractice Suits.
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David E. Hudson Discusses Journalist Tweeting in Court in the Augusta Chronicle
April 20, 2012
In the Augusta Chronicle article "Tweeting in Court New Journalistic Frontier," David E. Hudson states there's little precedent in Georgia on using Twitter in court and it's generally left to the judge's discretion. Twitter and other social media use by journalist has been banned recently in a few high profile court cases.
Read More of the Article
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Hull Barrett, PC Celebrates St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's 50th Anniversary
April 15, 2012
On Friday, April 13th Hull Barrett, PC employees dressed down to help raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The firm raised $251 to help celebrate St Jude's 50th Anniversary of changing lives of the children who walk through its doors and across the world.
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Will Defense & Contesting
April 11, 2012
Building wealth is a lifelong endeavor and protecting and growing assets as well as managing their transfer and distribution can be anything but simple. Most executors and trustees ensure their legacy lives on through their succession planning and generally their wills or trusts go through probate without a hitch. However, if you suspect your loved one's will is not what he or she intended, there are several things that you can do legally to correct the situation. You also can defend the validity of the will if you feel it was written correctly. If you have questions regarding defending the probate of a will or contesting it Hull Barrett, PC can help.
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Thomas L. Cathey to Present at 2012 Labor Law Update
April 4, 2012
Sponsored by The Thomson McDuffie Chamber of Commerce and The Thomson McDuffie Area Employer Committee, Thomas L. Cathey will lead a roundtable discussion on May 8, 2012 in Thomson, Georgia to employers on Employment Law and the impact it has on human resource professional and business owners.
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Davis A. Dunaway Selected as McDuffie County Attorney
April 1, 2012
The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners has designated Davis A. Dunaway as County Attorney effective March 20, 2012. Mr. Dunaway was selected from several other applicants after each presented proposals to the County Commission. “Davis knows the county very well, especially the legal matters ranging from real estate, land use and human services. He is a dedicated public servant and can provide strong leadership skills and has a clear vision for the future of McDuffie County,” stated Douglas D. Batchelor, Hull Barrett managing partner and Columbia County attorney.
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Hull Barrett, PC Helps Client Acquire Mall in Virginia
March 28, 2012
R.E. Hanna, III, has successfully helped one of Hull Barrett's clients acquire Piedmont Mall in Danville, Virginia, the eighteenth enclosed mall in the client’s growing portfolio. The 731,500 square foot mall will undergo immediate renovations which will include an upgrade of the interior and exterior lighting, entrances, signage, painting and flooring. Hull Barrett's client purchased the mall to strengthen the community and contribute to the economic growth of the area.
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David E. Hudson Discusses Georgia's Sunshine Laws for Rockdale Citizen
March 25, 2012
In the article, "Newton School Board Holds Apparent Illegal Meeting, " David E. Hudson discusses Georgia Sunshine Laws and how school boards are required to transact business in the open unless members are discussing employee personnel matters, pending litigation or real estate acquisition .Mr. Hudson further states, "A lawyer is entitled to meet in a closed session with a local government agency only to discuss pending or threatened litigation. That is not what was happening here, and thus it would be illegal to conduct a closed meeting with the lawyer present to simply discuss the writing of a newspaper column by a board member and what is reflected as a part of that column."
Read More of the Article
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Savannah Morning News Quotes David E. Hudson
March 24, 2012
David E. Hudson was quoted in the Savannah Morning News article, "Commissioners Approve Employee Bonuses Following Closed Door Meeting." In the article Mr. Hudson weighs in on the Chatham County Commissioners meeting behind closed doors to discuss $1,000 bonuses to all county employees. The “employee appreciation payments” were not on the regular agenda but were brought up later during executive session, which is closed to the public. "The matter of employee compensation was raised as a “personnel” matter, but the payments are not a legitimate reason for a closing a meeting. That is a policy decision, not anything that pertains to individual personnel. If it is determined that open records laws were broken, the vote could be nullified," he said.
Read More of the Article
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F. Michael Taylor Joins North Augusta Family Y Board of Directors
March 15, 2012
F. Michael Taylor has been selected to serve on the board of directors for the North Augusta Family Y of South Carolina. Operating in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) since 1858, The Family Y serves over 32,000 members through programs designed to build healthy spirit, mind and body, reflecting the values that guide and unite members: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
“We are proud of the commitment Mr. Taylor has for his clients, the firm, and the local community,” said Hull Barrett's insurance defense practice leader George R. Hall. “We know he will be of great value to the Family Y board and his leadership and professionalism skills will be a great asset.” Mr. Taylor will serve as a representative for the North Augusta Y which he is currently a member of. The Family Y has seven branches, two licensed childcare centers, and Camp Lakeside, an 88-acre campsite. The Family Y, in partnership with the Armed Services YMCA, also operates the BOSS (Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers) facility at Ft. Gordon.
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Hull Barrett, PC Featured in Georgia Trend Magazine
March 9, 2012
Hull Barrett, PC is pleased to announce it is featured in the Georgia Trend Magazine's, "Georgia Gold: Companies in Business 50 Years" article. In the article David E. Hudson and Neal W. Dickert discuss how Hull Barrett, PC has evolved and remains true to its roots of being a full service law firm that is proud to serve the CSRA community and give back to the community in which its employees work, live and play for the past 96 years.
Read the Article
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James V. Painter to Speak at Dispute Resolution for Trial and Non-Trial Lawyers
March 7, 2012
James V. Painter will present at the Institute for Continuing Legal Education in Georgia Dispute Resolution for Trial and Non-Trial Lawyers. Mr. Painter will join other panelist on May 4, 2012 at Savannah Rapids Pavillion to discuss "What Plaintiffs' and Defense Lawyers Like and Don't Like About Mediation and Mediators."
Register for the Event & View Agenda
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David E. Hudson Weighs In on Walmart Deal and House Bill 397
March 2, 2012
David E. Hudson was quoted in the Augusta Chronicle's article, "Attorney Disputes Walmart Land Deal." In the article Mr. Hudson stated that it was a violation of Georgia's open meeting act to vote behind closed doors to sell the city's bus depot. Mr. Hudson notes that voting behind closed doors to sell real estate would be legal under House Bill 397, a comprehensive revision of Georgia open-government laws that is being discussed currently by the Georgia Assembly.
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Seven Hull Barrett Attorneys Selected to Georgia Super Lawyers & Rising Stars for 2012
February 27, 2012
Hull Barrett is pleased to announce that six of the firm’s attorneys have been selected for inclusion into Georgia Super Lawyers® for 2012. In addition, Super Lawyers has chosen one of the firm’s attorneys as a 2012 Rising Star. Only 5 percent of Georgia attorneys are chosen each year for the list of Super Lawyers for attaining a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. No more than 2.5 percent of Georgia attorneys are recognized as Rising Stars, lawyers who are age 40 and younger or who have been practicing for 10 or fewer years.
Read More About Georgia Super Lawyers & Rising Star
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Patrick J. Rice Named St. Patrick's Day Grand Marshall
February 17, 2012
The Irish-American Heritage Society named Augusta lawyer Patrick J. Rice its 2012 St. Patrick’s Day parade grand marshal. The Bernard J. Mulherin family is the Irish Family of the Year and the Irish Lady of the Year is Louise Franklin Sheehan. The announcement was made last week at the society’s annual Grand Marshal’s Ball, which marks the start of the Irish-American season in Augusta. The society will host a parade for the city on March 17.
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Hull Barrett Attorneys Pursue Criminal Environmental Case
February 15, 2012
Brooks K. Hudson and Darren G. Meadows successfully pursued a criminal environmental case against a builder who created an unsafe condition through land-disturbing activity. Several Hull Barrett attorneys act as solicitors to prosecute county ordinance violations, and this case involved a demand for a jury trial by the defendant. After a day of trial, Messrs. Hudson and Meadows were able to secure a plea deal that requires the defendant to comply with the environmental law and to pay substantial restitution to the client.
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Darren G. Meadows Author Chapter in Georgia Hospital Law Manual
February 10, 2012
Hull Barrett, PC is pleased to announce partner Darren Meadows, leader of Hull Barrett’s environmental practice group, authored the Environment law chapter in the latest edition of The Georgia Hospital Law Manual, published by The Georgia Academy of Hospital Attorneys. The Environmental Law chapter provides a general overview of some of the more significant state and federal environmental laws which are most likely to affect various activities of Georgia hospitals. The Georgia Hospital Law Manual is prepared by the Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys as a service to its members and the members of the Georgia Hospital Association. It continues a tradition, begun in 1979, of making available to these communities a detailed analysis of legal issues affecting hospitals and health systems.
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Neal W. Dickert to Present at Georgia Foundations & Objections Update
February 7, 2012
Neal W. Dickert will preside and present "An Overview of New Evidence Code and Recent Daubert Cases" at the Georgia Foundations & Objections Update on February 9, 2012 at the State Bar of Georgia's Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Register here for the Event.
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Garnishment Bill Moves Through General Assembly
February 3, 2012
House Bill 683 to amend Chapter 4 of Title 18 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Wendell Willard, passed the House on January 24th in a 150-20 vote and sailed through the Senate by a unanimous 52-0 margin. The legislation amends the code so an entity, such as a bank or corporation, is a garnishee in a garnished proceeding. This will allow entities to execute, file an answer, and make payment without an attorney. Update: HB 683 was signed into law by Governor Deal on February 7, 2012.
Read More about the Controversial September 2011 State Supreme Court Ruling
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David E. Hudson Quoted in The Macon Telegraph Article "Dallemand Changes Mind on Private Meetings With Bibb School Board"
February 2, 2012
David E. Hudson comments on open meetings law after the Attorney General’s Office calls and meetings with small groups less than quorum are canceled by Bibb County school Superintendent Romain Dallemand. In the article Mr. Hudson is quoted saying, "Openness is always the best option. Elected officials under the Georgia Constitution are designated as ‘servants’ of the people. Servants’ should, as a first principle, give as much information and public access as is possible. Only an overwhelming public interest should lead elected officials to choose an exception to openness, even when an exception is granted by law.”
Read more here
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Join Hull Barrett February 3, 2012 for National Go Red Day
January 30, 2012
Heart Disease is the #1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths every year. Join Hull Barrett, PC in raising awareness in the fight against heart disease in women by participating in the National Go Red Day on February 3, 2012. "Going Red" is as easy as wearing a red tie, a red dress, or a red pin. Join Hull Barrett in showing your support for women's heart disease awareness.
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James V. Painter Successfully Defends Plastic Surgeon in Medical Malpractice Claim
January 23, 2012
James V. Painter led the successful defense of our client against the plaintiff’s claim that her husband lost his life due to our client’s alleged failure to obtain an appropriate patient history; failure to evaluate the specific and increased risk factors for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism; and failure to treat the patient with measures to decrease the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Mr. Painter filed a Motion to Dismiss showing through expert witnesses that the standard of care was met in the treatment of the patient.
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E-Verify Requirements for Employers: Are you in Compliance?
January 9, 2012,
On January 1, 2012 Georgia and South Carolina added E-Verify Requirements. If you have an employee working in Georgia or South Carolina make sure you are in compliance.
South Carolina: Amendments to the “South Carolina Illegal Immigration and Reform Act” requires all employers to enroll in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system and to verify the legal status of all new employees through E-Verify within three business days. Failure to enroll in and use E-Verify to verify new hires will result in probation for the employer or suspension/revocation of the employer’s business licenses.
Georgia: "The Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011" mandates employers with 500 or more workers to use E-Verify for their employees starting on January 1, 2012. As of July 1, 2012, businesses of 100 or more employees will have to start using E-Verify as well, and as of January of 2013, all businesses with 10 or more employees will have to use the system. Businesses with fewer than ten employees are exempt from the E-Verify requirement.
Contact Hull Barrett's Labor & Employment Group to Learn More About E-Verify
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"From the Bar to the Bench and Back" by Neal W. Dickert
January 6, 2011
Chair of Hull Barrett, PC's mediation practice group, Neal W. Dickert, was published in the Fall 2011 Primerus 180 Magazine. Neal's article 'From the Bar to the Bench and Back" discusses Neal's return to Hull Barrett, PC after serving 11 years as a Superior Court Judge with the Augusta Judicial Circuit.
Read "From the Bar to the Bench and Back"
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Albany Herald Ask David E. Hudson to Weigh in on Unusual Closed Session Meeting
January 5, 2011
The Albany Herald Newspaper called on David E. Hudson to offer his view on if Dougherty County School Board violated the state's sunshine laws after going into a closed executive session. “To close a meeting, there has to be a vote to do so,” Hudson responded. “Assuming that happened, all that is allowed for a closed session on personnel is for the board members to ‘discuss and deliberate’ on the personnel matters. Allowing others in to give information and to participate is beyond what is permitted in a closed session for personnel.”
Read the Albany Herald Article
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Join F. Michael Taylor & James V. Painter for "Avoiding Medical Malpractice Lawsuits: Be Proactive, Not Reactive"
January 5, 2012
Hull Barrett attorneys F. Michael Taylor & James V. Painter, will present at the Greater Augusta Chapter of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants’ (GA AALNC) “Avoiding Medical Malpractice Lawsuits: Be Proactive, Not Reactive” conference in Augusta, Georgia at the Pinnacle Club on March 1, 2012 from 8 AM to 4 PM.
For More Information: Visit the Greater Augusta AALNC website, call Liz Buddenhagen at 770-725-2997, or e-mail at Liz@BuddenhagenLNC.com. The deadline to register is February 17, 2012.
View Conference Press Release
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Stay Connected with Hull Barrett, PC on Facebook
January 1, 2012
To better serve our clients and the community Hull Barrett, PC has gone social. Like Hull Barrett's facebook page to receive legal updates as well as more information on developments in our firm.
Like Hull Barrett
Events
- April 23 - May 4, 2012
Georgia Legal Food Frenzy
Hull Barrett Offices
- April 27, 2012
Career Day
Paul Knox Middle School
1804 Wells Road
North Augusta, SC 29841
F. Michael Taylor
- May 1, 2012
2012 Labor Law Update
Sponsored by: The Thomson McDuffie Chamber of Commerce and The Thomson McDuffie Area Employer Committee
Thomas L. Cathey
- May 3, 2012
Augusta Bar Association Law Day Dinner
Augusta Country Club
Attorney General Sam Olens
- May 4, 2012
Dispute Resolution for Trial and Non-Trial Lawyers
Savannah Rapids Pavilion
3300 Evans to Locks Road
Martinez, Georgia
James V. Painter
- May 23, 2012
Columbia County Chamber of Commerce's Before Hours
Government Complex: Building A
Evans, Georgia 30809
Chris Driver
- June 7-9, 2012
American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys Annual Conference
Hilton Bayfront Hotel
San Diego, California
James V. Painter
