ROSELAND, N.J./October 28, 2010 -- Connell Foley Partners John D. Cromie, Stephen V. Falanga, Karen P. Randall, and Michael A. Shadiack presented at the international USLAW Fall Client Conference on October 7-9, 2010 at the Broadmoor, in Colorado Springs, CO. Each partner shared their specialized expertise with an assembled group of USLAW members and their clients during targeted panel presentations on a variety of topics.
The conference focused on five substantive tracks: 1) Business Litigation, 2) Corporate/Transactional, 3) Employment & Labor Law, 4) Insurance Coverage, and 5) Professional Liability.
Cromie’s presentation, “Recent Case Law Developments With Respect to Directors and Officers Personal Liability,” addressed developing statutory and case law issues in the Corporate/Transactional arena. Cromie offered guidance on how and when Directors and Officers may be held personally liable for their official actions. Cromie was recently elected to USLAW’s Board of Directors. John D. Cromie serves as Chair of the firm’s Corporate and Business Law practice group.
Falanga’s presentation, “Contracts and Leases in Bankruptcy—Treatment and Rights and How to Protect Your Interests,” discussed issues that may arise when counterparties to contracts and unexpired leases file for chapter 7 or chapter 11 bankruptcies. Falanga offered insight on subjects that commonly arise under Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code when a debtor seeks to assume a contract or unexpired lease, the treatment afforded to nondebtor parties to contracts and leases, negotiations relating to fixing and payment of cure amounts and the consequences of rejection. In addition, he explained the limitations on certain categories of contracts and leases, including intellectual property and commercial real estate, among others. Stephen Falanga serves as Chair of the firm’s Bankruptcy, Creditor’s Rights, and Commercial Law practice group.
Randall presented on “Mistakes That Lead to Malpractice: CommonSense Approaches to Reduce Your Risk.” As legal malpractice claims are an inherent risk of doing business for lawyers in every jurisdiction, there are steps to take to prevent or reduce chances of facing a malpractice suit. Randall addressed ways for lawyers to reduce their risk and offered practical advice for attorneys and insurance representatives relevant to controlling risk and minimizing legal malpractice claims. Karen Randall serves as Chair of the firm’s Class Action Defense practice group and as Co-Chair of the Professional Liability practice group.
Shadiack's presentation, “Best Practices to Avoid a Pattern and Practice Discrimination Claim,” focused on empowering human resource professionals and management representatives with the knowledge and tools to avoid a pattern and practice employment discrimination claim. Shadiack discussed best practices for employers on:
- Advertising positions and recruitment of applicants
- Employment applications
- Applicant interviews and testing
- Background checks
- Offers and conditional offers of employment
- Orientation of new employees
- Drafting and implementing a practical and effective employee handbook
- Documenting employee behavior and disciplining
- Terminating employees and avoiding legal pitfalls
Shadiack is a member of the firm's Labor and Employment Law practice group.
About USLAW
USLAW Network is a national organization of 65 independent member firms covering 47 states and Latin America with over 4,000 attorneys. The Network is comprised of AV-rated law firms throughout the United States who are part of the Network by invitation only. Member firms undergo a rigorous review process to insure outstanding quality of lawyers throughout the Network. USLAW Network firms are experienced in commercial and business law, employment and labor law, litigation, and other business-related areas of law. All firms have substantial trial experience. USLAW Network is affiliated with TELFA, the Trans-European Law Firm Alliance, an international network of 25 member firms representing 600 lawyers, across Europe and ALN, the Africa Legal Network, representing 10 firms in East and Central Africa.