Author: JGL Law

Welcome to the season two recap of JGL Law for You, our legal podcast. Season two ran throughout 2021 and featured a wide range of topics to help you with legal issues relating to family law, real estate, and COVID-19. To quickly find the information you need, review the podcasts below.

COVID-19 Podcasts

COVID-19 has touched countless areas of our lives. We dedicated multiple podcasts to the topic to provide you with expert guidance to help you stay safe and financially secure:

• We discussed the effects of the pandemic on mental health, for kids, adults, and couples.
• We shared information on understanding the stock market during this unprecedented time.
• We discussed whistleblowing and COVID-19 fraud.
• We published a podcast on the effects of the pandemic on the real estate market, geo-fencing, and the shortage of housing inventory.

Contact our trusted team to discuss any of the above issues related to COVID-19 and more.

Family Law Podcasts

During 2021, we discussed some key topics relating to family law and divorce.

In our podcast on divorce, infidelity, harassment and the workplace we explored concerns relating to workplace break-ups, harassment at the workplace by an ex-partner, and how to handle a spouse’s affair with a coworker.

We also recorded a podcast on mutual consent divorce, outlining what it is, what the requirements are, and in what ways it is beneficial.

Get in touch for legal advice on family law and divorce.

Real Estate Podcasts

Another key podcast this season answered the question “How can pre-sale renovation help the sellers and realtors?”

Here, we also explored what happens if you house doesn’t sell, what the contract signed by the sellers looks like and what happens in the event of divorce-related delays.

For any similar concerns, the team at JGL Law is here to help – send us a message.

Legal Podcasts on Topical Issues

With 50+ years of experience, we are here to guide our listeners with legal insight designed to help them make beneficial decisions. Some additional legal podcasts this season include:

• Will contests in Maryland.
• New laws and their effects on workers’ compensation and liability.
• What is the field of jury consulting?

Bookmark our podcast page to ensure you always have a reputable resource available, for all your legal queries and concerns.

Contact JGL Law for Personalized Advice

Looking for guidance tailored to your unique circumstances? Our expert attorneys can give you the legal insight you need to resolve issues of all complexities, relating to real estate, family law, COVID-19, divorce, and more.

Get in touch, and provide us with a brief outline of the issue you’d like to address, and we’ll schedule you for a call with one of our experts.

Our in-house legal podcast, JGL Law for You, is a great source of knowledge for anyone facing personal and legal challenges. To help you find the information you need, we’ve created this helpful recap highlighting the topics discussed during 2020.

Divorce & Family Law Podcasts

Divorce is stressful, but trustworthy legal advice and guidance from a reputable attorney can help you ensure you make it through the process with the best prospects ahead of you.

This season, we covered topics relating to divorce and family, as well as current global challenges:

• We discussed how COVID-19 impacted divorce cases.
• We shared tips for co-parenting through COVID-19.
• We explored the concepts of finances and divorce, including what to show and ask your lawyer.
• We outlined how to choose a divorce lawyer.

Get in touch for legal advice relating to divorce.

Workers’ Compensation Podcasts

Workers’ compensation is a topical issue this year, with many people facing financial loss and complications due to COVID-19.

In our legal podcast, we explored how COVID-19 has affected workers compensation practices and laws.

Contact us to discuss your workers compensation case.

Legal Podcasts on Trending Issues

Our podcasts also address trending and topical issues to provide current and accurate information to our listeners. This season we covered the following topics and more:

• How, why and when to sue the police.
• What a prenup is, and who needs one.
• Who can become a whistleblower, and how.

Explore more legal podcasts from JGL Law.

Speak with Our Expert Lawyers

If any of the topics outlined above pertain to you, get in touch; we can help with legal advice. Our attorneys professionally navigate the complexities of workplace and family law. Contact us today with a brief description of the issue you face and we’ll contact you to schedule a consultation with the most appropriate legal expert.

Denial of motion to dismiss class action wage claims under the DC Wage Payment and Collection Law. Gwapadinga v. Fescum Inc., 636 F. Supp. 3d 71 (D.DC 2022)

Settled case on behalf of immigrant detainee whose custody was illegally transferred to ICE, in violation of his constitutional rights Trejo v. Howard County, Maryland

Joseph, Greenwald and Laake has been representing clients in suburban Maryland and the District of Columbia for almost 50 years. With offices in Greenbelt and Rockville, Maryland, we have lawyers who focus their practices in diverse areas of the law, including employment and whistleblower actions, family law, estates and trusts, civil rights, business planning and commercial litigation, personal injury, medical and professional negligence.

In this episode, Samuel Morse discusses the following issues and more:

1. Segerman v. Jones-Negligent – Supervision is actionable  
2. Hunter v. Montgomery County Bd of Educ. – No educational malpractice cases. 
3. Gambrills and Hodge – Where are we now?

JGL LAW FOR YOU brings you up close and personal with our lawyers who will be discussing how to navigate the many legal processes,  developments in the law, other current events and how they may affect you.

Work is a significant part of people’s lives, and it’s important to feel respected and valued by employers. Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant less favorably, based on their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We all deserve to be treated equally, and job discrimination is never acceptable.

Employment discrimination can take place during the application process, during your interview, and during your time as an employee. Here, we explore some of the laws that protect employees from job discrimination, how a lawyer can assist you, and when you should seek legal guidance.

What Laws Protect Employees from Job Discrimination?

Employees are protected by a federal agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or EEOC as it is commonly known and sometimes by state and local agencies, often with the words “Human Rights” or “Human Relations” in the tile of their names. You can find your state or local agency, there is one, here: https://www.usccr.gov/files/pubs/crd/stateloc/all.htm.  Numerous job discrimination laws can help ensure employees are treated fairly, including the following federal laws:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)
• The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
• The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA)
• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA)
• Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
• Sections 102 and 103 of the Civil Rights Act of 1991
• Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA)

A good employment discrimination lawyer will know which of these laws applies to your individual experience.

How Can a Lawyer Help Evaluate Your Discrimination Situation?

Job discrimination and labor lawyers provide skilled legal guidance to advocate for their clients’ equal treatment in the workplace. Individual job discrimination examples include bias based on race, religion, disability, gender, and more. For example, if an employee experiences discrimination due to being deaf or stuttering, this is an example of disability discrimination. A job discrimination lawyer can help you determine:

• If the occurrence is discriminatory, based on the law.
• What compensation you could be eligible to receive, if discrimination can be proven.
• What evidence you need for legal proceedings.
• The tasks and paperwork you need to complete, and the timeline for completing them.

You Have an Advocate at Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA.

If you have been the victim of discrimination by your employer, the job discrimination lawyers at JGL Law are here to help you take the next steps towards compensation. Whether you are facing job discrimination in your current workplace or have suffered wrongful termination, our skilled attorneys are in your corner and ready to advocate for you. With over 50 years of experience, our team specializes in job discrimination law and is dedicated to protecting employees like you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our job discrimination lawyers.

There are many types of consumer fraud, all of which can result in financial loss and injury. Increased awareness of consumer fraud can help you protect yourself and your loved ones, or help you tackle an injustice you’ve already experienced.

What is Consumer Fraud?

We’ve all heard the term, but what exactly is consumer fraud?

Consumer fraud refers to unfair or deceptive business practices that cause consumers to lose money or be misled.  Fraud can consist of false promises, inaccurate claims, and other illegal business transactions, without the victim’s awareness. There are several common types of consumer fraud, from credit card fraud to identity theft and false advertising. Here, we explore some of the most common types of consumer fraud and explain what to do next if you have been targeted.

Identity Theft

This is one of the most common types of consumer fraud. When someone steals your personal information, you are a victim of identity theft. The type of information commonly stolen includes:

• Your name
• Credit card information
• Social Security number
• Other financial information

Perpetrators assume your identity to access your bank account, use credit cards in your name, collect refunds owed to you, and complete other unauthorized financial transactions. If there are unfamiliar accounts on your credit report or you notice unexpected withdrawals from your bank account, you may be a victim of identity theft.

Mortgage/Real Estate Fraud 

Consumer fraud also occurs through illegal mortgage and real estate transactions. Real estate and mortgage agents can scam consumers by misusing their specialized knowledge of the market and real estate law. For example, you may be the victim of mortgage and real estate fraud if you were asked to sign essential papers without having the chance to read or understand them, or were misled regarding information about foreclosure or loans.  Under the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), protections are in place for individuals who engage in real estate transactions.  Mortgage and title companies who charge hidden fees or do not disclose the nature and amount of charges may be liable for violating this law. 

Credit and Debit Card Fraud 

Credit card fraud typically refers to the unauthorized use of a credit card or debit card. Some signs of credit and debit card fraud include charges on your statement that you do not recognize, charges from unfamiliar locations, or a significant drop in your account balance. 

Data Breach Litigation

Perpetrators acquire social media login information, email addresses, credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other personal information through data breaches. Typically, the goal for hackers obtaining this information is to use it for identity theft. As a result, criminals can take out loans in your name, make purchases, or complete other fraudulent transactions.

Companies that store individual account information may be liable for the harm that is caused when hackers obtain this information through a data breach.  Joseph, Greenwald & Laake is national counsel for the plaintiff class in the Marriott Data Breach Litigation, currently pending in United States District Court for the District of Maryland. 

Debt Collection Fraud 

In some cases, debt collection is legitimate. Debt collection fraud occurs when companies engage in illegal, deceptive, or improper tactics in the collection of debt. 

Some indicators of debt collection fraud include:

• Continual harassment by a debt collection company.
• Debt collectors pretending to be police or lawyers to gain trust.
• Intimidation, threats, bribes, and other forms of harassment from “debt collectors.”

False Advertising

Another common type of consumer fraud is false advertising. Under law, a business is required to make accurate representations and statements about their product’s characteristics, qualities, and benefits.  When a business misrepresents an item for sale by making untrue claims or declarations, this may be false advertising. Examples of false advertising include false claims that a product can improve your physical health, mental health, or capabilities. 

What to Do if You Are a Victim of Consumer Fraud

If you suspect you are the victim of any of the above fraudulent activities, the consumer fraud attorneys at JGL Law are here to assist you. We specialize in consumer protection law nationwide and are committed to excellence. Backed by over five decades of experience, we deliver strategic solutions and zealous advocacy to all of our clients, and we are committed to helping those who have been victims of unlawful business practices or fraud. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our skilled consumer fraud attorneys.

Joseph, Greenwald and Laake has been representing clients in suburban Maryland and the District of Columbia for almost 50 years. With offices in Greenbelt and Rockville, Maryland, we have lawyers who focus their practices in diverse areas of the law, including employment and whistleblower actions, family law, estates and trusts, civil rights, business planning and commercial litigation, personal injury, medical and professional negligence.

In this episode, Drew LaFramboise discusses the following:

1.  Laws that prohibit unfair and deceptive commercial and trade practices in the sale of goods and services   
2. a) the types of damages available under the laws, and b) how a person may go about seeking a remedy, including applicable statutes of limitations.  
3. Rule 23 requirements and the Class Action Fairness Act. 

JGL LAW FOR YOU brings you up close and personal with our lawyers who will be discussing how to navigate the many legal processes,  developments in the law, other current events and how they may affect you.

“The estate of Bowen Levy and the Anne Arundel County Board of Education entered into a consent decree Wednesday under which the system will pay $2.5 million, implement a Pica Safety Protocol and provide special education substitute staff vacancy data quarterly to the family of a student who died after choking on a disposable glove at school.” 

The consent decree addresses the chronic staffing shortages in special education and lack of supervision which led to Bowen’s tragic and unnecessary death. The Levy Family filed this suit to make sure no other child is placed at risk like Bowen was.  They will work vigorously to enforce the consent decree to make sure special education programs in the county are properly staffed and supervised and safe for all children.”

JGL attorneys representing the Levy Family are Tim Maloney, Matt Bryant and Alyse Prawde. 

Read more about the story on:

Capital Gazette, May 5th 2022: Anne Arundel County schools agrees to pay $2.5 million in consent decree settling Bowen Levy lawsuit – Capital Gazette

Maryland Federal Court Certifies Largest Data Breach Class Ever. JGL’s Veronica Nannis and Tim Maloney proudly serve on the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee in the now largest data breach class ever certified – affecting over 130 million American consumers.

Rare for these types of cases, the Court issued his 73-page opinion on May 3 certifying an initial class of affected consumers for trial, and renamed Nannis and Maloney to the PSC for the next phase of this large class action. JGL is proud to play its small part in this litigation. This case is of huge importance not only for the 130+ million consumers affected by the data breach, but also for this quickly developing area of litigating the security of our personal financial information.

Read more about the story here:

Business Wire, May 5th 2022: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005762/en/DiCello-Levitt-Gutzler-Federal-Judge-Rules-Massive-Marriott-Data-Breach-Class-Action-May-Proceed

Law.com, May 4th 2022: Judge Certifies Classes of Marriott Guests Hit With Data Breach | Law.com

On Monday, May 2, 2022, Joseph Greenwald & Laake filed a civil rights lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland alleging that Plaintiff William Garcia Trejo was illegally arrested, detained, and transferred to ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) by Howard County, Maryland.

Mr. Trejo, who is represented by JGL attorneys Timothy Maloney and Drew LaFramboise, was pulled over by Maryland State Police in September 2020 because he was talking on his cell phone while driving.  He was arrested and taken to the Howard County Detention Center because of outstanding motor vehicle citations and failures to appear.  While under Howard County custody, Mr. Trejo posted bond.  Rather than release him as they were required to do under Maryland law, Howard County continued to detain Mr. Trejo overnight and ultimately transferred his custody to ICE without any legal basis.  Mr. Trejo, a Salvadoran national, has remained under continual ICE surveillance since this detention and risks deportation as a result.  The lawsuit alleges that Howard County and individual officers and personnel violated Mr. Trejo’s rights under the Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and under the Maryland Declaration of Rights.  The lawsuit also alleges the defendants were negligent in their detention and processing of Mr. Trejo and face liability for falsely imprisoning him.

The lawsuit also alleges that Howard County had a longstanding pattern and practice of violating immigrant detainees’ rights.  These rights violations often arose out of Howard County’s lucrative contract with ICE, valued at more than $2.5 million/year, through which the county agreed to coordinate with ICE in the detention of immigrant detainees.  The lawsuit alleges that Howard County had a pattern and practice of transferring immigrant inmates to ICE who, like Mr. Trejo, had a history of only minor infractions.  After Mr. Trejo’s arrest and detention, Howard County ended its ICE contract.  The General Assembly also passed the Dignity Not Detention Act, which prohibited Maryland local governments from entering into contracts with ICE.

Read more on The Daily Record story here. 

Media Coverage: 

Law360, May 5th 2022: County Called ICE On Immigrant For Traffic Issue, Suit Says – Law360

On January 26, 2018, Steven Alexander was walking through a park on his way home from work as a special police officer at the Embassy of Qatar when he was stopped by Maryland National Capitol Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) officer Mel Proctor. Officer Proctor accosted Mr. Alexander, pepper sprayed him twice in the face, tackled him to the ground, pulled his gun on him, and arrested him for impersonating a police officer, resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, and failing to obey a lawful order.

The Court later dismissed all counts against Mr. Alexander, finding that he did nothing wrong other than “walking through a park after having worked a long hard day, carrying his belongings from work, and carrying his groceries, and a police officer who wasn’t following protocol only exacerbated the situation by making it worse.” As a result of this incident, Mr. Alexander lost his job as a special police officer, where he worked for nine years, and continues to struggle with the psychological trauma from this event.

This is an important case because it highlights the complete lack of accountability at MNCPPC, and the broken policing system that allows officers to attack innocent citizens walking through a park, turning an everyday scenario into one of life or death. In bringing this suit, JGL is hoping to shine a light on ways that police departments like MNCPPC can institute profound institutional changes.

This case is also important because it relates to separate, pending litigation by JGL against MNCPPC for racism within the department. A black MNCPPC police officer detailed incidents of racism and humiliation by his co-workers and superiors that included inciting race wars and killing Black Lives Matter protesters. These two cases show that the embedded culture of racism at police departments, including MNCPPC, pervades not only the institutions themselves, but also negatively affects how officers interact with citizens on the streets.

Read more on Atlanta Black Star here.