Author: Melissa

Erika Jacobsen White spoke at the American Bar Association’s 18th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference in New York City on November 15, 2024. Erika presented on the Labor & Employment Law Panel “Lawyer Wellness: Why Are We All so Cranky?” Attendees enjoyed a robust discussion on changing workplace culture, resources for lawyers who are struggling, and best practices to advocate for accommodations and leave.

Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, P.A. has been recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms® with one practice area ranked nationally and eight ranked regionally in Washington, DC. This is the fifteenth year the firm has been named to the Best Law Firms list.

Achieving a tiered ranking in Best Law Firms on a national and/or metropolitan scale signals a unique credibility within the industry. Firms included in the 2025 Best Law Firms list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. To be considered for this milestone achievement, at least one lawyer in the law firm must be recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. (View the JGL attorneys named to the 2025 Best Lawyers list.)

The firm received the following rankings in the 2025 edition, expanding its regional rankings with two new practices making the Tier 1 list and two new practices making the Tier 2 list:

National Tier 1

• Appellate Practice

Metropolitan Tier 1

Washington, DC

• Appellate Practice
• Employment Law – Individuals
• Employment Law – Management
• Family Law
• Family Law Mediation (new)
• Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
• Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants (new)
• Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Metropolitan Tier 2

Washington, DC

• Litigation – Trusts and Estates (new)
• Trusts and Estates (new)

Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, P.A., (jgllaw.com) is a trusted law firm serving Washington, D.C., and the suburban Maryland area. For more than 50 years, JGL has represented a variety of clients, including individuals, small businesses and multimillion-dollar corporations. From simple to complex legal needs, the attorneys of JGL are prepared to deliver strategic solutions with high standards.

In an article published on October 27, 2024, by Authority Magazine, Michal Shinnar discusses the requirements for employers under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as how businesses can be more welcoming to and inclusive of employees with disabilities. Shinnar highlights examples of reasonable accommodations in the workplace and notes that the best employers are flexible and creative when developing these accommodations.

“In my experience, the best employers take the approach that they want to ensure that employees with disabilities receive the accommodations that they need and see this as an important part of allowing employees to best contribute to the company mission,” said Shinnar.

Read the article “Disability Inclusion In The Workplace: Michal Shinnar Of JGL Law On How Businesses Make Accommodations For Customers and Employees Who Have a Disability” on the Authority Magazine website (subscription required).

Lindsay Parvis, a Principal in the firm’s Family Law practice, has been named a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). Inclusion in the prestigious Academy is an impressive honor that recognizes Lindsay’s knowledge and skills in family law, as well as her dedication and exceptional work on behalf of JGL’s clients. To be selected for inclusion in the Academy, members must complete a rigorous selection process that includes interviews, examinations, and evaluations by judges and peers.

AAML is the leader in continuing education, publications, networking and training. Since 1962 the organization has operated as a nonprofit association of Family Lawyers who concentrate in all issues related to marriage, divorce, child custody and visitation, annulment, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, matters affecting unmarried cohabitants, business valuation and property distribution, alimony, and support. By demonstrating the highest standards of matrimonial practice, Fellows of the Academy have set the standard for the matrimonial bar and have helped improve the quality of family law practice throughout the country for attorneys and litigants alike.

Valerie Grove has been named to The Daily Record’s 2024 Medical Malpractice & Personal Injury Law Power List. The Power List showcases Maryland’s power players who are leading key organizations, creating change, impacting the community and engaging others to succeed. Individuals named to the Power List were selected by The Daily Record’s editorial team, with input from knowledgeable members of the community.

With more than 20 years of medical malpractice litigation experience, Valerie Grove pursues claims on behalf of injured victims of malpractice. Her knowledge of medical negligence litigation and related health law issues is extensive.

Learn more about Valerie’s award on The Daily Record’s website.

It can be stressful and frustrating when your ex is failing to pay child support. Child support is crucial for covering your child’s needs, ranging from their daily expenses, education expenses, and healthcare costs. When your ex stops paying child support, the strain on your finances can be significant. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some steps you can take to address the issue.

1. Communicate with Your Ex

Before taking legal action, communicating with your ex may prove beneficial. There might be a valid reason for the missed payments, such as job loss, medical issues, or even just a bank transfer error. Understanding your ex’s situation can sometimes lead to a temporary understanding until they can resume regular payments, or at the very least, give you a stronger foundation for legal proceedings.

2. Document Everything

Keep detailed records of all missed payments, including dates and amounts. This documentation will be essential if you decide to initiate legal action. Also, to the extent that you communicated to your ex, as suggested, you should save all communication with your ex regarding child support, which could prove very important.

3. Seek Legal Advice

Consult with a family law attorney to understand your options. An attorney can guide you through the process of enforcing the child support order and help you decide the best course of action.

4. Initiate Legal Proceedings

If your ex is more than thirty days late on their payment, there are several different avenues you could go down. Most are aware of filing for “contempt”, but additional options are available to consider as well, including an enforcement action. The type of legal action can have a significant impact on the end result.

5. Consider State Resources

In Maryland, the Child Support Administration (CSA) within the Department of Human Services can assist in a full range of issues related to child support orders. There are various tools available to the CSA, which can be helpful when enforcing a child support order. 

Conclusion

Dealing with your ex failing to pay child support can be challenging and stressful, but there are steps that you can take to ensure that your child receives the support they need. By communicating with your ex, documenting the non-payment, seeking legal advice, and utilizing the wide array of resources available, the non-payment can be addressed effectively.  

If you have any questions or need assistance with your child support case, please feel free to contact Christopher Castellano or your JGL attorney.