Storrs Law Firm/Storrs Mediation

07/13/2023

07/13/2023

During most of my career, I heard Noel Khalil's name. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 after an illustrious career developing property and positively influencing people's lives.

What amazing vision he had that has meant such progress for my neighborhood.

07/12/2023

I am currently helping parties resolve their dispute through in person or remote mediations. I can host, or will be happy to come to you. Please call Storrs Mediation at (404) 285-6041

06/27/2020

Georgia General Assembly Legislates Protection for Lien Claimants
I am relieved to see that the Georgia General Assembly completed passage of SB 315, which amends the Georgia mechanic’s lien statute to fix a glaring injustice caused by a recent Georgia Court of Appeals decision. In ALA Construction Services v. Controlled Access, the Court of Appeals found that the unambiguous language of the mechanic’s lien statute provided that a lien waiver is binding for “all purposes”, and this meant that the waiver barred an underlying contract claim, not just a lien or bond claim. This interpretation adversely affected claimants who signed a lien waiver, were not paid the consideration, and failed to file a claim of lien or affidavit of nonpayment within 60 days. Under the statute and waiver form, the consideration was “conclusively deemed to have been paid,” even if payment had not been made.
Legislators came to the rescue with SB 315, which amends O.C.G.A. Section 44-14-366 by providing that “Waivers and releases provided for under this Code section shall be limited to waivers and releases of lien and labor and material bond rights and shall not be deemed to affect any other rights or remedies of the claimant.” The amendment also specifies that the waiver is binding against the lien claimant not “for all purposes” as the statute previously read, but “for purposes of the waiver of lien and…bond rights”.
The Court of Appeals (and the trial court) focused on the language stating that the waiver is binding “for all purposes” and ignored the waiver language that connected the waiver to lien and bond rights only, not contract remedies. The ruling also ignored the purpose of the statute. Fortunately legislators, particularly the sponsors, Senators Tippins, Stone, Dugan, Ligon, Jr., Cowsert, Hill, and Representative Washburn, provided clarification and protection so that contract rights aren’t needlessly curtailed.

04/22/2020

Virtual mediation works! I am using Zoom--its flexibility assures confidentiality and an effective mediation. Call me at (404) 500-6302 or email me at [email protected] to discuss your case.

03/16/2020

Parties increasingly want or need to participate in mediation remotely. Social distancing with the current Covid 19 crisis makes this option particularly relevant. Please contact us at (404) 500-6302 or email me at [email protected] so that we can discuss resolving your dispute with our Zoom-driven technology.

02/17/2018

I recently had the honor of mediating a difficult dispute between a developer and HOA. What struck me was how well-represented the parties were--both by counsel and by the party representatives. It was contentious but everyone mediated in good faith.

11/26/2017

I enjoyed helping the parties resolve a complicated landlord-tenant dispute. It's very gratifying to see attorneys work so hard to constructively guide the clients to a settlement. It's also amazing to watch the parties put emotions aside and buy into the process!

08/06/2017