Westlake Legal Group

Westlake Legal Group http://www.westlakelegal.com Call: (703) 406 - 7616 Email: [email protected] District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, the U.S.
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Westlake Legal Group is available to represent you in court, or to merely advise you on proposed actions. Our attorneys are admitted in all the Courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

I personally don’t see an equal protection argument in the Constitutional challenges to the voting process because the l...
11/06/2020
The Uniformed And Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act

I personally don’t see an equal protection argument in the Constitutional challenges to the voting process because the language of the Constitution specifically gave certain powers to the states and certain powers to the Feds. For example, as I mentioned above, Congress can enact laws regarding the elections. For the military, it is covered under https://www.justice.gov/crt/uniformed-and-overseas-citizens-absentee-voting-act. However, For the most part, states can decide their absentee and voter laws. However, the argument is that in doing so they have to act within the Limits set by Congress, which has declared the first Tuesday in November to be the day for voting. Thus, much of the argument is definitional. Are votes postmarked on the 3rd valid? Do they have to be received by the 3rd? What does it mean to have the election on the first Tuesday? Those are the questions. As commented above, it more akin to a supremacy argument. Interesting to note that some states have viewed that the election had to be complete on the first Tuesday and shaped their absentee laws to reflect that. Thus, in Virginia all absentees had to have been postmarked a week earlier. It is an interesting legal question that will likely be decided by SCOTUS.

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11/06/2020

Framing the state v federal right to control the manner of election

Article 1, Section 4 states: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.

Article I sec 2 states: the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.

Thus state legislatures proscribe the means of electing senators, reps. And Electors are elected in the same manner as the most populous state house chamber.

Article 1, section 8 seems to give power to Congress to set other laws for elections: To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Ex*****on the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

With regard to the President, article II, section 1 states: The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.

Thus there is argument that a state cannot have late ballots unless that is permitted by federal law. Because though they choose the qualifications for electors because they choose how their house is elected, the Fed’s choose the time and place of election.

The SBA has issued official guidance on the allowance of borrowers to claim forgiveness on their Paycheck Protection Pro...
05/21/2020
Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program

The SBA has issued official guidance on the allowance of borrowers to claim forgiveness on their Paycheck Protection Program Loans. According to the guidance, at least 75% of the loan must be spent on payroll costs. Click the link to see the detailed guidance:

https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-07672/p-90

T K Plofchan Jennifer Guida Jackie Kramer Jessica Elizabeth McCollum Mason Dalman

This interim final rule announces the implementation of sections 1102 and 1106 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act or the Act). Section 1102 of the Act temporarily adds a new product, titled the ``Paycheck Protection Program,'' to the U.S. Small Business...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/law-firms-gear-up-for-expected-jump-in-bankruptcies-triggered-by-coronavirus-11588766411?em...
05/06/2020
Law Firms Gear Up for Expected Jump in Bankruptcies Triggered by Coronavirus

https://www.wsj.com/articles/law-firms-gear-up-for-expected-jump-in-bankruptcies-triggered-by-coronavirus-11588766411?emailToken=e2bf79ac974ef655ecdf4d2f428146cco0kuVQGk9iX5HhIy4DmiX2exIEXhhvGlsFiEHbRojs+qv9Vj9bn6QMr6ebcKXdZrKpMFCCpLkPa9iUUXDVwzip+mGjF+9OvyAa4aul7f/sUwox6DWhbKSgfoJH918qh5PhSJsIeCy6Kn8aFlEDWH7Q%3D%3D&reflink=article_imessage_share

Practices whose ranks have been thinned by a decade of economic growth are preparing for a wave of business collapses triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

04/29/2020

As many of us are currently at home with our families, and thinking about our loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic, now is a perfect opportunity to review your will, trust, power of attorney, and other estate planning documents. Don’t have any estate planning documents? Attorneys at Westlake Legal Group would be happy to meet with you via Zoom and discuss your family’s specific needs and situation. Having an estate plan in place is especially important in the following situations:
• You have children under the age of 18—Who will act as their guardian?
• Blended families—especially when there are children from prior relationships
• You are recently married, divorced, or widowed
• You want to put provisions in place for you end-of-life care
• You want specific individuals to act on your behalf to carry out your healthcare wishes
• You have assets (money, real estate, etc.) that would need to be distributed after you pass away

Every family situation is unique, and Westlake Legal Group will design an estate plan tailored to your needs and wishes. Please contact us at 703-406-7616 to schedule a consultation.

T K PlofchanJennifer GuidaJackie KramerJessica Elizabeth McCollumNassir Aboreden Mason Dalman

Stealing, to quote Tammy Glaser, cuz it’s “clever”:
04/29/2020

Stealing, to quote Tammy Glaser, cuz it’s “clever”:

04/28/2020

Yesterday, Judge Yeatts of the Lynchburg Circuit Court enjoined Governor Northam from enforcing part of the executive order.
Much of the argument uses a statutory analysis Tom Plofchan identified after the first three Executive Orders. Albeit, Judge Yeatts' conclusion does not rest solely on a state constitutional analysis because it incorporates the statutory carve out for the right to bear arms. However, the initial approach is solid. This opinion demonstrates that there is rife legal and academic support for the proposition that the Executive Orders are illegal and unenforceable, at least in part. Judge Yeatts' opinion does not provide an advisory opinion on all future cases. Again, it is Tom's opinion that one can obtain public cooperation without creating precedent for curtailing or eliminating civil and Constitutional rights.

To view the opinion, click the link below:
https://freebeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/LynchburgRangevNorthamOrder.pdf

04/27/2020
ashburnva-flagsforheroes.square.site

Jackie Kramer, an attorney at Westlake Legal Group, is also a Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Ashburn's Annual Flags for Heroes Memorial Day Event is fast approaching. The Flags are displayed in front of the One Loudoun sign on Route 7. This year the Rotary will have drone video of the ceremony posted on Facebook on Memorial Day to promote social distancing.

Last year, Rotary’s Flags for Heroes focused on honoring veterans. This year, in light of COVID-19, the Rotary Club is expanding the scope to include other heroes along with veterans, such as first responders and medical professionals.

Support for this cause would be much appreciated. Proceeds benefit the Ashburn Rotary Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that supports student scholarships and charitable endeavors here in Loudoun County. Please see the Flags for Heroes website for more information. Cost is $50 per flag.

https://ashburnva-flagsforheroes.square.site/

For those that wish to write a check, they can be mailed to RCOA Foundation PO BOX 392 Ashburn, VA 20146. Please write your check out to the Rotary Club of VA Foundation. Your contributions are tax deductible.

Flags will be up at One Loudoun May 23rd through June 10th.

Please consider sponsoring a Flag in honor of your favorite veteran, first responder, or medical professional.

Mason Dalman, T K Plofchan, Nassir Aboreden, Jennifer Guida, Jessica Elizabeth McCollum

04/24/2020
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals are struggling financially and are wondering what options they may have. Westlake Legal Group has prepared a PowerPoint that addresses some basics in Bankruptcy. Click the link to view the slideshow.

https://westlakelegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Bankruptcy-The-Basics.pdf

Mason Dalman, T K Plofchan, Jennifer Guida, Nassir Aboreden, Jackie Kramer, Jessica Elizabeth McCollum, Kelly Carpenter Cook, Tanya Frye.

04/24/2020
lookaside.fbsbx.com

While the courts are closed to the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, exceptions to these closures include the requests and hearings for Protective Orders. Westlake Legal Group has put together a power point that outlines the general process and benefits of a protective order, click the link below to view the slideshow.

https://westlakelegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Protective-Orders-PSA.pdf

Jessica Elizabeth McCollum, Jennifer Guida, Nassir Aboreden, T K Plofchan, Jackie Kramer, Mason Dalman

04/16/2020
lookaside.fbsbx.com

For those with federal student loans, there is relief! Provisions of the CARES Act are designated to assist those with federal student loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Take a look at the slideshow created by Mason Dalman of Westlake Legal Group to learn more.
https://westlakelegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Student-Loan-Provisions-of-the-CARES-ACT.pdf

Jennifer Guida, Jackie Kramer, Nassir Aboreden, T K Plofchan, Jessica Elizabeth McCollum

This is a friendly reminder that the due dates for state and federal tax payments have been extended!The IRS has extende...
04/13/2020
Tax Day now July 15: Treasury, IRS extend filing deadline and federal tax payments regardless of amount owed | Internal Revenue Service

This is a friendly reminder that the due dates for state and federal tax payments have been extended!
The IRS has extended the filing deadline for federal taxes until July 15th and all taxpayers can defer federal income tax payments to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. Click the link to learn more about federal tax deadlines.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-now-july-15-treasury-irs-extend-filing-deadline-and-federal-tax-payments-regardless-of-amount-owed
Virginia is maintaining the May 1, 2020, filing deadline, but everyone is given an automatic six month extension (seven months for corporations) if they have not filed by the May 1st deadline and state tax payments are deferred until June 1, 2020. Late payment penalties will not be charged if payments are made by June 1, 2020. Click the link to learn more about Virginia’s tax deadlines. https://www.tax.virginia.gov/coronavirus

Jennifer Guida, Nassir Aboreden, Jackie Kramer, T K Plofchan, Jessica Elizabeth McCollum, Mason Dalman

IR-2020-58, March 21, 2020 — The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced today that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.

04/09/2020
www.supremecourt.gov

This is friendly reminder that Westlake Legal Group is still open! Now is the time to get your financial affairs in order.
Something you may want to consider is putting your vehicles in a Trust.
The United States Supreme Court has recently held that an officer may rely on car registrations that identify a person as the owner of the vehicle when considering making a stop. The Court has determined that an officer may assume that the owner is the person driving, absent other disqualifying information. The Court further held that if the vehicle owner has any outstanding citations, warrants, or suspended/revoked licenses, that information, paired with the assumption that the owner is the person driving, is adequate reasonable articulable suspicion to warrant a traffic stop.
See the full Court opinion here:https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/18-556_e1pf.pdf
However, if your vehicles are in a Trust, you are protected from being randomly stopped. If an officer were to run your vehicle’s license plate number through his database, no personal information will be revealed. Instead, any result will only refer to the Trust and/or the Trustee as the owner of a vehicle. . Thus, an officer will not know, or be able to assume, that the owner of the vehicle is driving the vehicle (as Trusts can’t drive); and, therefore, will not have reasonable articulable suspicion to stop the vehicle.
Proper titling of assets is an essential part of estate planning.
If you are considering moving your vehicles or other assets into a Trust, or if you are considering creating any estate planning documents, please call our office at (703) 406-7616. Westlake Legal Group is here to help!

Nassir Aboreden, Jennifer Guida, Jackie Kramer, Jessica Elizabeth McCollum, T K Plofchan, Mason Dalman

04/08/2020
lookaside.fbsbx.com

Wondering what relief is offered to tenants and homeowners under the CARES Act?
Click to view a powerpoint created by Westlake Legal Group that reviews the key aspects of the Rent and Mortgage Provisions of CARES Act.

https://westlakelegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Landlord-Tenant-Provisions-of-the-CARES-Act-UPDATED.pdf

Jennifer Guida, T K Plofchan, Nassir Aboreden, Jackie Kramer, Mason Dalman, Jessica Elizabeth McCollum

04/03/2020
lookaside.fbsbx.com

In response to COVID-19, Governor Northam issued Executive Orders 53 and 55 in an attempt to slow the progression of the virus. Jessica McCollum of Westlake Legal Group conducted an analysis of these Executive Orders. Click the link below to learn about Protecting your Civil Liberties and Knowing your Rights During the COVID-19 Crisis:

https://westlakelegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Protecting-your-Civil-Liberties-and-Knowing-Your-Rights.pdf

Nassir Aboreden, T K Plofchan, Jackie Kramer, Jennifer Guida, Mason Dalman

04/02/2020

In these highly unusual times, Westlake Legal Group believes that prior planning is required to permit people to emerge from the effects of COVID-19 having suffered as little financial harm as possible. To that end, people may need to alter their spending in the event of furlough or job termination. If this happens, there are ways to prioritze what bills get paid to maximize the effect of a bankruptcy or other debt relief, should that become a necessity. Please consider our current public service announcement on COVID-19 Bankruptcy Planning. Clink the link below.

https://lookaside.fbsbx.com/file/covid%20BK%20Planning.pdf?token=AWzkMAtmg3W_Rs2Dw6EZNHPFYfD4Hh31Sm6XIjwPPl4qlXSOKON1h8r2fLH09GmB34vYYCj0F6VKy8CkFCimIHiKx46D-X_ZNJF3cQpP12FKrUOPxcpoAA4OCxO8c-MW3_3JybS0RKYpTejhZAaiK4bdYgv8lmZryMG7EJ1da9wZ09zwPQ-mWVryuZm7CMYdVjbUhD2k57hsRJjYyuAPSJ0s

03/31/2020

Westlake Legal Group is Open for Business Remotely. We have been meeting with clients via Zoom and have been able to continue to provide the advice clients need.

Understanding the CARES Act program for small businesses:On behalf of Westlake Legal Group, Nassir Aboreden drafted a S...
03/30/2020
SBA - Disaster Loan Assistance

Understanding the CARES Act program for small businesses:
On behalf of Westlake Legal Group, Nassir Aboreden drafted a Summary of the CARES Act Forgivable Loan Provisions.
Please click the link below to view his summary.

https://westlakelegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/A-Summary-of-the-CARES-Act.pdf

Mason Dalman, Jessica Elizabeth McCollum, T K Plofchan, Jackie Kramer, Jennifer Guida

03/23/2020
www.governor.virginia.gov

Understanding Executive Orders:

There are many rumors flowing around about potential executive orders that will restrict travel or business operations. Attorney Thomas Plofchan of Westlake Legal Group recently researched the issue. Below is a link to his analysis:

https://westlakelegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Understanding-Executive-Orders-by-TKP.pdf

Freedom requires constant vigilance.

Nassir Aboreden, T K Plofchan, Jessica Elizabeth McCollum, Jackie Kramer, Jennifer Guida, Mason Dalman

03/18/2020

Info on Bankruptcy Options during the COVID-19 situation:

Federal law does provide relief for financial conditions in these type of situations—the US Bankruptcy Code. Although there used to be significant stigma about filing personal or business bankruptcy, that does not seem to apply in modern times.

Bankruptcy can either eliminate debt or allow you to stop accruing interest and restructure your payments. As most families have fewer than two paychecks reserve, many of us may be feeling anxiety over the ability to pay bills in the future, especially those in retail and the food industry. A qualified bankruptcy analysis and plan may alleviate some of that anxiety.

Attorney Thomas K. Plofchan, Jr. has been practicing bankruptcy law in Loudoun County since 1992. We believe Westlake Legal Group is currently 1 of three firms that offer bankruptcy counseling in the County.

If people are interested, Tom Plofchan is willing to do a virtual seminar for planning purposes on the basics of the bankruptcy process and the do’s and don’ts in case you have to consider this option. Proper prior planning can make all the difference. Tom is also available for one to one discussions.

This too shall pass. If Westlake Legal Group can help in any way, please let anyone on the Westlake Legal team know. Stay safe and well!

T K Plofchan, Mason Dalman, Jessica Elizabeth McCollum, Nassir Aboreden, Jackie Kramer, Jennifer Guida

03/16/2020

Westlake Responds to COVID-19

With the recent announcement that the coronavirus is a pandemic, there is much uncertainty as to what will happen in the weeks ahead. While we don’t have a crystal ball and cannot predict what is to come, Westlake Legal Group is committed to doing everything in our power to protect the health and well-being of our clients and employees. As of now, we are open for business.

We will attempt to service our clients according to our regular schedule. However, we intend to be as flexible as possible to meet the individual needs of our clients, our employees, and their families. We are encouraging our attorneys to accommodate their clients’ scheduling needs, as possible, including permitting any previously scheduled appointments to meet via videoconference, telephone, or other electronic means. Rest assured, any electronic communications are, and will remain, secured.

We ask that if you or a family member has a fever and/or cough, or if you have been in contact with someone who has contracted the coronavirus, please reschedule your appointment. We understand that cancellations may occur with little notice. However, for the consideration of the Westlake Team and other clients, we ask that you give us as much notice as possible. Conversely, if Westlake needs to change or cancel your appointment, please understand that it is because we are making the health and well-being of our clients and employees our highest priority.

We are grateful to our clients and employees for their understanding and flexibility during this challenging time.

Westlake will provide updates as we continue to monitor developments regarding COVID-19 and we adapt our procedures to the developments.

During this time, we will continue to be available via telephone. Please do not hesitate to contact the office and follow the phone prompts to reach us.

T K Plofchan, Nassir Aboreden, Mason Dalman, Jessica Elizabeth McCollum, Jennifer Guida, Jackie Kramer

It is that time of year again. We have been nominated in the final round of voting for the Best Law Firm in Loudoun Cou...
02/12/2020
Top5 2020

It is that time of year again. We have been nominated in the final round of voting for the Best Law Firm in Loudoun County.

Anyone can vote, DAILY.

All support is greatly appreciated!

https://www.loudountimes.com/goto/vote/top5_2020/ #/gallery?group=337642

Partly cloudy this morning. Increasing clouds with periods of showers this afternoon. High 48F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Our case made the Washington Post! Glad we could help this family get some justice.https://www.washingtonpost.com/crime-...
01/07/2020
Va. officer was cleared in fatal shooting of teen, but family’s long legal fight ended in $3.65 million award

Our case made the Washington Post! Glad we could help this family get some justice.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/crime-law/2020/01/06/jury-orders-police-officer-who-fatally-shot-teen-pay-family-million/

Five years after prosecutors ruled a Loudoun County police slaying justified, evidence at a civil trial contradicted the officer's story and led jurors to find him liable.

Glad we could help! https://loudounnow.com/2019/03/27/charge-dropped-in-case-of-loudoun-teacher-accused-of-student-relat...
03/28/2019
Charge Dropped In Case of Loudoun Teacher Accused of Student Relationship

Glad we could help! https://loudounnow.com/2019/03/27/charge-dropped-in-case-of-loudoun-teacher-accused-of-student-relationship/

A Loudoun family court judge has dismissed the criminal charge filed against a Loudoun County Public School teacher who was alleged to have been involved in an inappropriate relationship with a juvenile student at Park View High School. The dismissal occurred Feb. 28 in Juvenile and Domestic Rela

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46175 Westlake Drive, Ste 320
Sterling, VA
20165

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 6pm
Thursday 8:30am - 6pm
Friday 8:30am - 6pm

Telephone

(703) 406-7616

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