McClanahan Powers, PLLC

12/09/2020

Exciting News!! 🎉 We are happy to welcome our newest team member Andrea Zizzi, who has just started at McClanahan Powers as our new Associate Attorney.

Andrea was born in Detroit, Michigan, and moved with her family all over the United States until she settled in the D.C. area after college. During her free time, Andrea enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going for walks, and watching movies. Some of her hobbies include reading, knitting, quilting, and beading.
Welcome aboard Andrea!

#Welcome #NewTeamMember #mcplegal #Attorney

12/02/2020

A HUGE congratulations to our attorneys Dirk McClanahan and Robert Powers who have been recognized by Virginia Business Magazine as being among Virginia's 2020 Legal Elite in the category of Business Law. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to congratulate our exceptional attorneys!
Click below to see the blog post on our website:
https://www.mcplegal.com/insights/attorneys-named-va-legal-elite/

#virginiabusinessmagazine #VirginiaLawyer #lawfirm #mcplegal #smallbiz #businesslaw

11/26/2020

We wish everyone a happy, safe, and healthy Thanksgiving holiday!

11/25/2020

An Estate is in Probate, What Happens Now? - McClanahan Powers

The probate process can take anywhere from six months to over a year, and it can be very stressful. Actively participating in probate can ensure that your rights are protected and that your loved one's wishes are respected. To learn more about the probate process, click on the link below:

#probate #estate #lawfirm #attorney #wealthmanagement
https://www.mcplegal.com/insights/estate-in-probate-now-what/

Probate is the legal process of administering an estate and distributing property to a valid will or the intestacy statutes of Virginia.

11/23/2020

#mondaymotivation #success #lawfirm #mcplegal

11/19/2020

Breach of Contract Issues for Business Owners - McClanahan Powers

Breach of contract is one of the most common claims and causes of action for a lawsuit, given the complexity of business arrangements. To avoid litigation of disputes arising from business contracts, you should contact a business attorney to help you draft, review, or negotiate a contract.

#breachofcontract #business #smallbiz #contracts #lawfirm

https://www.mcplegal.com/insights/breach-of-contract-business-owners/

A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties in which each party has rights and obligations.

11/13/2020

What Should I Know About the Debts of a Deceased Spouse or Loved One

Dealing with the aftermath of the death of a loved one is very difficult and complicated. The probate process can be very complex and confusing and can only intensify the stress felt during such a difficult moment. If you are the beneficiary of a will or an heir to someone who has passed, you should seek an experienced attorney to help you navigate the administration of an estate.

#probate #lawfirm #mcplegal #wealthmanagement

https://www.mcplegal.com/insights/debst-of-a-deceased-loved-one/

The probate process can be complex and confusing and can only intensify the stress felt during this difficult time.

11/11/2020

#VeteransDay

11/05/2020

Selling Your Business? - McClanahan Powers

Selling your business can be an overwhelming task since there are important decisions you have to make. Getting the right help will make the selling process less stressful and favorable to you. To learn more about what steps to consider when selling your business, click below:
#smallbiz #entrepreneur #businessowner #lawfirm #attorney

https://www.mcplegal.com/insights/selling-your-business/

Focusing on the important aspects of selling your business can become difficult while you are still running it.

10/26/2020

#mondaymotivation #quotes #smallbiz #leadership

10/23/2020

Startups: Establishing a Strong Business Foundation

Having a successful business is the dream of every business owner, but it is not as easy as it seems. Establishing a strong business foundation will ensure your business stays strong during hard times. To learn more click on the link below.

#smallbiz #businessfoundation #plan #entrepreneur #businessowner #mcplegal #lawyer #lawfirm

https://www.mcplegal.com/insights/startups-establishing-a-strong-business-foundation/

Every business structure offered in Virginia serves a unique purpose designed to protect specific business and personal interests.

10/20/2020

As Online Counterfeiting Threats Grow, A Trio Of Bills Aim To Protect Consumers

When consumers shop online, they face the risk of buying counterfeit products due to defaults within e-commerce. To prevent this, Congress is considering passing three bills that will protect consumers from being victims of products counterfeiters.

#consumerlaw #smallbiz #product #counterfeits #law #lawfirm #mcplegal

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jaykennedy/2020/10/20/as-online-counterfeiting-threats-grow-a-trio-of-bills-aim-to-protect-consumers/#2adb35fb6e75

Congress is considering a slate of legislation designed to protect consumers from being victimized by online counterfeiters. Currently, online marketplaces are not required to verify third-party seller information, which can make shopping online more risky for consumers.

10/16/2020

Preventing Consumer Protection Litigation: Avoiding Advertising Violations

Many laws limit how businesses may advertise their products and services. Such regulations prohibit companies from marketing some products to children or require them to include specific disclaims and public interest statements in their advertising campaigns.
To avoid consumer protection lawsuits, consider consulting with a business service attorney who understands consumer protection laws in your jurisdiction.

#advertising #consumerprotection #smallbiz #law #lawfirm #mcplegal

https://www.mcplegal.com/insights/preventing-consumer-protection-litigation/

State and federal laws prevent businesses from engaging in certain false, misleading, and overall unfair advertising practices.

10/14/2020

Business Services - McClanahan Powers, PLLC Attorneys at Law

Over the last months, many of our clients, especially small businesses, have been impacted by the pandemic. Some of them have had to make huge adjustments and changes to keep up with the current situation. If you would like to discuss subjects or concerns regarding your business, such as growth considerations, corporate compliance, data protection, updating documents/procedures, and more, contact us today at 703-520-1326 to book a consultation to learn more about how we can assist you.

#businessowners #businessservices #businessplan #lawfirm #mcplegal #lawyers
https://www.mcplegal.com/practice-areas/business-services/

With a multitude of business services, McClanahan Powers is prepared to help you start your business, grow, close, or litigate matters on your behalf.

10/09/2020

Business Succession Planning: The Basics - McClanahan Powers

Without a business succession plan in place, state law generally determines who your successor will be, based on the type of business entity involved and applicable inheritance principles. If you do not have a succession plan in place, it is time to make one so that you and your business are protected!

#businessowners #smallbiz #mcplegal #businesssuccession #lawfirm

https://www.mcplegal.com/insights/business-succession-planning/

Most successful business owners often have multiple succession plans to ensure their businesses thrive after unexpected management changes.

10/07/2020

What You Need To Know About Updating Your Power Of Attorney Now

A power of attorney is a very important legal document as it allows someone else to act on your behalf in the event that you are not able to do so. If you already have one, you should have a lawyer review it to make sure it is up to date. This will prevent the person you name in it from having difficulty using it if needed.

#powerofattorney #lawyer #lawfirm #mcplegal

https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinefletcher/2020/09/30/what-you-need-to-know-about-updating-your-power-of-attorney-now/#1f71be5d75f8

Many people are taking time during COVID-19 to update their power of attorney.

10/01/2020

How Employee Turnover Can Hurt Your Company - McClanahan Powers

It is impossible to prevent employee turnover completely, but as a business owner, you can minimize the risks associated with hiring new employees and create a corporate environment that maximizes retention.
Click below to learn more about how to increase employee retention:

#businessowners #employers #entrepreneurs #smallbiz #lawfirm #mcplegal

https://www.mcplegal.com/insights/employee-turnover-and-your-company/

Dedicated business owners can minimize employee turnover by considering and implementing strategies for retaining essential personnel.

09/24/2020

Understanding Wrongful Termination Laws & Avoiding Employee Lawsuits

Business owners, supervisors, and managers must understand federal anti-discrimination and worker-protection statutes to avoid violating workers' rights. Also, developing and standing by legal termination policies will help prevent wrongful termination lawsuits.

Click below to read more:

#smallbusiness #smallbiz #entrepreneur #businessowner #law #lawfirm #mcplegal

https://www.mcplegal.com/insights/wrongful-termination-laws/

Business owners may have every lawful reason to let an employee go, but this prevents ex-employees from filing wrongful termination lawsuit.

09/22/2020

U.S. Department of Labor

A new proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Labor clarifies employee and independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act. www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20200922

09/17/2020

The Evolution of Data Privacy & Security Due to COVID-19

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) contains stringent regulations protecting the private health data of persons diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19. While not all businesses qualify as covered entities under HIPAA’s data privacy provisions, additional state and federal regulations generally protect the private health information of employees and consumers.

#covid #dataprotection #smallbusiness #lawfirm #mcplegal

Click below to learn more:
https://www.mcplegal.com/insights/data-protection-laws/

As the nation's e-security policies rapidly evolve due to COVID-19, do not fall behind the regulatory curve.

09/14/2020

Happy Monday all! Here is to a great week :)

#MotivationMonday #happymonday #business #lawfirm

09/11/2020

Today, we honor those we lost on 9/11, and all first responders and civilians, who risked their lives to help. We remember #911 #neverforget 🇺🇸🕊

09/10/2020

As a company grows and expands, business owners need to make sure their intellectual property is protected. Their trademark protection is extremely important as customers associate the brand with distinct attributes, products, and/or services. Without protection, the value of the company's asset is at risk and its legal rights are limited.
Click below to learn more:

https://www.mcplegal.com/insights/what-is-a-state-based-trademark/

#law #lawyer #trademark #intellectualproperty #iplaw #business

09/04/2020

Preparing for the Legal Implications of Stay at Home Education Pods

Due to the pandemic, many parents have opted their children out of in-person learning and hired a tutor to teach their kids from home.
There are several regulations that govern this hybrid system and may apply to certain education pods.
Click below to learn more!

#educationpods #lawyer #lawfirm #education #regulations

https://www.mcplegal.com/insights/stay-at-home-education-pod

Home education pods also known as pandemic pods, have developed among groups of parents seeking to share the costs of a private tutor.

09/03/2020

Council Post: Pitfalls To Avoid When Creating Employment Contracts

Contracts are a key component of a business. When drafting or negotiating a contract, it is always crucial to seek legal help to avoid potential contract pitfalls.

#contracts #employment #business #lawyer #lawfirm

An effective employment contract is consistent with legal regulations and best practices, and it should be constructed in a way that makes it both enforceable and precise.

08/26/2020

Understanding Minimum Wage in the District of Columbia and Virginia

Minimum-wage employees in the Capitol make nearly twice as much as workers across the Potomac. Many employers based in NOVA perform substantial business in D.C., which leaves many Commonwealth employees working across state borders resentful of this pay disparity.
Back on April 22, 2020, the Governor of Virginia Ralph Northam signed a bill that gradually increases the minimum wage in Virginia to $15 over the next seven years.
To discuss how these changes apply to your rights in the Commonwealth contact us today at 703-520-1326

#MinimumWage #businesses #Virginia #DC

Most employers must pay non-exempt employees at least $7.25 per hour under federal minimum wage guidelines.

08/21/2020

ADA “Perceived As Disabled” Employment Lawsuits In The Age Of COVID-19

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that to be protected from discrimination, an employee must have a disability or be perceived as disabled. The ADA prohibits discrimination because of past or current disability, but it does not extend to a potential disability that a person may experience in the future.

#ADA #EEOC #disability #employee #discrimination

The ADA covers employees with disabilities, but less known is that it protects employees who don’t have a disability but are perceived as having one.

08/19/2020

Overtime Pay Requirements in the Home Health Care Industry

Since 2015, The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires home health companies to pay qualifying home care workers, including those who provide medical companionship services, overtime wages. Many home care workers provide a combination of care services, protection, and fellowship, and the employer is ultimately responsible for determining when overtime is owed.

If you are a home care worker and you need help determining whether you have been illegally denied minimum wage and overtime pay, contact us today by calling 703-520-1326.

#homehealthcare #overtimepay #minimumwage

The U.S. Department of Labor, which regulates wage and overtime requirements, recently made major changes to its overtime eligibility rules.

08/11/2020

Council Post: A Guide To Modern Intellectual Property Protection For Startups

Adapting your business intellectual property protection to a rapidly evolving world.

#intellectualproperty #startups #entrepreneurs #business #lawyer #ipprotection

The following concepts and steps represent some best practices when it comes to protecting the IP associated with your startup.

08/07/2020

The Virginia Values Act - McClanahan Powers

Back on July 1st, 2020, The Virginia Values Act went into effect. This expanded the scope of The Virginia Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as expanding the employers it covers. Now all employers with more than 5 employees can be subject to claims for unlawful discharge.

Click on the link below to learn more about how these changes may affect your work and/or business.

#employment #businesses #wisthleblower #wages #workerclassification

The Virginia Values Act amended the Virginia Human Rights Act, expanding the employers it covers and adding new employee protections.

08/06/2020

What Is “Sex-Plus” Discrimination And Why Are These Employment Claims On The Rise?

Sex-plus discrimination claims play a huge role in expanding the anti-discrimination protections under Title VII of The 1964 Civil Rights Act. Sex-Plus discrimination occurs when an employer discriminates against an employee because of that person's sex and another factor protected under Title VII.

#discrimination #business #employmentlaw #TitleVII

Sex-plus discrimination occurs when an employer discriminates against an employee because of their sex plus another factor, such as race or religion.

08/03/2020

U.S. Department of Labor

Many employees’ weekly work schedules vary. The U.S. Department of Labor just released a new fact sheet with guidance for employers on computing overtime under the fluctuating workweek rule that goes into effect Aug. 7. Learn more: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/82-bonus-rule

07/30/2020

SBA-Approved Financing for COVID-19 Relief - McClanahan Powers

Help your small business recover by applying to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan before August 8th, 2020. Entities that did not keep their articles of incorporation or bylaws up to date may have to rewrite and file amendments to multiple legal documents before requesting a payroll loan.

#PaycheckProtectionProgram #smallbusiness #loan

While most SBA-associated businesses qualify for financing under the CARES Act, accepting a PPP loan might conflict with an entity's governing documents.

07/29/2020

How will COVID-19 shape traveler behaviors globally?

Business travel has been highly impacted by COVID-19. Many people are no longer traveling for work like they used to do before the pandemic. For some employees traveling is and will be critical to meet business demands. Therefore, companies will have to establish new protocols and policies to protect the safety and health of employees who return to business travel.

#business #policies #covid #travel #protocols

U.S. business travelers are more likely to carry hand sanitizers as standard accessories in shared spaces when compared to global travelers, according to a new report.