DATA AND CYBERSECURITY FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

It is rare today to read the daily news without seeing yet another instance of a large company experiencing a major data breach or hacking and consequently facing the threat of high-cost litigation. What many overlook, however, is that small businesses are just as susceptible, if not more, to the risks of cyberattacks. A recent study conducted by the National Cyber Security Alliance found that almost 50% of small businesses have been victims of a cyberattack, and that more than 70% of all attacks target small businesses. Even more concerning, the study found that approximately 60% of those small and mid-sized businesses that suffer a cyberattack go out of business after just six months.

 When a Jackson county couple challenged the county's decision to boost the tax assessment on their home by $534, they appealed. Three law firms, six years and a jury trial later, they won. The county had to pay the legal bill.

By R. Robin McDonald | July 17, 2018 at 04:27 PM

Knowing Your Rights About Property Tax Assessments Could Save You Money

In most Georgia counties, the deadline for paying real property ad valorem taxes occurs in December of each year; however, many Georgia property owners are not aware of certain opportunities, which occur much earlier in the year, that they can use to potentially reduce their property tax burden.

 We are excited to welcome our newest associate attorney, Anthony Cammarata, Jr. to Flint, Connolly and Walker. Anthony is pictured (second from left, front row) at the swearing-in ceremony on November 6 with Chief Superior Court Judge Jackson Harris at the Cherokee County Justice Center.

Anthony graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law. He is proud to call Cherokee County home. Anthony grew up with his parents and two younger sisters in Canton, Georgia and graduated from Cherokee High School. Anthony is licensed to practice law in all Georgia State Courts.

My mother recently mentioned that her homeowner's insurance premium had gone up. She has lived in the same house for thirty years, and although housing values in her neighborhood have recovered since the economic downturn, values have not appreciated much since she and my father bought their house as a new construction in the 1980s. My mother's comment piqued my curiosity, prompting additional questions about the details in her insurance coverage. Her insurance company valued her house for coverage purposes at more than $20,000 over that which any house in the neighborhood has ever sold, and over $100,000 more than the estimated value of her house. Additionally, the wooden shed in my mother's back yard that could be purchased from a home improvement store today for $1,500, was valued by her insurance company at $30,000. While her insurance company had reasons to justify the rise in coverage on her house, the reality of the situation is that my mother would likely never rebuild her home in the event of a catastrophe, and the extent of insurance coverage was unnecessary. In short, my mother had too much insurance coverage for her needs. The gradual increases in insurance coverage over time led to an increase in premiums, and for years she never gave her insurance coverage a second look.

 When the State selects property for a highway project – whether it is a widening project, a new roadway, or a change to an existing roadway – the owner of the property affected by these plans has some very important concerns.

What can be done to stop this process? Does a property owner have to accept what the government offers for the property? The project that is being planned will seriously affect private property owners – what can be done about this?

The backbone of the American economy is small business. Most small businesses in the U.S. are family- owned and many have been in existence for decades. One of the most challenging tasks I have faced in my career as a business lawyer has been developing strategies to help families arrange for the transfer of their business to others — be it a child, another family member, or another party, to ensure the survival and continuity of the business. This short article will touch on some of the main issues that a lawyer and his/her client should consider.

Living through the death of a loved one is a tragic experience that most people will have to endure at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, in many instances family members are forced to deal with stark financial realities while they are in the midst of their grieving. The process of estate administration and handling finances after a death can present many questions and issues that are unfamiliar to the average citizen.

Last month the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled in favor of FCW's client, a Canton family who faced the condemnation of their property by the City and County governments to force the creation of a conservation area. The Court of Appeals reversed the trial court and found that FCW's client was entitled to damages PLUS attorney fees. 

 The following is a summary of an article entitled "The Unforgettable Death of My Forgotten Patient", published in the Wall Street Journal in August 2015.

In this article published in the Wall Street Journal in August 2015, a Milwaukee physician shares his story about a patient and the circumstances surrounding her medical treatment- circumstances that could have easily been prevented with a healthcare directive.

Buyers in the market to purchase a home in the near future should know that the traditional real estate closing process has recently been revolutionized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"). While these changes may not be apparent to first-time homebuyers, individuals who have purchased homes in the past should not expect to have similar experiences in the future. There is a myriad of new rules and regulations that will affect buyers, sellers, closing attorneys, agents, and lenders going forward, and the Flint, Connolly & Walker, LLP team thought it prudent to inform prospective buyers on what to expect as the closing day approaches.

 We are pleased to introduce our newest associate, Kristyn Atkinson, to the FCW team! Kristyn began working with us in August, 2015. After receiving her bachelor's degree in business from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Kristyn attended law school at the University of Georgia where she graduated cum laude. She has prior experience in a variety of legal fields including criminal law and public defense as well as real estate law.

 On September 10th, Flint, Connolly and Walker, LLP hosted a second continuing education seminar for Georgia realtors. Thanks for a wonderful group of attendees, and to Downtown Kitchen for delicious food and drink! If you have any questions about the upcoming real estate closing procedures required by the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") regulations, please contact us for more information.