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Samantha Thomas-Bush Appointed Young Lawyers' Committee Vice Chair
Samantha Thomas-Bush will serve as the Vice Chair for the Young Lawyers’ Committee of the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia (DTCWV) in 2013. The Young Lawyers’ Committee hosts an annual Continuing Legal Education seminar each year that focuses on developing a particular skill set for young lawyers, facilitates young lawyer contributions to the DTCWV’s publications, and coordinates other professional opportunities for its members.
Erik Legg Participates in Interview Skills Presentation for WVU Law Students
Erik Legg was a panelist at a presentation for first year law students at the West Virginia University College of Law on February 4, 2013. The program, sponsored by the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia, focused on preparing students for the interview process for summer clerkships.
Joseph Farrell, Jr. Scheduled to Present at WVCLE Litigation Seminar
Joseph Farrell, Jr. is scheduled to present a seminar at the 2013 WVCLE Litigation Seminar. He will present “Litigating the Pro Bono Case”at 8:30a.m.Saturday February 23, 2013 at the Canaan Valley Ski Resort.
Erik Legg, David Stackpole, and Alex Turner attend Business Court Seminar
Erik Legg, David Stackpole and Alex Turner attended the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s January, 2013 Business Court Seminar. The seminar focused on the newly formed West Virginia Business Court and how it will change the landscape for commercial litigation in West Virginia.
Erik Legg Teaches Business Law Course at Marshall University
Erik Legg is teaching a course as a adjunct professor at Marshall University for the 2013 spring semester. The undergraduate course is Legal Environment of Business. The course will explain the nature of law and the judicial system as well as the relationship of law, government, ethics and the consumer to business enterprise. It will include the study of contracts, law of sales, tort, and the government regulation of business, environmental and consumer protection.
Bernard S. Vallejos becomes a Member at Farrell, White & Legg PLLC
Farrell, White & Legg PLLC is pleased to announce the promotion of its newest Member Bernard S. Vallejos, effective January 1, 2013. A distinguished graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Boston University School of Law, Bernard has been an Associate at the Firm since 2005. His practice is focused on client-advisory matters and defense litigation in the areas of medical malpractice, mass tort, products liability and employment/deliberate intent law. Bernard is an active member of the West Virginia State Bar, the Cabell County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia and the Defense Research Institute. He is the former Chair of the DTCWV Medical Liability Committee and has served on various steering committees for the DTCWV Young Lawyers Committee. He is currently the Membership Vice Chair of the DRI Medical Liability and Health Care Law Committee. Admitted to the West Virginia State Bar and United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, Bernard is available to accept litigation assignments in West Virginia.
Tammy White and Bernard Vallejos published in Pharmaceutical Law Publication
The ABA Health Law Division published the 2012 edition of Pharmaceutical Law: Regulation of Research, Development, and Marketing. Included is a chapter titled “Key Federal Agencies Regulating the Pharmaceutical Industry” co-authored by Tammy White and Bernard Vallejos.
Alexander Turner Named Chairman of West Virginia Defense Trial Counsel Business Law Substantive Group
Alexander Turner recently assumed the Chairmanship for the West Virginia Defense Trial Counsel Business Law Substantive Group. The West Virginia Defense Trial Counsel’s mission is “to bring together attorneys who defend individuals and corporations in civil litigation for the purposes of elevating the standards of West Virginia trial practice; supporting and advocating for the improvement of the adversary system of jurisprudence; and increasing the quality of services rendered by the legal profession to the citizens of West Virginia.”
Tammy White Competes in Dancing with the Tri-State Stars for Local Charity
Tammy White participated in Ebenezer Medical Outreach’s Annual fundraising event Dancing with the Tri-State Stars. The Mission of Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Inc. (EMO), is to provide access to free, comprehensive health care, preventative care and pharmaceuticals to the underserved of the Fairfield West community of Huntington and the surrounding areas.
Tammy and her partner Alex Smith won the Salsa division of the competition, but more importantly helped raise much needed funds for this local organization.
Bernard Vallejos and Chip Capehart Present at Seminar for Medical Records Law in West Virginia
On November 8th in Charleston, West Virginia,Farrell, White & Legg PLLC Senior Associates Bernard Vallejos and Chip Capehart joined other attorneys in presenting a seminar on Medical Records Law in West Virginia.
Chip Capehart made a presentation on HIPAA,including the application of HIPAA to specific entities and records, patient access to medical records, patient rights and restrictions on use or disclosure of records, and state and federal restrictions on sensitive information.
In addition to moderating the seminar, Bernard Vallejos also made a presentation on issues arising with electronic medical records,including the movement from paper to electronic medical records, the goal of electronic medical records, electronic medical record templates, metadata – what is it and what it means, implications of remote access, and E-discovery and forensic replication.
The seminar was designed to educate medical records directors, health information directors, business managers, office managers, nurses, hospital administrators, compliance directors, release of records professionals, and attorneys.
Farrell, White & Legg PLLC included in “Best Law Firms” Rankings
Farrell, White & Legg PLLC was named in the 2013 “Best Law Firms” rankings released by U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers. The rankings, presented in tiers, showcase law firms ranked in one or more legal practice areas. The Firm is ranked in Tier 1 in the Charleston, West Virginia metropolitan region for six practice areas, including Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Eminent Domain & Condemnation, Litigation – ERISA, Litigation – Labor & Employment, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants. The Firm is also included in Tier 2 rankings for Arbitration and Health Care Law.
This third edition of the “Best Law Firm” rankings features law firms given consistently impressive performance ratings by clients and peers. Achieving a high ranking is a special distinction that signals a unique combination of excellence and breadth of expertise.
Farrell, White & Legg Lawyers Named in 2013 Best Lawyers in America®
Several Lawyers from Farrell, White & Legg PLLC were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2013 edition of Best Lawyers in America® (Copyright 2012 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).
Michael J. Farrell was named in the practice areas of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Labor and Employment Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law–Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants.
Joseph M. Farrell was named in the practice areas of Arbitration, Labor and Employment Litigation, and Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants.
Charlotte Hoffman Norris was named in the practice areas of Employment Law – Management, and Litigation – ERISA.
Tamela J. White was named in the practice areas of Health Care Law, Litigation – ERISA, Medical Malpractice Law- Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants.
Erik W. Legg was named in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, and Product Liability Law – Defendants.
First published in 1983, Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 36,000 leading attorneys cast almost 4.4 million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, so inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”
Tammy White and Farrell, White & Legg PLLC Host First Annual West Virginia Women’s Education Forum
On Friday, September 21 the area’s top female professionals and civic leaders gathered at Marshall University’s Foundation Hall to discuss the educational needs of West Virginia. The keynote address was delivered by First Lady Joanne Tomblin. This event marked the first gathering for the newly formed “WE” group, whose purpose is to enhance educational opportunities for students in Cabell, Lincoln, Mingo, Putnam and Wayne Counties. “WE” will focus on projects for which the need is most pressing and immediate to help empower students to succeed in an ever-challenging world. The group will gather information from area schools and will meet again in 2013 to evaluate potential projects. 
Attorneys present Pharmacy Law Curriculum at new Marshall University School of Pharmacy
Michael Farrell, Tammy White, and Erik Legg conducted a series of classes for the new Marshall University Pharmacy School students. Tammy White developed the Pharmacy Law curriculum and it was delivered by all three attorneys to constitute the entire law instruction for the first year students. Presentations included HIPAA and Privacy Issues, Legal Requirements for Prescriptions and Liability Exposures, Legal Requirements for Patient and Prescription Profiles, and Requirements for Prescription Labeling. These lectures will be delivered to next year’s new pharmacy students and additional instruction will be presented to second year students to fulfill their legal education requirements.
Michael J. Farrell to give Seminar at Marshall University Department of Biological Sciences
Michael J. Farrell will present “Nature v. Nurture – Genetics and Learning” to the Marshall University Department of Biological Sciences on October 9, 2012 at the Forensic Science Center. The seminar will discuss ethics in the context of nature versus nurture. The seminar will be co-presented with Judge Paul T. Farrell.
Farrell, White & Legg Wins “Battle of the Barristers” For Third Year
The law firm of Farrell, White & Legg won the “Battle of the Barristers” competition while raising money for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Tri-State. They raised the most money for this charitable organization for the third year in a row during the “Bowl for Kids Sake”. The firm is a proud supporter of this program and was honored to participate in raising money for their organization.
Tammy White Hosts First Annual West Virginia Women's Educational Forum
Tammy White and the law firm of Farrell, White & Legg PLLC are hosting the first annual West Virginia Women's Educational Forum "WE". First Lady Joanne Tomblin will be the special guest and keynote speaker. This forum will be comprised of female leaders in the community and in their respective fields of work. The forum will take place on September 21, 2012.
Joseph Farrell Presented Seminar to Hospital Nurses
Joseph Farrell presented a series of seminars to the nurses at one of the hospitals he represents in southern West Virginia. The program "Litigation, Documentation and You" focused on the legal ramifications of proper documentation of patient care.
Tammy White Appointed Adjunct Faculty at Marshall University School of Pharmacy
Tammy White has been appointed as an adjunct faculty member for the Marshall University School of Pharmacy. She will be involved in the development and delivery of educational curriculum for the School of Pharmacy.
Tammy White Presents Seminar at State Medical Association Meeting
Tammy White presented 'Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Medical Provider Challenges: Liability and Policy Concerns and Intersections' at the state Medical Association meeting.
Tammy White Presents Seminar at WV State Bar Meeting
Tammy White presented 'Medicare Recovery of Prior Conditional Payments and Future Anticipated Medical Costs: Obligations for Both Sides of the "v"' to members of the West Virginia State Bar Association during their meeting.
Farrell Team Wins Not Guilty Verdict in Criminal Trial
Joe Farrell and Megan Farrell won a jury verdict of "Not Guilty" for their client in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. Their client was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. At trial, the defense team conceded that their client was a convicted felon and further conceded that he was in possession of a firearm. Joe and Megan successfully argued that their client was justified in possessing and firing a handgun in response to an immediate threat of bodily injury or death from an armed gunman.
Michael J. Farrell named to Who's Who of International Business Lawyers
Michael J. Farrell of Farrell, White & Legg PLLC was named in the Who’s Who of International Business Lawyers for Product Liability Defense in 2012
The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers is published by Law Business Research Limited, an independent London-based publishing group that provides research, analysis, and reporting on international business law. Attorneys are selected for recognition based on comprehensive, independent surveys with both general counsel and private practice lawyers worldwide. Farrell was one of only four lawyers selected in the state of West Virginia.
Michael Farrell, Tamela White, and Erik Legg named in Chambers and Partners 2012
Chambers USA has ranked three members of Farrell, White and Legg at the top of their practices this year. Michael Farrell was ranked Best in General Commercial Litigation, Tamela White was ranked in the top of all Healthcare Litigation, and Erik Legg was named one of the Up and Coming Individuals in the field of General Commercial Litigation. You can view their rankings and biographies here: http://www.chambersandpartners.com/USA/Firms/138543-70555.
Chambers rankings are based on independent reviews and members are assessed on their technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities valued by clients.
FWL Attorneys Achieve 2012 Super Lawyers Listing with a Top Ten Recognition
Michael J. Farrell was listed in the 2012 Annual Super Lawyers List for West Virginia as one of the top ten attorneys in the state. Although he is listed under the Business Litigation practice area, the top ten represent the best attorneys in the state regardless of their category of practice.
Other FWL Super Lawyer listings for 2012 include Joseph M. Farrell, Jr. and Tamela J. White in the practice area of Personal Injury Defense: Medical Malpractice. Erik W. Legg is listed as a Rising Star in the Personal Injury Defense: Products practice area.
To be named a West Virginia Super Lawyer, a candidate must pass a stringent screening process that includes peer nominations, a blue ribbon panel review, and independent research on candidates.
Michael J. Farrell Inducted into Marshall University Lewis College of Business Hall of Fame
On April 17, 2012, Michael J. Farrell was inducted into the Marshall University Lewis College of Business Hall of Fame. Mike graduated from Marshall University College of Business in 1969. As a student, Mike served as Student Body President. In 2005, he served as Interim President of Marshall University and is currently serving his third term with the University’s Board of Governors. The Members and employees of Farrell, White & Legg PLLC congratulate Mike on this prestigious achievement!
Tamela White Presents at Seminar on Medicare Secondary Payer Act Compliance
Tamela White presented "High Roller: Conditional Payment Resolution Update" at the Medicare Secondary Payer Educational Conference in New Jersey with co-Presenter Rafael Gonzalez.
Marvin “Chip” Capehart Speaks at Medical Malpractice Seminar Sponsored by the National Business Institute.
Chip Capehart spoke at the National Business Institute’s Medical Malpractice From A-Z Seminar held June 8, 2012 in Charleston, WV. The seminar included several speakers and topics designed to provide attendees a comprehensive guide for handling medical malpractice cases. Chip delivered two presentations: Laying the Foundation and Effective New Client Screening and Intake.
Two FWL Attorneys Admitted to Kentucky Bar Association
Joseph M. Farrell, Jr. and Samantha Thomas Bush were recently admitted to the Kentucky Bar in May and April, 2012, respectively. These admissions further enhance the high quality of FWL’s regional representation. Joe and Samantha join Tammy White, Chip Capehart, and Allison Carroll Anderson in supporting the Firm’s diverse clientele in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Tamela White Presents at Comprehensive MMSEA/MSP Compliance Seminar
Tamela White presented "Medicare-The Payer of Last Resort?" at the Comprehensive MMSEA/MSP Compliance Seminar. She lectured on Medicare Secondary Payer Act compliance.
David Stackpole Presented The Impact of the Federal Tort Claims Act on Health Law: An Overview at the 2012 Health Care Seminar Sponsored by WV State Bar
May 31, 2012, David Stackpole presented The Impact of the Federal Tort Claims Act on Health Law: An Overview at the WVU Medical Center in Charleston, WV. The event was sponsored by the Law and Medicine Committee of the WV State Bar and featured multiple presentations by various speakers as part of the emerging health care issues seminar. David's presentation explored the issues raised when a medical professional liability claim is made against a health care professional who is deemed a federal employee under the Federal Tort Claims Act, including implications for non-federal defendant health care providers.
Tamela White Gives Presentation at West Virginia Hospital Association CEO Forum
Tamela White presented "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Emerging Policy Initiatives and Intersections with West Virginia" at the West Virginia Hospital Association CEO Forum. She lectured on common law intersections with ACA requirements.
Tamela White Presents at University of Maryland College of Law
Tamela White presented "Appellate Advocacy" at the University of Maryland College of Law.
Tamela White Appointed to Marshall University Education Advisory Committee
Tamela White was appointed to the Marshall University Education Advisory Comittee.
Tamela White Appointed Vice Chair of Health Law
Tamela White was Appointed Vice Chair of Health Law for the Medical Defense and Health Law Committee by the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC).
Bernard Vallejos presented "Social Media and the Law Office" at a seminar sponsored by Lorman Education Services.
Bernard Vallejos recently spoke on the subject of “Social Media and the Law Office,” a compelling and relevant issue for today’s professional workplace. The discussion included the implications of social media on the practice of law, how it benefits attorneys, ethical and legal considerations, and recent case law involving privacy, attorney-client and attorney work product issues. The seminar was held at the Holiday Inn Express in Charleston, WV and was sponsored by Lorman Education Services.
Tammy White and Bernard Vallejos published in Pharmaceutical Law Publication
The ABA Health Law Division published Pharmaceutical Law: Regulation of Research, Development, and Marketing. Included is a chapter titled Key Federal Agencies Regulating the Pharmaceutical Industry written by Tamela White and co-authored by Bernard Vallejos.
Defense Verdict, Circuit Court of Cabell County
Michael J. Farrell, Tamela J. White and Allison Carroll Anderson successfully defended a nurse midwife and gynecologist in a three week medical malpractice trial in the Circuit Court of Cabell County, Huntington, West Virginia. The jury returned the verdict in 75 minutes on November 15, 2011, fully exonerating both clients.
FWL Attorneys Speak at the 2011 WVDTC Deposition Bootcamp.
On September 16, 2011, Joe Farrell, Jr., Chip Capehart and Bernard Vallejos spoke at the 2011 Deposition Boot Camp hosted by the WV Defense Trial Counsel in Charleston, WV. Their respective topics were “Taking the Plaintiff Deposition;” “Deposition War Stories (Discussion Panel);” and “Basic Deposition Procedural Requirements and Preparation: Objections.”
David A. Stackpole Authors Article for the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia, May 2011
“Justice Ketchum: A Practical Approach to Law” reviews and analyzes Justice Ketchum’s dissents since he was elected as a Justice and draws conclusions as to the ramifications of his approach to law for appellate practice in West Virginia.
Tammy White Achieves Masters in Public Health (M.P.H.)Degree from Johns Hopkins University.
Farrell, White & Legg, PLLC is proud to announce that Tamela J. White, Member, was awarded The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree by the prestigious Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health on May 25, 2011 in Baltimore, MD.
Four Partners Recognized by Super Lawyers.
Michael J. Farrell, Joseph M. Farrell, Jr., Tamela J. White and Erik W. Legg were named West Virginia Super Lawyers in the 2011 edition of the publication. Their listings can be found at www.superlawyers.com. To be named a West Virginia Super Lawyer, a candidate must pass a stringent screening process that includes peer nominations, a blue ribbon panel review, and independent research on candidates. Michael Farrell is included under the practice area of Business Litigation; Joseph Farrell, Jr and Tamela White are included in the Medical Malpractice Personal Injury Defense practice area; and Erik Legg is included in the Products Personal Injury Defense practice area.
Tammy White appointed to the faculty of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
On April 25, 2011, Tammy White was appointed to the faculty of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine as a Clinical Associate Professor with Marshall University.
Bernard S. Vallejos published and presented....
Bernard S. Vallejos published and presented on “Medical Malpractice Liability Update” for West Virginia State Bar and West Virginia University College of Law at the Canaan Valley Lodge, Davis, West Virginia (February 25-26, 2011).
Erik Legg recognized as emerging leader in West Virginia
Erik Legg was one of the 52 leaders nominated to partcipate in Leadership West Virginia program for 2011. The program identifies emerging leaders throughout West Virginia and enhances their knowledge not only of the challenges facing the state, but also the state’s unique attributes and diversity. Leadership West Virginia recognizes that the cultivation of new leadership is of utmost importance to West Virginia’s future prosperity and progress. Leadership West Virginia works to develop and motivate a cross-section of leaders who will use their talents and abilities to inspire others and to foster a new spirit of energy, enthusiasm and vitality throughout the state.
Paul Farrell appointed Cabell County Circuit Judge
On January 21, 2011, Paul Farrell was appointed by the acting Govenor Earl Ray Tomblin to fill the Cabell County Judge vacancy. His appointment begins immediately.
Alexander Turner serving as Vice Chair.....
Effective November 5, 2010, Alexander Turner is serving as Vice Chair of the DTCWV Business Litigation Substantive Law Committee.