| 2003 Annual Law Office Newsletter |
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A Breath of Fresh Air
Alabama became the last state in the country to take measures against second hand smoke, even though approximately 80% of Alabamians don’t smoke. State Senator Vivian Davis Figures spent six years trying to get the Alabama legislature to pass a law on this issue. The compromise version that passed on the final night of the 2003 legislative session is now the Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act. This law prohibits smoking in certain public places and requires others to provide smoke free areas. The Act provides fines for those who don’t comply. Before you light up, or before you allow it, learn the law. May I Relocate? It Depends. . . Alabama law now requires that divorced or separated parents must now notify each other before relocating in certain situations. If you are a custodial parent considering a move to another location in or out of town or state, or if you are the non-custodial parent who does not want your child to move, you should contact an attorney’s office for interpretation of this controversial new law, called the Alabama Parent Child Relationship Protection Act. Notable “Rails to Trails” Projects in the Southeast Due to overwhelming popularity of locals and tourists, Atlanta has ceased to advertise the Silver Comet trail, a 40 mile converted rail bed which stretches from Atlanta to Rockmart, Alabama, for bicycles, joggers and walkers. The trail preserves many of the original bridges and tunnels used by the historic railroad, which donated the land for public use. Some of the old train depots along the route have been converted into office space, restaurants, and shops, such as The Depot, which offers bike rentals. Hattiesburg, Mississippi’s bike trail, Long Leaf Trace, another “Rails to Trails” Conservancy project, runs 39 miles through Sumrall, Bassfield and Carson. Similar to the Silver Comet, it has frequent rest stops along the route, secluded picnic areas, and an abundance of area wildlife. Please encourage your elected representatives to support trail construction, as an investment in the health and recreational opportunities of Alabamians benefits everyone. Eastern Shore Trail Shows Progress ! The Montrose portion of the Eastern Shore Trail could see construction as early as next summer. This central link in the Eastern shore bike and walking trail will have scenic bridges over Fly Creek and Rock Creek, and a planned design sensitive to the unique charm of the area. Our office urges you to continue support of the Trailblazers, a nonprofit organization. Guest Speakers Wanted Do you ever think about teaching a college class? Just once? For fun? I continue to teach the evening Business Law class at Spring Hill College as an adjunct professor. This dynamic, interesting class touches on a variety of legal topics and current events. Guest speakers in the past have found this experience to be fun and rewarding. Please call and schedule a time. Former speakers are welcome too! Tying the knot James married Lauren Hudgens, a Baldwin and Mobile County court reporter, on June 1, 2002. The sunset wedding took place on the beach in Gulf Shores, in a “shoes optional” ceremony, attended by family, friends, court personnel, and attorneys. Lauren may be contacted at (251) 990-3893. Milestones Although the Law Office of James Dorgan has had six figure settlements, this year saw our first six figure verdict. In a separate case, our second ever punitive award came from a conservative, Baldwin County jury. These are two firsts for this office, and we thank you for your confidence. The office welcomes Anita Smith as our new receptionist. Anita joins Sara Hammett, our office manager and legal assistant, who is celebrating her fourth year with us. About Our Office Our full service office continues to practice in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, corporate law, business formation, divorce and child custody, estate planning, and criminal defense. The majority of our business focuses on personal injury, as most of our clients come to us from the recommendations of other attorneys. We appreciate and welcome these continuing referrals! Alabama State Bar Rules require the following in every attorney's advertisement: "No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services tobe performed by other attorneys." Our entire firm protects the confidentiality of client information. Florida requires the following for their attorney advertisements: "The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be solely based upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience." The content of this Newsletter has been modified since its original publication. |
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