Blog & NewsStay up to date with all of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian’s most recent blogs and news events!
Airbnb now adds 7% tax and gives the money to cities
According to a recent article, the Virginia town of Blacksburg received $27,000 in taxes for four months of Airbnb rentals after it signed an agreement with the vacation rental company. Sounds like a win for localities, right? VF&N’s municipal attorney Martin Crim says differently. “Blacksburg is getting $6750 per month in transient occupancy taxes from
VF&N’s Attorney Karen Cohen named one of Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s “Influential Women of Law”
The law firm of Vanderpool, Frostick and Nishanian, P.C. congratulate Attorney Karen Cohen on being named one of Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s “Influential Women of Law”. Karen consistently demonstrates honesty, good judgment, and ethical behavior. She is highly motivated and intellectually curious. She has earned the respect and trust of her partners, clients, colleagues, opposing counsel
Finding Common Ground On Proffer Reform In Virginia
Since its controversial passage in 2016, Virginia’s Proffer Reform Law has continued to stir debate. Despite the rift between homebuilders and local governments over the law, efforts are underway to find common ground. Initially, opponents of the law sought either outright repeal or additional exemptions to make the law inapplicable to certain parts of the
General Contractors Beware of New Maryland Law
by Guy R. Jeffress, Esq. The Maryland General Assembly passed Senate Bill 853, which took effect on October 1, 2018, that added the following text to Section 3-507.2 of the Maryland Code, Labor & Employment: In an action brought under subsection (a) of this section, a general contractor on a project for construction services is
7 VF&N Attorneys Recognized as Legal Elite
Vanderpool, Frostick and Nishanian, P.C. congratulates our lawyers recognized as 2018 Virginia Business Magazine Legal Elite in the following practice areas: Business Law– V. Rick Nishanian Litigation– Randolph Frostick Commercial Real Estate– Karen Cohen Intellectual Property– Christopher Collins Labor and Employment– Kristina Spitler Estate and Trust– David Wilks Young Lawyer (under 40) – Brett Callahan
VF&N Litigation Attorney Brett A. Callahan Wins Precedent Setting Cell Tower Case for Homeowners
Special Use Permit is Invalid On Sept. 10th, 2018, Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Carroll Weimer, Jr. ruled in favor of a group of homeowners, voiding the grant of a Special Use Permit (SUP) for a cell phone tower. Under the legal representation of Brett A. Callahan of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian P.C., the
Manassas Law Firm Announces the Formation of Technology Subcontractors & Suppliers Legal Team
In response to recent tech industry expansions and the resulting attraction of technology subcontractors and suppliers to the area, Vanderpool, Frostick, and Nishanian, P.C. (VF&N) announces the formation of its Technology Subcontractors and Suppliers Legal Team to support the needs of this industry. With stringent work requirements such as clean room construction, specialized semiconductor materials
7th Annual Employment Law & HR Summit
Vanderpool, Frostick, & Nishanian, P.C. together with Prince William SHRM, Inc. are pleased to invite you to attend the 7th Annual Employment Law & HR Summit. XPLORE HR: Navigating the Road Ahead October 12, 2018 ~ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Foxchase Manor, 8310 Chatsworth Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 Being informed about changes in the
Limited Liability Company Considerations – Beyond the Formative Years
Many state legislatures have simplified the process of forming a business entity. In many jurisdictions the formation of a limited liability company or “LLC” can be completed either on-line or by filing a single page form along with the payment of a filing fee. Although the filing of the formation documents is quite easy there
VF&N Celebrates the Achievements of Local Youth
VF&N’s attorneys Martin Crim, Neal Knudsen, and Kris Spitler, in conjunction with the Prince William County Bar Association and the amazing social services teams of Manassas City and Manassas Park, joined together to celebrate the achievements of local youth who have come in contact with the Prince William County juvenile justice system. These young adults have
8 Corporate Strategies for Reducing Sexual Discrimination
Being a good leader of your company includes correctly identifying and addressing sexual harassment in the current culture of #MeToo and #Time’sUp. Below are eight steps any business should consider when reviewing their sexual discrimination policies and risk management. Company leadership makes visible commitment to addressing sexual harassment Ensure you & your entire management team
May 15th: Corporate Leadership Strategies for Combating Sexual Harassment
Join our very own Kristina Keech Spitler, Esq. and special guest, Mindy Weinstein, Acting Director of the EEOC Washington Field Office for a lively presentation for CEOs, CFOs, Presidents, Officers and other leaders in your business on: “Combating Sexual Harassment: Corporate Leadership Strategies” Ms. Spitler and Ms. Weinstein will identify sexual discrimination risks in today’s changing
Michael Vanderpool nominated for Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award
Michael Vanderpool nominated for Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award We are proud to announce that Michael Vanderpool has been nominated by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce for the Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award. This award, named for Virginia’s longest serving statesman, recognizes an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership within their organization and the
LGA appoints Olaun Simmons as Vice-Chair of Outreach Committee
Local Governments Association appoints Vanderpool, Frostick, & Nishanian municipal attorney Olaun Simmons as LGA Outreach Committee Vice-Chair We are proud to announce that VF&N municipal attorney Olaun Simmons has been appointed by the Local Governments Association (LGA) as Vice-Chair to its Outreach Committee. The LGA Outreach Committee is primarily responsible for planning and arranging the annual
Meet the Staff: Kathy Sabey
Welcome back to our ‘Meet the Staff’ series where we are introducing the dedicated staff who work behind the scenes at Vanderpool, Frostick, & Nishanian to make the work our attorneys do for our clients possible! We take pride in our staff and the work they put in to ensure our business runs smoothly, often
Community Spotlight: Monza Martini Wows at VWAA Retreat
Monza’s Martini Wows at VWAA Retreat Last weekend, VF&N attorneys Brett Callahan, Karen Cohen, and Kris Spitler attended the Virginia Women Attorneys Association (VWAA) annual retreat, where Karen and Kris won the cocktail making competition. Their secret? A little help from our friends over at Monza in Old Town Manassas who taught them the recipe
David Wilks to teach in 2-day CLE/CPE probate course
CLE/CPE probate course “Probate: Everything You Need to Know” VF&N wills and estates lawyer, David Wilks, will teach in a two-day National Business Institute probate course titled: “Probate: Everything You Need to Know” on April 26 and April 27, 2018. This is a Continuing Legal/ Professional Education course covering the do’s/don’ts, top mistakes, and tips
Guy Jeffress joins VF&N Business Transaction Practice
MANASSAS—January 2, 2018—Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C. is pleased to announce that Guy Jeffress has joined the firm as an associate attorney in our Real Estate and Corporate Transactions practice. Jeffress has nearly 20 years of legal experience as both private practice and as in-house counsel in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. About Guy Jeffress
2017: A Year in Review
Welcome to the Vanderpool, Frostick, & Nishanian, P.C. 2017 Review - here you can find a snapshot of some of our firm's biggest news, events, and posts from 2017! 200 attend 6th Annual Employment Law Summit VF&N hosted our 6th annual Employment Law Summit in partnership with PWSHRM and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. [...]
Cheers to Randy for Effingham Manor Winery Win
VF&N Litigation Attorney Randolph D. Frostick Wins Case for Effingham Manor Winery This story was reported in full in VA Lawyers’ Weekly (login required). The Case The conversion of the 18th century historic estate, Effingham Manor, into a winery caused a stir among residential neighbors who claimed that the winery breached the community’s 2004 development covenants
Forming a company? Corporation, Partnership, or LLC
Forming a company? When forming a company or changing the organization of your current business, it is important to know the different options available to you. The legal entity that you are operating will determine what tax structure you will comply with and your legal liability as a business owner, among other things. This post
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation vs. Arbitration
As our society becomes increasingly litigious, individuals and entities are seeking to avoid the costly, public, and time intensive process of a law suit. As a result, interest in mediation and arbitration has also increased. So what is the difference between the two? This post will give an overview of the similarities and differences between
Meet the Staff: Susan Martin
In this blog series, we are introducing the VF&N staff who work behind the scenes to make the work our attorneys do for our clients possible. They are legal assistants, bookkeepers, receptionists, and office managers (and marketing directors!). If you’ve ever wondered about the inner workings of our firm, we are pulling back the curtain
Hosting on Airbnb? Here are some legal tips!
Thinking about renting your home on Airbnb? Make sure to check your local laws! Local laws and regulations often fail to keep up with the speed of market innovation, leaving jurisdictions scrambling to balance personal liberty and community safety. This is the case with Airbnb and other short term rental sites that allow homeowners to
Community Spotlight: Habitat for Humanity of Prince William County
VF&N assisted Habitat for Humanity in opening its new ReStore in Woodbridge, VA At Vanderpool, Frostick, & Nishanian, P.C. community engagement is our priority. Our attorneys and staff are active in a variety of organizations, service groups, and nonprofits both personally and professionally. In this weekly blog series, Community Spotlight, we are highlighting these organizations
The ABC’s of Estate Planning – Wills, Trusts, and More
This article was originally written by David Wilks, Estate Planning Attorney with Legacy Law Group of Northern Virginia, a division of Vanderpool, Frostick, & Nishanian, P.C., on November 6, 2017. Importance of Wills and Trusts – and Other Personal Legal Documents One of the key components in planning for your future is establishing the right
Community Spotlight: Rotary Club
VF&N attorneys Mike Vanderpool, Randy Frostick, and Brett Callahan have each held leadership positions in local Rotary Clubs At Vanderpool, Frostick, & Nishanian, P.C., we value our community ties, and we believe that serving our community extends beyond our professional legal services. Community engagement is a priority, and our attorneys and staff are active in
Starting a Home Business: Should You See an Attorney?
Written by Martin Crim and Eileen Settlemyer Zoning for your home business Are you interested in operating a business out of your home? In the digital age, starting a business out of your garage or home office is more common than ever. However, most municipalities have very specific requirements for commercial use of residential property
Community Spotlight: Manassas Center for the Arts
VF&N has been a longtime supporter of the arts in Manassas, Virginia At Vanderpool, Frostick, & Nishanian, P.C., we value our community ties, and we believe that serving our community extends beyond our professional legal services. Community engagement is a priority, and our attorneys and staff are active in a variety of organizations, service groups,
Meet the Staff: Becky Spencer, Legal Assistant
In this blog series, Meet the Staff, we are introducing the VF&N staff who work behind the scenes to make the work our attorneys do for our clients possible. They are legal assistants, bookkeepers, receptionists, and office managers (and marketing directors!). If you’ve ever wondered about the inner workings of our firm, we are pulling
Community Spotlight: Matthew’s Center
VF&N attorney Martin Crim has been on the Matthew’s Center Board of Directors for 4 years and currently serves as the Vice Chair. At Vanderpool, Frostick, & Nishanian, P.C., we value our community ties, and we believe that serving our community extends beyond our professional legal services. Community engagement is a priority, and our attorneys
VF&N Attorney Karen Cohen Awarded GMU Prominent Patriot ’17
Manassas, VA, October 12, 2017– The law firm of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian wishes to congratulate Prince William land use and real estate attorney Karen Cohen of VF&N on her selection as a George Mason School of Business Prominent Patriot 2017. Each year, George Mason School of Business honors alumni nominated and selected by their
Expedia names Manassas a top “tourist friendly ” city
Expedia names Manassas a top “tourist friendly ” city Leading travel giant Expedia Inc. has named Manassas, VA as one of the top 16 “tourist friendly” cities in America. Cities like Chicago, Illinois and Memphis, Tennessee also appeared in the rankings, which were determined by attributes including: a helpful tourism board, variety of things to
VWAA Fall Crawl 2017
The law firm of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian was pleased to host the Prince William Chapter of the VWAA for their VWAA Fall Crawl on September 13, 2017. This exciting networking event was jointly presented by VF&N, Bristle & Yi, PPLC, The Reed Law Firm, PPLC and Morisi Associates, PPLC. The Fall Crawl began following
Religious Institutions and the Law Seminar – September 28, 9-11 a.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (August 31, 2017) Prince William Law Firm, Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C. hosts free seminar on Religious Institutions and the Law. September 28th, 2017. Manassas, VA, August 31, 2017– The law firm of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C. is hosting a free seminar September 28, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Avoiding Litigation Seminar at Centerfuse
MANASSAS —For most business owners, litigation is a very real threat which can be time consuming, stressful and expensive. It was Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian’s pleasure to have Prince William Civil Litigation attorney Randy Frostick hold a presentation on doing business in a litigious world with an emphasis on how to avoid litigation. The seminar was
The Landing At Cannon Branch Moves Forward with Grants
On Wednesday, representatives from the City of Manassas came together with Governor Terry McAuliffe and Buchanan Partners to announce the receipt of grants permitting the construction of a new brewery and restaurant in the commercial development of the Gateway Center, now known as The Landing at Cannon Branch. The attorneys at VF&N are pleased to
VF&N Attorney Olaun Simmons Selected for Leadership Prince William Class of 2018
Manassas, VA, August 17, 2017– The law firm of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian wishes to congratulate Prince William municipal law attorney Olaun Simmons of VF&N on being selected as one of Leadership Prince William’s Class of 2018. Olaun joins other VF&N alumni Kristina Keech Spitler, Gail Prentiss and Brett Callahan. Leadership Prince William is a
Manassas Litigation Attorney Brett Callahan Named President of PW VWAA
On June 28, 2017, Manassas Litigation Attorney Brett A. Callahan, an attorney at Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C. became the sitting president of the Prince William Chapter of the Virginia Women Attorneys Association. Brett has been deeply involved and passionate about the Virginia Women Attorneys Association (VWAA) for the past several years. During her time
Michael Vanderpool Awarded George Mason Faculty of the Year
Manassas Business Attorney Michael Vanderpool is not only an attorney, but also an adjunct Professor at the George Mason University School of Business where he teaches the Real Estate Entrepreneurship Masters Program. The law firm of VF&N is proud to say that Michael was awarded the George Mason Faculty of the Year for the Master of
Martin Crim Receives Perfect 4.0 Scores from LGA Conference
LGA Spring Conference, April 2017- Martin Crim of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian was one three specialists on a panel discussing social services safety plans. Martin spoke on the topic of the development of future plans that would allow for the government to implement safety precautions and strategies to prevent children from being removed from their current homes, causing less
Powerful Partnerships
On Tuesday April 4, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce hosted a half day event entitled “Powerful Partnerships” at the Manassas Park Community Center. VF&N Manassas attorneys Kristina Keech Spitler and Karen Cohen were asked to serve as panelists and speakers, touching on the legal considerations for powerful partnerships. The event focused on developing powerful
Melissa Cupp of VF&N Appointed to Fauquier J&DR Bench
The law firm of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian wishes to congratulate Melissa N. Cupp, of-counsel attorney at VF&N, on being appointed Fauquier’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court judge. On Thursday, February 23rd, the Virginia General Assembly unanimously elected Melissa to a six year term on the bench.This is the first time a woman will serve
VF&N Wins Prestigious “Business Excellence Award”
The law firm of VF&N is proud and honored to have received the Business Excellence Award from the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. VF&N was nominated in the Business Excellence Award category for large businesses, and were awarded this honor during the Chamber Business Awards banquet, held February 28, 2017 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in
VF&N Attorney Martin Crim Announced as New Middleburg Town Attorney
PRINCE WILLIAM, VA — The law firm of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C. is pleased to announce that its shareholder Martin Crim has been appointed Town Attorney for the town of Middleburg. Middleburg’s former town attorney Angela Plowman gave notice of her intent to resign in December of 2016 after having served almost five years.
January 19, 2017, Manassas, VA – Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian partnered with Matrix Computer Consulting to give a presentation on Cyber Security from a technological standpoint as well as a legal approach. Business owners from the area gathered at Okra’s Cajun Creole to enjoy breakfast and learn more about how cyber security can have a
Handbook Horror Stories
We invite you to join our live webinar! December 9, 2016 1:00-2:00 P.M. EST Your company's generic or outdated employee handbook could put your business in danger of becoming another handbook horror story! When it comes to Employee Handbooks and each of the many policies contained in them, there are a multitude of laws, regulations, and [...]
2016 Virginia Business “Legal Elite” Attorneys
Seven of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian’s Attorneys Named Virginia Business’ “Legal Elite” Manassas, Fredericksburg & Lakeridge VA, October 30, 2016—Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C. is proud to announce that seven of its attorneys have been recognized by the Virginia Business Magazine as being among Virginia’s “Legal Elite”. These extraordinary attorneys are chosen based off of
Leaders In The Law: Kristina Spitler and Brett Callahan
Manassas, Fredericksburg & Lakeridge VA, October 29, 2016— On October 29, Virginia Lawyers Weekly hosted an awards ceremony honoring several lawyers who have made significant accomplishments or achievements in their field, and two of these outstanding attorneys were our very own Kristina Keech Spitler, and Brett Callahan! The Leaders in the Law awards are given to
Martin Crim Awarded 2016 Special Project Award
Manassas, Fredericksburg & Lakeridge VA, October 28, 2016-The law firm of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian would like to congratulate Martin R. Crim, of VF&N and the Manassas City Attorney’s Office on the honor of receiving the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia 2016 Special Project Award. According to the press release posted by The Local Government
5th Annual Employment Law Summit
Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian together with Prince William SHRM hosted their 5th Annual Employment Law Summit on October 14, 2016, and with nearly 200 attendees, it was a wonderful success! Two of our VF&N attorneys, Kristina Spitler and Brendan Cassidy, presented at the event, as well as EEOC Commissioner Victoria A. Lipnic, Michael Douglas Scott
“The Loving Story” Screening Event
On the evening of September 20, 2016, Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian had the honor of sponsoring a historic event where the Old Dominion Bar Association, the Prince William County Bar Association, and the Prince William Chapter of the Virginia Women Attorneys Association came together to present a screening of the documentary “The Loving Story”. The
VF&N Welcomes Olaun A. Simmons-Municipal Practice
MANASSAS—September 2, 2016—Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C. announced today that Olaun A. Simmons has joined the firm as the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Manassas in its Municipal practice. Simmons brings more than ten years of experience in the Commonwealth where he worked with clients in a broad range of matters while practicing
Brett Callahan Honored As One Of Virginia’s “Up And Coming”
We’re proud to announce that our own Brett Callahan has been honored by the Virginia Lawyers Weekly Magazine with the nomination of one of Virginia’s “Up and Coming Lawyers”. This award is presented to legal practitioners who are being recognized for establishing a name for themselves in the field of law as well as their community. This
Kristina Spitler Honored As One Of The “Leaders In The Law”
We’re thrilled to announce that our own Kristina Keech Spitler has been selected as one of Virginia Lawyers Media’s “Leaders in the Law” for 2016. This award honors lawyers who are setting a high standard of excellence in the legal field, especially for other lawyers with the Leaders in the Law awards program. Attorneys are recognized
Leadership Prince William Honors Brett Callahan with Graduate Certificate
Manassas, VA – On June 2, 2016, Leadership Prince William awarded Brett Callahan with the certificate of completion of the Leadership Prince William Class of 2016! Leadership Prince William hosts an annual class, comprised of leaders from the business, public and non-profit sectors of the Greater Prince William area. Class members spent ten months learning,
Setting the Stage: The Theater of Court
For many attorneys, the intensity of the court room can add an extra stress factor to an already overwhelming profession. How each person handles the burdens of work is unique to them, but for Robert Beard of Vanderpool, Frostick, & Nishanian, it comes by way of a unique transformation: from lawyer to thespian. Robert Beard
Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian Named One of VA’s Largest Law Firms
For Immediate Release: Manassas, VA. — In their most recent issue, “Virginia Lawyers Weekly” named Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian one of Virginia’s largest law firms. The “Largest Law Firms” survey, which has been conducted since 1989, gives an overview of the 75 largest law firms within the commonwealth of Virginia, and is judged based upon the number of partners, associates, of-counsel members and office
Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards
A night of celebration took place when Prince William County Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Business Awards on February 25, 2016. The evening’s event was held at the beautiful Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, VA and featured a brand new legacy award! Each year, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards recognizes nominees for excellence
VF&N 2015 VA Legal Elite Winners
Seven of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian’s Attorneys Named Virginia Business’ “Legal Elite”! Manassas, Fredericksburg & Lakeridge VA, Nov 30, 2015—Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C. is proud to announce that seven of its attorneys have been recognized by the Virginia Business Magazine as being among Virginia’s “Legal Elite”. These extraordinary attorneys are chosen based off of
VF&N to Host Fourth Annual Employment Law Summit
As a human resource professional, business owner, executive, manager or administrative personnel tasked with dealing with HR issues, you need to be on top of the recent developments in employment law that may impact your business. Being informed will help you avoid costly litigation. This Summit is designed to provide you the information you need
Event on October 28, 2014 – VFN Hosts Prince William Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours
More details and to register: http://events.pwchamber.org/sbaweb/events/events.asp?details=true&cale_id=1145&month=10/24/2014 Join us at the offices of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, PC in Old Town Manassas for a complimentary networking event featuring hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. RSVP requested.
Event on October 3, 2014: Third Annual Employment Law Summit
THIRD ANNUAL EMPLOYMENT LAW SUMMIT Jointly presented by VANDERPOOL, FROSTICK & NISHANIAN, PC and PRINCE WILLIAM SHRM, INC. Prince William Chamber of Commerce, Community Partner Friday, October 3, 2014, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Continental Event Center 9705 Liberia Avenue Manassas, Virginia 20110 As a business owner, executive, employee supervisor or human resources professional, you
VF&N Is proud to be Leadership Sponsor of Prince William Chamber Annual Legislative Wrap-Up
VF&N is proud to be a Leadership Sponsor of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce Annual Legislative Wrap-Up being held on May 15, 2014, at 8:00 a.m. at the Old Hickory Golf Club. During this event, Virginia Senators and Delegates will discuss legislation during the 2013 General Assembly session.
Why Every Business Needs A Buy-Sell Agreement
BUY-SELL AGREEMENTS In today’s business climate, businesses cannot afford to make mistakes. Yet there is one legal mistake that many small and medium-size businesses often make – they don’t have a buy-sell agreement in place. This can create several big issues. For example, without an agreement in place, a business owner may wake up
Three Legal Documents Every Business Person Needs
1. A “Business Savvy” Will Business men and women have very specialized needs when it comes to wills and estate planning. We provide advice that integrates business and personal concerns and desires. 2. A “Don’t Steal My Business” Non-Compete Agreement Employee loyalty is not what it used to be and today’s business information is mobile. This can create
VF&N Manassas Sponsor for the Chamber State of Prince William
VF&N Manassas Sponsor for the Chamber State of Prince William VF&N is proud to be the Manassas Partner Sponsor for the State of Prince William luncheon hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce on February 13, 2014, at the Continental Event Center in Manassas. You can find out more about the luncheon and register
VF&N 2013 Legal Elite Winners
VF&N congratulates its 2013 Legal Elite Winners, Michael R. Vanderpool – Business Law; Randolph D. Frostick – Civil Litigation and Christopher M. Collins – Intellectual Property.
