December 10, 2010 - As a tumultuous 2010 comes to a close, many people impacted by the recent economic downturn are pausing to reflect on the past year and plan for 2011.  Some have decided to strike out on their own and go into business for themselves.  Others may be considering it.  Still others may decide to start a side business, or take advantage of opportunities to invest in the real estate market as additional sources of income.  As with all challenging times, the opportunities are numerous.  The strategic use of new business entities can benefit these individuals as they plan for their future endeavors.

The following article appears in the Roanoke Times on Tuesday, December 7, 2010

When Walmart announced its plans for a Supercenter in Roanoke County's Clearbrook neighborhood in 2006, supporters and detractors predicted that it would draw more commercial development to the area.

On Monday, the county planning commission recommended opening up more land near the store -- still weeks from opening -- for additional business growth.

If the county board of supervisors agrees, just over 9 acres adjacent to the Walmart property will be rezoned from agricultural/residential to commercial/Clearbrook Village Overlay District.

Developers Steve Strauss and Andy Douthat have said they envision restaurants and retail space -- perhaps a grocery store -- on the property at the end of Clearbrook Village Lane that they are calling Timberbrook Commercial Center.

December 2010 – Virginia Business magazine recently released their annual Special Report honoring seven attorneys with the Roanoke law firm, Glenn, Feldmann, Darby & Goodlatte (GFD&G) with the 2010 Legal Elite distinction.  The awards are based on a peer review process with input from over 1,600 lawyers statewide who vote for outstanding representatives of their profession in a variety of legal disciplines.

The 2010 Virginia Business Legal Elite from GFD&G include:

Headlines about employment law typically involve sexual harassment or racial discrimination lawsuits.  For many businesses and employees, the field conjures thoughts of background checks and severance agreements.  While these are important components of this diverse area of legal practice, they are not necessarily the subjects which have the greatest societal and economic impact.  If importance is measured by pervasiveness and the cost of potential legal exposure, than wage-hour law is the clear winner.  While the phrase “wage-hour law” may not be a household term, every employer is required to comply with its technical requirements on a daily basis, and “collective action” – which is a component of employment law -- has resulted in several of the largest judgments awarded in the past decade, including a single suit where the damages totaled more than $187 million.

November 2010  – The Virginia law firm of Glenn, Feldmann, Darby & Goodlatte announced two partners have joined their colleagues in attaining the highest rating through the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review.  The AV Preeminent rating – the highest offered – results from the evaluation of a lawyer’s ethical standards and demonstration of professional excellence.