Firm to Host Additional Seminar on Social Media

Due to the overwhelming interest in the February installment of the Business for Breakfast lecture series on social media for business, Huddleston Bolen, SCORE and the State Journal have scheduled an additional seminar in Charleston, W.Va. The seminar will take place on April 2 from 7:45to 8:45 a.m. at Huddleston Bolen's Charleston office located on the 13th floor of the Chase Tower.

Julie Hewitt of JulNet Solutions, will provide an overview of social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, and will offer tips on how businesses can use these technologies to reach clients, recruits and other intended audiences.

Hewitt said confusion exists amongst business owners, because the world of social media is expanding rapidly and there is uncertainty over how to best utilize it.

"A lot of businesses know social media exists, but they don't understand how useful it can be to their business," Hewitt said. "As social media keeps expanding so do its applications and uses. I hope to explain how the use of social media can positively impact businesses and explain the usage of social media."

Kevin Nelson, managing partner of the firm's Charleston office, said the overwhelming interest in social media, high attendance at the previous social media seminar and necessity of more information inspired the firm to secure Hewitt for another seminar.

"Social media is becoming more prevalent in the business world daily, and businesses have to learn to incorporate it into their business plans," Nelson said. "Because we understand how complex the different branches of social media are, the seminar is designed to help simplify the expanding realms of social media."

The seminar is free and includes a free breakfast. Guests may register by CLICKING HERE or by contacting Tasha Viglianco at tviglianco@huddlestonbolen.com or 304-344-9869.

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Firm to Host Seminar Answering Legal Questions from Businesses

Huddleston Bolen will host a Business4Breakfast seminar in Huntington titled, "Business questions you always wanted to ask a lawyer but didn't want to pay for" on March 24 from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. at Huddleston Bolen's Huntington office at 611 Third Ave.

The seminar is intended to be both fun and informative, providing useful legal information in a casual setting. The seminar is free and includes a free breakfast. Guests may register by CLICKING HERE or by contacting Tasha Viglianco at tviglianco@huddlestonbolen.com or 304-344-9869. Because of the anticipated high level of interest, guests are encouraged to pre-submit questions using the on-line registration form.

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Associate Admitted to Practice in North Carolina

Huddleston Bolen is pleased to announce Justin Gilfert has been admitted to the North Carolina Bar. Mr. Gilfert has worked in the firm's Louisville, Ky. office since 2007. He represents clients in bankruptcy and corporate law, class action litigation and transportation law. Mr. Gilfert represents Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Thomas Gilpin, chair of the firm's management committee, said Gilfert's admission to the North Carolina Bar will allow the firm to expand its service to clients across the region.

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Firm to Host 2010 Business4Breakfast Seminars in Charleston

Huddleston Bolen will partner with the State Journal and SCORE to present the 2010 Business 4 Breakfast seminars in Charleston, W. Va.

The first seminar will take place on February 26 from 7:45a.m. to 8:45 a.m at the firms Charleston office located on the 13th floor of the Chase Tower. Julie Hewitt, of JulNet Solutions , will provide an overview of social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, and will offer tips on how businesses can use these technologies to reach clients, recruits and other intended audiences.

The seminar is free and includes a free breakfast. Guests may register by Clicking Here or by contacting Tasha Viglianco at tviglianco@huddlestonbolen.com or 304-344-9869.

Upcoming installments of the 2010 seminar series will cover topics such as employee handbooks, selecting a benefit plan for your business, effective team building, tips for building budgets and a special panel on "Questions you always wanted to ask a lawyer but didn't want to pay for."

Huddleston Bolen hosted the Business 4 Breakfast seminar series in Huntington in 2009 and will continue to host the seminars in 2010. Kevin Nelson, managing partner of the firm's Charleston office, said the firm looks forward to expanding the successful seminar series. "By working with the State Journal and SCORE, we can provide information and tips that business people can put to use immediately," Nelson said. "We were very pleased with the response the seminars received in Huntington last year and look forward to providing this valuable service to business in the Kanawha Valley this year."

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Firm Welcomes Three Attorneys to Charleston Office

Huddleston Bolen is pleased to welcome Michael Folio, Scott Summers and Sarah Johnson to the firm's Charleston, W.Va. office.

Mr. Folio joins the firm as a partner. His practice is concentrated in health care law including: certificate of need, behavioral health, practice management, billing and licensure, medical malpractice defense, pharmacy liability and general civil litigation. "A frequent contributor to legal and health care publications, Mr. Folio has served as a contributing editor to Managed Care: A Guide For Physicians." He is a 1993 graduate of the University of Akron School of Law. In 2009, Mr. Folio was appointed by Gov. Manchin to serve as a member of the West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

Mr. Summers also joins the firm as a partner. An experienced trial attorney, Mr. Summers handles matters involving catastrophic injury and death; workplace injuries; premises liability; mass litigation; toxic tort; products liability; blasting cases; motor vehicle accidents; trucking accidents; medical malpractice; property damage; estate litigation and contract claims. He graduated from the West Virginia University College of Law in 1995.

Ms. Johnson joins the firm as an associate. Her practice is concentrated in the areas of: real estate transactions, estate planning, business organization and development, medical malpractice, general civil litigation, mass tort litigation and insurance defense. A 2006 graduate of the West Virginia College of Law, Ms. Johnson is licensed to practice in West Virginia and Virginia.

Tom Gilpin, chair of the firm's management committee, said that Mr. Folio, Mr. Summers and Ms. Johnson will enable the firm to expand its breadth and depth of services to clients. "We are very pleased that these fine lawyers have chosen to join the firm," Gilpin said. "Their legal experience will expand our ability to effectively serve clients across the country and region, and their personal character and backgrounds will greatly add to the rich culture of the firm."

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Partner to Hold Book Signing

Huddleston Bolen lawyer Bruce Stout, who recently released his first book, "Estate Planning in West Virginia: Real Answers to Real Questions," will sign books and answer questions at Borders Books and Music at the Huntington Mall from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on February 20th.

For information about the book CLICK HERE. To order the book, call 304-529-6181. The book is based on practical observations from Mr. Stout's more than 20 years of legal experience in estate planning. Written in a question and answer format, the book provides guidance to those planning an estate. It includes chapters covering topics such as, wills, beneficiaries, spouses, trusts, asset protection, etc.

Mr. Stout has been practicing law for more than 20 years. In November, he was recognized by Best Lawyers as 2010 Trust and Estate Lawyer of the Year for Charleston, West Virginia. Mr. Stout is a 1982 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Law. He is licensed by the West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky Bar Associations and has been provided an AV rating by the lawyer rating service, Martindale-Hubbell. Being a member of several honorary legal societies including Best Lawyers in America"and West Virginia Super Lawyers, Mr. Stout is also an adjunct lecturer at West Virginia University College of Law, where he teaches a course in estate planning to third year students.

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Attorney Lindsay W. Taylor joins Huddleston Bolen in Huntington, West Virginia

Lindsay Taylor has joined the law firm of Huddleston Bolen LLP as a practicing attorney in the firm's Huntington, West Virginia office. Taylor's practice concentrates on trusts, estates and taxation.

A native of Huntington, Lindsay Wilson Taylor is an associate with Huddleston Bolen. Ms. Taylor attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in May 2003. She then attended The University of Tennessee College of Law, where she received a J.D., graduating cum laude in just 2 ½ years, in December 2005.

Ms. Taylor was admitted to the West Virginia Bar in 2006 and the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia in 2006 and the Northern District of West Virginia in 2007.

"Lindsay is an accomplished attorney and a valuable resource for our clients in many areas. We are excited to have her join the firm and look forward to an outstanding association with her," said Thomas Gilpin, Managing Partner.

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Gilpin honored as top chamber volunteer

Toril Lavender/For The Herald-Dispatch
Barry Taylor with Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC, left, congratulates Thomas Gilpin, of Huddleston Bolen, LLP, for being named the 2009 Volunteer of the Year during Thursday's Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce's 5th annual Volunteer Awards Luncheon Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, at the Guyan Golf and Country Club.

Purchase this Photo

January 14, 2010 @ 10:00 PM
JEAN TARBETT HARDIMAN
The Herald-Dispatch

Everyone has an impulse in them to improve the community in which they live, Tom Gilpin said.

And in the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, there are a lot of those "everyones."

Gilpin, an attorney with Huddleston Bolen LLP, was honored Thursday as the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce's Volunteer of the Year.

"He's truly a leader and pillar in the community," said Chris Slaughter, the 2009 outgoing board chairman for Chamber, in introducing Gilpin.

And he's one of many volunteers who are essential to helping the Chamber run, said Mark Bugher, president and CEO of the Chamber. Thursday's 5th Annual Volunteer Awards Luncheon, held at Guyan Golf & Country Club, is a treasured opportunity to express appreciation for the many hours of service they put toward helping things run, Bugher said.

And while the Chamber picks out just a handful of people who seem to have gone above and beyond during a particular year, there are many deserving of thanks, he said.

Also receiving awards Thursday were Lisa La Fon of Manpower, who served as Chamber ambassador in 2009; Angela Jones of the Marshall Artists Series, who served as communications chairwoman of the Chamber's Young Professionals Committee; Kim Sarka Lake of MUG & PIA stationary and gift shop, who volunteered with the Chamber's Women 2 Women committee; and Renee Maass, retired communications director at St. Mary's Medical Center, who served on the Chamber's Downtown Live Committee.

Businesses that received special recognition for financial support included Cabell Huntington Hospital, St. Mary's Medical Center, Wal-Mart and The Herald-Dispatch.

Gilpin's recognition as 2009 Volunteer of the Year comes after many years of service, including time as board chairman, as well as lending his legal services in writing the Chamber's bylaws, and a number of other tasks.

In working with other members of the Chamber, Gilpin said, he has seen selfless volunteerism as people come together to help without personal agenda. It's a wonderful group of people to be associated with, he said.

"I'm greatly honored by this," he said. "...As the largest law firm in town, we have a responsibility to participate in the affairs of our community, and this is part of it."

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Firm Announces 2010 Business4Breakfast Seminar Schedule for Huntington

Huddleston Bolen and The State Journal have announced the 2010 Business4Breakfast business seminar schedule to be held in Huntington. The Business4Breakfast seminars are designed to help professionals understand and navigate the breadth of opportunities and challenges in today's business world. The 2010 seminars will touch on a variety of topics of interest to businesspeople, including sales and marketing, advertising, HR, and improving cash flow:

• January 27 Developing a Marketing Plan that will Impact the New Year
• March 24 Questions You've Always Wanted to Ask a Lawyer But Didn't Want to Pay For
• May 26 Effective Networking: On the Internet and In Person
• July 28 HR Mistakes (Almost) Every Business Makes
• September 22 The Top 5 Things Businesses Can Do to Improve Cash Flow
• November 17 Developing an Advertising and Promotions Budget for 2011

Business4Breakfast seminars are held 7:45 am - 8:45 am at Huddleston Bolen's Huntington office, 611 Third Avenue. The free seminars are specifically designed to provide useful information to businesspeople. Guests may register by CLICKING HERE.

In the first seminar of 2010, scheduled for January 27th, Doug Korstanje, Director of Marketing at St. Mary's Medical Center, will offer insight into ways to develop an impactful marketing plan.

"We were overwhelmed by the interest expressed by the business community last year," said Tom Gilpin, chair of the firm's management committee. "We averaged over 40 attendees at the 4 seminars in 2009. The interest was so high that we agreed to increase the number of seminars from 4 to 6 in 2010," he added.

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Motion for Summary Judgment Granted in Employment Lawsuit Against CSXT

Huddleston Bolen successfully defended an employment law case filed against CSX Transportation in the Cabell County Circuit Court. On December 16, 2009, Judge F. Jane Hustead granted CSX's Motion for Summary Judgment to dismiss the case filed by Shawn Nicely. CSX was represented in the case by Huddleston Bolen attorneys J.H. Mahaney, Charles F. Bellomy, and T. Matthew Lockhart.

The lawsuit was filed by Mr. Nicely in 2007 after CSX refused to hire him based upon the results of a color vision test. In 2006, Mr. Nicely attended the conductor training program offered by Marshall Community and Technical College. While enrolled in the course, Mr. Nicely received an offer of employment from CSX. The offer was conditioned upon Mr. Nicely passing a series of medical examinations, including a color vision test. When CSX learned that Mr. Nicely did not pass the color vision test in accordance with its internal standards, his job offer was revoked.

After receiving the news, Mr. Nicely retained attorneys Chad S. Lovejoy of Huntington and Andrew J. Thompson of Cleveland, Ohio to file a lawsuit on his behalf, alleging that Mr. Nicely detrimentally relied on CSX's contingent job offer. The Court, however, disagreed with Mr. Nicely's Promissory Estoppel theory.

"CSXT was not under any legal obligation to provide Plaintiff a color vision re-test after he failed the initial test, and CSXT rightfully refused to employ Plaintiff as a conductor because Plaintiff admittedly did not meet CSXT's color vision standards when he took the March 20, 2006 pre-employment color vision test," the Court wrote in its Order Granting Summary Judgment.

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Firm named ‘Go-To Law Firm’ in Litigation and Labor and Employment Law

In its December issue, Corporate Counsel magazine named Huddleston Bolen LLP a "Go-To Law Firm" in two fields: labor and employment law and litigation. According to the publisher, this honor is given to less than one half of 1 percent of all law firms in the world. To create the list of "Go-To" law firms, the magazine surveys general counsel at the top 500 U.S. companies. Huddleston Bolen was nominated by both CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern.

"We are honored to once again be named a ‘Go-To Law Firm' by our clients," said Tom Gilpin, Chair of the firm's management committee. "This award is evidence of our dedication and ability to provide clients with the superior legal advice and the best service possible," he added.

Corporate Counsel magazine is the nation's leading publication for general counsel and in-house lawyers at leading global and national corporations. The seventh annual "Go-To Law Firm" list will be published in the magazine's December 2009 issue.

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Partner Publishes Book on Estate Planning

The book will be available at local bookstores, or call 304-529-6181.

Mr. Stout will hold book signings and answer questions on:

• Saturday, December 5th, 1:30 - 3:00 pm, at the Hospice of Huntington Gift Shop located at 1101 6th Avenue in Downtown Huntington.
• Sunday, December 13th, 4:00 - 6:00 pm, at Borders Books and Music at the Huntington Mall

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Partner Recognized by Best Lawyers as 2010 Trust and Estate Lawyer of the Year

Huddleston Bolen announced today that Bruce L. Stout has been named the Best Lawyers 2010 Trust and Estates Lawyer of the Year for Charleston, West Virginia. Mr. Stout has also been recognized for several years in The Best Lawyers in America and in West Virginia Super Lawyers.

"We congratulate Bruce on this remarkable achievement. He is a very knowledgeable and experienced attorney and provides a valuable service to our clients across West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio," said Tom Gilpin, Chair of the firm's management committee.

Mr. Stout, who joined the firm in 1982, practices in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration and fiduciary litigation. He maintains offices in the firm's Huntington and Charleston, West Virginia locations.

Aside from his practice Mr. Stout is active in many legal organizations and committees. He has served on the Board of Trustees for The Huntington Museum of Art, and is currently serving on the Board of the Cabell Huntington Hospital Foundation and on the Board of the Cabell County Public Library. He is a member of the West Virginia Law Institute on Intestate Succession, member and past and present chairman of the West Virginia State Bar Probate Committee, member and past president of the Huntington Estate Planning Council, and a fellow and present State Chairman of the American College of Trust and Estate Council. Mr. Stout is also a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Committee of the American Bar Association, where he serves as West Virginia's sole representative.

A native of Bexley, Ohio, Mr. Stout is a 1982 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Law. He served as instructor of the paralegal program at Marshall University from 1993 through 1996, and currently teaches a course in estate planning to third year students as an adjunct lecturer at West Virginia University College of Law.

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Firm Welcomes Two New Associates

Huddleston Bolen is pleased to announce that Matt Lockhart and James "Bob" R. Mills, passed the West Virginia Bar Examination and are new Associates in the firm's Huntington Office.

"We are glad to see their dedication and hard work pay-off," said Tom Gilpin, Chair of the firm's management committee. "Matt and Bob are bright young lawyers who, over their careers, will serve our clients very well," he added.

Mr. Lockhart's legal practice is focused on commercial and transportation litigation. Prior to joining the firm as a lawyer, Mr. Lockhart was employed at Huddleston Bolen in various administrative positions. He received his undergraduate education from Marshall University, where he graduated summa cum laude in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism. During his third year of law, Mr. Lockhart was selected to represent the West Virginia University College of Law in its externship program as a student law clerk to the Honorable Robert C. Chambers of the United States District Court, Southern District of West Virginia. His article, The NCAA Should Adopt a Uniform Student-Athlete Discipline Policy, 16 UCLA ENT. L. REV. 119, was published by the UCLA ENTERTAINMENT LAW REVIEW in 2009. Mr. Lockhart's second article, Oliver v. NCAA: Throwing a Contractual Curveball at the NCAA's "Veil of Amateurism," will be published by the DAYTON LAW REVIEW in 2010.

Prior to attending law school, Mr. Lockhart worked as a sports journalist for several media outlets, including the Associated Press, MLB.com, and the Charleston Daily Mail. The West Virginia Press Association named Mr. Lockhart the state's Best Sports Columnist in 2006 for his work at the Charleston Daily Mail.

Mr. Mills joined Huddleston Bolen in 2009, after participating for two years in the firm's summer clerkship program. He completed his undergraduate studies at Marshall University, while working as administrative staff for a local law firm, and continued his education at West Virginia University College of Law, graduating in May 2009. Mr. Mills' practice is concentrated in general litigation defense, where he handles matters regarding premises liability, transportation law, FELA litigation, mass torts, toxic torts, product liability defense, and general insurance defense.

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Firm Partners with Jamie’s Kitchen to Offer Corporate Wellness Program

Huddleston Bolen's corporate wellness program is teaming with Huntington's "Jamie's Kitchen" to offer a Fresh Lunch Cooking program for employees.

In the program, 35 Huddleston Bolen employees will take a 10-week cooking and food education course. During the 1-hour lunch sessions, employees will learn how to prepare fast, fresh, healthy meals; enjoy the "fruits of their labor" for lunch; and take home recipes and any leftovers. There is no charge for this or any other program offered through Jamie's Kitchen.

"We are thrilled to partner with Jamie's Kitchen on this important project," said Tom Gilpin, chair of Huddleston Bolen's management committee. "We understand the fundamental importance that health and wellness has on our employees and our ability to serve our clients. These lunchtime classes are a great way for our lawyers and staff to learn how to prepare fresh meals fast. Doing so will inevitably lead to better physical health and improved personal relationships with their families. I encourage other employers in the area to take advantage of this tremendous resource."

Jamie's Kitchen is a new information center and gathering place in Huntington created as part of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's new health initiative in the area. The goal of Jamie's Kitchen is to provide simple, straightforward information to everyone in the community on how to plan and prepare easy, healthy meals in their own home. Jamie's Kitchen is currently funded by the company producing the upcoming Jamie Oliver television show, set in Huntington. Once filming is complete, the Kitchen will remain in the community as a resource for residents and community groups.

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Attorney Named to Lawrence County Chamber Board

Huddleston Bolen is pleased to announce that Casey Baker, a Huntington-based attorney with the firm, has been named to the Board of Directors of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Mr. Baker will coordinate the Lawrence County Young Professionals Committee.

"Casey is an outstanding business lawyer and very engaged in the business communities in Ohio and West Virginia. I know that the Chamber will benefit from his positive attitude and his focus on business," said Tom Gilpin, Chair of the firm's management committee.

Mr. Baker focuses his practice in the areas of Economic Development, Banking, Corporate Law, Real Estate, and Trusts, Estates and Taxation. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration in 2005, graduating summa cum laude from Ohio University in Athens. His studies focused on finance and business development. His undergraduate thesis, "Cluster Theory and Business Development in Southeast Ohio", examined the characteristics of Appalachian Ohio that could be used to stimulate economic growth. Following his undergraduate education, Mr. Baker attended Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University, where he served on the Entrepreneurial Business Law Journal (2006-2008). The EBLJ honored Mr. Baker by selecting his note, "Incubating Golden Eggs: Why Attorney Ethics Rules May Stifle Small Business Development," for publication, and by selecting the note as the EBLJ's Outstanding Student Note for 2007. He also served as the EBLJ's Chief Notes Editor. In 2008, he received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence, graduating cum laude.

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