John C. Cook

JOHN COOK NAMED SENIOR FELLOW OF LITIGATION COUNSEL OF AMERICA

SENIOR FELLOW PRESS RELEASE

January 23, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JOHN COOK NAMED SENIOR FELLOW OF LITIGATION COUNSEL OF AMERICA John Cook, partner of the law firm Cook Craig & Francuzenko PLLC, has been named a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA). John is a litigator whose practice emphasizes the representation of executives, employees, and small businesses in employment law matters, including advice and counsel regarding workplace issues and a wide range of other civil litigation matters. He has represented numerous clients in both federal and state courts and has argued cases before the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The Litigation Counsel of America is a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in the LCA is highly selective and by invitation only. Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation. Senior Fellow status in the society is reserved for advanced commitment to and support of the LCA, the Diversity Law Institute and the Trial Law Institute. The LCA is aggressively diverse in its composition. Established as a trial and appellate

Guide to Mediation Lawyer Fairfax Virginia

January 2, 2024

There are many advantages to having a mediation lawyer in Fairfax Virginia. Instead of a traditional lawsuit, mediation aims to resolve the conflict without the need for a courtroom. Having a mediation lawyer helps you ensure that your rights are protected during this process. Here’s your guide to mediation lawyers in Fairfax, Virginia. What is Mediation? Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. Essentially, it is an informal way to resolve conflict. A mediator is a neutral third party who guides the parties and allows them to discuss their issues, clear up misunderstandings, and find a middle ground. This allows the parties to be in control of the resolution, rather than a judge making the decision for them. In some cases, mediation is a court ordered process, but typically, parties voluntarily seek mediation. Consider these advantages of mediation before you decide to pursue litigation. Faster & More Cost-Effective Mediation is often a much faster method of dispute resolution. Once the parties select a mediator, that person sets ground rules for communication and serves as a referee of sorts to guide the parties through conversations. The mediator is a neutral party and seeks to let each side hear the other.

Experienced Race Discrimination Lawyer in Fairfax VA

November 20, 2023

Are you looking for an experienced race discrimination lawyer in Fairfax, VA? Unfortunately, race discrimination still occurs in workplaces all across the country. This may not always be obvious. It could be in the form of subtle discriminatory treatment. If you believe you have been the victim of racial discrimination in the workplace, you need to speak to an experienced attorney about your case. Protecting Against Race Discrimination Federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act prohibit discrimination on the basis of race. Furthermore, state and local laws may also offer employees protection against discriminatory conduct, such as the Virginia Values Act. Under these laws, an employer can be held liable for racial discrimination. These laws also require employers to promptly address race-based harassment that creates a hostile work environment. Proving Racial Discrimination If you have suffered racial discrimination in the workplace, it is crucial that you gather evidence to back up your allegations. Experienced Virginia race discrimination lawyers can help you collect and prepare evidence and build a case to demonstrate that your employer broke the law. Our team is dedicated and ready to work for

Can I Use ChatGPT to Draft Employment Contracts?

November 6, 2023

Have you found yourself wondering “can I use ChatGPT to draft employment contracts”? If you are unfamiliar with ChatGPT, it is an artificial intelligence chatbot created by OpenAI. It has gained popularity recently due to its ability to generate content across a variety of channels like emails, blogs, memos, and more. Technically, the answer is Yes. Technically, you can use ChatGPT to create a contract. However, we don’t recommend you rely solely on an AI language model to draft any type of legal contract. Contract drafting requires a thorough understanding of legal concepts and terminology. Furthermore, it requires careful consideration of the specific circumstances and requirements of the parties involved. Think of it this way. Having ChatGPT draft your contract is like having a stranger draft it. Not a stranger in a law firm where you can research their experience (and where they have malpractice insurance) but like a stranger off the street. Not a great idea. Maybe an okay starting point, but not an ending point. Concerns There are several concerns with using ChatGPT to create employment contracts. Inaccurate information. The ChatGPT website warns that “ChatGPT may produce inaccurate information about people, places, or facts.” ChatGPT can’t ask any

Can I Go on Vacation While on FMLA Medical Leave?

October 30, 2023

FMLA and vacation time both allow employees to take time off work, but the two types of leave are granted for different reasons. Let’s look at the difference in these types of leave and how they impact each other. What is FMLA? Typically, employees receive a certain amount of vacation days each year. As long as your leave is approved, you can spend your time off however you want. FMLA isn’t that simple. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal labor law. It allows employees to take a leave of absence from work for medical or family reasons. Typically, employees on FMLA leave are not paid for their time off. However, their position is protected until they return. Can I go on Vacation while on FMLA Leave? The answer is that it honestly depends on several factors. First, it depends on whether you can take vacation time on top of FMLA, and this can be a complicated issue. Your employer’s vacation and FMLA leave policies, along with the reasons for your medical leave can all impact your request for vacation time while on FMLA leave. It is important to understand that employers often look suspiciously at employees

SENIOR FELLOW PRESS RELEASE

Guide to Mediation Lawyer Fairfax Virginia

Experienced Race Discrimination Lawyer in Fairfax VA

Can I Use ChatGPT to Draft Employment Contracts?

Can I Go on Vacation While on FMLA Medical Leave?

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