Practice Areas

In 1908, before most states enacted modern workers’ compensation schemes, the United States Congress enacted the Federal Employers Liability Act (“FELA”), 45 U.S.C. §§ 51-59, which reduced the burden imposed upon railroad workers in suits against... Read More

A phrase an employment lawyer in Virginia often hears in advising his or her clients is: “Virginia is an employment-at-will state” – meaning that the employer thinks he has the right to fire anyone at anytime for any reason. If that is your understanding... Read More

Commercial litigation is a general term that applies to any type of litigation or controversy related to a business dispute. Commercial disputes can range from relatively simple, uncomplicated matters, to highly complex matters. Improperly handled litigation... Read More

Representation for Insurers— As every insurance professional knows, policy language that appears clear in the vacuum of an insurance contract may sometimes become less than clear when applied to the facts of a claim. Complicating matters, every state takes... Read More

The Federal Rail Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 20109, enacted in 2007, prohibits railroads from disciplining, discharging or taking other adverse action against an employee who engages in certain “protected activity.” Protected Activity includes: notifying... Read More

The Surface Transportation Assistance Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 31105, prohibits employers in the transportation industry from disciplining, discharging or taking other adverse action against a driver who engages in certain “protected activity.” Protected Activity... Read More

At the foundation of any hospitality-based business is the goal of welcoming and treating guests and customers in a warm, yet professional manner. That might sound simplistic in view of the complex path a hospitality business sometimes travels in reaching... Read More

When employers are faced with evaluating and, in appropriate instances, challenging claims for workers’ compensation, it is important to have the support of a legal team with expertise and experience in defending such claims. At Setliff Law, we handle all... Read More

Take a look at new filings in any courthouse in the country and you’ll notice one of the most frequently filed types of cases involves premises liability. The attorneys at Setliff Law have extensive experience representing clients accused of causing injury... Read More

No matter how much time, money and innovation is put into designing and manufacturing a product, the unfortunate can occur and that product can become the subject of a lawsuit. Companies can expend considerable time, effort and resources in designing safety... Read More

Intellectual property rights reward and protect innovation and facilitate commerce. These legal principles are so important that the framers of the Constitution gave Congress the power to “promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for... Read More

Commercial and residential construction defect lawsuits typically involve a breach of contract and involve many parties, including the property owner, general contractor, subcontractors, architect, and other professionals. Typically, physical loss or damage... Read More

Sometimes legal disputes or rulings at the trial level are decided incorrectly and result in decisions adverse to our clients. Those disputes or rulings should not go unchecked, and virtually every jurisdiction has some procedure for appealing those decisions... Read More

The landlord/tenant relationship and American jurisprudence in the area of rental property dates back to feudal times in England. This long history has created a unique and often complicated interplay between contract law, property law and business strategy... Read More

Each day there seems to be yet another allegation in the news about the alleged dangers associated with some substance or chemical that is present in our society. These allegations give rise to complex litigation that draws media attention and threatens... Read More

Traffic violations can range from failure to yield to reckless driving and can carry consequences such as a simple fine to possible jail time. No matter the severity of the violation, it is wise to discuss the matter with an attorney rather than simply paying... Read More

Commercial litigation is a general term that applies to any type of litigation or controversy related to business issues. Commercial disputes can range from relatively simple, uncomplicated matters, to highly complex matters. Improperly handled litigation... Read More

When you are facing criminal charges, having timely, effective legal representation is crucial. In fact, you should obtain counsel as soon as you suspect that you may be involved in a criminal matter – even before you are formally charged. Most people involved... Read More

Maritime law concerns events and transactions that occur on or nearby navigable waters, whether oceans, gulf, or inland waterways. Although initially concerned with maritime commerce, the body of law has expanded to address additional issues, such as environmental... Read More

Science and Technology law represents the nexus between several otherwise distinct practice areas, including Intellectual Property, Privacy, Speech and Defamation, Communications, and Commercial law. Your patent may be infringed or alleged to infringe from... Read More

Our administrative law attorneys specialize in managing the relationships between individuals, businesses, and government agencies. We assist clients in navigating and resolving legal matters related to administrative regulations, licensing, permits, and government... Read More

Do you want to move people or property in Virginia? You’ll need a motor carrier permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Have you lost an operating permit and want to contest the agency’s action? Maybe you received a citation from DMV and want... Read More

Navigating the complex bankruptcy process requires a comprehensive understanding of both federal and state laws. While debtors often seek the assistance of bankruptcy lawyers, it is equally important for creditors to have their own legal representation... Read More