Angela Cirina Kopet recently obtained a complete dismissal of a complaint filed with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission in Tennessee.  Complainant alleged she was injured by discriminatory actions taken by multiple Respondents in violation of the Fair Housing Act and the Tennessee Human Rights Act.  Complainant asserted that the discriminative acts related to her gender and national origin.  After evidence was submitted, the Tennessee Human Rights Commission determined there was no reasonable cause to believe that Angela’s clients had engaged in a discriminatory practice and the matter was dismissed.

For informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in future cases.

Angela Kopet  moved for summary judgment on behalf of her corporate client in a premises liability case.  Plaintiff filed suit claiming neurological injuries after a fall and asked for $150,000 in damages. The CSVL Partner was able to successfully argue before the Tennessee Circuit Court that the Plaintiff had failed to prove through contracts in place or under Tennessee law that her client owed Plaintiff any legal duty regarding the area where the Plaintiff fell.  The Court agreed, and the case was dismissed with prejudice as to our client.

For informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in future cases.

Angela Kopet and Graham Thompson were able to get their corporate clients dismissed from the Middle District Court of Tennessee.  Plaintiff filed a lawsuit requesting over $750,000 in damages, including medical expenses, property damages, and lost wages.  Ms. Kopet and Mr. Thompson were able to argue that Plaintiff’s claims should be dismissed from federal court because (1) Plaintiff missed the statute of limitations and (2) Plaintiff sued the wrong parties.  The court agreed and dismissed both Defendants from the case.

For informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in future cases.

Angela Kopet won summary judgment on behalf of her insurer in a declaratory judgment action in Bradley County Circuit Court.  The Plaintiff filed suit against the insurer claiming it owed him uninsured motorist coverage as a result of an automobile accident because he accepted the coverage during his meeting with the insurer’s agent.  He further claimed the insurance documents produced by the insurer were not correct as they did not contain the information he agreed to during his meeting with the agent and his name was spelled incorrectly.  The carrier was able to successfully show through counsel that Plaintiff denied UM Coverage electronically on his application, and that he had knowledge he rejected UM Coverage ten months before the accident occurred as it was clearly documented on the Declarations Page he received.  The Court agreed the evidence supported the insurer’s position and granted summary judgment.

For informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in future cases.

In May 2019, Angela Kopet and Brian Spitler were successful in the defense of their client who was involved in an automobile accident.  Their client drove his pick-up truck off the road to avoid a tractor-trailer that pulled out onto the highway.  Plaintiff was hit by the pick-up truck and suffered injuries, including a below the knee amputation of his left knee.  After a five-day jury trial, the jury found the trucking company and its driver 99.99% at fault for the accident.  The jury found Angela and Brian’s client only .01% at fault for the accident and responsible for $2,160 of the 21.6 million verdict.

For informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in future cases.

Angela Kopet won summary judgment for an insurance company after filing a declaratory judgment action asking the Court for a ruling that there was no coverage available to an insured. The insured had been delivering pizzas for his employer, but detoured before his return trip to his employer's restaurant to run a personal errand. After running the errand,, he was involved in a multi-vehicle automobile accident that resulted in multiple claims and lawsuits being filed by various parties. Angela argued that the insured's policy of insurance contained multiple exclusions that precluded coverage for the accident, claims and lawsuits. After oral arguments, the Court agreed and ultimately found that the insurance policy was not in effect due to the limitations imposed by the insurance policy. The motion for summary judgment was granted on behalf of the insurance company.

For informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in future cases.

Brian Spitler and Angela Kopet inherited the defense of four corporate entities from prior counsel who were sued by five Plaintiffs after an automobile accident. Plaintiffs alleged that the corporations were responsible for the actions of a hit and run driver on the basis of negligent entrustment, vicarious liability, principles of agency and respondeat superior, ownership of the vehicle, joint venture, fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, and other matters. Plaintiffs also requested punitive damages. Prior counsel filed motions for summary judgment asking the Court to dismiss all four corporate entities and the motions were denied by the Judge. After inheriting the file and the defense of the corporate entities, Brian and Angela were able to track down the hit and run driver and obtain an Affidavit from him that outlined he was not driving a vehicle owned by any of the corporate defendants. This Affidavit along with case law that countered the remaining allegations alleged by the Plaintiffs, resulted in the court ultimately granting the motion for summary judgment and dismissing Brian and Angela’s clients from the case.

For informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in future cases.

After a vehicle was driven through the home of Plaintiff causing alleged bodily injury to her person, Plaintiff alleged our client was responsible for the actions of the driver under the theories of agency and/or the family purpose doctrine and requested compensatory and punitive damages. Angela Kopet, with the assistance of Graham Thompson, was able to win summary judgment for her client by successfully presenting to the State Court in Georgia that her client was not the owner of the vehicle and did not exert any agency or control over the vehicle in question.

For informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in future cases.

Melissa Bailey, a frequent speaker at seminars and events, joined other industry professionals to present at The CLM 2019 New York Conference and Holiday Party this year.  On December 5, she and her fellow panelists debated and analyzed significant extra-contractual cases from 2019.  This interactive conference covered the latest in coverage litigation and strategies for approaching these types of exposures. Partners Kathy Carlsten and Angela Kopet were also in attendance.  Kathy is an active member of Charleston's construction litigation and general liability groups and strengthens her practice by attending multiple seminars throughout the year that focus on her areas of expertise.  Angela Kopet, managing partner of the Chattanooga office, is a member of multiple committees of the Claims and Litigation Alliance and was named to The CLM's Executive Council for the School of Leadership for 2018. For more information on The CLM or this conference, please click here.

Several CSVL Attorneys attended the four (4) day 2019 The CLM Claims College located in Baltimore, MD.  Angela Kopet returned to the Faculty in the School of Casualty and to the School of Leadership as a member of the Executive Committee.  Melissa Bailey, Angela Kopet and Kathy Carlsten attended the THEMIS dinner following the college. The CLM Claims College features more than 80 collaborative educational sessions and keynote presentations designed by industry professionals to help attendees gain the knowledge they need to be on the forefront of the industry. For more information on the CLM or Claims College, please click here.

Melissa Bailey, Will Farley and Andy Yoho attended the CLM Claims College held from September 5-8 at the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront (Conference Hotel), 700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Angela Kopet was asked to return as a faculty member for the Claims College's School of Casualty Claims, Angela taught Level 2: Case Resolution: Development of a Negotiation Strategy. In addition, Angela was named to the CLM's Executive Council for the School of Leadership for 2018, one of four positions supervising courses within the the Claims College School of Leadership. The CLM Claims College features more than 80 collaborative educational sessions and keynote presentations designed by industry professionals to help attendees gain the knowledge they need to be on the forefront of the industry. For more information on CLM or Claims College, click here.

Several Carlock, Copeland & Stair attorneys were selected to speak at The CLM's (Claims and Litigation Management Alliance) 2018 Annual Conference in Houston, Texas. The CLM Annual Conference is the premier event for professionals in the claims and litigation management industries. This year's Annual Conference was March 14-16 at the Marriott Marquis, Houston. Doug MacKelcan's March 15 presentation was entitled, Challenges Faced When Sending the Non-Profit Employee Overseas. Angela Kopet presented, To Apologize or Not To Apologize, That is the Question on March 15. Lee Weatherly's session of March 15 was entitled, Defending Foreign Born Doctors in Today's United States. Patrick Norris presented, Upping Your Mediation Game, It Doesn't Have to Be What it Used to Be! on March 15. For more information on The CLM Organization or this year's conference, please click here.

Kristen K. Thompson joined Angela Kopet at The CLM and Business Insurance's 2018 Retail, Restaurant and Hospitality Conference in Dallas, Texas.  This year's conference was held from February 7-9.  The conference has been fully reinvented, offering unprecedented access to knowledge leaders in the retail, restaurant and hospitality claims resolution profession.

Angela Kopet was named to the CLM 2017 Claims College faculty, which Carlock Copeland sponsored. Claims and Litigation Management Alliance's (CLM) 2017 Claims College was in Baltimore, MD, September 6-9, 2017.  Angela taught in the School of Leadership - Leading Through Change & Adversity, on Friday September 8, 2017 and the School of Casualty Claims - Level 2: Case Resolution: Development of Negotiation Strategy, also on Friday September 8, 2017. Patrick Norris attended as our sponsor representative and Lee Weatherly was in attendance, as a member of CLM Claims College's Medical Malpractice and Health Care Sub-Committee. Melissa Bailey, Will Farley and Andy Yoho  all attended as students. The CLM Claims College features more than 80 collaborative educational sessions and keynote presentations designed by industry professionals to help attendees gain the knowledge they need to be on the forefront of the industry.             Pictured are Patrick Norris and Andy Yoho, both attorneys in our Charleston office, at the Carlock Copeland sponsor table.

Angela Kopet participated in a panel presentation at the CLM Annual Conference at 10:10 a.m. today. Her presentation was entitled, The Glass Ceiling: Does it Still Exist in the Workplace?

SESSION 1 - The Glass Ceiling — Does it Still Exist in the Workplace?

Speakers: • Lucy Ann Galioto, York • Amanda Gann, QBE • Angela Kopet, Carlock, Copeland and Stair, LLP • Marcia Nigro, Sedgwick • Hina Shah, Old Republic Contractors Insurance Group This session explored if the glass ceiling still exists, is self-imposed, or a natural by-product of women typically being the primary caregiver at home. During the discussion, Millennial, Generation Y and X, and Baby Boomer panelists shared experiences and considered the commonality and differences working for a company and a law firm. The roundtable and panelists discussed if a problem still exists and potential resolutions or solutions moving forward.

Takeaways:

1. The last few decades have shown growth and involvement of women in the workplace. 2. While progress has been made, women are still underrepresented in positions of power and make less money than their counterparts. 3. There are a number of approaches that can be taken by businesses to break structural, cultural, and organizational barriers that limit women in the workplace, including equal pay, accommodating the unique needs of women, emphasizing what they can bring to an organization, and educating and supporting women in career development.

Angela Kopet participated in a presentation To Apologize or Not to Apologize, That is the Question at the CLM Conference at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York on December 1. Doug MacKelcan, Jack Daniel and Andrew Countryman attended. Please click here for the Press Release.

Angela Kopet participated in a Panel Discussion regarding The Value of Mentors at the Women’s Leadership Forum (CLM) in New York on October 6. Career mentoring is invaluable to both the mentor and the mentee. This panel will discuss various mentorship programs and relationships and the keys to a successful mentoring initiative. Whether your company or firm has a formal mentorship program or not, this panel will provide attendees with valuable information about how to incorporate mentoring into your culture and your career. Please click here to read the entire Press Release.

Carlock, Copeland was proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the CLM 2016 Claims College, held at the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront from September 7 to 10. The CLM Claims College featured more than 80 collaborative educational sessions and keynote presentations designed by industry professionals to help attendees gain the knowledge they need to be on the forefront of the industry. Angela Kopet presented The Level II course for Case Resolution – Development of a Negotiation Strategy in the School of Casualty and Level II: Property Evaluation in the School of Property. Angela Kopet, Patrick Norris, Doug MacKelcan, and Melissa Bailey attended.

Carlock Copeland was a proud sponsor of the 2016 CLM Atlanta held at the W Atlanta - Downtown, 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta, Georgia  30308 from May 19-20. Angela Kopet, Doug MacKelcan, and Jack Daniel attended.

Dave Root, Angela Kopet, Lee Weatherly, Sarah Wetmore, and Patrick Norris attended the CLM Annual Meeting being held in Orlando, FL from April 6-8, 2016.

Angela Kopet attended CLM Greater Dallas Chapter Educational & Networking Event on February 25th. For more information, please click here.

CLM New York was held in New York on December 3.  Angela Kopet attended the event. CLM New York brings together industry experts and thought leaders for sessions in three tracks — Insurance Coverage, Extra-Contractual Conference — The event of the year for professionals who work in these areas. Top insurance leaders and outside counsel will share their insights on challenges and issues on important industry topics. This interactive conference will give attendees an opportunity to network with their peers in detailed discussions from both claims and legal perspectives on a broad range of essential and timely topics. Extra-contractual/bad faith issues are hot industry topics. Some of the brightest minds in the field have joined forces to create the CLM Extra-Contractual Conference. Top insurance leaders and outside counsel will share their insights on challenges and issues facing the industry. This highly interactive conference features sessions on:

• Utilizing Client/Counsel Collaboration to Achieve Resolution Goals
• Impact of Affordable Care Act
• Balancing the Interests of Multiple Carriers
• Improving Relationships with Defense Counsel
• Highlights and Observations of CLM Litigation Management Study

Click here for more information regarding this event.    

Angela Kopet attended the Litigation Management Institute held October 23 in New York. Click on the link below for more information: Litigation Management Institute

Angela Kopet attended the CLM Women's Leadership Forum held October 22nd in New York. Click here for more information:  

CLM Cyber Summit was held October 21 in New York. Click on the link below for more information: CLM Cyber Summit Seminar Information

Angela Kopet, Managing Partner of CSVL's Chattanooga office, completed the University of South Florida Muma College of Business's Inclusive and Ethical Leadership Certification program. This 20 hr course is the result of a joint effort between The Leadership Summit and the University of South Florida and is designed to give you tools to effectively communicate, manage conflict, and guidance on incorporating inclusion and ethical decision making into your leadership style.

Copeland Stair Valz & Lovell, LLP is pleased to announce our Attorneys named to 2022 Best Lawyers_® lists in multiple categories and office locations.

• Anna Beaton, 2022 Best Lawyers_®; Ones To Watch recognition for Insurance Law and Transportation Law in Atlanta, GA
• Sarah E. Butler,  2022 Best Lawyers_® recognition for Litigation - Construction and Litigation - Insurance in Charleston, SC
• Eric Frisch, 2022 Best Lawyers_® recognition for Litigation - Health Care and Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants in Atlanta, GA
• Angela C. Kopet, 2022 Best Lawyers_® recognition for Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance in Chattanooga, TN
• Gary Lovell, Jr., 2022 Best Lawyers_® recognition for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants in Atlanta, GA and Charleston, SC
• Rolfe M. Martin, 2022 Best Lawyers_® recognition for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants in Atlanta, GA
• Paul Sperry, 2022 Best Lawyers_® recognition for Construction Law and Litigation - Construction in Charleston, SC
• Kent T. Stair, 2022 Best Lawyers_® recognition for Construction Law and Legal Malpractice Law – Defense and Litigation - Construction in Atlanta, GA and Charleston, SC
• Fred M. Valz, III, 2022 Best Lawyers_® recognition for Insurance Law in Atlanta, GA
• Lee C. Weatherly, 2022 Best Lawyers_® recognition for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants in Charleston, SC

Best Lawyers_® is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Recognition in Best Lawyers_® is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers. It is no secret around the CSVL offices that these lawyers are among the very best, and are great leaders and role models for the rest of Copeland Stair Valz & Lovell!

Copeland Stair Valz & Lovell, LLP is pleased to announce three attorneys, across as many offices have been elevated to partner effective January 1, 2019. We congratulate each of them for this achievement and couldn’t be prouder of the manner in which they have distinguished themselves, both in the courtroom and within the community.

Stephen J. Cohen, of our Atlanta office, received his J.D. from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, his M.P.A. from the University of Georgia and his B.A. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  Prior to practicing law, Steve was a police officer, and then a claims adjuster at a commercial automobile insurer.  Both professions afforded him invaluable experience and a unique perspective in his thriving trucking and transportation litigation practice with CSVL. Angela Cirina Kopet opened CSKL’s Chattanooga, TN office in 2014 and has managed the office since its inception.  Angela practices primarily general liability, transportation and insurance coverage litigation, and is licensed in Georgia, Tennessee and Washington D.C.  She is heavily involved with the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM), serving on several committees, the Educational Task Force, and was named The CLM Professional of the Year in the Outside Counsel Category in 2017.  She was appointed to the Executive Council for the School of Leadership and remains a faculty member in the School of Casualty within CLM’s Claims College.  Angela is Martindale –Hubbell  AV Preeminent rated, awarded Top 100 Litigation lawyer in the State of Tennessee, and honored with a Senior Fellowship in the Litigation Counsel of America, a Trial Lawyer Honorary Society where she was inducted into the Order of Juris and Order of Certus for her trial and appellate work.  Angela earned her B.A. from Fairfield University, her M.B.A. from Widener University and her J.D. from Delaware Law School. Kristen K. Thompson, in the CSCL Charleston office, started her career with the firm in 2012 upon graduating law school. Kristen focuses her practice primarily in medical malpractice and general liability litigation and has impressive experience developing litigation strategies and writing persuasive briefs and motions in defense of her clients.  Kristen is the current Vice President of the Susan G. Komen Lowcountry Affiliate's Board of Directors and a former Roper St. Francis Foundation Fellow.

Angela Kopet once again served as faculty for The CLM's (Claims and Litigation Management Alliance) 2020 Claims College, School of Casualty Claims. Keeping with the times, this year's Claims College program was presented totally virtually September 8, 2020- September 19, 2020. Angela's portion, Level 2 - Negotiations, was on September 11, 2020. Additionally, Angela served as Dean of the School of Leadership for CLM’s Claims College in 2020, helping students complete their Advanced Claims Professional (ACP) designation.  Earning an ACP can help claims professionals obtain skills, experience, and knowledge to assist them in higher level claims resolution roles, including management roles. For more information on The CLM or the Claims College program, please click here.