Our New Normal
There is no “remember when.” No “we had something similar in the…” The havoc that has been caused by COVID-19 is completely unprecedented for all of us. And although we have all been affected in different ways, we are all in our own ways balancing a number of commitments that we never expected in ways we could not imagine when the year began. All of our attorneys and most of our support staff are working remotely and have been for more than a month. As we sit in these uncharted waters feeling like we have been out to sea for months, we wanted to reach out to all of you to let you know we are in this together. 
 
The Moore & Van Allen community is strong. In times like these, those bonds are more important than ever. We have included at the end of the email a reference to our COVID-19 Resource Center , but if we can help in any other way, please do not hesitate to reach out.    
Awards, Accolades and Publications


MVA has been ranked Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for 2020. The firm received its final rating for the 2020 Corporate Equality Index and achieved a perfect score of 100 which earned the honored designation. Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2020 Corporate Equality Index is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees. MVA is one of 686 major businesses, spanning nearly every industry and geography, to have earned a top score of 100 percent and the distinction of “ Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality .”


MVA is pleased to announce that WomenInc . magazine, a publication dedicated to comprehensive coverage of women’s achievements in business, has named the firm to its Top 100 Law Firms for Women list. The list was published in WomenInc . Magazine’s Fall 2019 issue, which specifically celebrates female representation and leadership within the legal industry.

According to WomenInc. , its staff surveyed law firms nationwide with objective criteria for consideration, including activities such as hiring and retaining women attorneys, promoting women attorneys to equity partnership ranks and providing women attorneys with opportunities for leadership. The publication states that the law firms recognized had a demonstrated track record of commitment through holistic actions. 


MVA is pleased to announce that it has been named a 2019 Lawyers Weekly ’s Diversity & Inclusion Awards winner. The firm was selected as an honoree for the inaugural awards by Lawyers Weekly ’s internal panel of judges, based on contributions to the legal community in the area of diversity. 


Charlotte Litigation Member Nader Raja is one of ten diverse attorneys who have been selected for inclusion to the Wells Fargo Legal Department’s 2020 Charlotte Diversity College. The individuals selected are experienced and successful attorneys who have been with their respective firm for five or more years.
Public Service

MVA Litigation Attorneys recognized for Pro Bono Service

MVA Litigation Member  Frank Schall  and Associate  Fielding Huseth  were recently recognized with the MVA Public Service Committee's monthly pro bono award for their outstanding contributions to the community. Over the last three years, Frank has logged a combined total of 900 hours of pro bono service, lending his legal expertise to a number of firm-sponsored pro bono efforts in pursuit of expanding access to justice for clients who could not otherwise afford counsel.

Fielding has continued to incorporate pro bono work into his everyday legal practice. Recently, Fielding agreed to assist in a complex family law matter – an area of practice outside of his traditional scope of work.

Publications and Media

Charlotte Financial Regulatory Advice & Response Co-Head Neil Bloomfield served as a panelist for Mecklenburg County Bar’s 19th Annual Banking and Finance Forum. Bloomfield discussed the latest regulatory guidance and best practices in managing the transition away from LIBOR to SOFR. 

Charlotte Litigation Member Jim McLoughlin and Associate Bill Butler ‘s article titled, “ INSIGHT: Proffers and Government Reporting—Cause for Comfort and Caution ”, was published by Bloomberg Law on May 5. This article analyzes two court rulings involving the waiver of privilege when making disclosures to the government and they offer guidance to prevent attorney-client privilege and work product protection from being waived.

Charlotte Litigation Member  Jim McLoughlin ’s article titled, “ 4th Circ. Foreign Discovery Ruling Champions Int'l Arbitration ” was published by  Law360  on April 15.

Charlotte Litigation Member Cabell Clay and Associate Sarah Negus ’ article titled, “ The status of gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace ” was published by Westlaw on December 3. This article discusses three cases addressing whether the definition of “sex” under Title VII is broad enough to encompass discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

For more information on Firm news, accolades and recognitions please click here .
Practicing Law Institute (PLI) is offering free COVID-19 programming: 

These programs specifically are being offered to the public at no cost. Attorneys that do not have PLI memberships will need to create an account and then these virus-related programs will be available to them.

Beginning in 2020 the NC bar has lifted the online maximum of CLE 6 hours. Attorneys may now get in all 12 of their required CLE hours via on-demand programming.
 
Our CLE offerings are updated weekly. Please contact us for the latest information.
Meet Our New Litigation Attorneys
 
Charlotte Litigation Supervising Investigations Counsel
 
What is your favorite vacation spot?  
Barbados! In addition to loving the sand, sun and water, I get to visit with extended family! 
 
What is the most recent concert you attended?   
Mary J. Blige featuring NAS.
 
Do you have a hidden talent?  
Dancing. I used to teach Zumba and Hip Hop fitness classes and once performed during a Bobcats halftime show with other instructors from the fitness studio.
 
Do you have family/pets?  
I have an older sister, two nieces and five great-nieces and great-nephews (aka “The Greats” – because they are each FANTASTIC!). I also have a rescue dog, Shadow, who is 7 years old.
 
Charleston Litigation Associate
 
What is your favorite vacation spot? 
Copal Tree Lodge, Punta Gorda and Belize.
 
What is the most recent concert you attended?  
The funk band Lettuce.
 
Do you have a hidden talent?  
Playing electric guitar.
 
What is your guilty pleasure?
The Turnover Chain.
 
Evan Nogay
Charlotte Litigation Associate
 
What is your favorite vacation spot?   
The Algarve Region of southern Portugal. The beaches are beautiful, the food and wine are delicious and affordable and the people are incredibly kind!  
 
What is the most recent concert you attended? 
The Avett Brothers. I’m a big bluegrass fan.   
 
Do you have family/pets?  
My lovely fiancé, Annelise, will be joining me in Charlotte shortly, and we’re beyond excited for our May wedding in Pinehurst.  
 
What is your guilty pleasure? 
“Dusty” or pre-1990 bourbon, especially Old Weller and Wild Turkey.
MVA COVID-19 Resource Center
MVA launched the MVA COVID-19 Resource Center for up-to-date legal analysis on issues posed by the COVID-19 outbreak. MVA is closely tracking legislative and regulatory developments related to the pandemic and will continue to offer guidance and analysis on its impact on local and global financial markets, businesses and people during this unprecedented time.