Brandon K. Spaur
Insurance Lawyers
Brandon K. Spaur received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin followed by his J.D. from Texas Southern University.
Brandon has experience working in personal injury, commercial litigation, family law, wills, trusts, and probate.
When he isn’t watching a Longhorn game with friends or rooting from the UT stadium to watch his Longhorns play live, Brandon can be found hiking the greenbelt with his cocker spaniels, Brinkley and Blakeley.
Greg T. Rinckey
Insurance Lawyers
Greg T. Rinckey is one of Tully Rinckey PLLC’s two founding partners. He worked with Founding Partner and fellow Hofstra University alum Mathew B. Tully in 2004 to build the firm from the ground up into the coast-to-coast, full service powerhouse that it is today. As Founding Partner, Greg collaborates with Mat in all areas of strategic planning and law practice management to develop and deploy innovative business solutions that continue to grow the firm.
As a practicing attorney, Greg focuses on military law; federal employment, EEO and discrimination litigation; and national security clearance representation. His representation in national security and security clearance cases range from high level military officers to covert operation officers of the CIA, NRO, FBI, DIA and various other intelligence agencies. Greg was commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army prior to transferring to the Army Judge Advocate General’s ( JAG) Corps. During his previous tenure as an attorney with the U.S. Army JAG Corps, Greg prosecuted and defended military personnel in over 100 felony cases, with charges ranging from drug possession to murder. He has represented federal and private sector employees in investigations and cases in front of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). Greg is also a member of the National Security Lawyers Association (NSLA).
Greg has become a recognized leader in the military, federal employment law and security clearance representation sectors. Greg is frequently asked by local and national media outlets to offer his legal commentary on military and employment discrimination matters. Additionally, Greg co-authored the book “Strategies for Military Criminal Defense: Leading Lawyers on Understanding the Military Justice System, Constructing Effective Defense Strategies, and Navigating Complex Cases.” He is also author of the chapter Guidelines and Strategies for Obtaining and Protecting your Security Clearance within the book “Protecting the Homeland, Balancing National Security and Individual Privacy Interests,” published in 2016.
Greg is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. He is also admitted as a Solicitor in England and Wales.
Greg is a member of the New York State Bar Association Committee on Veterans. He also served two five-year terms on the Committee on Character and Fitness for the State of New York Appellate Division’s Third Judicial District. In this capacity, he personally interviewed prospective attorneys before they were allowed admission to the New York State Bar.
Marc Chavez
Insurance Lawyers
I am attorney Marc Chavez. I founded Marc Chavez Law Firm in January 2018 with a mission of providing the highest quality representation to my clients. I strive to ease the pain and stress people face when they are involved in the legal system. I do this by combining a first-class customer focus with experienced, trial-tested litigation skills.
Practice Area
John M. Daves
Insurance Lawyers
JOHN M. DAVES is lead counsel for the firm and is an attorney licensed in Texas and Louisiana. Mr. Daves has been actively engaged in the practice of law for over 35 years. He is devoted to solving your real estate and landlord tenant problems in an effective manner.
John is a graduate of LSU and Tulane Law School. He has served as a Texas Real Estate Commission instructor for continuing education courses in the areas of property management, asset protection, evictions, and fair housing. He has also provided training seminars for the Austin Apartment Association on the subject of landlord evictions and has served as an instructor for the Austin Apartment Association for the CAPS training program related to fair housing matters.
JOHN M. DAVES is lead counsel for the firm and is an attorney licensed in Texas and Louisiana. Mr. Daves has been actively engaged in the practice of law for over 35 years. He is devoted to solving your real estate and landlord tenant problems in an effective manner.
John is a graduate of LSU and Tulane Law School. He has served as a Texas Real Estate Commission instructor for continuing education courses in the areas of property management, asset protection, evictions, and fair housing. He has also provided training seminars for the Austin Apartment Association on the subject of landlord evictions and has served as an instructor for the Austin Apartment Association for the CAPS training program related to fair housing matters.
SEMINAR PRESENTATIONS:
• TEXAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION MCE COURSES
• “Eviction Basics”
• “Property Management”
• “Fair Housing in Property Leasing”
•AUSTIN APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
• “Handling Evictions”
• “Fair Housing and Beyond”
• “Legal Responsibilities and Risk Management”
• OTHER SEMINARS
• “Asset Protection for Real Estate Investors”
• “Landlord’s Guide to Unexpected Rental Issues”
• “Landlord Liability”
Lenore Shefman
Insurance Lawyers
Lenore Shefman, a trial attorney for 25 years founded Cyclistlaw in Northern California in 2003. Cyclistlaw has been recognized by multiple State and National news publishers, and achieved the highest accolades by those in her profession. Cyclistlaw has a 99% success rate in Trial.
Cyclistlaw added Texas to their jurisdictions and practice areas in 2006.
Today, Cyclistlaw has grown and represents clients throughout the United States. Riders are family to us. If you ride, you belong with us. Nobody understands the perspective of a motorcycle rider or bicycle rider like Cyclistlaw. If you or a loved one is suffering a serious, catastrophic injury or a loved one’s death arising from bicycle and motorcycle crashes arising from another party’s negligence, we are the pillars you can rest upon. Cyclistlaw is for riders by riders. The most elite lawyers in the US provide trial law strategies that obtain full justice for clients.
Call today and meet your lawyer. Instant FaceTime, Zoom or Google Meet meetings set up with potential new clients. Do not delay or jeopardize your case, contact us today. Necessary evidence, including camera recordings of incidents, witnesses, and property can all disappear before being assessed as part of the essential building blocks that allow our motorcycle lawyers and bicycle crash lawyers to settle or try your case and provide clients with a complete recovery.
JOHN COONLEY
Insurance Lawyers
The Coonley Law Firm takes pride in being your “Corporate Quarterback.” This means it’ll help guide you from inception, scale, and ultimately to your final goal – whatever that may be.
It believes that you should have a friendly, working relationship with your firm. This type of relationship should is one calculated to see you succeed, not to bill you for the maximum number of hours.
Plan. Develop a strategy and actionable plan.
Execute. Achieve your goals by working with and using the experience and expertise of the Coonley Law Firm.
Alex Begum
Insurance Lawyers
Alexander Begum is a founding shareholder of the Villareal & Begum Law Firm. Born and raised in Texas, Alex continues to practice law in the state where he grew up, with offices in San Antonio, Austin, Laredo, and McAllen. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Finance from Trinity University in San Antonio and went on to study finance and legal writing at Harvard University before returning to Texas to attend Texas Tech University. While there, he earned a Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
He later attended the Trial Lawyers College, an intense program that is open only to those lawyers who are dedicated to representing individuals, particularly the poor, injured, and otherwise needy. This program is not open to people who represent insurance companies, governments, or large businesses. For Alex, who believes in the jury system and the importance of being not only a skilled attorney but caring for his clients on a human level, this program was too great an opportunity to miss. After being only one of 50 lawyers accepted into the program, he attended the nationally renowned Trial Lawyers College.
Alex is passionate about helping others, which is why he has pursued a career in the law. He continues to find new ways to be of service, including regularly offering pro bono legal service to those in need. His willingness to serve others without concern for himself saved an entire Texas community faced with the potential loss of their homes. Outside of the legal sphere, Alex also serves as a board member for several charitable organizations.
Rob Chesnutt
Insurance Lawyers
Born and raised in Texas, I began practicing in Austin in 2014. In that time, I have learned the value of a client-centered approach focused on communication with all my clients. I launched ATX Legal in 2021 because I wanted to replicate the client-focused approach I had developed over five years and hundreds of clients. A large percentage of my business comes from references from previous clients because they know the kind of value I deliver and the level of care I take in each case.
After graduating cum laude from Loyola University in New Orleans, I returned home to Austin. I am married with a beautiful daughter in elementary school. On my off days, I enjoy hiking, motorsport, and sim racing. Austin will always be my home, and I want to make it a better place, one client at a time.
Changes to Existing Electrician Licensing Penalties
The landscape of electrical licensing in the United States is evolving, particularly with recent legislative changes that impact penalties associated with licensing violations. In Texas, as well as other states, understanding these changes is crucial for electricians and contractors to ensure compliance and avoid severe penalties. This article will explore the recent changes to existing electrician licensing penalties, their implications, and what they mean for industry professionals.
Overview of Electrical Licensing
Electrical licensing is a regulatory measure designed to ensure that individuals performing electrical work possess the necessary knowledge and skills. Licensing helps maintain safety standards in the industry, protecting both workers and the public from potential hazards associated with electrical installations and repairs. Each state has its own licensing requirements, which can include different types of licenses for apprentices, journeymen, and master electricians.
Recent Legislative Changes
In May 2024, Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 3215 (HB 3215), which introduced significant changes to electrical licensing requirements in Oklahoma. While this bill specifically pertains to Oklahoma, it reflects broader trends in regulatory practices across the United States. The most notable changes include:
- Reduction of Passing Grades: The passing grade for electrical contractors and journeymen on licensing tests has been reduced from 75% to 70%. This change aims to make it easier for individuals to obtain their licenses, potentially increasing the number of qualified electricians in the workforce.
- Increased Continuing Education Requirements: Continuing education hours for contractors and journeymen have doubled from six to twelve hours every three years. Additionally, new requirements mandate that electrical apprentices complete three hours of continuing education annually before re-registering as apprentices.
- Focus on Relevant Topics: The continuing education curriculum will cover essential topics such as safety codes, electrical circuit theory, wiring methods, grounding and bonding, and other relevant subjects that are critical for maintaining safety standards in the industry.
These changes are designed not only to enhance the qualifications of electricians but also to improve overall safety within the industry.
Implications of Reduced Passing Grades
Increased Accessibility
The reduction in the passing grade may lead to a more accessible pathway for individuals seeking to enter the electrical trade. By lowering the threshold for passing licensing exams, more candidates may successfully obtain their licenses. This could help address workforce shortages in the electrical industry, particularly as demand for skilled electricians continues to rise due to increased construction activities and infrastructure projects.
Potential Risks
However, there are potential risks associated with this change. A lower passing grade may result in individuals entering the workforce who may not possess adequate knowledge or skills. This could lead to subpar work quality and increased safety hazards. Employers may need to implement additional training programs to ensure that newly licensed electricians meet industry standards.
Increased Continuing Education Requirements
Enhanced Skill Development
Doubling the continuing education requirements for licensed electricians is a significant step toward ensuring that professionals remain informed about current practices, technologies, and safety regulations. Regular training helps electricians stay updated on code changes and emerging technologies that can enhance their work efficiency and safety.
Compliance Challenges
While increased education requirements can improve overall competency in the field, they also pose challenges for electricians and contractors. Meeting these new requirements may require additional time and financial investment. Electricians must plan accordingly to ensure they can fulfill their continuing education obligations while managing their work schedules.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
With these legislative changes come stricter penalties for non-compliance with licensing regulations:
- Fines: Electricians who fail to meet continuing education requirements or do not pass their licensing exams may face fines or other disciplinary actions from licensing boards.
- License Suspension or Revocation: Continued failure to comply with licensing requirements can lead to suspension or revocation of an electrician’s license. This can severely impact an individual’s ability to work in the field.
- Increased Scrutiny: As regulatory bodies tighten enforcement of licensing requirements, electricians may face increased scrutiny during inspections or audits. Compliance with all aspects of licensing will be essential to avoid penalties.
Preparing for Changes
Staying Informed
Electricians and contractors should stay informed about changes in licensing laws and regulations at both state and federal levels. Regularly checking updates from relevant regulatory bodies will help professionals remain compliant with evolving standards.
Investing in Training
To meet increased continuing education requirements effectively, electricians should consider investing in training programs that offer relevant courses covering essential topics outlined in new regulations. Online courses can provide flexibility for busy professionals seeking to fulfill their educational obligations.
Collaborating with Industry Associations
Joining industry associations can provide valuable resources for staying updated on regulatory changes and accessing training opportunities. These organizations often offer workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities that can enhance professional development.
Conclusion
The recent changes to electrician licensing penalties reflect a broader trend toward enhancing safety standards within the electrical industry while addressing workforce shortages. While reducing passing grades may increase accessibility for aspiring electricians, it is crucial to balance this with ongoing education requirements that ensure competency and safety in the field.As regulations continue to evolve, it is essential for electricians and contractors to remain proactive in understanding their responsibilities under these new laws. By investing in training and staying informed about compliance requirements, professionals can navigate these changes successfully while contributing positively to workplace safety and industry standards.