Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig

10/30/2026

Why does an insurer pay less than it costs to fix a home? Sometimes the shortfall is built into the policy and will be paid later. Sometimes the insurer has undervalued the loss. Either way, it can feel impossible to contest an insurance company, and deadlines to act keep ticking. In Virginia, you can often take action, if you know what to do.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/when-your-insurer-wont-pay-enough/

By: Alex Rowan

10/30/2026

Congratulations to DBL Associate Jonathan Thomas on receiving the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys' (VADA) 2026 Best Article of the Year award! Jonathan was presented with the award at the Awards Luncheon during VADA’s annual meeting last Thursday for his article, “A New Standard: How Virginia Code Section 8.01-42.6 Changes the Framework of Employer Liability in Virginia.” We’re proud of Jonathan and his thought leadership on this important development in Virginia employer liability law.

Read the full article here:https://docs.vada.org/library/journals/Thomas-Code_8-01-42-6_Framework_of_Employer_Liability.pdf

10/29/2026

If you have been thinking about estate planning, someone has probably mentioned this idea to you: just add your kid’s name to the deed of your house. It sounds simple. No lawyer, no trust, no probate court. Here is why this popular shortcut deserves far more scrutiny than it usually gets.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/dont-add-your-children-to-your-deed-to-avoid-probate/

By: Amanda Jester

10/29/2026

DBL Partner Thomas Dunlap is featured in PCMag's latest piece, “AI Built a Photoshop Clone in a Day. I Asked Experts What Happens Next.” With AI tools now able to build free lookalikes of Photoshop and Microsoft Office in just a few hours, the author set out to ask what that means for developers, users, and the law. Tom addressed the legal side, explaining that reverse engineering software is generally permitted in the U.S., while issues like license terms, patents, and copying a product’s name or look are separate questions that can still cause trouble.

We are proud to see Tom’s insights included in this timely discussion. The full article is linked below.

📎https://www.pcmag.com/news/ai-built-a-photoshop-clone-in-a-day-i-asked-experts-what-happens-next

10/22/2026

This past weekend, DBL Senior Associate Hyung-Gyu (Leo) Sun returned to his alma mater, the College of William & Mary, to serve as a judge at the 2026 Colonial Classic Invitational Tournament, hosted by William & Mary Mock Trial on October 17–18. The Colonial Classic is William & Mary’s annual invitational, drawing undergraduate mock trial teams from across the region for a weekend of competitive trial advocacy, with practicing attorneys and judges volunteering to score the rounds and give the students feedback. Thank you, Leo, for dedicating your time to the next generation of advocates and for giving back to the program that helped shape your path. Supporting students and the legal community is part of who we are at DBL.

"Well-prepared, composed, and serious about the work. That’s most of the job, and the students had it." –Hyung-Gyu (Leo) Sun

10/20/2026

Last week, we welcomed our team to the Tysons office for another Connect Day. CEO DeAnna Burke and Partner William Flachsbart led presentations on the responsible use of AI in legal practice, a topic of growing importance to our clients and our profession. The day concluded with the panel "How to Capture Clients & New Business," moderated by CMO Aimee Panichella McKinney and featured Partners Thomas Dunlap, David Ludwig, and Wright Lewis. We are grateful to everyone who participated and look forward to the next one!

10/16/2026

If an insurer denies a medication you need and cannot safely stop taking, you can appeal that decision. However, the ordinary appeal calendar, which runs thirty to sixty days, may take too long. Virginia and D.C. law both build a faster track for exactly this situation. Here is what you need to know.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/your-options-in-virginia-and-dc-health-insurance-denied-medication/

By: Alex Rowan

10/06/2026

Congratulations to DBL Partner Buckley Warden who recently became the only attorney member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 17A Technical Committee. His legal perspective will be a valuable addition to the committee's work on fire protection standards. We are proud to have him on our team!

10/01/2026

If you own a Washington business, your company is probably your legacy and your largest asset causing a future-potential liquidity problem. If your business is growing, this can push your estate’s net worth past the Washington state ($3 million per person in 2026) or federal estate tax exemptions ($15 million per person for 2026) creating potential tax liability that must be paid by your estate.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/business-legacy-planning-in-washington/

By: Dubs Herschlip

09/30/2026

There are many new business owners who have some confusion regarding what copyright is and why it is important. For content creators, musicians, authors, graphic designers, photographers, influencers, production companies, designers in the fashion industry, and artists, copyright is even more critical to comprehend.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/copyright-registration-why-you-should-register-before-infringement-occurs/

By: Chris Arakaky

For entrepreneurs, registering their work with the United States Copyright Office should happen as soon as possible to stop others from undermining their business efforts.