About John Devendorf, Esq.
John Devendorf is a graduate of UCLA and holds a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he was a Distinguished Scholar, recipient of the ALI-ABA Scholarship and Leadership Award, and a participant in the Immigrant Workers’ Rights Clinic and special delegation to Haiti.
A licensed attorney for more than a decade, John transitioned to a career as a legal content writer and editor after an externship with the IRS, a judicial clerkship, and practicing at a civil litigation firm in Princeton, New Jersey. John now lives in Portland, Oregon, where he enjoys writing, international travel, and escape rooms.
Articles written by John Devendorf, Esq.
Overview of Appellate Law
In a lawsuit, an appeal challenges a lower court's decision to a higher court. Appellate courts can review trial court decisions for legal errors, erroneous factfinding, abuse of discretion, or other limited grounds. The appellate court can affirm, reverse, or send back the trial court's decisions. An appeal is not a new trial, and the appellate court makes decisions based on the trial court's record. Appellate law involves preparing an appellate brief and oral argument before a judge or panel …
Overview of Administrative Law
Administrative law deals with how government agencies create and enforce regulations and agency rules. The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) provides the outline for rulemaking, enforcement, and adjudication of rules and statutes. Due process gives individuals the right to make comments about proposed rules and the right to appeal rulemaking decisions. Judicial review allows courts to review administrative decisions to make sure they are reasonable and within the scope of government authority. …
Overview of Science and Technology Law
There is broad overlap between law, science, and technology in our increasingly tech-based society. Science and technology law involves laws, regulations, litigation, and dispute resolution in the science and technology industries. This legal practice area touches on intellectual property, data privacy, biotechnology, telecommunications, and more. As technology advances, new legal issues arise, including internet law and E-commerce, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics. Science and …
Overview of Professional Malpractice Law
Professionals such as doctors and lawyers are held to a higher duty of care than the average person. When a professional makes a mistake that causes harm, you can file a professional negligence claim for damages. These lawsuits generally require expert testimony to establish the standard of care for the profession and causation for damages. Types of professional liability claims include medical malpractice, legal malpractice, and psychological malpractice. Professional malpractice lawsuits have …
Overview of Military Divorce Law
To get a divorce, military service members have to follow state divorce law. State divorce laws guide division of assets, child custody, and military parenting plans. However, there are federal law overlays, including preemption and special rules for service of process on a service member. Jurisdiction and filing requirements can also depend on where the service member lives or is stationed. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) has additional rules to protect service members in a divorce. …
Overview of Insurance Defense Law
Insurance defense law involves representing insurance companies and policyholders in civil litigation claims. When someone files a legal claim against the policyholder for personal injury or property damage, attorneys representing the insurance companies come to the defense of policyholders. The insurer's "duty to defend" covered claims is part of the insurance policy. Generally, insurance defense lawyers protect the insurance company's interests by reducing the risk or cost of liability. …
Overview of Legislative and Governmental Affairs Law
Legislative and government law involves elections, lobbying, and representing client interests in legislation and public policy. There are regulations governing the administrative and regulatory process. Legislative and government affairs lawyers know how to navigate ethics rules, lobbying disclosure laws, and campaign finance regulations. For legal advice about lobbying federal, state, and local government, contact a local legislative and government affairs lawyer. What Is Legislative and …
Overview of Government Relations Law
Government relations law is about furthering client interests through lobbying and advocacy initiatives with government entities. Lawyers in this field can help their clients influence public policy and legislation at the federal, state, or local government level. Government relations lawyers can also advise their clients on campaign finance regulations, ethics and compliance rules, and lobbying disclosure and registration laws. For more information and personalized legal help, talk to a …
Overview of Government Contracts Law
Government contracts involve businesses making agreements with federal, state, or local government agencies. The government procurement process is highly regulated. For federal government contracts, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) guide contract terms and compliance requirements. There are also specific procedures for contract administration and performance disputes and claims. With a lot of money at stake, there is competitive bidding and proposals for government contract awards. …
Overview of Native American Law
Native American law governs how the United States government and Native American tribal governments relate to and interact with one another. Consisting of treaties, federal statutes, and case law, Native American law covers issues of tribal sovereignty, tribal land use, natural resources, and gaming rights. The U.S. Supreme Court established foundational case law for tribal sovereignty and the federal government's trust responsibility. The U.S. federal government has a government-to-government …
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