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.
Travel Insurance: The Legal Fine Print You Need To Know
Most Americans only get about two weeks of vacation per year. Having so little time available to take a trip, people spend heavily on vacations. With so much time and money invested in travel, cancellations or emergencies can have a big financial impact. Travel insurance is a way to protect yourself against common losses related to travel disruptions. Before purchasing travel insurance, make sure you understand the fine print. The claims process is frustrating, and the insurance company may …
Medical Emergencies Abroad: Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities
A medical emergency far from home can be frightening and costly. Your health and well-being is the priority, but getting good care that you can afford can be difficult. While most countries in the world provide medical care at a lower cost that in the U.S., your health insurance may leave you paying more out of pocket. Patients may also have difficulty communicating with healthcare providers and be forced to pay upfront for medical care. Knowing where to turn for help if you face a medical …
What Are the Legal Requirements To Get a Digital Nomad Visa?
The term “digital nomad” refers to people who work remotely without being tied to a specific location or home country. Digital nomads include freelancers and employees of U.S.-based companies who have remote work agreements and work from other countries for limited periods of time. Digital nomad visas are the legal permit that lets employees live in a foreign country while they work remotely. People who want to work remotely in a different country must navigate visa work permissions, tax …
Driving Abroad: A Traveler's Guide to International Driving Laws
Driving in another country requires complying with local traffic laws and licensing requirements. Many countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign drivers. You should familiarize yourself with what you need to rent a car, get insurance coverage, and what to do in case of a traffic accident. Driving laws can vary greatly by country and can change at any time. For legal advice about what you need to know before driving abroad, talk to an experienced international law …
Overview of Utilities Law
Public utilities provide essential services to people and business, including delivering electricity, gas, and water. Federal and state laws regulate public utilities. Government agencies have a role in making sure the public gets fair access to necessary utilities. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates national standards for energy production and distribution. Local Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) generally regulate local energy and utility management. PUCs have a duty to …
Overview of Toxic Mold Law
Mold in your home or apartment can cause health problems and property damage. If you're renting property, your landlord has a duty to ensure the property is safe and habitable. Landlords also must disclose known safety issues to tenants. If there is water intrusion causing toxic mold growth, your landlord may be in breach of the warranty of habitability. If toxic mold causes serious health problems, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. A toxic mold expert can provide testimony showing …
Overview of Surety Law
A surety is a legal agreement that guarantees the debts or obligations of another party. Surety bonds are three-party agreements between the: Principal: Party that needs the surety bond Obligee: Party that requires the surety bond Surety: Party that provides the surety bond The principal has a contractual agreement with the obligee to perform certain actions — for example, construct a house. The surety provides a bond to the obligee guaranteeing the principal's performance. The surety …
Overview of Securities Litigation
Securities include stocks, bonds, and other financial tools that companies use to raise capital from investors. When there are disputes between publicly traded companies, the government, or shareholders, parties can take their cases to court. Securities litigation includes securities fraud, class action lawsuits, and shareholder derivative actions. The Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regulate the buying, selling, and trading of securities. The Securities and Exchange …
Overview of Railroad Accident Law
Railroad accidents can involve train derailment, toxic chemical exposure, or railroad crossing accidents. Train accident victims can recover compensation for injuries, while injured railroad employees can sue their employer under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). For legal advice about your rights after a train injury, contact a train accident attorney. Understanding Laws Governing Railroad Accidents Railroad accident regulations involve both state and federal laws. The federal …
Overview of Mediation and Collaborative Law
Mediation and collaborative law are types of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). A neutral third-party mediator or specially trained attorney helps the parties resolve their disputes without the cost and adversity of the court process. Out-of-court settlements focus on cooperation and facilitate negotiation. Mediation also ensures confidentiality. Any type of legal dispute can go through mediation and collaboration but it is most common in family law cases. To understand your ADR options in a …
Find top lawyers with confidence
The Super Lawyers patented selection process is peer influenced and research driven, selecting the top 5% of attorneys to the Super Lawyers lists each year. We know lawyers and make it easy to connect with them.
Find a lawyer near you