“Many times we will take our strongest litigator on the team and place them on the other side, defending the case,” explains John Houghtaling of the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm. Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law often hires actors and actresses to play witnesses for the defense. “We hire a retired judge,” adds Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law partner James Williams, “and pay a mock jury for their time – allowing them to sit, listen and actually believe the case is real.” According to the two partners from Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law it is important that the mock jury believe the case is real. “It’s also important,” says the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams managing law partner, “that the jury be selected from the same area or venue in which the real case will be presented.”

Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law is not simply “playing court” when they piece a mock trial together. “The hidden cameras,” points out Williams, “allow the attorneys at Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law to evaluate every angle of our case.” In addition, hidden cameras allow the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law attorneys to witness an actual jury deliberation. This allows the law team at Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams to get a realistic idea of what will appeal to a jury. Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm attorneys can then make decisions based upon perceived strengths and weaknesses in the case. “We get the chance to try the case, before we try the case – and then adjust our strategy of approach in the real courtroom,” comments the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law managing partner. Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law attorneys spend hours studying the recordings.

Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law may also use the recordings of the mock jury deliberation to aid in the settlement process. Through this process alone the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm has recovered nearly $4 billion for their clients.

For more information about the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams, visit them online at http://www.ghwlegal.com.

About Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law

For more information about the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling, and Williams, visit them online at http://www.ghwlegal.com or call (504) 456-8600.

“OTS machines can separate the water and oil – quickly,” notes John W. Houghtaling.  Able to separate 200 gallons of water per minute, the largest centrifuges were the ones most utilized during the Gulf spill, states John W. Houghtaling.    ”Kevin is an avid fisherman and after the Valdez spill of 1989 he was impacted deeply and he wanted a solution to future potential disasters,” adds John W. Houghtaling.

During the BP testing phase of these machines, the oil giant pushed the limits of the Ocean Therapy Solutions centrifuges.  “They wanted to see what the machines could do,” recalls John W. Houghtaling.  During these tests, water samples were brought to the machines.  Some of the samples included dispersant, often used to emulsify oil that is sitting in water, explains John W. Houghtaling.  John W. Houghtaling also describes, “The samples of oil and water containing dispersant have a thick consistency.”  While the machines handled the sample, the centrifuge filter became blocked.  “So Ocean Therapy Solutions quickly moved to solve that issue,” says John W. Houghtaling.

John W. Houghtaling acknowledges that public word of these tests, “led some to incorrectly state that there were problems with the technology.”  John W. Houghtaling adds that since 1993 Kevin Costner spent millions of dollars developing the centrifuge separators.  John W. Houghtaling maintains that the machines have had major success in smaller oil clean-up situations.  “BP wanted to push all limits, through their testing, of our machines and who can blame them?” concludes John W. Houghtaling.

About John W. Houghtaling

Loving the drama of the courtroom would lead John W. Houghtaling from modest means and background to managing partner and ownership of the prestigious Gauthier firm in New Orleans, now renamed Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams.

It was at Emory where John W. Houghtaling had first heard the name Wendell Gauthier.  While at College his mother sent him a newspaper article about pending big tobacco litigation and the famed attorney, John W. Houghtaling would remember the name some time later.  A fellow Loyola law school student was bragging about his work with the nationally known Gauthier firm.  John W. Houghtaling pressed for details only to find that the classmate had done manual labor, not legal work.  Yet the enterprising John W. Houghtaling saw a door of opportunity where most would have not, and took the next step.

Wearing a suit and tie and carrying his laptop, John W. Houghtaling reported to work at the Gauthier firm, moving boxes for $8.00 an hour.  And though he was told he looked “silly” and that he should dress more appropriately for the job, John W. Houghtaling dressed for success – every day – to move boxes.  One day, that dress-for-success mentality paid off when the legendary Wendell Gauthier was unsuccessfully looking for a lawyer to write a letter.  John W. Houghtaling stepped up and offered his writing services.  The rest is history.

Starting at 6 AM everyday and ending his day after everyone else had left the office, John W. Houghtaling, in the next step of his life as an attorney for the Gauthier firm, was a tireless worker.  Passionate about his work and able to choose the cases in which he was interested, John W. Houghtaling began showing Wendell Gauthier and the other partners his value and keen legal mind.  Yet something would happen that would devastate both the Gauthier firm – and John.

In 2001, after a brief battle with liver cancer, Wendell Gauthier died at the age of 58.  The loss of his mentor precipitated the unseen next step for John W. Houghtaling.  While the other partners of the Gauthier firm bickered over leadership roles, John W. Houghtaling continued his tireless work.  Bringing in new clients, hiring his own staff from people who had been laid off by the stagnating Gauthier firm and even tapping the partnership of James Williams, John W. Houghtaling saw his next opportunity.  With the blessing of the Gauthier family and enough money, clients and staff, John W. Houghtaling purchased the law firm in which just ten years earlier, he had carried books.

In 2005, at the age of 33, John W. Houghtaling became managing partner of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams.

1.   Access the website by typing the exact name http://www.annualcreditreport.com into the web browser. Stephanie Izen warns consumers to beware of imposter sites with names similar to http://www.annualcreditreport.com. Searching the words “annual” “credit” and “report” will more than likely misdirect the consumer to one of these look-alike sites, says Stephanie Izen. If there are advertisements or promotions for credit checking services that cost money, then it’s not the right site, she cautions.

2.   Do not access the website using a public computer, shared network, or via WiFi. Stephanie Izen explains that in order to get a free credit report, consumers must provide all of their personal information (name, address, birth date, etc.) as well as a social security number. The site has multiple layers of security and encryption, but Stephanie Izen suggests that consumers avoid accessing the website via a public computer, a shared computer, or via WiFi. Stephanie Izen recommends using a personal, secure computer to best safeguard this information.

3.   Remember that a credit report and credit score are two different things. Stephanie Izen explains that a credit report is merely a record of an individual’s (or company’s) credit history. A credit history is all of a person’s past borrowing and repaying track record, including information about late payments and bankruptcy.   However, says Stephanie Izen, because each of the Big 3 have their own way of doing things, a consumer’s credit report will differ from company to company. Monitoring a credit report allows a consumer to see what information is in their file. Also, adds Stephanie Izen, a consumer can see if there is any incorrect information or any fraudulent activity such as attempted or actual identity theft.  If so, notes Stephanie Izen, the report gives the consumer information on how to fix the problem.

A credit score, on the other hand, is a complex mathematical model/formula that evaluates all of the information in a person’s credit report, explains Stephanie Izen. A credit score is a number that represents a consumer’s “creditworthiness,” according to Stephanie Izen. It weighs the risk a company takes when lending money or providing a service to the consumer against the likelihood that the person will pay back the money, on time. Stephanie Izen says that the higher the score, the less risk the person represents and therefore the more “creditworthy” they are.

More information, and Frequently Asked Questions, can be found at the website http://www.annualcreditreport.com.

About Stephanie Izen
Stephanie Izen is a financial and legal “hybrid” – an executive leader who utilizes financial analysis, business acumen, and legal expertise to help businesses thrive. Stephanie Izen may be reached at stephanieizen@yahoo.com.

1. Never release your social security number.  Only release your social security number when it is absolutely necessary says Matt Mullhofer.
2. Use a corporation or another entity for major transactions.
3. Avoid writing checks because they leave an extensive paper trail.
4. According to Matt Mullhofer when investing offshore, ensure that you are in compliance with all laws and reporting requirements.
5. Only disclose what is necessary to financial institutions.
6. Maximize the bearer transactions that are not reported under your name.
7. Use financial professionals that will keep your financial information confidential.  Attorneys are bound to keep all of your information confidential.
8. Always have your accountant work through your lawyer to insure confidentiality told Matt Mullhofer.
9. Use a post office box or drop box for mail correspondence.
10. Avoid using safety deposit boxes, use private vaults instead.
11. Prepare a living trust to bequeath your property.  This will avoid the high cost associated with probate as well as any loss of privacy.
12. Arrange your investments so that you can provide the least possible amount of financial information.

About Matt Mullhofer
Matt Mullhofer has been practicing law since 1999, and has owned and operated the Law Office of Matt Mullhofer, PC since 2000. The goal of Matt Mullhofer is to provide professional legal services to the clients of ProtectMyAssets.

While volumes can be written about the needs of estate planning, sometimes it is easiest to have a short simple check list. To that end, here is a two minute check list that may help facilitate a more comprehensive discussion. Every estate needs the following:

A Will:

This legal document tells who will manage your estate. A will is a document containing your instructions and wishes as to how your property and assets are to be distributed after your death says Matthew Mullhofer. Any person, of any age, should seriously consider a will at the earliest possible time. It is the expression of your wishes concerning how your property will be distributed. It is a written statement, signed in compliance with you state guidelines. It is a legal document containing the names of the people you want to benefit, as well as details of your possessions at the date of your death. Matthew Mullhofer knows that your property and possessions include everything you own; your home, land, vehicles, bank accounts, benefits of insurance policies, furniture, boat, investments such as shares of stock, personal jewellery, artwork, and so on. A will is the only way you can ensure your assets will be distributed according to your wishes.

A Letter of instruction:

This document addresses financial and personal issues that must be attended to after your death. It is generally less formal then your will and can be much more to the point.  One of the most important features of a letter of instruction reflects Matthew Mullhofer, is it provides specific information regarding personal preferences in medical or funeral care and details concerning dispersion or care of your personal assets that your legal documents may not outline. Letters of instruction can be used for many different things, but one of their main uses is simply to lead the person who must settle your estate through the process step by step in plain language that he or she can easily understand says Matthew Mullhofer.

Advance directive:

While this document may be referred to by different names, its intent is straight forward. These documents refer to health care directives, living wills, health care (medical) powers of attorney, and other personalized directives. It is a legal document that you as the signor defines your desire to be kept alive by extraordinary medical efforts. Matthew Mullhofer has utilized this type of document for many of his clients. This is particularly important if you suffer from a terminal illness or are severely disabled and can no longer make decisions for yourself. This document eliminates the distress that your loved ones might other wise be faced with.

Power Of Attorney:

This is the document that gives another person legal authority to act on your behalf. When you create this document, you are acting as the principal and the person you giving the power to is called your attorney in fact. Matthew Mullhofer acts as an attorney in fact for many of his clients. If you create a durable power of attorney, that document will continue in effect even if you become incapacitated. While this document can serve as a directive for many things, it is core needs for every estate. There are many details involved in each one of these documents. As you review your current situation these brief definitions may help. Being prepared for such a discussion is half of the process.

Matthew Mullhofer is a practicing attorney In Orange County, California. Matthew Mullhofer specializes in the protection of client property by providing estate planning; living trust preparation and asset protection. The Matthew Mullhofer firm may be reached at 877-246-2770.8877-246-77.246.2770.

Kurt V. Beasley on Arbitration: When Speed, Flexibility and Goodwill are Important - By Kurt V Beasley

Largely due to all the activity within the current court structure and the high profile lawsuits splashed across the news everyday, a lesser known option is often overlooked. “Arbitration remains a very viable option for most conflicts” says Kurt V. Beasley, a Brentwood Tennessee attorney. Arbitration is a private, informal process that allows the parties to a contract agree, in writing, to submit their disputes to one or more impartial persons who will adjudicate and resolve the controversy by rendering a final and binding award to the prevailing party. Arbitration has certain advantages over Court proceedings.

In many cases arbitration can be heard without the long delay. For a case to go to court the time period required is usually longer. Arbitration however allows for the possibility of selecting arbitrators that suit the timetable of the parties. The traditional court system can stretch conflict resolution out for months or even years. Kurt V. Beasley would much rather see a conflict more peacefully resolved.

There are other benefits as this option is considered uttered Kurt V Beasley. The adversarial nature of court hearings usually guarantees that parties to a dispute heard in court will never be able to work together again. Arbitration hearings are usually held in private and in a less adversarial setting where the parties feel that a business disagreement is being sorted out. A more reasoned approach allows both parties to feel as though they are not going to war. Many times arbitrators will try to persuade the parties to utilize an even more peaceable approach which is mediation. Most arbitration systems can assist in facilitating an attempt to expedite settlement without going to arbitration at all. The more business-friendly nature of arbitration is actively practiced by the Waterford Law Group where Kurt V. Beasley is a founding partner. As Mr. Kurt V Beasley explains it, mediation acts as a form of insurance against loss of good will and, if handled by experienced arbitrators and arbitration-counsel, enables parties to continue a business relationship after the proceeding is long over with.

Finally, unlike court rules which are usually set out in formal procedures which are never varied, parties to arbitration are free to customize and refine the basic arbitration procedures to meet their particular needs. If the parties agree on a procedure that conflicts with the rules of the Arbitration body selected, the arbitration body will respect the procedure opted-for by the parties suggested by attorneys like Kurt V. Beasley unless these would, in the experience of the arbitrators, be unworkable.

Arbitration is used for a wide variety of disputes – from commercial disagreements involving intellectual property, major commercial technology, activities, securities transactions, real-estate, construction, insurance claims and employment grievances. Arbitration provides a viable solution for almost all commercial business conflicts. While there are many benefits to arbitration, a common assumption that may be incorrect is that the costs of complicated arbitration may be less than the costs of a full court hearing. This is an aspect that is best discussed with professionals prior to beginning the process. Once a decision has been made the parties can quickly move into the process of resolution.

Kurt V Beasley is the Managing member of Waterford Law Group in Brentwood Tennessee. The firm provides a broad suite of legal and accounting services and prides itself on practicing the art of law. ]]> http://aicube.com/kurt-v-beasley-on-arbitration/feed/ 0 http://aicube.com/kurt-v-beasley-on-estate-planning-a-two-minute-drill/ http://aicube.com/kurt-v-beasley-on-estate-planning-a-two-minute-drill/#comments Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:29:02 +0000 AdminR http://aicube.com/?p=134

Kurt Beasley on Estate Planning; a two minute drill – By Kurt Beasley

While volumes can be written about the needs of estate planning, sometimes it is easiest to have a short simple check list. To that end, here is a two minute check list that may help facilitate a more comprehensive discussion. Every estate needs the following:

A Will:

This legal document tells who will manage your estate. A will is a document containing your instructions and wishes as to how your property and assets are to be distributed after your death says Kurt Beasley. Any person, of any age, should seriously consider a will at the earliest possible time. It is the expression of your wishes concerning how your property will be distributed. It is a written statement, signed in compliance with you state guidelines. It is a legal document containing the names of the people you want to benefit, as well as details of your possessions at the date of your death. As the Managing Member of Waterford Law Group, Kurt Beasley knows that your property and possessions include everything you own; your home, land, vehicles, bank accounts, benefits of insurance policies, furniture, boat, investments such as shares of stock, personal jewellery, artwork, and so on. A will is the only way you can ensure your assets will be distributed according to your wishes.

A Letter of instruction:

This document addresses financial and personal issues that must be attended to after your death. It is generally less formal then your will and can be much more to the point. One of the most important features of a letter of instruction reflects Kurt Beasley, is it provides specific information regarding personal preferences in medical or funeral care and details concerning dispersion or care of your personal assets that your legal documents may not outline. Letters of instruction can be used for many different things, but one of their main uses is simply to lead the person who must settle your estate through the process step by step in plain language that he or she can easily understand said Kurt Beasley.

Advance directive:

While this document may be referred to by different names, its intent is straight forward. These documents refer to health care directives, living wills, health care (medical) powers of attorney, and other personalized directives. It is a legal document that you as the signor defines your desire to be kept alive by extraordinary medical efforts. Kurt Beasley has utilized this type of document for many of his clients. This is particularly important if you suffer from a terminal illness or are severely disabled and can no longer make decisions for yourself. This document eliminates the distress that your loved ones might other wise be faced with.

Power Of Attorney:

This is the document that gives another person legal authority to act on your behalf. When you create this document, you are acting as the principal and the person you giving the power to is called your attorney in fact. Kurt Beasley acts as an attorney in fact for many of his clients. If you create a durable power of attorney, that document will continue in effect even if you become incapacitated. While this document can serve as a directive for many things, it is a core need for every estate.

There are many details involved in each one of these documents. As you review your current situation these brief definitions may help. Being prepared for such a discussion is half of the process.

Kurt Beasley is the Managing member of Waterford Law Group in Brentwood Tennessee. The firm provides a broad suite of legal and accounting services and prides itself on practicing the art of law. ]]> http://aicube.com/kurt-v-beasley-on-estate-planning-a-two-minute-drill/feed/ 0 http://aicube.com/matthew-c-mullhofer-on-arbitration-when-goodwill-flexibility-speed-matter/ http://aicube.com/matthew-c-mullhofer-on-arbitration-when-goodwill-flexibility-speed-matter/#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:08:49 +0000 AdminR http://aicube.com/?p=153 Matthew C. Mullhofer on Arbitration:  When goodwill, flexibility and speed matter - By Matthew C  Mullhofer

Largely due to all the activity within the current court structure and the high profile lawsuits splashed across the news everyday, a lesser known option is often overlooked. “Arbitration remains a very viable option for most conflicts” says Matthew C. Mullhofer, a southern California attorney. Arbitration is a private, informal process that allows the parties to a contract agree, in writing, to submit their disputes to one or more impartial persons who will adjudicate and resolve the controversy by rendering a final and binding award to the prevailing party. Arbitration has certain advantages over Court proceedings.

In many cases arbitration can be heard without the long delay. For a case to go to court the time period required is usually longer. Arbitration however allows for the possibility of selecting arbitrators that suit the timetable of the parties. The traditional court system can stretch conflict resolution out for months or even years. Matthew C. Mullhofer would much rather see a conflict more peacefully resolved.

According to Matthew C Mullhofer there are many benefits if this option is considered. The adversarial nature of court hearings usually guarantees that parties to a dispute heard in court will never be able to work together again.  Arbitration hearings are usually held in private and in a less adversarial setting where the parties feel that a business disagreement is being sorted out. A more reasoned approach allows both parties to feel as though they are not going to war. Many times arbitrators will try to persuade the parties to utilize an even more peaceable approach which is mediation. Most arbitration systems can assist in facilitating an attempt to expedite settlement without going to arbitration at all. The more business-friendly nature of arbitration is actively practiced by Matthew C. Mullhofer. As Mr. Matthew C Mullhofer explains it, mediation acts as a form of insurance against loss of good will and, if handled by experienced arbitrators and arbitration-counsel, enables parties to continue a business relationship after the proceeding is long over with.

Finally, unlike court rules which are usually set out in formal procedures which are never varied, parties to arbitration are free to customize and refine the basic arbitration procedures to meet their particular needs. If the parties agree on a procedure that conflicts with the rules of the Arbitration body selected, the arbitration body will respect the procedure opted-for by the parties suggested by attorneys like Matthew C. Mullhofer unless these would, in the experience of the arbitrators, be unworkable.

Arbitration is used for a wide variety of disputes – from commercial disagreements involving intellectual property, major commercial technology, activities, securities transactions, real-estate, construction, insurance claims and employment grievances says Matthew C Mullhofer. Arbitration provides a viable solution for almost all commercial business conflicts. While there are many benefits to arbitration, a common assumption that may be incorrect is that the costs of complicated arbitration may be less than the costs of a full court hearing.  This is an aspect that is best discussed with professionals prior to beginning the process. Once a decision has been made the parties can quickly move into the process of resolution.

Matthew C. Mullhofer is a practicing attorney In Orange County, California. Mr. Matthew C Mullhofer specializes in the protection of client property by providing estate planning; living trust preparation and asset protection. The firm may be reached at 877-246-2770.8877-246-77.246.2770.

By ProtectMyAssets.com

Matthew C. Mullhofer has been practicing law since 1999, and has owned and operated the Law Office of Matthew C. Mullhofer, PC since 2000. The goal of ProtectMyAssets.com is to provide professional legal services to the clients of  ProtectMyAssets.

Matthew C. Mullhofer has been practicing law since 1999, and has owned and operated the Law Office of Matthew C. Mullhofer, PC since 2000. The goal of ProtectMyAssets.com is to provide professional legal services to the clients of Matthew C Mullhofer.

In this article he shares some important concepts about how you can protect your assets.

First of all, don’t rely on secrecy or concealment to prevent creditors from learning about your assets.  You can be forced to testify under oath, and if you attempt to deny you will be committing the crime of perjury. You should also remember that with the use of computers and investigations, these days it is not difficult for creditors to locate assets, even those that have been held overseas.

ProtectMyAssets adds that it is important, however, to remember that you are only required to disclose assets if a creditor obtains a judgment against you, when you are sued for punitive damages (and assets are relevant to the award), or when litigation involves the fraudulent conveyance and the assets are relevant to the discovery.

Creditors entitled to discovery of a debtor’s assets have great discretion in their examination and procedures. Spouses can also be forced to disclose their finance to a judgment creditor even if they aren’t involved in the litigation says ProtectMyAssets.com. Additionally, insurance companies may be required to disclose information about your assets to judgment creditors.

For more information or assistance, check the Matthew Mullhofer website ProtectMyAssets.com

2552 West Woodland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92801
Ph:(714) 827-9955  Fax:(714) 827-9966