Peter Everett and Chidi James Join with National Center for Victims of Crime to Host Workshop

Fairfax, VA - On May 14, 2015, Peter Everett and Chidi James, trial lawyers and principals with Blankingship & Keith, were part of a team that conducted an all-day workshop at George Mason University for crime victim advocates from Northern and Central Virginia.

The workshop was sponsored by the National Center for Victims of Crime and was attended by victim advocates working in government agencies and
 community based organizations, mental health service providers, law enforcement officers, social workers, prosecutors, policy makers, and victims of crime.

During the workshop, attendees learned important information to assist those who have been victims of violent crimes, including:

• What do victims gain through civil actions?
• What civil options are available to victims?
• Where can victims find a lawyer?
• What is the appropriate role of a victim service provider?

Everett represents victims of violent crimes in inadequate security cases against child care centers, shopping malls, hotels, apartment buildings and other commercial buildings. He has testified before Congress on legislation designed to regulate the security guard industry. He has also addressed victims’ rights issues on CNN's “Larry King Live,” ABC's “20-20” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and has published several works in this area. Everett served for 10 years as a member of the Executive Committee of the Inadequate Security Litigation Group of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA), serving as group co-chair from 1999-2003. He is a Charter Member of the National Crime Victim Bar Association.

James’ practice consists of serious personal injury cases, including wrongful death, products liability, and inadequate security cases. Prior to joining the firm, James completed the Judge Advocate Squadron Officer Course at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama and currently serves as a Lt. Colonel in the Virginia Air National Guard and member of the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He is a member of the National Crime Victim Bar Association and volunteers with Legal Services of Northern Virginia pro bono program where he represents victims of domestic violence.