Recent Articles from Commentary:
Beyond word of mouth: Proven, data-driven client acquisition methods
The right mix of digital and traditional lead sources can set a practice apart, and understanding and leveraging the appropriate online channels is key for any firm looking to thrive in today's competitive legal marketplace.
The other RICO | Commentary
It’s fair to say that many now have some awareness of the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization statute (RICO), given the fact that an ex-president of the United States has been charged with numerous violations of its criminal provisions. What is probably not generally known is that RICO also provides for the recovery of financial losses […]
The hostile work environment | Commentary
The Second Circuit recently rescued a significant civil rights matter that addressed working conditions at the General Motors plant in Lockport, New York.
Workplace stress affects all of us | Commentary
Here's practical information to help you assist those who have employment, disability benefit, Workers’ Compensation, and related problems.
Could legislation limiting non-compete agreements kick off a new era of workplace disputes? | Civil Litigation
A mainstay of employment-based litigation – non-compete agreements – is on the proverbial chopping block.
Commentary: Monroe County erred in turning down grant
I am the executive director of the Center for Family Representation, or CFR, the New York City agency referenced in Bennett Loudon’s Jan. 22 article, “Monroe County turns down $2.6 million grant.” CFR was proud to serve as the interdisciplinary model (offering legal, social work and parent advocate support) for the state’s Office of Indigent […]
The Tax Cut and Jobs Act – let the (tax) games begin
On Dec. 19, a 1,097-page “simplified tax code” was passed by both the House and Senate and signed into law on Dec. 22. The bill went into effect Jan. 1, with paycheck withholding changes likely starting in February. This article will summarize the major provisions of the bill. We will also follow up from time […]
Money Management: What is alpha and beta?
In every investment there is always some form of risk. It can range from interest rate risk, business risk, liquidity risk or market risk. To measure the amount of risk in an investment, there are five key risk measures: alpha, beta, R-squared, standard deviation and Sharpe ratio. These five measures can be used together or […]
Money Management: When will market volatility return?
As we enter the final months of 2017 the U.S. Stock market continues to make all-time highs. This is occurring amid some uncertainties that could serve to increase short to medium-term volatility. Let’s take a look at some of those potential challenges. S. stock valuations are stretched on a historical basis. Looking at forward price-to-earnings […]
GRAWA President’s Message: Expressing gratitude for GRAWA’s Board of Directors
A board is only as good as the people who serve on it. With the Thanksgiving holiday only a few weeks away, I thought it was a perfect time to give credit where credit is due. This month my column is devoted to my Board of Directors. To that end, please bear with me as […]
MCBA President’s Message: Demographics and our aging lawyers
My presidential duties over the past several weeks have included delivering the keynote address at the 2017 Monroe County Elder Law Fair, welcoming the new dean of the University of Buffalo Law School, Aviva Abramovsky, at a reception co-hosted by MCBA and UB Law School’s Rochester alumni group, and giving some brief remarks at the annual memorial service for attorneys who passed away during the[...]
White Collar Corner: Hold the phone: the duty to preserve cellular phone data
With the proliferation and technological advances of cellular phones, the role of these devices in the workplace has evolved at a rapid pace. While five years ago it was common for employers to provide employees with a “work phone,” now many companies instead offer to pay part or all of their employees’ data plans, leaving […]
Case Digests
- Court of Appeals – Speedy trial: People v. Justice A.
- Fourth Department – Traffic stop: People v. McMillon
- Second Circuit – Fair Labor Standards Act: Abbott v. Comme Des Garcons, Ltd.
- Second Circuit – Plea agreements: Cook v. United States
- Fourth Department: Statute of limitations: Marino v. Weiler
- Fourth Department – Nail and mail service: Rebutting presumption of service L&W Supply Corporation v. Built-Rite Drywall Corp, et al
- Fourth Department – Mental Hygiene Law: Charles L. v. State of New York
- Second Circuit – Medicaid and Medicare certification: U.S. ex rel. Quartararo v. Cath. Health Sys. Of Long Island Inc.
- Fourth Department – Waiver of indictment: People v. King
- Fourth Department – Speedy trial: People v. Jordan
- Fourth Department – Rosario material: People v. Dennard
- Second Circuit – Magnuson-Stevens Act: State of New York v. Raimondo
Law News
- Split court affirms gun conviction
- N.Y. Court of Appeals reverses gun conviction
- NY board approves cannabis lawsuit settlements, paves way for retail dispensaries
- NY Court of Appeals reverses murder conviction because of illegal police search
- NY Court of Appeals reverses gun conviction over ineffective counsel
- Split court affirms gun conviction, finding search and arrest were legal
- NY appeals court vacates drug conviction over illegal police search
- Split Court of Appeals strips Police Accountability Board of disciplinary power