Right now, most New York law firms are closed as a result of the governor’s mandate relating to COVID-19 shelter-in-place requirements. But that will soon change as some parts of New York state begin to transition under the governor’s 4-phase ...
Read More »MCBA President’s Message: MCBA and the reopening of Rochester: Leadership for recovery
As the Rochester region looks forward to a gradual reopening, the legal profession and the justice system face profound challenges. The shutdown has wrought changes that impact virtually every aspect of the legal system. The closure of state courts has ...
Read More »HR Connection: Another fine mess they’ve gotten us into
If you’ve had children home with you for a few weeks, I’m guessing you’ve heard, “that’s not fair!” a time or two. When our kids were young, and feeling the world was being unfair to them, I would explain, “Life ...
Read More »Survey, part 2: How law firms are responding to COVID-19
Two weeks ago I shared some results of a recent nationwide survey that was conducted by MyCase (the company for which I work) between April 8 and April 10, with 819 legal professionals responding. Previously I discussed the findings regarding ...
Read More »Business owners have loads of questions about returning to work
When the coronavirus pandemic began, business owners were hoping law firms could help interpret leases, emergency funding applications and insurance policies. Now, with New York taking steps to begin a phased-in reopening of the economy, labor and employment lawyers are ...
Read More »Workplace Issues: Mediation turns into litigation in USDC—Southern District of Texas-Houston Division
An alleged incident happened during a mediation between opposing counsel and it resulted in a Motion for Sanctions which was heard and decided by the Chief Judge of the Southern District of Texas, on May 4th, 2020 (4:19-cv-0087).The Texas Alternative ...
Read More »Remote working during COVID-19: Improve your mindset
Working remotely in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic isn’t easy. In fact, it can be incredibly stressful, in part because there are a lot of things about the current situation that are simply beyond our control. The good news ...
Read More »The Inclusive Office: As we experience collective trauma, start practicing trauma-informed care
We are all experiencing trauma right now. Though it may feel like getting through the day is a struggle, we will get through this (and focusing on yourself and your family should be your first priority) — but we can ...
Read More »Real Estate Law: Coronavirus triggers rent abatement negotiations in commercial leasing
Several weeks into the nationwide shutdown resulting from governmental regulations enacted in response to the coronavirus pandemic, commercial leasing continues to suffer the consequences. Commercial tenants anticipated the financial impact of having to close their doors for a still-unknown period ...
Read More »White Collar Corner: Small businesses likely target of False Claims Act liability for CARES Act fraud
On March 27, the President signed into law the largest economic stimulus bill in U.S. history known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act. The CARES Act provides more than $2 trillion in federal economic assistance for ...
Read More »Legal Loop: Survey results: How law firms are adapting to remote work
Lawyers across the country have been sheltering in place for weeks now, and for many, there is no immediate end in sight. The move to remote work was a sudden one, with governors instituting social distancing requirements seemingly overnight. Notably, ...
Read More »Environmental Law: NYS Adopts Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted most business and governmental matters in New York since early March, but in the midst of it, Gov. Cuomo succeeded in substantially changing the process for renewable energy siting. In conjunction with his proposed budget ...
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