The importance of planning for law firm resiliency during COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in some parts of the country, you’re likely wondering about the future of your law firm and its book of business. One way to abate those concerns is to prioritize preparing your firm for whatever may come. Make sure you’re never caught flat-footed and take steps to ensure […]
U.S. Supreme Court strengthens church autonomy doctrine
Last month, in Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morissey-Berru,[1] the United States Supreme Court decided two Catholic schools were exempt from employment discrimination claims from teachers they had terminated. This decision was a follow-up to the 2012 Hosanna-Tabor decision, in which the court recognized the “ministerial exemption” — a judicial doctrine that exempts religious […]
IP Frontiers: Design patents should be in every portfolio
A patent confers the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale or selling an invention, as recited in the claims of the patent, within the jurisdiction or from importing the invention into the jurisdiction in which the patent is obtained. When most people think of patent protection, they typically think of the […]
MCBA President’s Message: MCBA making changes in response to trying times
For so many, this year has been one of the most life altering we have ever experienced. I don’t have to recount to you the ways in which the pandemic has hit each of us. And how we have been unable to gather our usual support network — friends, family, colleagues, to mourn losses, grieve […]
Workplace Issues: What role do pet perks play in combatting attorney stress during the pandemic?
Working from home has some benefits especially that of pet care and pet additions to one’s family. During COVID-19, anxiety has run high and legal work being done remotely has prevented colleagues from discussing cases and sharing ideas about theories. The isolation of dealing with clients without “in-person” meetings can add to the stress of […]
Commentary: Federal court decision expands medical and family leave under the FFCRA
With September approaching and many schools operating under a hybrid or at-home model of teaching due to COVID-19, it is expected that parents will be seeking to take leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) to care for their children. A new decision from the Southern District of New York may impact the […]
COVID-19 survey: Lawyers continue to work remotely and in the cloud
It’s hard to believe that the pandemic has been with us for nearly 6 months — and will likely be around for months — or even years — to come. As a result of COVID-19 and its effects, some firms are busier than ever, while others are finding that business has slowed down. This newfound reality that […]
Legal Loop: Zoom court hearing tips from the Boston Bar Association
It’s the end of July 2020, and we’re months into the COVID-19 crisis with no end in sight. As surges occur across the country, working remotely has become commonplace for most members of the legal profession. Because of that, court appearances, hearings, and jury trials are also part of our newfound reality. As lawyers increasingly […]
Commentary: Social media advertising and attorneys — words to the wise
There are two two-word warnings for any attorney seeking to exploit social media to help build their practice. Watch out and be careful. The ethical rules for attorney advertising — long based primarily on direct client solicitation or print advertising — are a long way from catching up to the 140-character — Twitter — and […]
Real Estate Law: Initiation fees may be doorway to needed revenue for HOAs during pandemic
No homeowner likes to learn that their homeowners’ association (“HOA”) dues are being raised, especially during a global pandemic when finances are tight. The reality, though, is that maintaining an HOA is expensive, and the expenses do not decrease or slow down even when the rest of the world appears to. Given the current economy, […]
Legal Loop: New York judge weighs in on coaching witnesses during Zoom proceedings
It’s hard to believe that in the span of just a few short months, lawyers across the country have suddenly become technologically adept and are using a host of remote technology tools, including videoconferencing software. In the blink of an eye, interacting via videoconference is now a daily occurrence for both attorneys and judges alike, […]
Matrimonial Matters: Tips for online practice of family law
Online resources in family law practice have been available for several years. However, the fact that lawyers must make use of them because of COVID-19 concerns has pushed many of us out of our comfort zone. I freely admit that I am one of those people who is learning impaired when it comes to anything […]
Case Digests
- Fourth Department – Breach of contract: Hausrath Landscape Maintenance Inc. v. Caravan Facilities Management LLC
- Second Circuit – New York Child Victim’s Act: Kane v. Mount Pleasant CSD; Coe v. Eastport Union Free School
- NYS Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics – Appointing law clerk: Opinion 22-149
- Fourth Department – Bill of particulars: Harris v. Rome Memorial Hospital, et al.
- NYS Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics – Accusations against co-judge: Opinion 22-148
- Fourth Department – Medicaid: Washington Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Home v. NYS Dept. of Health
- Fourth Department – Criminal possession of a firearm: People v. Wilson
- Fourth Department – Promoting prostitution: People v. Watts
- Second Circuit – Class certification: Arkansas Teachers Retirement System V. Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
- Fourth Department – Show-up identification: People v. Waggoner
- Fourth Department – Association: Victory Village Tenants Assoc. v. Evergreen Communities, et al.
- Second Circuit – In personam jurisdiction: Kaplan v. Bank Saderat PLC
Law News
- Greenlight Networks selects Buffalo-based attorney as general counsel
- Barclay Damon hires attorney Matt Smith
- Rochester man sues Geneseo police, alleging false arrest, assault
- The Daily Record’s Power List for Intellectual Property 2023
- NY ethics panel says judges can join NRA
- Harter Secrest & Emery LLP names partner-in-charge of Buffalo office
- Banned professor sues SUNY Fredonia leaders
- Hochul signs law requiring unemployment insurance information from employers