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Related Articles: Mathew B. Tully Esq.
Today’s Honoree is Mathew Tully
Mat founded his law firm in his kitchen in 2004. He has built it to be a multi-million dollar firm in 3 states. In March he left it all behind to serve his country. Mat is a Lt. Col. in …
Pilots Could Be Punished After Speaking Up About Deadly F-22 Fleet
Two US Air Force pilots who spoke out against unresolved issues onboard the multi-million dollar F-22 Raptor fleet may face punishment from the Pentagon, even though they are covered under the Whistleblower Protection Act. Despite ongoing reports of malfunctions with …
Federal Employees Face Uphill Battle to Improve the Worst Agencies
By Mathew B. Tully There’s bad, and then there’s really bad. A majority of federal employees braved the political and economic storms that hit the federal government in 2011 with their job satisfaction and commitment only declining by 1.5 percent, …
Ask the Lawyer: What Exactly Qualifies as Wrongful Sexual Contact Under the UCMJ?
By Mathew B. Tully While the most serious sexual assault offenses, such as rape and aggravated sexual assault, have captured the most media attention, wrongful sexual contact is actually becoming a bigger problem in the military. In the 2010 fiscal …
White Lies Can Leave Dark Stains on Federal Careers
By Mathew B. Tully With executive branch agencies facing tighter budgets and looking harder at the bottom line, federal employees have come under intense scrutiny. Naturally, with this greater scrutiny comes a greater fear of making mistakes. There is also …
Employment Rights for America’s Returning Veterans
Mathew Tully, from the Tully Rinckey law firm in New York, says that former members of the military have an advantage in getting hired by the federal government. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) allows veterans to obtain hiring preference …
Ask The Lawyer: Should I Reject Captain’s Mast For Court-Martial?
By Mathew B. Tully When deciding whether to take a case to court-martial instead of Captain’s Mast, the big question is how hard do you want to fight for your innocence? The next question is do you really want to …
State Ordered to Pay Legal Fees for Withholding Data
Originally posted in New York Law Journal Six months after the Court of Appeals unanimously chastised New York state for improperly withholding public information, a judge has ordered the state to pay $51,288 in attorney fees. But the judge, Supreme …
Ask the Lawyer: Family’s Losses Depend on Charges, Sentence
By Mathew B. Tully Question: What will happen to my family if I am convicted at court-martial and sentenced to confinement with a punitive discharge? Answer: What happens in the short term to dependents of service members sentenced to confinement …
Ask The Lawyer: Is It A Crime, Yet?
By Mathew B. Tully Q: At what point does an attempt to do something illegal become criminal, even if you don’t pull off the crime? A: In the military, anyone who tries to commit a crime, regardless of whether he …
Outside Employment May Lead to Blown Federal Careers
With President Barack Obama proposing to end a two-year pay freeze for federal employees, some fiscal relief may be in sight for them. It won’t be much, though. The proposed federal civilian across-the-board pay increase is only 0.5 percent. It’s …
Ask the Lawyer: You Can’t Take Military Property – Even Temporarily
By Mathew B. Tully Question: How bad would it be if I used some military equipment from work to do odd jobs at home? Answer: Every so often I come across a newspaper article about a bomb squad being called …
Method, Intent Shape Illegal-Entry Charges
Q: I got in trouble for going into a friend’s home without his permission while he was away. What’s the difference among burglary, housebreaking and unlawful entry? A: Even government prosecutors have a hard time differentiating these offenses. In fact, …
Ask the Lawyer: Don’t Approach Commercial Lease too Lightly
Question: I want to relocate my retail business to a shopping plaza that attracts more traffic than the one where I am currently located. I’ve been at the same location for years, so what should I know now about shopping …
Ask the Lawyer: What If You Are Being Punished For Blowing The Whistle?
By Mathew B. Tully With Congress squeezing the Department of Defense’s budget, you’d think military officials would warmly embrace any service member who reports an instance of fraud or waste. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. In fact, a …
Ask The Lawyer: Computer Misuse Can Compromise Security Clearance
Q: How bad is it for me to use my government computer for non-work matters? A: There is a type of computer program called a “Trojan horse.” It usually comes to users as a benign message or link, but once …
Feds Can Doom Their Careers with the Click of a Button
By Mathew B. Tully With federal agencies desperately looking to cut down on waste, and the presidential campaign heating up, federal employees should be especially mindful of how they use their government computers. Employees may jeopardize their jobs by spending …
Ask the Lawyer: Education Interrupted by Service? Know Your Rights
Q: I recently started attending college and am really enjoying it. I also serve in the National Guard. I’ve heard some professors grumble about students missing classes because of military obligations. I’m a little worried about what will happen to …
Ask the Lawyer: Recourse to Anticipated Breach of Contract
Question: A supplier with whom my company deals has been giving us the runaround for weeks. He’s having trouble delivering goods, and if I don’t get them soon then my business will be in big trouble. Do I have to …
Albany Law Firm Plans Syracuse Expansion
An Albany-based law firm with its sights set on nationwide offices in the next five years will set up its next location in Syracuse. Tully Rinckey PLLC plans to open its local office in April with three attorneys and expects …
When in Doubt, Don’t Wear Uniform to Off-base Events
Q: I am very active in community events off base. How do I know when not to wear my uniform? A: If you need to even think of the question, don’t wear your uniform. These days, many service members risk …
Albany Law Firm Looking to Shake Up Local Legal Scene
If you’re a lawyer, check your mailbox for a letter from Mathew Tully. Tully, partner in Tully Rinckey PLLC in Albany, is looking to hire five attorneys to open an office in the Syracuse area. It won’t be downtown, he …
Sanctuary for Independent Media’s Director Hopes to Build Positive Relationship with City
More details have emerged about the settlement reached between the City of Troy and the Sanctuary for Independent Media, which include $5,000 payment to the sanctuary and a potential $50,000 matching grant from the city for neighborhood improvements. The settlement, …
Lessons From the Air Force’s Mortuary Scandal
By Mathew B. Tully Bringing to light wrongdoing in the federal government can be a thorny matter. The law is very specific about how and to whom federal employees must “blow the whistle” in order to be considered a bona …
Ask the Lawyer: Even Legal Separation Can Lead to Adultery Conviction
By Mathew B. Tully Question: Can I be punished for adultery if I am legally separated? Could I be charged with anything else? Answer: Yes, you can be convicted of adultery even though you were legally separated at the time. …
Ask the Lawyer: Disobey an Order at Your Own Peril
By Mathew B. Tully Question: My commander is a little nuts. He keeps ordering me to do this or that. Sometimes I’m not even sure the things he’s ordering me to do are lawful. What should I do? Answer: One trait common …
Marines Caught Degrading Taliban Corpses
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said today the Marines videotaped urinating on Taliban corpses will be punished “to the fullest extent.” Military legal expert Mathew Tully, a lieutenant colonel in the New York National Guard, told the Stars and Stripes that punishment needs to …
DOD Out to Stem Backlash from Incendiary Video
U.S. officials scrambled Thursday to temper backlash from a video appearing to show Marines urinating on the corpses of Taliban fighters, an incendiary act that could again inflame anti-American sentiment throughout the Muslim world. Top Pentagon leaders issued a series …
Desertion Conviction Could Lead to Five-Year Prison Term
By Mathew B. Tully Question: I’ve never told anyone I plan to desert the military. So if I don’t report for duty for awhile, would the military come after me for AWOL or desertion? Answer: The main difference between being …
Kudos from Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce
The American Bar Association held its first Law Video Awards this month to honor excellence in video marketing for law firms, and Tully Rinckey PLLC took first place in the short video category. The winning short video can be seen here:
Going From Soldier to Citizen
Dalia Nesmith says she always felt like an American, even as she grew up in a family of illegal immigrants in the United States. Living between Mexico and the United States, Nesmith held on to her Mexican heritage, but also …
Going From U.S. Soldier to U.S. Citizen
Dalia Nesmith says she always felt like an American, even as she grew up in a family of illegal immigrants in the United States. Living between Mexico and the United States, Nesmith held on to her Mexican heritage, but also …
Reflecting on 2011, and Federal Employees’ Unsung Performance
By Mathew B. Tully With the end of the year comes the opportunity to reflect on the events and accomplishments of the last 12 months. For many federal employees, it also means having their supervisors look back on the work …
Rainier Shooting Suspect’s Army Discharge Does Not Bar VA Benefits
The former soldier who allegedly killed a ranger at Mount Rainier National Park Sunday likely was eligible for veterans benefits, according to documents that explain how soldiers with misconduct discharges like him can obtain services at Veterans Administration hospitals. Shooting …
Hazing-related Charges in GI’s Death Could be Difficult to Prove
A low-ranking soldier is hazed and mistreated by his fellow troops and even his leaders. He commits suicide. The military investigates. Are his tormenters legally responsible for his death? Last week, the Army charged eight soldiers in the hazing and …
Ask the Lawyer: Entrepreneur Considers Expanding in 2012
Question: The small manufacturing company my best friend and I launched a year ago is finally taking off. My partner is a little more ambitious about growing the business than I am. Do you have any recommendations for entrepreneurs preparing …
Coats for Vets, Christmas Pageants, Toys for Kids
Christmas is the time of year for traditions and giving to others. At the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Albany, the law firm Tully Rinckey partnered with Dickies clothing company to give away 50 coats to veterans. The law firm also donated …
8 US Soldiers Charged in Death of Fellow GI
Eight U.S. soldiers have been charged in the death of 19-year-old Private Danny Chen, who was found shot to death in a guard tower in Afghanistan. It was first thought that Chen may have committed suicide. The military’s investigation found however …
Tully Rinckey Steps Up Efforts to Aid Homeless Veterans
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently reported the findings of a one-night survey taken last January that over 636,000 people were homeless nationwide, down 2.1 percent from a year earlier. Veteran homelessness declined even further since January …
Ask the Lawyer: Lying to Get Out of Trouble Gets You Into More Trouble
Q: How bad is it if I stretch the truth a little when questioned by military police or a commander? A: For many people, it is unnerving to be questioned by a law enforcement officer. Even an officer’s simple or …
Agencies Drag Feet in Providing Reasonable Accommodations for Fed Employees
Federal agencies are notorious for dragging their feet. Unfortunately, many disabled federal employees are all too familiar with agencies’ reluctance, especially when it comes to providing them with reasonable accommodations that would help them do their jobs. One physically disabled, …
Fed Employee Survey Could Show Tip of the Iceberg for Favoritism
An annual Office of Personnel Management (OPM) survey is indicating many federal employees hold negative views about the legitimacy of performance-based raises and merit-based promotions. These findings could be showing the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the …
Clock Ticks for Cash-Strapped Feds With Security Clearances
By Mathew B. Tully It’s hard to believe that it was four years ago this December that the nation entered what was to become the longest recession since the Great Depression. Although the National Bureau of Economic Research says that …
Mathew Tully Nominated Hofstra University Alumni of the Month
What was your favorite class, who was your favorite professor, or what is your fondest memory of Hofstra? Early in my studies at Hofstra, I remember debating in one of my political science classes with then Political Science Professor …
Red Tape Ensnarls Veteran-Owned Small Business
House Committee on Veteran Affairs calls VA’s verification process a failure. The U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs held a joint hearing Wednesday to flush out what lawmakers called significant problems with the process of verifying veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned …
“Service Goes Above and Beyond” – M.B.
Over the past 5 years I have utilized Mat’s firm. The quality of service goes above and beyond that of any other legal service that I have encountered. The most noticeable action on their part is that they really do …
Tully Rinckey PLLC Wins American Bar Association’s First Law Video Award
The American Bar Association held it’s first Law Video Awards this month to honor excellence in video marketing for law firms, and Tully Rinckey PLLC took first place in the short video category. Through artist renderings, Tully Rinckey PLLC’s winning …
Locker Room Behavior – Pants Dropping, Sex Banter – Merits Demotion
The bar for excellence keeps getting higher for federal government supervisors. Perhaps that’s why, in 2011, 57 percent of federal employees surveyed by the Office of Personnel Management found that their organizations’ leaders maintained high levels of honesty and integrity, up …
Move Quickly to Ensure Vets’ Preference Honored for Fed Jobs
Q: I’m interested in entering federal civil service after I leave the military. I know veterans get federal hiring preference, but I know many veterans get passed over for jobs. How do I know when a federal agency has violated …
Ask the Lawyer: Be Careful When Giving a Little Help to Your Friends
Q: Can I get in trouble if I help a fellow service member who may have committed a crime? A: That depends on whether you actually know a fellow service member has committed a crime. The law regarding accessories after …
Employment Law Advice for America’s Returning Veterans
Today, we’re speaking with Mathew Tully, from Tully Rinckey PLLC law firm. We’re one of the largest law firms in the country that represents National Guardsmen and reservists in employment actions. I got here because in 1995, I went away …
One War to Another
Talk about shell shock. Over the past few months at my law firm dedicated to protecting the employment rights of military service members and veterans, I’ve heard from a shocking number of individuals experiencing trouble finding jobs. Part of the …
Ask the Lawyer: Misuse of Rx Drugs a Prescription for Trouble
Q: If my urinalysis comes back positive and I have a doctor’s prescription for painkillers, will I not get in trouble? A: Prescription drug use within the military has grown significantly in recent years, with many service members suffering from …
Hooray for Ruling Against NY Secrecy
We were gratified to see that New York’s top court has not only ruled against a state agency in a case involving freedom of information but also rebuked the agency for even allowing the case to get to court in …
Novel Settlement Expected to Benefit County, SPCA
An upstate SPCA has apparently worked out a unique settlement in which an animal-loving attorney who showed up on the doorstep of the county jail with 25 cats becomes a ticket-writing special deputy sheriff, and the SPCA collects half the …
How About Relationships in the Workplace?
Question: I’m a business owner and a bit of a romantic at heart. Is there any harm in letting my employees date each other? It is, after all, how I met my wife. Answer: The social mores that once kept …
Federal Commissioned Officers Score Protections Against Discrimination
Federal commissioned officers, who seven years ago saw their protections against discrimination severely curbed, can now go on the offensive thanks to recent decision from the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Due to a loophole in federal law, federal …
Foreign Influences Can Foil Security Clearance
Q: Two years ago I got married. My wife immigrated to the United States from a Middle East nation as a teenager. Most of her family remains in the Middle East and we visit them occasionally. I’ve been in the …
Tully Rinckey Takes Down State Education Department in Landmark FOIL Ruling
New York’s highest court upheld Tuesday a decision by a state appellate court that further requires all governmental agencies to comply with the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). The decision will affect nearly 800,000 professionals in 47 fields in New …
Working Families Party Concedes and Downsizes Without Admitting Wrongdoing or Defeat
A lengthy lawsuit with local political implications came to an end today, with the Working Families Party paying $100,000 to the plaintiffs’ law firm and disbanding its for-profit campaign arm. The WFP’s executive director issued a defiantly unapologetic statement. The payment …
GI Bill 2.0 Includes National Guard Members – Finally
When the Post-9/11 GI Bill was passed in 2008, it was hailed as a significant improvement to military education benefits. Under the new bill, military personnel with just 90 days of active-duty service could be partially eligible for benefits. After …
Judges Call for Common Sense in Responding to FOIL Requests
The Court of Appeals yesterday sent a not-so-subtle message to government agencies dealing with requests for information under the Freedom of Information Law: Be reasonable and do not waste the courts’ time. In a unanimous decision, the judges found themselves …
Our View: State Must do Better with FOIL
When he was attorney general of this state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo was a strong advocate for open government. Among his greatest achievements in that area was his office’s establishment of the Project Sunlight website, a terrific resource for gathering information …
Ruling Aids Access to Public Records
The state’s top court, in a stern ruling Tuesday that put all governmental agencies on notice in the handling of Freedom of Information requests, settled a four-year-old case involving names and addresses of veterinarians in Schenectady County. In its unanimous …
NY Court Slaps State in Public Information Case
New York’s top court chided a state agency and warned others on Tuesday after what judges called a costly, unnecessary fight to withhold public records sought under the Freedom of Information Law. The fight began in 2008 with a FOIL …
Matter of Schenectady County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Inc. v. Mills, Index 163
We hold that an agency responding to a demand under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) may not withhold a record solely because some of the information in that record may be exempt from disclosure. Where it can do so …
Don’t Drop the Ball When Requesting FMLA Deployment-Related Leave
Federal employees have long had to juggle work, home and financial responsibilities, along with parting goodbye to loved ones, when family members were called to active duty in the armed forces. Soon, changes to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) …
White House Takes On Diversity in Gov. as Hiring/Appt. Complaints Rise
Diversifying the federal workforce remains a work in progress. This point is evidenced by the Executive Order signed by President Barack Obama on August 18, 2011 (“EO 13583”). This EO is one of many passed by various presidents in recent …
Federal Commissioned Officers Score Protections Against Discrimination
By Mathew B. Tully Federal commissioned officers, who seven years ago saw their protections against discrimination severely curbed, can now go on the offensive thanks to recent decision from the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Due to a loophole …
Don’t Drop the Ball When Requesting FMLA Deployment-Related Leave
By Mathew B. Tully Federal employees have long had to juggle work, home and financial responsibilities, along with parting goodbye to loved ones, when family members were called to active duty in the armed forces. Soon, changes to the Family …
Ask the Lawyer
Q: I think someone I know in the Navy is cheating on his wife with a civilian in another state. He’s gone to great lengths to keep it a secret, but what would happen if he gets caught? A: Many …
White House Takes On Diversity in the Government Workplace, Hiring/Appt. Discrimination Complaints Rise
By Mathew B. Tully Diversifying the federal workforce remains a work in progress. This point is evidenced by the Executive Order signed by President Barack Obama on August 18, 2011 (“EO 13583”). This EO is one of many passed by …
Pregnant Women Protected by Law
Q: I work in sales and my supervisor did not take the news that I was pregnant very well. In fact, he was a jerk, commenting on how my career was ruined and how the business would suffer as a …
What You Need to “Know” About AWOL
Q: I am being charged with AWOL even though I never got the word about a mandatory formation for all personnel. Can my unit do that? A: It depends. There are several types of absence without leave under Article 86 …
Ranks of Super Lawyers at Tully Rinckey Grow in 2011
Providing further proof that Tully Rinckey PLLC is not only growing in size but also in respect among other upstate attorneys, four firm partners have been named “Super Lawyers” by a major brand in lawyer ratings for consumers. Super Lawyers, …
Positive Drug Test May Not Lead to Separation
Q: My drug test came back positive and showed traces of cocaine in my urine. Does this mean my military career is over? A: Not necessarily. The armed forces do not require mandatory separation when you test positive for illegal …
Air Force Reservist Wins Appeal on one of the Largest USERRA Lawsuits Ever
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has decided in favor of an Air Force reservist in his case against Wachovia Securities LLC, providing a major victory to service members who leave well-paying commission jobs to serve their country in …
Court Awards Reservist $926K in USERRA Case
An Air Force reservist is a major step closer to receiving $926,506 in back pay and damages, after winning another round in his court fight for his federal re-employment rights. It’s one of the largest cases ever under the Uniformed …
1st Cir: Employer $tuck with State and Fed Damages for Discriminating Against Guard Member
By Mathew B. Tully A federal appellate court shot down a Massachusetts sprinkler company’s attempt to curtail the amount of damages a service member could recover from it not only for violations to Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act …
2nd Cir. Decision Marks Big Win for Reservists with Commission-Based Jobs
By Mathew B. Tully A federal appellate court has handed a huge legal rights bonus to service members who leave commission-based jobs to actively serve in the military. The court found Wachovia Securities LLC violated an Air Force reservist’s rights …
One Day Shaped Their Lives
Shocked by coordinated attacks on their homeland, Americans joined the military after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks out of a sense of duty, to exact revenge and find direction. They deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. A decade later, they …
9/11: Ten Years After
It was four years after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks before Yankee Trails World Travel was operating its normal schedule to New York City. The bus company typically runs 100 or more trips a year to the Christmas Spectacular …
Club Denies Afghanistan Refund
Cpl. Matthew Martin and his fiancee waited for confirmation that his Marine Corps unit was not scheduled for an overseas assignment this year before setting their wedding date. “We wanted to be sure before we signed anything that he was …
Capital District Senior Spotlight: Legal Chat
Q: I’m in the process of drafting my will and am stuck on the question of naming an executor. I’m inclined to name my wife, but she is not very sophisticated when it comes to finances. Does it matter? A: …
16 Capital Region Companies Make Inc’s Fastest-Growing List
Sixteen companies in the Capital Region have made the latest list of Inc. magazine’s 5,000 fastest-growing businesses. The magazine annually ranks companies based on their percent increase in revenue over the past three years. No local companies cracked the magazine’s …
Officers Should Not Let Letters of Reprimand Ruin Their Careers
Q: I am an officer and have received a letter of reprimand. What should I do? A: Commissioned officers and warrant officers put their military careers at risk if they view a letter of reprimand (LOR) as a slap on …
Fed Employees’ Removals Reversed Because of Termination Secrets
Federal agency managers had better start laying all their cards on the table when it comes to the information they use in their decisions to fire employees. As of February 2011, the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is no …
The Workplace, Religious Observance and the Law
Question: My boss keeps scheduling me to work on Saturdays even though I’ve repeatedly told him my religious beliefs prohibit me from working on the Sabbath. Is this legal? Answer: Employers usually don’t like hearing excuses for why employees cannot …
Law Prohibits Public Employers from Laying Off Service Members on Active Duty
By Mathew B. Tully New York public employees who took leave to serve their country have less reason to worry about losing their civilian employment due to the consolidation, abolishment, displacement or demotion of their positions under legislation (A.1428-B) Gov. …
Sick Leave Flexible For Serious Health Conditions
Question: I had to miss a little more than three months of work to receive treatment and recover from cancer. While supportive at first, my boss is growing impatient. He keeps reminding me that I’m falling behind on my quotas …
Tully Rinckey Supports Jerry’s Kids
Tully Rinckey’s founding partner, Mathew B. Tully attended a fundraiser for the second year in a row, supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association this past weekend to help aid in the support of Jerry’s kids. Click Here to Read the Article
July Marks Sandwich Generation Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Randy Simons, Director of Media Relations rsimons@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1260 (Office) (518) 755-2789 (Cell) JULY MARKS SANDWICH GENERATION MONTH Law Firm Commemorates the Dedication of Adults Caring for Their Children and Elderly Parents June 30, 2011 – …
Ask the Lawyer: “Little White Lies” Not Worth the Risk of an Article 107
By Mathew B. Tully Q: How much trouble would I get into for telling a lie, or stretching the truth, on a military form? A: In the military, even what some might consider innocuous “little white lies” can stain your …
2nd Cir. OKs Termination Notice Given to Iraq Vet 3 Days into Reemployment
By Mathew B. Tully In a ruling that could embolden employers eager to shed employees who have been repeatedly called to military service, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals on May 31 said a Connecticut dental group did not violate …
Court: USERRA Doesn’t Guard GIs Against Hostile Work Environments
By Mathew B. Tully For the first time, a federal appellate court has weighed in on whether the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects service members from hostile work environments in which their military duty is the …
Oregon Grocer Fails to Check Out USERRA, Ordered to Pay Vets’
By Mathew B. Tully In yet another instance of veterans’ rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act being grossly violated, Oregon’s Department of Justice and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs recently announced that the Fred Meyer supermarket …
Can Employers Discriminate Against Smokers?
Question: I’ve been unemployed for five months, despite the fact that I’ve interviewed for several positions. I’m starting to believe employers are refusing to hire me because I’m a smoker. Can they do this? Answer: The topic of employers excluding …
National Police Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) NATIONAL POLICE WEEK Law Firm Offers Free Legal Advice to Law Enforcement What: Communities across the country are once again preparing to come together …
Tully Rinckey PLLC “Gives Back”
Our Tully Rinckey PLLC Corporate Social Responsibility Program derives from our commitment to improve community well-being through discretionary business practices and contributions of corporate resources. Our program is employee driven and designed to support causes that our current employees care …
“Knows the System Inside and Out” – M.A.G.
“When a Judge refers to your attorney as the “world famous Mat Tully,” you know you have the right lawyer on your side. Mr. Tully has won several cases for me, with one being a landmark decision, and I watched …
“Veterans are Being Heard!” – R.E.
“There is not a better choice out there! If it was not for Mr. Tully, I would have just been another Reservist fired and red flagged from ever getting another federal job, and for what, for just being a Patriot …
“Highest Degree of Integrity” – S.H.
“I ran into an experience where I was being discriminated against by my employer based on my military service. I looked to numerous attorneys who claimed to be experts on the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act and found …
Free Hams for Capital Region Vets – April 18, 2011
Law Firm Continues Tradition of Honoring Local Veterans What: The Easter holiday is a time of rich tradition in the United States. But for the thousands of American troops who will be spending the holiday away from family and friends, …
Law Firm Offering Free Easter Hams for Vets, Service Member Families
Tully Rinckey is honoring those who have served their country and the families of active service members this Easter. The law firm is giving gift certificates for a free turkey or ham to the first 50 Capital Region veterans and …
Free Easter Hams for Vets
The Easter holiday is a time of rich tradition in the United States. But for the thousands of American troops who will be spending the holiday away from family and friends, it’s no hop down the bunny trail. In honor …
News of Note for Foodies
If you’re a veteran or a member of a veteran’s family, mark your calendar. Move fast enough and you could find a ham in your Easter basket. The law firm of Tully Rinckey in Colonie is offering a free Easter …
Law Firm Highlights the Legal Needs of Today’s Federal Contractors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Law Firm Highlights the Legal Needs of Today’s Federal Contractors – Tully Rinckey PLLC Participating in the 2011 Government Security Conference & Expo March …
Mathew B. Tully Speaks at Vet Hill Day at the NYS Capitol
Tully Rinckey Founding Partner, Mathew B. Tully, speaks at a press conference during Vet Hill Day at the NYS Capitol on March 14, 2011.
DoD Conducts First Major Post-9/11 Survey of Guard and Reserve Employers
By Mathew B. Tully For the first time since the nation entered sustained military operations nearly a decade ago, the U.S. Department of Defense this month began its first large-scale, nationwide survey of the employers of Guard and Reserve members. …
Court Faults USPS in Firing of Decorated Afghan War Veteran
Uncle Sam can be one generous dude. He allows workers, in the public and private sectors, to be away from their jobs for five years without losing their gigs, if they are on temporary military duty. On top of that, …
Bills Introduced On Veterans’ Issues
State legislators and veterans gathered at the Capitol to discuss various bills on veterans issues. The goal they say is to give our heroes in uniform the welcome home they deserve. State Senator Greg Ball of the 40th District said, …
Former Army Special Forces SGT Wins Reinstatement With Postal Service
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit recently held that the U.S. Postal Service incorrectly terminated a member of the National Guard under false assumptions in that he abandoned his position. This huge win for veterans and service …
Army Looks to Improve Guard Life
Starting next fall, the time a reservist spends at home between mobilizations will increase to four years, the Army Chief of Staff said yesterday during a meeting with members of the Army National Guard in Arlington, Va. Gen. George Casey …
Veterans Federal Employment Complaints Remain at Escalated Levels
Amid a dearth of job opportunities in the private sector, a shockingly high number of veterans last year continued to run into problems as they attempted to enter or reenter the federal civil service. Recently released statistics show that the …
The D.C. Circuit Gives Agencies the Specifics About Informal Counseling
In a recent decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, the court vacated a previous decision dismissing a class action discrimination case against the Federal Reserve Board for failure to exhaust administrative remedies. At issue …
Tully Promoted to Lt. Colonel
Tully Rinckey PLLC Founding Partner, Mathew B. Tully, ofNiskayuna, has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the New York Army National Guard. Officers in the grade of Lieutenant Colonel serve as senior leaders and managers throughout the …
DWI Legal Ramifications – PYX106
Tully Rinckey Founding Partner, Mathew B. Tully, explains the legal ramifications a DWI can have on your license on Waking up with the Wolf on PYX106.
Supreme Court and Federal Circuit Rule for Veterans in Two Cases
You may recall the sad story of Mr. Henderson that I talked about in this post. The basic facts were relayed in the lower court opinion: Mr. Henderson served on active military duty from 1950 to 1952. He was discharged …
Court Rules ‘Excessive’ Military Absence no Justification for Firing
The U.S. Postal Service’s decision to fire an Army National Guardsman for “excessive absence due to military service” violated federal laws protecting servicemembers’ civilian jobs, a federal appeals court ruled on Monday. The decision is the latest victory for former …
Court Rules in Favor of National Guard Vet Fired by Postal Service
A federal court on Feb. 28 ruled in favor of a veteran who was fired by the U.S. Postal Service after he had spent nearly six years on active National Guard duty. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal …
SpecOps Soldier Wins USERRA Case
A National Guard Special Forces Soldier fired by the U.S. Postal Service for “excessive absence due to military service” has won a court decision that could mean more than $1 million in back pay and a new job. Sergeant Maj. …
Court Rules Army Reservist Was Wrongfully Fired
In a decision that could cost the U.S. Postal Service more than $1 million, a federal appeals court has ruled in favor of an Army Reserve sergeant major who alleges he was fired from his job as a postal worker …
Court Cases Reaffirm Law Prohibiting Discrimination Against Workers Serving in the Military
The law protecting the jobs and benefits of employees on active or reserve military duty received a boost earlier this week from two separate court decisions. The rulings, handed down in separate cases by the Supreme Court and the U.S. …
Supreme Court Sides with Reservist in Job Discrimination Suit, Bolsters USERRA
By Mathew B. Tully The nation’s highest court on Tuesday armed reservists with a shield to protect them against co-workers who are bitter over service members’ military obligations and try to undermine their civilian employment. In a decision that bolsters …
High Court Rules in Favor of Decorated War Hero
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) High Court Rules in Favor of Decorated War Hero – Case will have widespread implications for thousands of veterans March 1, 2011 – Washington, …
Mathew B. Tully Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
It’s considered to be the hallmark of a successful military career. Tully Rinckey PLLC Founding Partner, Mathew B. Tully, has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the New York Army National Guard. Officers in the grade of …
Mathew B. Tully Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Mathew B. Tully Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel February 25, 2011 – Albany, N.Y. – It’s considered to be the hallmark of a successful military …
42nd Infantry Division Commander Warns His Second Star
Steven Wickstrom of Upton, Mass., commander of the Troy-based 42nd Infantry Division, was promoted to major general. His wife, Collette, pinned his two-star rank on his uniform during a Feb. 12 ceremony at the Glenmore Armory in Troy. Maj. Gen. …
Tully Rinckey Does Well by Doing Good
The 35-lawyer litigation law firm Tully Rinckey donated 30 new coats for homeless veterans as part of the Albany Housing Coalition effort, which has helped more than 400 vets. One of the firm’s name partners, Mathew Tully, is a veteran …
Harassment Alleged Over Retired Gloversville Firefighter’s Guard Service
A federal court trial begins Feb. 14 in Utica on claims from a retired Gloversville firefighter that he was passed over for promotion to captain and also frequently harassed because of his service in the Air National Guard. Kyle Partlow, …
Adopt An Angel Campaign Corporate Challenge Partners
Seven area organizations demonstrated their commitment to the local community by participating in the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Northeast New York 2010 Adopt An Angel® fundraising campaign. The campaign ran from November 18, 2010 through January 2, 2011. All proceeds will …
Coats for Vets
The law firm of Tully Rinckey this year purchased winter coats for all 28 residents of the Albany Housing Coalition Inc.’s Veterans Housing and Services, a non-profit organization that provides housing, employment and case management services to local veterans. The …
A “Warm” Holiday Gift From Tully Rinckey PLLC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) A “Warm” Holiday Gift From Tully Rinckey PLLC – Law Firm Donates Winter Coats to Local Homeless Veterans December 23, 2010 – Albany, N.Y. …
Northrup and Muehl are First-rate District Attorneys
Residents of Delaware and Otsego counties should feel fortunate to be protected by their respective district attorneys — Richard Northrup and John Muehl. I have opposed hundreds of prosecutors at the state and federal levels, and can say without hesitation …
Holiday Workplace Liability Concerns
The holiday season is generally considered one of the happiest times of the year. It can provide a great opportunity for employers to celebrate recent successes and reinvigorate their companies and employees. But for all the potential holiday season holds, …
Supreme Court Hears 1st USERRA Case
The Supreme Court earlier this month heard the first case involving the alleged violation of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) since it was enacted in 1994. USERRA is a law that prevents employers from discriminating against …
Supreme Court Hears Case of Fired Reservist
The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard the case of an Army reservist who alleges he was fired from his job in 2004 because he was deployed by the military. The case is the first that the high court has considered …
In Staub Case, a First Test of Civil Rights Law for Service Members
The Supreme Court case Staub v. Proctor Hospital has been cast as an important test of a theory of liability in employment discrimination cases. That’s certainly true. It asks: Can an employer be held liable for discrimination when biased supervisors …
Act Carefully Before Responding to Questionable Order from Commander
My commanding officer has given me a directive that I believe is unlawful. What are the consequences for obeying or disobeying the order? It depends on the type of directive and whether it’s really unlawful. The consequences for obeying an …
Thousands of Reservists Still Entitled to Compensation
In the major 2003 AFGE legal win of Butterbaugh v. Department of Justice, the U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals found that federal agencies improperly charged military leave to members of the U.S. National Guard and Reserves prior to December …
Tully Rinckey “Goes Purple”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Tully Rinckey “Goes Purple” - Law Firm Supports Domestic Violence Awareness Month Tully Rinckey PLLC Albany, New York Office Tully Rinckey PLLC Washington, DC …
Tully Rinckey PLLC Sponsors Army 10-Miler Expo in Washington, D.C.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Tully Rinckey PLLC Sponsors Army 10-Miler Expo in Washington, D.C. – Sponsorship Underscores Servicemember and Veteran Legal Protections Washington, D.C. – Tully Rinckey PLLC …
Circuit Court Grants Federal Employee Right to File Action Against Agencies for Claims Lost at Agency Level
In a major federal employee upset, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit recently changed the way federal employees and agencies may approach partial relief in future discrimination claims. The court held that in Equal Employment Opportunity complaints, …
Law Could Help Active-duty Troops Avoid, or at Least Delay, Bankruptcy
Q: My financial situation is deteriorating while I’m on active duty, and serving in Afghanistan is making it hard to deal with my debt. Can I file for bankruptcy? Abe Lincoln, Walt Disney, Henry Ford, Ulysses S. Grant, Thomas Jefferson …
SCRA Changes Can Help Troops With Cell Phone Contracts, Lawyer Fees
Q: I’m about to be deployed. Can you explain the recent changes to the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act? Four notable changes to the SCRA were included in the Veterans’ Benefits Act of 2010 that was recently signed into law. The …
Dressing Down For a Good Cause
It’s another reason to love Fridays! In what’s become a tradition at Tully Rinckey PLLC, employees are dressing down for a good cause. Beginning in January 2010, the law firm offered employees the chance to don their favorite pair of …
Dressing Down For a Good Cause
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Dressing Down For a Good Cause - Law Firm Donates Dress-Down Friday Money to Charity September 17, 2010 – Albany, N.Y. – It’s another …
Tully Rinckey Makes Inc. 5000 List
For the second year in row, Tully Rinckey PLLC has been named one of the fastest-growing companies by Inc. Magazine. The publication ranked the law firm 949 out of 5,000 on its annual list of fastest-growing private companies in America. …
353 NY companies make Inc.’s list
New York state has 353 companies making Inc. magazine’s Inc. fastest-growing 5000 list. That ranks New York third in the country for the second year in a row. California topped the list with 684 companies on the 5000 list, followed …
Founding Partner Named to Prestigious D.C. Bar Steering Committee
Tully Rinckey PLLC Founding Partner, Mathew B. Tully, has been appointed to the District of Columbia Bar Law Practice Management Steering Committee. The Committee of seven assists D.C. Bar members in managing their law practices more efficiently and focuses on …
Tully Rinckey PLLC Expands
Tully Rinckey PLLC announces $200,000 expansion and the creation of 20 new jobs.
Tully Rinckey Expands
At a time when businesses across the country and Capital Region are downsizing and laying off employees, Tully Rinckey PLLC is pleased to announce it is expanding. The company recently added 5,000 additional square feet to its Albany, N.Y. office …
Leak Suspect Had Been Disciplined at Least Twice Before Arrest
The leading suspect in the leaking of thousands of military documents to WikiLeaks had been disciplined at least twice in the previous three years but maintained his security clearance. Pfc. Bradley Manning already was facing military charges for allegedly leaking …
Local Law Firm Expansion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) At a time when businesses across the country and Capital Region are downsizing and laying off employees, Tully Rinckey PLLC is pleased to announce …
When Friends Become Clients
Many businesses are using Facebook to attract customers, ask for input. Salsa Latina is a small restaurant on Central Avenue. Its paltry advertising budget will never compete with the national chains. But on Facebook, Salsa Latina hangs with the big …
USERRA Case Heads for Supreme Court
It’s the nation’s promise to those who serve in the reserves and National Guard: In return for deploying overseas to serve their country, the companies they left behind will have the same jobs available when they get back. And, oh …
Lawmakers Call for VA Office of General Counsel to Better Serve Veterans
Chairman Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) conducted a hearing to evaluate the Office of General Counsel (OGC) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Today’s hearing marks the first Congressional oversight hearing on the OGC in more than three decades. The mission …
Albany Attorney to Make National Impact Before Congress
Tully Rinckey PLLC Founding partner, Mathew B. Tully will appear before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. He has been invited by the Subcommittee to provide comment on the Veterans’ Affairs Office of …
Returning Troops Face New Fight for Jobs
As the Iraq and Afghanistan wars persist, some employers are becoming increasingly resistant to rehire service members who return from active duty as federal law requires, some legal analysts say. Washington lawyer Mathew Tully, who specializes in these cases, said …
Distinguished Attorney & Iraq War Veteran, Mathew B.Tully, to Testify Before Congress
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Tully Rinckey PLLC Founding Partner, Mathew B. Tully, will appear before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs …
Skeptics Say Child Custody Policy for Deployed Parents has no Legal Legs
“Jane” can cope with missing her son’s birthday and his first day of school while she’s deployed to Afghanistan. What keeps the divorced servicemember up nights in dangerous Helmand province is the prospect of calling home one day to discover …
MTA Layoffs: Bus drivers fighting in Iraq War get rude ‘Welcome Home’
Two city bus drivers who were sent to war in Iraq and Afghanistan are getting pink slips instead of yellow ribbons. Sgts. Alvin Taylor and Andy (Angel) Moreno, bus drivers called up to serve overseas, are set to lose their …
Animal Agency Wins Round in FOIL Dispute
An appellate court ruling involving a seemingly innocuous Freedom of Information Law request to a state agency by a nonprofit organization may turn out to have far-reaching effects. The Appellate Division of state Supreme Court decided last week in a …
You Get to Control Your Own Destiny
In 1998, when Mathew B. Tully returned home from Iraq, where he was deployed for duty as a member of the National Guard, he expected to resume his old job as if he had never left, in accordance with USERRA, …
Tully Rinckey PLLC Hires Legal Consultants
Tully Rinckey PLLC, a full-service law firm with offices in Albany, NY and Washington, DC, recently hired an experienced law practice management consulting group, RJH Consulting, as part of their explosive growth and firm reorganization in both offices. RJH Consulting …
For Businesses, Bully Lawsuits May Pose New Threat
Who’s afraid of the big, bad boss? A significant number of U.S. workers say they are— and soon those in New York may be able to sue their employers, including small businesses, for any suffering they experience at the hands …
Mathew B. Tully Awarded Prestigious Air Force Space Badge
Founding Partner Mathew B. Tully has been awarded the impressive Air Force Space Badge due to his completion of space training. Tully is among one of the few Army Officers awarded this prestigious badge, and among an even smaller number …
My Recession is Over!
When my law firm’s revenue dropped 80% during the first three months of 2009, my business partner and I each invested six figures into the firm. Now we’re back stronger than before and expanding. We added about 20 new staff …
After Trials of the Recession, Law Firms Now Hopeful
Although nobody knows the precise number of local jobs lost in the legal profession during the recession, all Mathew Tully has to do to get a reading on the market’s health is look at the resumes pouring into his office. …
Complaints, Suits on Rise
Federal law requires employers to rehire their workers in the National Guard or reserves who are called to active duty. But since the economy went sour two years ago, the numbers of complaints and lawsuits filed against employers for violations …
WBZZ’s “Ask the Lawyer” – Mathew Tully
Tully Rinckey Partner, Mathew B. Tully, appears in studio on WBZZ’s weekly “Ask the Lawyer” segment.
WGNA’s “Ask the Lawyer” – Mathew Tully
Tully Rinckey Partner, Mathew B. Tully, appears in studio on WGNA’s weekly “Ask the Lawyer” segment.
Turkeys for Vets
The Tully Rinckey law firm was founded by veterans and has a mission of helping veterans daily and especially at holiday time. Next week, from Monday through Thursday, the firm at 441 New Karner Road in Colonie will provide the …
WGNA’s “Ask the Lawyer” – Mathew Tully
Founding Partner Mathew B. Tully appears in studio on WGNA’s weekly “Ask the Lawyer” segment.
Lawyer Offers Advice to Soldiers, Veterans
On this Veterans Day, attorney Mathew Tully, who survived the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack at the World Trade Center and later served in Iraq, advises that vets and military members should know their rights, especially in the area of …
WGNA’s “Ask the Lawyer” – Mathew Tully
Founding Partner Mathew B. Tully appears in studio on WGNA’s weekly “Ask the Lawyer” segment.
Mathew Tully on WBZZ
Founding Partner Mathew B. Tully appears in studio on Mark Vanness in the Morning on Buzz 105.7.
Companies Help Veterans Adapt to Civilian Workplace
“In my first six months here,” recalled John Krouse, “I kept thinking, ‘What’s the structure? There’s no uniforms.’ ” In January 2009, after 24 years in the Navy, Krouse was beginning a new career at Intellicheck Mobilisa, a developer of …
Unhappy Homecoming
Leaving a good job at J.P. Morgan to go sailing in the Persian Gulf was not part of James Townsend’s career plan, but the Navy Reserve had its own ideas. Mr. Townsend, a technology director and senior manager in corporate …
Civil Charges and the Penalties of False Arrest
Founding Partner Mathew B. Tully comments on civil charges and the penalties of false arrest on WTEN-Ch 10.
One Law Firm Still Expanding
Tully Rinckey PLLC is expanding its DC office to accommodate more lawyers. The expansion adds 1,388 square feet, bringing the firm’s total office space to 2,678 square feet at 1800 K Street NW. Tully Rinckey, which opened the local office …
Custody Battles Can Become a Rude ‘Welcome Home’ for Military Parents
When Staff Sgt. Jessica Tolbe returned from Iraq in February, she looked forward to catching up on lost time with her sons. But when she went to pick them up from her ex-husband, she was blocked from seeing them by …
You Must Apply for Reemployment
Sergeant Major (SGM) Richard Erickson, ARNG, won an important partial victory in this recent case decided by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. He might well have won a complete victory if he had applied for …
From Labor Force to Fighting Force
Jeff Cantor, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, left for the war in Afghanistan last week and made the transition from pharmaceutical sales representative to soldier. The prospect of leaving his wife and two daughters was painful. But his …
Air Force Reserve Opts Not to Discipline Mark Sanford Over Marital Affair
The U.S. Air Force Reserve considered disciplinary measures against Gov. Mark Sanford over his extramarital affair but has decided to take no action, his command office told The Greenville News. Sanford serves as a captain in the Air Force Reserve. …
Discharge for “Excessive” Military Service Absences Violated USERRA
The Merit Systems Protection Board erred in rejecting an employee’s claim that the Postal Service violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) when it terminated him due to his “excessive” use of military leave, ruled …
Sergeant Major Wins Round in USERRA Fight
An Army National Guard sergeant major who says he was fired from his job as a postal worker because of his military service has won a battle in federal court. In a July 15 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals …
A Look at Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
When a company like General Motors declares bankruptcy, it can prompt even the most stable business owner to take a closer look at the books. Unfortunately, GM is far from the only business to go bust this year. Business owners …
Mathew Tully on Talk 1300
Mathew B. Tully appears on Talk 1300 with the Albany Chamber of Commerce President Mark Eagan to discuss this year’s annual golf tournament.
Soldier suing after being stripped of Subway restaurant franchises
While serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army Reserve, Leon Batie Jr. dodged roadside bombs and scrambled to safety when rockets pierced the night sky. When he returned to Dallas in early 2006, another battle loomed. As Batie was returning …
Airport Security Fast Lane Closes
Service that expedited pre-screened travelers’ clearance shuts down The Clear Registered Traveler lane at Albany International Airport, which offered pre-screened travelers an expedited trip through the security checkpoint, is no longer operating. Clear clients signed up at $100 or more …
Veteran Stigma: “What Does My Country Think of Me?”
As if to pour salt on the physical and psychological wounds of millions of America’s veterans, a recent trend has emerged in both public pronouncements and privately held attitudes that suggests that veterans returning from the ‘long wars’ in Iraq …
Mathew Tully on WGNA Radio
Founding Partner Mathew B. Tully discusses power of attorney, divorcing an absent spouse, and special rules for military members called to serve on WGNA’s Sean & Richie Show.
Military Service Strains Reservists, Their Employers Answering the Call
Russell Hogan enlisted in the Air Force Reserve as a high school senior in 1988. Four years later he went to work for United Parcel Service. Eleven years after that, the United States invaded Iraq. Hogan and hundreds of thousands …
The Fight To Fit Back In
Craig Lewis had been gone so long that when he walked into the front office of Fluvanna County High School, the secretary gave him a quizzical look. “Can I help you?” she asked. She studied him with a blank expression …
Military Ballot Process at Issue Schumer Holds Hearing on Expanding Service Members’ Voting Options
Mathew Tully, a major in the Army National Guard, was unable to vote in the presidential election last fall for the first time since he turned 18. He was on military duty in Washington, D.C., and the Schenectady County Board …
Tully Addresses Military Space Initiatives at 2009 National Guard Space Symposium
Tully Rinckey PLLC founding partner Mathew B. Tully, Esq. was invited to serve as a presenter at the 2009 National Guard Space Symposium hosted by defense contractor Booz Allen Hamilton in Colorado Springs. In addition to his legal practice, Tully …
Manpower and Military Employments
A 12-year veteran of police work, Carole Moore has served in patrol, forensics, crime prevention and criminal investigations, and has extensive training in many law enforcement-related disciplines. She welcomes comments and column suggestions at carolemoore_biz@yahoo.com. Some departments find employing reservists …
Economy Hits Home in More Ways Than One
The current economic climate is affecting more than just consumer lifestyles. It has also forced many parents into wondering how they will be able to meet their monthly financial obligations, including child support payments. With more layoffs anticipated, I’ve noticed …
When the Battle Doesn’t End
Modeled after diversion programs, veterans courts help defendants in nonviolent crimes avoid prison Brian Peck went from decorated soldier to disabled veteran to criminal defendant. As a New York Army National Guard specialist, he saw intense combat and wartime tragedy, …
Community to Welcome Marine Reservists Back From Iraq
A veteran has launched a military operation of sorts in the Capital Region — a welcome-home celebration for Marine reservists returning from the Iraq war. For the past month, Jim Friello of Niskayuna, a Marine veteran, has spearheaded plans for …
Mathew Tully on WGNA Radio
Founding Partner Mathew B. Tully answers popular employment legal questions on WGNA’s Sean and Richie Show.
Updating the Employee Handbook
When you’re at the forefront of your company, it can be simple to forget about the basic foundations of your business. For example, when was the last time you read your own company’s employee handbook? Or better yet, do you …
Healing the Wounds of War
Schumer bill would ease eligibility for post-traumatic stress disorder treatment Federal legislation introduced Wednesday aims to make it easier for service members and veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder to get treatment. Presently, any veteran who suffers PTSD through “combat …
Tully Selected as Irish Echo “Top 40 Under 40” Honoree
Mathew B. Tully, Esq. Age: 35 Place of birth: Mineola, NY First job: Newspaper delivery boy for Newsday What it taught me: Each role in a company is important. While I may have only delivered the paper, the company’s product …
Officer Calls Obama ‘Usurper,’ ‘Imposter’ President
Using words such as “imposter” and “usurper,” an active-duty Army officer in Iraq has joined a California lawyer’s lawsuit intended to force President Barack Obama to prove he is a legal U.S. citizen, and therefore able to legally serve as …
Negotiating a Fair Severance
Many businesses are facing very tough economic times. Laying off employees is one of the options available to business owners and managers to reduce expenses. Many issues arise when you are considering layoffs. Depending on the size of the business …
Tully Selected as Irish Echo “Top 40 Under 40” Honoree
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Tully Selected as Irish Echo “Top 40 Under 40” Honoree February 10, 2009 – Albany, NY – Tully Rinckey PLLC is pleased to announce …
Another Tearful War Farewell
Military calls former Albany man for third tour of duty in five years War again came for Staff Sgt. Brendan Kearns on Thursday, and for the third time in just more than five years, he and his family responded. Kearns, …
Mathew Tully Gives Insight on Albany DA Media Request
Defense Attorney & Tully Rinckey Founding Partner, Mathew Tully, gives legal insight on Albany County DA’s request to media during local trial.
Albany Law Adding Classes on the Business of Being a Lawyer
Nathan Sabourin, like most law school students, spent his time at Albany Law School focused on one goal: passing the bar exam. Now, three months into a job at the Albany law firm Couch White LLP, the 30-year-old Sabourin realizes …
January Job Jitters Becoming Real
A revised law set to begin on February 1st will further protect laid off workers but until it does begin it’s shooting a warning to Capital Region businesses. The WARN (Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification) Act will force New York …
January 2009 Editon of the Albany County Bar Newsletter
Mathew B. Tully and Greg T. Rinckey have been selected to instruct the newly developed Law Practice Management course at Albany Law School. This is the first time that Albany Law School will have a course focused on the business …
WARN Law Causing Controversy
You hear a lot about layoffs these days. More than 200 New Process Gear in East Syracuse, 175 people at Super Steal in Schenectady and 25 people at New York Air Brake in Watertown. And workers in many cases heard …
Achieving New Heights: Local Attorney State’s First Space Officer
Lawyers in space? Well, maybe not yet, but local attorney Mathew Tully recently took one giant step for the legal profession. Tully, a partner at Tully Rinckey, a law firm with offices in Albany and Washington D.C. specializing in military …
Local Attorney Graduates from Prominent Military Space Program
Tully Rinckey PLLC is pleased to announce that founding partner Mathew B. Tully, Esq. has successfully graduated from the clandestine National Security Space Institute (NSSI.) Tully is one of the few attorneys and the sole English solicitor to have attended …
Business Side of Law Focus of New Albany Law Course
Tully Rinckey PLLC is pleased to announce that founding partner Mathew B. Tully, Esq. and managing partner Greg T. Rinckey, Esq. have been selected to instruct the newly developed Law Practice Management course at Albany Law School. This is the …
Legal Pitfalls to Avoid
I see it over and over. Small business owners make decisions that they think are in the best interest of their business. Unfortunately, and especially in times of economic desperation, these decisions can lead to critical legal mistakes for entrepreneurs …
Tully Rinckey PLLC named one of the Best Places to Work
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Tully Rinckey PLLC named one of the Best Places to Work - Award Marks Third Achievement as a Leading Capital Region Employer since 2005 …
Starting Your Own Business
I know first hand the stress and excitement involved in making the decision to start your own business. Just five years ago, I went through this myself when I chose to venture out on my own and open my law …
Signs of Animal Cruelty
By Mathew B. Tully I have noticed that it has become extremely common to see stories about acts of animal cruelty in the news, with reports appearing almost every day. Given this alarming trend, we thought it would be helpful …
Tully Named as One of Few American Attorneys Admitted to the Supreme Court of England and Wales
Tully Rinckey PLLC, a full-service law firm in the Capital Region, is pleased to announce that founding partner Mathew B. Tully, Esq. has been admitted to the Supreme Court of England and Wales as a solicitor. With one billion dollars …
Ruling Expands Veterans’ Access to Federal Jobs
A recent decision from the Merit Systems Protection Board could open hundreds of law enforcement and other jobs to veterans who previously bumped up against age restrictions during the application process. MSPB ruled on July 2 that the State Department …
US State Department Discriminates Against Yet Another Military Veteran
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) US State Department Discriminates Against Yet Another Military Veteran July 11, 2008 – Washington, DC – For the third time in about a year, …
Albany Attorney Takes on the Federal Government and Wins Again
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Albany Attorney Takes on the Federal Government and Wins Again July 11, 2008 – Albany, NY – A landmark decision against the United States …
Landmark Case Helps Millions of Veterans Get Federal Jobs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Landmark Case Helps Millions of Veterans Get Federal Jobs July 11, 2008 – Washington, DC – A landmark case was recently won against the …
Legal Ethics: Do Attorneys Have the Right of Free Speech?
During the show tonight, the area of attorney advertising was discussed and what lawyers are allowed to say and what constitutes as advertising for themselves and for their firm. For me, the real question is whether lawyers can ever truly …
Town, Saugerties Police Chief Reach Settlement
The town and Police Chief Gregory Hulbert have reached a settlement of their legal differences, with the chief agreeing to retire. The Town Board agreed to the settlement during a meeting Wednesday night and issued a joint press release with …
Saugerties Board, Police Chief May Settle His Claim, Lawyer Says
The attorney for town Police Chief Gregory Hulbert, who was placed on administrative leave Jan. 11, says he expects the Town Board to hold a special meeting Wednesday to discuss a settlement with Hulbert over a notice of claim alleging …
Cost of War, in a Field of Flags
A woman’s 5-acre plot is designed to show number of U.S. troops killed in Iraq At work, Caren Crootof delivers babies. At home, she tends a field devoted to the dead. Between shifts at her job as a midwife, Crootof …
A Rocky Start for Veterans Project
Vietnam returnees say part of “early intervention” message demeaning A Saratoga County project that would anticipate legal difficulties of troubled returning military members started badly after some veterans questioned its function and called part of its message demeaning. Other veterans, …
Letter to the Editor: Incorrect
I recently read an article incorrectly titled “Employers Could Be Indicted for Servicemen Discrimination.” An employer will never be indicted for violating the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, or USERRA. In order to be indicted, a formal accusation …
Pension Probe Snags Area Law Firms; Others See Chance to Sign New Clients
The timing could hardly have been worse for the education lawyers at Girvin & Ferlazzo P.C. in Albany. Each spring, law firms bid to retain or win new contracts to provide legal services to Capital Region school districts. In mid-April, …
Letter About Vets Draws Apology
Saratoga County’s top defender and prosecutor are working on a project aimed at helping returning war veterans, but a message about the effort has offended some people in the community. Public Defender John Ciulla and District Attorney James Murphy III …
Iraqi Translator Gets Help From Officers
Two state Army National Guard officers recognized an Iraqi woman, who was an Arabic translator for the U.S. Army for more than four years, as deserving to become one of the chosen few to take advantage of a Special Immigrant …
Iraqi Translator Taken in by War Veteran and Family
“I don’t even know how I’m still alive,” said “Sarah,” an Iraqi interpreter. Meet “Sarah,” one of thousands of interpreters risking her life, and her family’s, to help translate for U.S. soldiers in Iraq. “Many of my friends got killed …
Albany Iraqi War Veteran Provides Aid to Iraqi Interpreter Facing Death
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Albany Iraqi War Veteran Provides Aid to Iraqi Interpreter Facing Death – Interpreter Finds New Life in United States through Special Immigrant Visa April …
Tully Rinckey PLLC Celebrates New Office at Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Tully Rinckey PLLC Celebrates New Office at Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony – Nearly $4,000 Raised For Schenectady County SPCA From left to right: Town of Colonie …
Iraq Veterans Help New Immigrants
Bullets whizzed past as “Sarah” translated for U.S. soldiers in Iraq. Shrapnel from a roadside blast hit her protective vest. In her off hours, she worried about retribution for helping the Americans. A sign reading “traitor” was posted on her …
Saugerties Police Chief Prepares to Sue Over Suspension
Town Police Chief Gregory Hulbert has taken the first step toward a multimillion dollar lawsuit against the town of Saugerties, the Town Board and Supervisor Gregory Helsmoortel for breach of contract, libel and slander, according to the chief’s attorney. Hulbert, …
Veterans Fighting for Their Jobs Can Get Lost in Paperwork
Robert Traut works on Alaska’s Kodiak Island, known for big bears and a remoteness that can be reached only by airplane or ferry from his home and family 300 miles away. And that’s a positive development. Traut has the frustrating …
Tully Rinckey Opens Office in D.C.
Tully Rinckey PLLC opened its new law office in Washington, D.C., today in an attempt to expand its work with federal employment and military law. The office is located on K Street, the legendary location of many government lobbyists. Attorney …
Tully Rinckey PLLC Expands to Washington DC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Tully Rinckey PLLC Expands to Washington DC – Success in Federal Employment Discrimination & Military Law Leads to New Office March 28, 2008 – …
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Holds Hearing on Veterans’ Rights Issues
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Holds Hearing on Veterans’ Rights Issues - Well-Known Litigation Attorney to Provide Testimony February 7, 2008 – Washington, DC …
Returning Troops Still Face USERRA Violations
As a federal correctional officer for the DOJ in Washington, D.C., Mathew Tully took pride in protecting the public from convicted felons. But in October 1995—only two months into his job—Tully, a member of the National Guard, was called to …
Lawyers Volunteer to Help Military Families Cope
As it has after every military action since the Gulf War, the Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service is deploying to help military families untangle the legal maze that can be their personal affairs, upon the return stateside of their …
Union, Law Firm Partner to Pursue Reservists’ Benefit Claims
The American Federation of Government Employees has teamed up with a New York law firm to help federal employee reservists collect thousands of dollars in back pay. The union and Tully, Rinckey & Associates will co-represent about 10,000 AFGE members …
AFGE Partners With Law Firm on Butterbaugh Claims
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has partnered with a New York law firm to collect compensation for thousands of government-employed military reservists who were improperly charged for taking military leave. Tully, Rinckey & Associates, of Albany, N.Y., will …
Union, Law Firm Partner to Pursue Reservists’ Benefit Claims
The American Federation of Government Employees has teamed up with a New York law firm to help federal employee reservists collect thousands of dollars in back pay. The union and Tully, Rinckey & Associates will co-represent about 10,000 AFGE members …
AFGE Forms Co-Counsel Partnership with New York Law Firm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) AFGE Forms Co-Counsel Partnership with New York Law Firm - Tully Rinckey, PLLC will handle all Butterbaugh claims for union members October 29, 2007 …
Agencies Split Watch Over Reservist Job Rights
As more federally employed reservists return to their jobs from military duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, there are sure to be more grievances over missed promotions, firings, layoffs and reassignments. And for at least another year, there will not be …
Biggest Legal-services Contract in Region’s History?
Tully, Rinckey & Associates has been hired to act as co-counsel with the nation’s largest federal employee union in the nation, the American Federation of Government Employees. Tully, Rinckey & Associates will co-represent approximately 10,000 union members in their attempt …
Union, Law Firm to Seek Compensation for 10,000 Federally Employed Reservists
The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union of federal employees, has hired a New York law firm to help 10,000 members who are military reservists collect compensation for personal leave days that Uncle Sam illegally withheld. The firm, …
A Man Fighting to Protect the Jobs of the Men and the Women Fighting to Protect Us
SANCHEZ: This is one of those stories that bridges the gap. I don’t care if you’re a lefty or you’re a rightly or you’re an in- between (ph). Honor is keeping a promise, so if a National Guardsman works for …
MSPB Protects Veterans’ Employment Rights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) MSPB Protects Veterans’ Employment Rights September 11, 2007 – Albany, NY –The Merit Systems Protection Board recently issued a decision which forced the Department …
Court Says When in Doubt, Give Veterans the Benefit
When in doubt, tilt toward the veteran. That’s what the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has suggested to government agencies in two cases involving federal employees who had served in the military reserves and petitioned for back …
Court Opens Door to Pre-USERRA Compensation Claims
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit last week handed down a decision that may mean money for hundreds of thousands of current and former military reservists who served between 1980 and 2000. In the case—Hernandez v. Department …
Daily Debrief on Federal News Radio AM 1500
Tully Rinckey Partner Mathew B. Tully appears on Federal News Radio to discuss Hernandez v. Department of Justice victory.
Reserve Returns
If you are an active or retired federal employee who took military leave for reserve activities, you may be entitled to annual leave or thousands of dollars in back pay. In a major decision issued Tuesday, the U.S. Court of …
Decision May Cost Government $1 Billion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Decision May Cost Government $1 Billion August 29, 2007 – Albany, New York – On August 27, the Court of Appeals for the Federal …
Reservist Leave Ruling Favors Civil Servants
An estimated 100,000 to 300,000 current and former reservists employed as federal government civilians may be able to recoup money for leave days that were improperly charged to them dating back to 1980. The Federal Circuit Court of Appeals ruled …
The Billion Dollar Case for Federal Employees
Our article yesterday summarizing a new court decision on back pay for some federal employees who used military leave for military reserve duties (See “Back Pay for Some Military Reservists Going Back to 1980?”) drew a response from a number …
Attorney Columnist
Attorney Mathew Tully has been selected to be a nationally syndicated columnist for Army Times Publishing Co. The company, established in 1940, owns numerous newspapers and magazines, and claims a readership of millions each week. The Army Times, Navy Times, …
Before Calling an Attorney, Discuss USERRA Violations With Employer
I work for a company that employs 23 people. I was deployed for 18 months. I feel my employer has violated USERRA. Should I hire a local attorney? I don’t recommend hiring an attorney except in cases of the most …
Put Affairs in Order Before You Deploy
So you’ve received the call to deploy. You have many tasks to complete before you leave— including a number of personal legal affairs. While you should have the opportunity to see a JAG officer as part of your pre-deployment readiness …
USERRA Offers Invaluable Protection for Reservists
With the deployment of hundreds of thousands of National Guard and reserve members in the past few years — and with more than 81,000 mobilized today — the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act is a very important issue …
Seward Shows Support for Vets
I am writing as a service-connected disabled veteran of the Iraqi war to thank Sen. James Seward for his support of veterans’ issues in the New York State Legislature. Seeing that we just celebrated Memorial Day, I would point out …
MSPB Has Jurisdiction Over Claim Alleging USPS Improperly Charged Leave, Board Says
A U.S. Postal Service employee and National Guard member who alleged that USPS improperly charged him military leave for non-workdays during periods of service beginning in January 1980 can file a claim under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights …
Postal Service Reservists Eligible for Back Pay
As many as 100,000 military reservists who worked at the U.S. Postal Service between 1980 and 2000 could be eligible for thousands of dollars in compensation because they were improperly charged for their military leave, under a new ruling. The …
Albany Law Firm Tully Rinckey Opens Second Location
Albany, N.Y., law firm Tully Rinckey & Associates PLLC is opening a second law office at 427 New Karner Rd. The four-year old firm currently has offices at 3 Wembley Court. The new offices will house 12 people working in …
Law Offers Protection
Victor Mederos of Shirley worked as a driver for the same trucking company for 20 years before he went to Iraq. When he returned, Quality King Trucking allowed him to go to regular counseling sessions. But eight months after he …
Vet Rights Strengthened in Fed Job Disputes
A federal appeals court ruling could make it easier for federal employees to pursue cases against the government alleging job discrimination based on their military service. Any veteran who requests a hearing from the Merit Systems Protection Board has a …
Mat Tully Says the Future for Lawyers Should be Bright, Too
To the Editor: I am addicted to reading the various lists that are published in your newspaper. I pay special attention to the formulas used to compile your lists. I take exception to your list titled “Capital Region Fastest Growing …
Vets Winning Job Suits: New Rulings Empower Vets Seeking Jobs, Promotions
William Jolley wouldn’t strike most as the rebellious type: Ten years enlisted in the Air Force in the 1950s, then a long career in federal civil service culminating with his current job as a GS-15 overseeing policy and programs at …
Defense Fees Surge in Otsego
The Otsego County Board of Representatives is grasping with the high, rising cost of providing lawyers for poor people whose cases are in the county’s courts. For 2006 the board budgetd $723,829 to hire lawyers to represent clients who cannot …
Court Orders Hearings for Veterans on Employment Complaints
A recent federal appeals court ruling held that veterans who allege discrimination in government employment because of their military service are legally entitled to a hearing. In Kirkendall v. Department of the Army, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals ruled …
Reserve Troops’ Job Woes Increase
The annual number of reservists and National Guard members who say they have been reassigned, lost benefits or been fired from civilian jobs after returning from duty has increased by about 30% since 2002. The sharp spike in complaints brought …
Young Girl Raped After Playing at Troy School
A horrific tale from the schoolyard, after an 11-year-old girl says she was raped behind a school in Troy, by a 12-year-old boy. That boy is now under arrest. The girl says it happened on Friday, at School 12 in the city, …
12-Year-Old Rapes 11-Year-Old
A 12-year-old boy is accused of raping an 11-year-old girl near a dumpster on the playground of Public School 12 in South Troy on Friday. The boy is being held at a juvenile detention facility awaiting a re-appearance in Rensselaer …
Local Attorney Mathew Tully Honored with National Leadership Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Graig Cortelyou, Chief Marketing Officer gcortelyou@1888law4life.com (518) 640-1243 (Office) (518) 755-7413 (Cell) Local Attorney Mathew Tully Honored with National Leadership Award July 27, 2006 – Albany, New York – Mathew B. Tully, founding Partner of Tully …
Tannersville Board Illegal, Judge Rules
A judge has found Tannersville in violation of a state law requiring villages to have a Village Board consisting of a mayor and four trustees, and a separate Zoning Board of Appeals. In a ruling dated July 10, acting state …
Tully’s Military Service in Iraq Recognized by Bar Association President
Seasoned attorneys often complain that civility among lawyers is diminishing. It’s refreshing to learn that civility is alive and well in our area and was not lost, as rumored, with the replacement of carbon paper. Jack Clark recently invited me …
VA Data Breach Widens
Area veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve members may be at risk for identity theft, Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson announced in a media release Tuesday. About 2.2 million personnel may be at risk because they were among the …
Field Narrows in Race for Assembly Seat
Greene County Legislator Michael Camadine has decided to seek re-election to his current post rather than run for the state Assembly seat in the 127th District. Camadine, R-Cairo, said the cost and time involved in running for the Assembly would …
Delaware GOP Picks Tully in Poll
Candidate in 127th Assembly District places first in weighted-voting system A straw poll of Delaware County Republican Committee members from the 127th Assembly District conducted Saturday favored Mathew Tully among a diminishing field of candidates. Davenport, Franklin, Harpersfield and Sidney …
Assembly Candidate Proposes State Takeover of DEP
Mathew Tully, a Republican, who is seeking the 127th state Assembly district seat being vacated by Daniel Hooker, announced, last week, that his goal is to have New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) property and responsibility transferred to …
Albany Lawyer Announces Candidacy for State Assembly Seat
Mathew Tully, a partner in the Albany, N.Y., law firm Tully Rinckey & Associates, is running for the New York state Assembly. Tully, a Hunter resident, will be seeking the 127th Assembly District seat now held by Daniel Hooker, R-Saugertis. …
Ruling Allows Reservists to Petition for Back Pay
The “Butterbaugh” saga continues. A federal board has ruled that a new cohort of National Guard and military reservists may petition for back pay because of improperly charged military leave. A recent ruling by the Merit Systems Protection Board, an …
Federal Employee Reservists Eligible for Back Pay Dating to 1980
Federal employees who served in the military reserves may now be eligible to be compensated for wrongly charged military leave dating as far back as 1980, because of a recent ruling from the Merit Systems Protection Board. Government workers are …
Another Candidate Joins Assembly Race
Schoharie County Clerk Peter Lopez says he’ll seek the Republican, Conservative and Independence party nominations to run for state Assembly in the 127th District. Lopez hopes to fill the seat being vacated by Assemblyman Daniel Hooker, R-Saugerties. Hooker, a major …
Two Mull Run for Hooker Assembly Seat
Two Greene County residents have announced they will explore the possibility of running for the state Assembly seat in the 127th District on the Republican line in this year’s election. County Legislator Michael Camadine of Cairo and attorney Mathew Tully …
Assemblyman, An Active-Duty Reservist, Won’t Seek Re-Election
State Assemblyman Daniel Hooker has announced he will not seek re-election this fall because of his military obligations. Hooker, R-Saugerties, is a major in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and has been on active duty at Camp LeJeune, N.C., since …
Attorneys Urging Reservists to File Back-pay Claims
Although efforts by a federal reservist to collect back pay from his civilian agency for time spent in uniform have hit a snag, the 100,000 federal reservists eligible for compensation under a previous court ruling should “file now and don’t …
New Paltz Soldier Demoted for Writings
A local veteran of the Iraq War has been fined and demoted by the U.S. Army for posting writings about his military experience on his personal Web log. Jason C. Hartley, 32, of New Paltz, says he was on the …
Albany Law Firm to Add Staff After Court Hearing Victory
Tully Rinkey & Associates, the Albany, N.Y., law firm that’s made a name for itself in cases involving military reservists and National Guard members, is likely to add three more lawyers thanks to a December hearing victory that has gone …
Ruling on Back Pay for Federally Employed Reservists Faces Challenge
The Agriculture Department has decided to appeal a court ruling that could make federal employees who served in the military reserves eligible to receive compensation for wrongly charged leave as far back as the 1980s. Administrative Judge Philip Reed of …
Some Reservists to Get Back Pay
Reservists who worked for the federal government between 1980 and 2000 could have thousands of dollars coming to them, thanks to a court decision that awards back pay for weekends and vacations spent working for the Pentagon. The Nov. 18 …
Guardsman Adjusts After Tour in Iraq
A lawyer and 9/11 survivor who was deployed to Iraq on July 30 to take part in Operation Iraqi Freedom returned to civilian life Friday. Maj. Mathew B. Tully of Hunter said he was home for Christmas but wasn’t released …
Back From Iraq
Originally an opponent of the invasion of Iraq, local attorney and National Guardsman Mathew Tully, who recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq, now feels the United States should not pull out until the war on terror is …
Local National Guard Member Meets Cheney
Prominent local attorney Mathew B. Tully of Hunter, who was serving in Iraq with the 42nd Infantry Division from Troy, was welcomed home last week by Vice President Richard Cheney and his wife Lynne. The 42nd Infantry Division, comprised of …
Fan of Country Music Sees Star in Baghdad
A local attorney serving in Iraq had at least one star-studded encounter. Maj. Mathew B. Tully of Niskayuna, a partner in the Albany law firm of Tully, Rinckey and Associates, is serving in Iraq with the 42nd Infantry Division from …
Business Review Unveils Winners of Great Places to Work Survey
Thirty businesses have been selected from more than 140 nominees as The Business Review’s Great Places to Work in the Capital Region. The winning companies ranged from some big, well-known companies to small businesses. The Business Review has been surveying …
Client’s 9 Year Sentence and Conviction Vacated With Appeal Victory
Upon reading and filing the within Notice of Motion, dated May 31, 2005, submitted by Matthew B. Tully, Esq., attorney for defendant, the Affirmation in Response of David R. Huey, Esq., Assistant District Attorney for the County of Orange, dated …
Attorney Leaves Practice to Join Guard in Iraq
After escaping the World Trade Center on 9/11, Mathew Tully moved with his wife from New York City to upstate New York and opened a law practice – Tully, Rinckey & Associates of Albany. Tully is also a major with …
Lawyer Who Defends Soldiers’ Rights Called to Duty in Iraq
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Mathew Tully was stopped in the lobby of 2 World Trade Center after terrorists slammed a plane into the building. Tully was a paralegal for Morgan Stanley at the time. By 8 p.m., …
From Terror to Tranquility to Tikrit: Local Lawyer Heads to Iraq
For four years, attorney Mathew Tully has been living in the vortex of world history. A transplant to Greene County after escaping the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, and subsequently honored for his pro-bono defense of the civil …
Talk Amongst Yourselves…
The federal Bureau of Prisons is holding 119 persons with “specific ties” to international Islamist terrorist groups, yet has no full-time Arabic translators or a system to monitor their communications, The Washington Times has learned. A congressional aide said Bureau …
Mathew Tully Honored at Civil Rights Award Banquet
Traditionally, the Civil Rights Awards Luncheon is an opportunity for ADC to recognize a group of individuals for their outstanding service in protecting civil rights and liberties during the Convention. This year‘s luncheon was especially relevant as it also celebrated …
Fighting Bias
Army National Guard Major and attorney Mathew B. Tully, who nearly lost his life in Manhattan on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, will be honored by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee for pro bono representation of Hikmat Joe Mansour, a …
Arab-American Group to Honor Albany Attorney for Pro-bono Work
A survivor of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City has received the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee pro-bono attorney of the year award. Mathew Tully of Albany, N.Y., who escaped from his 65th floor office in the World …
In the Ashes of Sept. 11, He Found a New Calling
Mat Tully was headed to a Manhattan grand jury appearance on Sept. 11, 2001, when he decided the make a quick detour. It was just before 9 a.m. and the late summer morning was already so warm that the lawyer …
Coxsackie-Athens Declared Greene County Mock trial Champions
Defending Greene County Mock Trial Champions Coxsackie-Athens defeated Cairo-Durham on Tuesday night to advance to the Regional level of the New York State Bar Association Mock Trial Competition. This is the fourth consecutive year that the talented Coxsackie-Athens team has …
MCS Mock Trial Team Has Successful Season
The Middleburgh High School mock trial team recently completed a successful season which included a trial at the Schoharie County Court. The team was coached by first year teacher Derick Kopff. Mr. Kopff started a second career as a teacher …
Civil Rights Highlights at the Upcoming ADC Convention
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is happy to announce that it will be holding its 25th Year Silver Anniversary Convention from May 27-29, 2005, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel located on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. For ADC and the …
Lawyer Sites Schiavo Case as ‘Wake Up Call’ on Living Wills
An hour of time and $100 could have prevented the controversy in Florida surrounding Terri Schiavo, the brain-damaged woman who’s feeding tube was recently removed, according to a local lawyer. Mathew Tully, founder of Tully Rinckey & Associates PLLC in …
Judge Rejects Allegation of Inadequate Counsel
A Hunter attorney’s motion to have his client’s criminal contempt conviction overturned on grounds she received inadequate representation from the Greene County Public Defender’s Office has been rejected. In a ruling dated Monday, Greene County Judge George Pulver Jr. said …
Public Defender Goes on the Defensive
An attorney arguing that the Greene County Public Defender’s Office failed to provide his client with adequate counsel says an affidavit filed by an assistant district attorney last week supports his claim that the office is ineffective. Public Defender Greg …
District Attorney Defends Public Defender
The mental health and criminal history of a Prattsville woman alleged to have received inadequate representation from the county Public Defender’s Office were central to arguments on both sides Tuesday as a judge considered a motion to reverse her conviction …
Former Paratrooper Defends Soldiers’ Rights; Builds Law Firm
When the first terrorist plane slammed into the building next door, Mathew Tully fled for his life from his job as a corporate attorney for Morgan Stanley, which had offices on the 65th floor of One World Trade Center in …
Public Defender’s Job Becoming Full-Time in Greene
The Greene County Legislature has formed a committee to recruit a full-time public defender, a position current Public Defender Greg Lubow said he’s been requesting for years. The Legislature’s decision this week comes a little over a month after county …
Attorney Moves to Dismiss DEP Traffic Ticket
In addition, the case is being prosecuted by the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office amid questions about how a new judge was assigned to the case. A charge of passing in a no-passing zone against Lake Katrine resident Hugh Searles …
Lawyer Blames Lawmakers for Client’s Plight
The attorney for a woman imprisoned for criminal contempt says the Greene County Legislature’s handing of the public defender’s budget – and the fact that lawmakers discussed the budget in secret – cost his client a fair trial. Specifically, Mathew …
Defender Deficient, Lawyer Says
A Hunter attorney has moved for a Prattsville woman’s conviction in Greene County Court to be overturned, arguing that the county Public Defender’s Office did not provide her with adequate representation. Attorney Mathew Tully said the office failed to respond …
Watershed Police Face Court Test
The State Court of Appeals is reviewing whether the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police had the authority to issue speeding tickets in Delaware County last year. Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northup so far has failed to …
NYC Police Challenge to be Decided
A judge’s decision in a pending traffic ticket case is considered critical by both sides in determining whether New York City Department of Environmental Protection police can wield authority over residents anywhere in the state. Arguments are scheduled for 3:30 …
DWI Dismissed After Trooper Sent Overseas
A Delaware County town justice dismissed a driving while intoxicated charge because the state trooper who issued the ticket was called to active duty in the United States Navy, according to defense attorney Mathew Tully. Tully, who was representing Michael …
Lawyer Alleges Impropriety in Public Defender’s Office
Though relatively new to the area, Hunter attorney Mathew Tully is making his name known. Last month, Tully offered free representation to people challenging traffic tickets written by New York City Department of Environmental Protection police officers in Ulster and …
‘Compassionate’ Sentences Dealt
The defense attorney for a Margaretville man who pleaded guilty to drug possession thanked the district attorney for a ‘compassionate’ resolution to his case in Delaware County Court on Monday. Robert J. Stutzer, 24, of Margaretville pleaded guilty to fifth-degree …
Alleged Store Shooter Transferred to Mass
The man accused of shooting two people in a Worcester, Mass., home improvement store Monday is back in Massachusetts after police tracked him to New York state. Now, the attorney for Mark Anthony LeBreton, 38, of Auburn, Mass., is shedding …
