Federal laws keep marijuana illegal for military personnel, despite state legalization
Even as medical and recreational use of marijuana becomes legal for those over 21 in many states, U.S. military personnel face severe consequences if they use marijuana or other…
Employees in New York State could benefit from new, proposed ‘call-in’ rules
Employees may benefit from New York State’s revised proposed rules for “call-in” pay and scheduling. Employers, however, may face challenges complying with the new rules, if…
Redemption possible when charged with a crime in the military, but hire a good lawyer
Lawyers learn about the law by reading old cases and breaking down each facet into separate and distinct elements, or commonly known terms that demonstrate repetition and…
New Year’s checkup: Achieve your goals by knowing where your business stands
With each new year, we often re-examine ourselves — our health, our habits, our goals — and make resolutions for the upcoming year. Every business owner, entrepreneur, board…
New year, new exemptions: It’s the perfect time to review and update your estate plan
You may have had the foresight to create an estate plan to ensure that your assets are distributed the way you want them to be after you are gone. However, each new year brings…
Startups and small businesses: Along with new opportunities, new year brings new laws, regulations
The New Year brings new opportunities to launch, grow, and strengthen your business, but also carries new challenges from new laws and regulations being implemented in 2019. I…
Debate over Uber, Lyft driver pay highlights discrepancies between definitions of ‘employee,’ ‘independent contractor’
Uber, Lyft and other for-hire vehicle (FHV) rides in New York City are going to cost more starting in January. The fare increase brings to light a larger employment issue that…
Vacant MSPB Means No Potential Recourse For Appeal-Filing Federal Employees Any Time Soon
What happens when a federal board has no members? Not much. The stalemate that continues the longest-ever stretch without a quorum at the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board…
Non-parent custody: Courts may consider third parties in certain situations
New York law recognizes that biological parents have a superior right to raise their children. However, in cases where there are extraordinary circumstances, a court may consider…
Take back what’s yours: Name change after divorce
Whether married for a few years or many, divorcing spouses often ask “can I change my name once I am divorced?” or “can I force my spouse to drop my last name after we are…