Author: Niki Jones

Legalization of Cannabis: What This Means for Employment Law in New York

Several years after legislation was first introduced, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act into law on March 31st, 2021, making New York the state to have most recently legalized recreational marijuana use by individuals who are at least 21 years old. This act has been several years in the making, with medical cannabis use having been legalized in 2014 and minor marijuana related offences having been decriminalized in 2019. The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act goes into effect immediately, raising crucial questions about its implications for employment law in New York.

Originally, Section 201-d of the New York Labor Law prohibited discrimination in employment based on a person’s lawful, off-duty “recreational activities” or “political activities.” The MRTA expands upon this by explicitly making it unlawful for an employer to refuse to hire, discharge, or otherwise discriminate against persons who legally use cannabis before or after working hours, off the employer’s premises, and without the use of the employer’s property.

Despite this amendment, the MRTA is not intended to “limit the authority” of employers who enact or enforce policies related to cannabis in the workplace. Employers are not in violation if their employees are impaired by the use of cannabis at work, if the employer would be violating federal statutes (where marijuana is still illegal), or if the employer would be otherwise violating any state or federal mandates, including the loss of government funding or contracts.

Perhaps the most difficult aspect for employers is the need to identify “specific articulable symptoms” of cannabis use in the workplace to take action against impaired employees, although driving under the influence is strictly prohibited. New York is currently in the process of forming the Office of Cannabis Management which might further clarify details of this act at a later point. Employees who claim that their rights have been violated under Section 201-d may file a private lawsuit for equitable relief and damages.

Employers have many factors to consider, including reassessing pre-employment drug screenings, clarifying policies that might assess articulable symptoms of marijuana use, and readjusting any policies currently in place. Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt can aid clients in administrative proceedings involving labor and employment related claims arising under federal, state and local laws, and in arbitrations involving claims arising under collective bargaining agreements and employment contracts. Our Labor and Employment clients range from large public corporations to small privately owned businesses and individuals. To learn more about our capabilities and the employment cases we handle, click here.

If you are seeking legal counsel or help with a litigation or other claim, call our Employment Law Practice Group at 914-287-6144.

How Our Litigation Attorneys Serve the Greater New York Area

Since 1937, Bleakley Platt & Schmidt has provided our clients and the community quality legal services. We represent clients from New York City through the Hudson Valley and beyond, leveraging decades of experience to achieve first-rate results.

Our years of experience and success speak for themselves, particularly in litigation practice for both local and national businesses. Our litigation practice areas include commercial litigation, construction, environmental, personal injury, product liability, toxic tort, and more. We also provide counsel on litigation avoidance as well as pre-litigation advice. We have supervised and managed a wide array of complex cases and can call upon other practice groups in our organization for their expertise.

Bleakley Platt & Schmidt Partner Frances Pantaleo to Talk on Special Needs Planning

Bleakley Platt & Schmidt is proud to announce that partner Frances Pantaleo will give a presentation on special needs planning this Tuesday, April 27th at noon. The program will be hosted by Women in Wealth of Stamford and can be accessed by Zoom Meeting ID: 982 0435 4472 or joined by Phone: US: 929-436-2866.

Women in Wealth of Stamford is a group of Morgan Stanley female financial advisors who have come together to help other women achieve their financial goals through education and engagement. Frances Pantaleo, as head of Bleakley Platt & Schmidt’s Elder Law and Special Needs Practice Group, will be providing a wealth of education on special needs planning that can benefit both children and adults with special needs. Pantaleo is a former law professor and former Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association. She handles a broad range of estate planning with a special emphasis on Medicaid planning, supplemental needs trusts, and guardianship proceedings.

Bleakley Platt & Schmidt Advances SUEZ Water New York to Site Development Plan Review

Bleakley Platt & Schmidt’s Lino Sciaretta represents SUEZ Water New York Inc. (SWNY) as land use counsel in connection with the relocation of its headquarters from 360 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY to 162 Old Mill Road in Rockland County. SWNY currently occupies 162 Old Mill Road as its operations center. The operations center houses construction, administration, management, and customer support staff. Further, the site accommodates customers and developers seeking to pay their bills, apply for service, or modify water services. Additional construction employees and materials are located at 360 West Nyack Road. SWNY is advancing this operations consolidation project to allow for greater efficiency in its daily operations by improving and optimizing the operations center to house all employees, vehicles, and standard infrastructure materials (piping, hydrants, valves, etc.) at the 162 Old Mill site. Sciaretta has appeared before the Town of Clarkstown Technical Advisory Committee and received approval to proceed to the Planning Board for site development plan review. To read Rockland County Business Journal’s full story on this project, click here.

Commercial Finance Law and New York’s Truth in Lending Act

In July 2020, the State of New York passed the Truth in Lending Act, designed to improve transparency in borrowing costs. The bill requires clearer language from lenders so that businesses can more easily compare financing offers. According to the Responsible Business Lending Coalition, the bill requires all lenders to disclose annual percentage rate and repayment terms for loans. This law has important ramifications for lenders and has triggered further changes to State law regarding commercial finance.

In December 2020, for example, New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law commercial finance legislation that mirrors the Truth in Lending Act’s disclosure requirements. Set to take effect June of 2021, the law requires disclosures of APR, payment amounts and fees, and terms of repayment for transactions of $500,000 or less. The law will provide for a penalty of up to $2,000 for each individual violation and up to $10,000 if the provider is found to have willfully violated the law.

The Truth in Lending Act and other recent disclosure laws further complicate the already treacherous landscape of local and national laws lending institutions must navigate. Compliance with these laws is essential to avoiding lawsuits. Bleakley Platt & Schmidt represents both foreign and domestic banks and financial institutions, agency lenders, municipalities and borrowers. Our expertise is available for any group that seeks clarity in lending law requirements.

Our firm has decades of experience and market knowledge that allow us to offer sophisticated and cost-effective counsel in commercial financing transactions. Some of our areas of expertise include secured or unsecured financial lending, commercial loan restructuring, lender liability litigation, and more. Read more about our commercial finance offerings here. Call Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt’s Commercial Finance Practice Group today at 914-287-6102.

Vincent Crowe Wins Appeal on Behalf of Commodore Maintenance Corp.

On February 4, 2021, Vincent W. Crowe prevailed on appeal following the lower Court’s denial of Summary Judgment to the firm’s longstanding client, Commodore Maintenance Corp. See Pastorino v. New York City, Commodore Maintenance, 2021 N.Y. Slip Op. 00634 (App. Div. 1st Dept.). In Pastorino, plaintiff, a dock builder working on the Broadway Bridge connecting Manhattan and the Bronx was injured while climbing from a tug onto a barge. Plaintiff asserted a Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) claim against Commodore and Labor Law claims against the City of New York.

The Appellate Division reversed the Supreme Court, New York County Decision and determined that Commodore Maintenance Corp. was not liable to plaintiff under the LHWCA (33 U.S.C. §905) as it did not qualify as a “bareboat” charterer. The Court determined that the charter agreement between Commodore and third-party defendant Ocean Marine did not provide for the complete and exclusive relinquishment of possession and control to Commodore of the tug involved in plaintiff’s accident. In addition, all crossclaims against the City of New York were dismissed under the “anti-subrogation” rule and third-party defendant Ocean Marine’s counterclaims were dismissed.

Diaconis and Rodriguez Successfully Defend Summary Judgment Attack – Paving Way for Multi Million Dollar Recovery, Including Attorneys Fees for Prosecution of Action

Partners John Diaconis and Adam Rodriguez successfully defended a summary judgment decision they procured on behalf of Westchester County against Unity Mechanical Corp., in a defense and indemnity case brought in Westchester County Supreme Court.

The lawsuit arose out of injuries sustained by a Unity employee on May 30, 2013. The Unity employee was injured while performing work in the Westchester County Courthouse under a boiler repair contract with the County. The employee was standing on an A-frame ladder and fell to the floor, causing him to sustain significant injuries.

Unity agreed in the boiler repair contract with the County to defend and indemnify the County for “all” liability arising out of the performance under the Contract.
However, after the Unity employee sued the County in 2013, Unity refused to honor its contractual commitments to defend the County in the underlying action. So, the County defended itself. Years later, after a finding of “strict” liability against the County under the N.Y. Labor Law.

Unity ignored the County’s repeated offers to participate in settlement discussions, and the underlying action ultimately settled for $2.875 million. Unity then refused to indemnify the County for the settlement amount, so the County initiated a lawsuit.

The Court granted the County’s motion for summary judgment and held that Unity breached its duties to defend and indemnify the County. The Court also held that the County was entitled to attorneys’ fees for defending the underlying action, as well as the action-in-chief to recover the settlement proceeds.

Unity moved for reargument, arguing that the Court: (1) misapprehended the scope of Unity’s duty to defend and indemnify the County; (2) failed to address whether the County’s alleged negligence should preclude contractual indemnification to the County; and (3) failed to address the County’s alleged spoliation of evidence.
On December 31, 2020, in a thorough decision, the Court rejected Unity’s arguments and sustained its prior holdings, paving the way to a potential recovery of over $3 million for the County.

Here is a link to the decision.

Partner Robert Meade Secures Litigation Win for William Penn Life Insurance Company

Our Partner, Robert D. Meade, secured a litigation win on appeal of a case he argued at trial for the firm’s long-standing client William Penn Life Insurance Company of New York. See, Bonem v. William Penn Life Ins. Co. of N.Y., 2021 NY Slip Op 00227 (App. Div. 1st Dept.) The Appellate Division, First Department vacated the judgment of the Supreme Court, New York County (Justice Arthur F. Engoron) entered on August 17, 2020 which had awarded plaintiff $1 million on a life insurance policy. The lower court decision was unanimously overturned, with the Appellate Division directing the Clerk to enter judgment for William Penn, finding that the plaintiff was not entitled to coverage under the subject insurance policy because it had lapsed before the insured’s death.

How Biden’s Labor Department Pick Could Affect Construction Law in New York

Amidst many changes in the transition from a Trump to Biden presidency, one that stands out in particular is the nomination of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh as labor secretary. Mayor Walsh, a former leader of the Boston Building and Construction Trades Council and former head of the Laborer’s Union, boasts widespread union support and mirrors Biden’s agenda for a worker-friendly labor department. This nomination could have widespread impact on current construction law standards for New York builders.

One possible change is a reworking of certain OSHA regulations and other standards. With Biden’s administration promising to quickly control and squash remnants of Coronavirus, Walsh could potentially expand infectious disease standards, requiring ICRA-type infection risk assessment and control plans beyond construction at health care facilities, medical vaccination, and medical removal protection paid to employees. It will be crucial for stakeholders to have clear, concise legal contracts in regards to infectious disease emergencies to continue construction operations.

Another consideration is the increased need for force majeure provisions, either written into an existing contract or as a freestanding provision. As governmental forces move in to control the pandemic, construction projects in New York face the potential for mandatory reduced workforce, delayed construction, or the prospect of another round of closure of non-essential construction work. Stakeholders must have clear and practical guidance in place around potential rework, project time delays, and poor performance, so no affected parties are caught by surprise.

Lastly, the Department of Labor’s new rule for determining independent contractors, set to go into effect March 2021, might be rescinded by the new administration. The rule decides worker classification on an “economic reality test” focused primarily on whether a worker is economically dependent on an employer, making it easier to classify a worker as an independent contractor. As independent contractors are not given the same benefits as employees, Walsh could take steps to expand protections to independent contractors for minimum wage, unemployment benefits, and overtime pay.

Regardless of the shifting tides in government and the legal changes at hand, Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt remains committed to protecting our construction clients during any phase, from development to execution. We are well-versed in local, state, and federal legislation. Our team is highly skilled in drafting and negotiating contracts, resolving payment disputes, prosecuting and defending damage claims, and any other hurdles you might face. To learn more about our capabilities and the way we can protect you, click here.

If you are seeking legal counsel or help with a litigation or other claim, call our Construction Law Practice Group at 914-287-6165.

Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP Announces Adam Rodriguez as Partner

Mr. Rodriguez, a native of Yonkers, focuses his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, municipal law, intellectual property and real estate. He currently serves as the Yorktown Town Attorney, acting as legal counsel to the Town, its elected officials, department heads, and its various boards. He is also a Director of Lifting Up Westchester, a non-profit that helps Westchester residents overcome the challenges of poverty, homelessness, hunger, health and education, and Friends of Miller House/Washington’s Headquarters, a non-profit committed to sustaining the legacy of George Washington.

Before joining Bleakley Platt, Adam was the Director of Real Estate for Westchester County, where he negotiated complex commercial real estate transactions valued at over $100 million. Prior to his appointment as Director of Real Estate, he was an Associate County Attorney working on a number of high-profile cases, including the County’s affordable housing settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP is Westchester’s preeminent law firm, with a more than 85-year legacy of providing superior legal counsel to residents and businesses of Westchester and Rockland Counties, as well as the entire Hudson Valley and Fairfield County, CT. To learn more about the Firm’s services, visit https://www.bpslaw.com/, or contact its offices at (914) 949-2700.

Bleakley Platt & Schmidt Continues Its Proud Support of the Children’s Health & Research Foundation

Bleakley Platt & Schmidt is proud to support the Children’s Health & Research Foundation (CHRF). Through financial, legal, administrative and other support, as well as board service, the Firm assists CHRF in realizing its mission to promote the health of children and families in New York’s Hudson Valley and surrounding regions.

Friends of Miller House/Washington’s Headquarters Announces New Leadership

White Plains, NY: Today, Friends of Miller House/Washington’s Headquarters announced that new leadership has been elected for the term commencing on January 1, 2021.

Former New Castle Town Board member and long-time advocate for Miller House, John S. Diaconis has been elected President. Adam Rodriguez has been elected Vice President. Mr. Diaconis and Mr. Rodriguez are partners in the law firm of Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt LLP. One of Westchester’s oldest firms, Bleakley Platt has a history of civic engagement in Westchester County. The founding member was William Bleakley, Westchester’s first County Executive.

Edward L. Woodyard was elected Vice President as well. Mr. Woodyard has been involved with the Friends since its inception, and he is active in community affairs. Mr. Woodyard is a former President of the organization. Leo Vircillo will be the new Treasurer.

Linda Fernburg has stepped down as President, but will remain on the board of directors. The Friends are appreciative of Linda’s past service and pleased she’ll stay on as board member.

Mr. Diaconis said: “We are grateful for County Executive Latimer’s leadership in preserving this historic landmark. The Elijah Miller House is an 18th century farm house used by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War as a headquarters command post. The house was home to Ann and Elijah Miller and their 7 children. Elijah Miller and two sons John and Elijah, Jr. all died as members of Westchester’s militia in 1776. A woman of great courage, Ann Miller then turned the house into a hospital for Continental soldiers. During the Battle of White Plains, soldiers took shelter under the shade of a 300 year old sycamore that’s preserved on the property.”

Mr. Rodriguez added: “George Washington’s leadership during and after the American Revolution set this great nation on a path that has endured for over two hundred years.  The Friends are committed to sustaining Washington’s legacy.  We’ll assist the County in programming and plan to educate citizens both young and old not only about Washington’s unprecedented achievements, but also his position and struggle with other controversial issues.”

Mr. Diaconis and Mr. Rodriguez both thanked Daughters of Liberty’s Legacy for their hard work in preserving the house.

The Friends are looking to fill board of director vacancies and for members. Those interested may contact Mr. Diaconis directly at jdiaconis@bpslaw.com.

New York’s Infrastructure Investments Spotlight Importance of Environmental Law

In the next few years, infrastructure and construction are expected to be among the most promising sectors contributing to post-pandemic economic recovery. Their prominent role is due, at least in part, to the $275 billion funding plan introduced by Governor Andrew Cuomo in February 2020. In order for these projects to receive funding and approval to begin, however, they will have to comply with environmental laws and regulations.

Brian Quinn and Lino Sciarretta Join Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP to Open Rockland County Office

WHITE PLAINS, NY – Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP is pleased to announce the addition of two new partners, Brian Quinn and Lino Sciarretta, former members of Montalbano Condon & Frank, PC., which maintains its office in New City, NY and will continue its legal practice. Mr. Quinn practices in the areas of banking, real estate, and land use law, while Mr. Sciarretta practices real estate and land use law. Their joining the Firm greatly strengthens Bleakley Platt & Schmidt’s Land Use & Zoning practice. They are also spearheading the opening of a Rockland County office.

Mr. Quinn worked for Manhattan law firms for over a decade before relocating to Rockland County, where he has practiced law for more than thirty years. In that time, he has represented commercial lending institutions in complex commercial mortgages, construction loans, asset based lending, and creative financing. He has prosecuted numerous commercial foreclosures and has represented commercial lenders in preserving and enforcing creditors’ interests after debtors have filed for bankruptcy.

Mr. Quinn has also prosecuted and defended various types of real estate litigation on behalf of title companies, individuals, and corporate entities involving Article 15 bar claim actions, tax foreclosures, easements, adverse possession claims, and boundary line disputes.

Thoroughly familiar with local and state zoning practices, procedures and environmental law, Mr. Quinn has represented many of Rockland County’s major companies and developers on land use and zoning matters.

In his twenty-three years practicing law, Mr. Sciarretta has held the positions of Town Attorney for the Town of Clarkstown, NY and Village Attorney in several municipalities. He has considerable commercial litigation and transaction experience and has represented governmental agencies, developers, municipalities, and private sector clients in zoning, real estate development, civil rights, discrimination in employment, and environmental matters.

Additionally, Mr. Sciarretta has a wide range of experience in real estate transactions, encompassing commercial mortgages, construction loans, sales and acquisitions, and leasing. He represents sellers, buyers and public benefit corporations (Industrial Development Agencies) in various transactions involving commercial, industrial, and residential properties and has represented lenders in workouts, mortgage closings, and commercial loan transactions.

He brings to bear his substantial experience representing clients before state and federal courts on zoning and land use controversies, as well as environmental and real estate matters.

Both Mr. Quinn and Mr. Sciaretta join Bleakley Platt & Schmidt from Montalbano Condon & Frank. The valued relationship of these firms is made stronger by the arrival of Quinn and Sciarretta at Bleakley, and Montalbano Condon & Frank wishes both partners the best as they embark on this next chapter of their careers.

In welcoming Mr. Quinn and Mr. Sciarretta to the Firm, Bleakley Platt & Schmidt furthers its legal services in the practice areas of real estate, commercial finance, environmental law, and now, land use & zoning. Mr. Quinn and Mr. Sciarretta will lead the Firm’s Rockland County office, expanding the Firm’s presence in the Hudson Valley region.
Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP is Westchester’s preeminent law firm, with a more than 85-year legacy of providing superior legal counsel to residents and businesses of Westchester and Rockland Counties, as well as the entire Hudson Valley and Fairfield County, CT. To learn more about the Firm’s services, visit https://www.bpslaw.com/, or contact its offices at (914) 949-2700.

Recession and Vaccine Outlook Likely to Spur Private Mergers and Acquisitions Activity in 2021

As 2020 draws to a close, many private companies in our region are struggling to maintain profits and remain viable during the severe recession caused by the pandemic.  With several promising vaccines for the COVID-19 virus becoming available now, most business leaders believe that the pandemic will end this summer and the economy will rebound sharply in the second half of 2021. For many businesses, however, this may be too late. Private mergers and acquisitions activity in the Hudson Valley likely will accelerate in 2021 as local business owners evaluate the viability of their companies as currently structured and operated in the post-pandemic business environment. Some will be able to reconfigure business operations and others will seek to enter into corporate restructurings with competitors to survive, or to  salvage remaining assets and good will value.

Local business conditions are affected by national issues and trends. The Biden administration is seeking to raise corporate and estate taxes, the likelihood of which hinges on which party retains control of the U.S. Senate. According to a recent study by Deloitte, 61% of U.S. dealmakers expect M&A activity to return to pre-COVID levels within the next 12 months. See, https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/mergers-and-acquisitions/articles/m-a-trends-report.html.  Many perceive pent-up demand, the need for business restructuring and high savings levels as conditions for an extremely active private mergers and acquisitions market in the second quarter of next year.

The Corporate Practice group at Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt is ready to assist business owners evaluate their options in light of this uncertain environment and the fiscal and business carnage left by the pandemic.  Our firm has represented closely-held businesses in the Hudson Valley for over 85 years and offers high caliber representation at competitive rates.  We coordinate our representation among various practice areas that are implicated in private mergers and acquisitions, such as corporate finance, employment and labor law, trusts and estates, intellectual property and litigation. In addition, we offer experienced business counsel in alternatives to traditional merger and acquisition transactions, such as strategic contracts, joint ventures and partnerships. Joint ventures and strategic partnerships can enable businesses to reposition themselves to respond successfully to changed business environments without owners losing control of their companies or selling or diluting their equity.

Our experienced attorneys provide counseling and representation in corporate finance, partnership matters, joint ventures, corporate restructurings, private mergers and acquisitions transactions and venture capital. To read more about our corporate law services, click here.  Let our team of expert corporate law attorneys assist you and navigate your business through these challenging times. Call us today at 914-949-2700.

Patients’ access to health information through their smartphones creates compliance risk for physicians

The Department of Health and Human Services has set forth new rules to provide patients with smartphones easier access to their health information and to establish exceptions to the information blocking provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act (“Cures Act”). As health care becomes more about the customers, the customer, also known as the patient, wants to know more about their health and how they can improve it. Physicians are expected to enhance their electronic health records (“EHR”) to improve interoperability with patients’ smartphones while preventing inappropriate disclosures of information.

Corporate Compliance Plans Protect Long-Term Care Facilities & Their Caregivers

As health care workers and long-term care facilities prepare to brave winter, the flu season, a possible resurgence of COVID-19 infections and regulatory scrutiny, enforcement and possible litigation, they can prepare by reviewing their corporate compliance plans and updating them as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and to mitigate liability risks. It is particularly important to review and update corporate compliance plans this year for compliance with extensive federal and state health guidelines during COVID-19.

Client Alert: COVID-19 Vaccinations and Health Care Workers

By: Robert Braumuller, Esq., Zaina S. Khoury, Esq. and Nina Schuman-Bronson, Esq., MPH

This article appeared in the New York Law Journal on September 24, 2020.

On July 27, the Massachusetts-based biotechnology company, Moderna Inc. (“Moderna”), announced the commencement of the Phase 3 study of its mRNA vaccine candidate (mRNA-1273) against COVID-19. Phase 3 clinical trial of investigational vaccine for COVID-19 begins, National Institutes of Health (Jul. 27, 2020), https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/phase-3-clinical-trial-investigational-vaccine-covid-19-begins. With Moderna as the regulatory sponsor and provider of the investigational vaccine for the trial, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) are providing funding for the trial. Id. This trial is the first of the vaccine efficacy trials to be implemented under “Operation Warp Speed”, which is a collaboration of multiple agencies led by HHS with the goal of fast-tracking the development, manufacturing and distribution of biologics, drugs, and devices for COVID-19. Id. There are approximately 30,000 adult volunteers expected to be enrolled in the study at U.S. clinical research sites. Id. As of September 8, 2020, the World Health Organization reports that there are 34 candidate vaccines in clinical evaluation and 145 candidate vaccines in preclinical evaluation. Draft landscape of COVID-19 candidate vaccines, World Health Organization (Sep. 8, 2020), https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/draft-landscape-of-covid-19-candidate-vaccines.

“Let Facts Be Submitted To A Candid World”

It’s time for a candid conversation.

Leadership is spawned from crisis and necessity. True leaders simply lead. They are selfless and courageous, empathic and humble. They acknowledge their flaws and solicit the wisdom of others. Their moral compass is the common good. They seek neither credit nor platitudes. Their reward is the success and well-being of those who have placed their trust in them.

Our country and our region are confronting two daunting challenges: The COVID-19 Pandemic has killed or sickened family and friends, crippled our local and national economies and plunged individuals and families into the chaos of fiscal uncertainty and pervasive fear. Horrific homicidal misconduct of certain police officers has exposed, yet again, the festering social wounds of racism in our country and the resultant plight and suffering of Americans of color. These are common enemies that we as Americans must fight and overcome together.

I emphasize “we” because our Nation’s founding documents are based upon inclusive pronouns that contemplate a collective effort to defend and honor one another and the God-given Constitutional rights of every American. Unfortunately, on both sides of the aisle our political discourse has devolved into the constant use of divisive personal and partisan invective. This pits Americans against each other. This is not leadership. It is self-serving, toxic rhetoric that has exacerbated our problems, fomented unnecessary and otherwise avoidable social discord, and accomplished nothing other than to tear at the fabric of our country.

This is a defining moment for our Nation; an opportunity for thoughtful dialogue and needed reform. I have great faith in our country. Americans believe in redemption. As Americans, we were born for this time, for these challenges, and for this defining moment of change. We have among us leaders in healthcare and the sciences, who will develop the COVID-19 vaccine and identify breakthroughs in treatment – oftentimes, while risking their own health and safety. We also have among us political, community and law enforcement leaders who will hazard forward fearlessly to identify injustice where it exists, build a consensus for change, and eradicate the infection of racism and ignorance. We will do it together. It will not be easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is. But it is our time to lead this country forward.

How? I offer for your consideration the words of the Declaration of Independence. As a prelude to identifying the colonists’ grievances against King George, Thomas Jefferson wrote that “…let facts be submitted to a candid world.” In that same hope, I offer what I believe what we all must do as leaders. We must listen to one another without bias, and sincerely attempt to understand differing perspectives, grievances and fears. We must be patient, agree to disagree without insult or the all too predictable dismissive allegations of ignorance, intolerance or bigotry. We must understand that inevitable disagreements are merely navigable rapids, not insurmountable impediments. We must respect the humanity and validity of every American voice. We must support every person’s right to pursue the hopes and dreams that only can be realized in America. We must reject the generic vilification of law enforcement or any other group and the wanton destruction of life, livelihoods and personal property. Such conduct generates only mistrust and social and political instability, antithetical to the interests of all Americans. America’s greatness can only be realized with the humble receptivity to the perspectives and experiences of all of our neighbors.

In the end, leadership, while difficult, is quite simple. Treat people the way you want to be treated. In the words of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “[t]he arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
It is our time. Let’s lead.

William P. Harrington
Chairman
Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP
One North Lexington Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 949-2700

To view this article in Westchester County Business Journal, click here.

As Businesses Reopen, The Lawsuits Begin

SAVE THE DATE: June 16, 2020 at 1 p.m. EST, a NYSBA Dispute Resolution Section Zoom/Webinar.

As Businesses Reopen, The Lawsuits Begin: The Landscape for the Post-Covid Deluge of Lawsuits, the Intersection of Insurance and Using ADR for Expedited Resolution.

I look forward to moderating this program with an amazing panel consisting of AAA-ICDR Arbitrators Deborah Masucci, Mark Bunim, John Diaconis, Peter A. Halprin, FCIArb, FAiADR, and my AAA-ICDR colleague Svetlana Gitman.

See the following link to register:

https://lnkd.in/d4PmwZS

Five Coronavirus Legal Issues for Local Government Leaders

By Adam Rodriguez, Esq.

Local governments are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. Here are a few legal updates and issues that local government leaders need to be aware of.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act

By Adam Rodriguez, Esq.

COVID-19 issues are unfolding unfold rapidly and the government is taking swift and decisive action to deal with the impact. Employers have to be prepared quickly understand and implement these new policy decisions.

The newly enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) requires small employers (less than 500 employees) to provide employees with paid sick leave and paid family leave for COVID-19 related reasons. Both changes go into effect April 2, 2020 and will remain in place until the end of 2020.

Bleakley Platt & Schmidt and Continuing Legal Education

Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP is proud of it’s more than 80-year legacy of providing superior legal counsel to the residents and businesses of Westchester County and Greenwhich, CT. The firm is also dedicated, however, to helping foster the talent of up-and-coming lawyers and to the education of the legal community. For this reason, our attorneys, like partner Frances M. Pantaleo, frequently speak at Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses – specialized professional education required for attorneys, following admission to the bar.

Ms. Pantaleo, head of the firm’s Elder Law and Special Needs Practice Group, for example, will speak at a CLE entitled “An Introduction to Elder Law and Special Needs Planning,” presented by the Westchester County Bar Association’s Trust & Estates and Elder Law committees, on Thursday, January 16.

Elder law is the area of legal practice providing counsel in matters concerning health care, long-term care planning, estate planning (including preparation of wills, trusts, and advance directives), asset preservation and protection, Medicaid applications, and guardianship. Under Ms. Pantaleo’s leadership, the Elder Law and Special Needs Practice Group works closely with clients’ family advisors, including family offices, financial advisors, CPAs, social workers, and healthcare professionals, in providing such services.

An educator, as well as an attorney, Ms. Pantaleo has taught law at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City and Pace Law School in White Plains. She previously spoke at the New York State Bar Association’s “Basic Elder Law” CLE in November.

Other Bleakley Platt & Schmidt attorneys who have spoken at CLEs and similar programs include associate Brendan H. Buschman, who gave an overview on special needs estate planning at NYSBA’s “Special Education” CLE in October; associate Daniel P. Buckley, who, in October, presented on Estate Planning with Digital Assets at NYSBA’s “Intermediate Trusts and Estates” CLE, and partner Nancy J. Rudolph, who spoke about the Surrogate’s Court mediation program at the October meeting of the NYSBA Trusts & Estates and Elder Law & Special Needs Sections.

“An Introduction to Elder Law and Special Needs Planning” will be held on Thursday, January 16 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, in the Ground Floor Conference Room at 2 Westchester Park Drive, White Plains, NY. Registration is required. To register, click here.

Bleakley Platt & Schmidt’s Frances M. Pantaleo to Speak at WCBA January CLE

Bleakley Platt & Schmidt partner and head of the firm’s Elder Law and Special Needs Practice Group, Frances M. Pantaleo, Esq. will speak at a Continuing Legal Education course entitled “An Introduction to Elder Law and Special Needs Planning,” presented by the Westchester County Bar Association’s Trust & Estates and Elder Law committees, on Thursday, January 16.

Elder law is the area of legal practice providing counsel in matters concerning health care, long-term care planning, estate planning (including preparation of wills, trusts, and advance directives), asset preservation and protection, Medicaid applications, and guardianship. Under Frances Pantaleo’s leadership, the Elder Law and Special Needs Practice Group works closely with clients’ family advisors, including family offices, financial advisors, CPAs, social workers, and healthcare professionals, in providing such services.

Ms. Pantaleo is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and previously served as Chair of the New York State Bar Association’s Elder Law and Special Needs Section. She was recently named Best Lawyers’ 2020 Lawyer of the Year in White Plains for the field of Elder Law. Additionally, the Thomson Reuters publication Super Lawyers Magazine has recognized her as one of the Top 25: 2019 Westchester County Super Lawyers, and the publication has also named her as one of the top 50 Women Lawyers in the Metro Area. She has also been honored with an award from the New York State Bar Association Elder Law & Special Needs Section for her work “in furtherance of the rights of the elderly and persons with disabilities.”

An educator, as well as an attorney, Ms. Pantaleo has taught law at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City and Pace Law School in White Plains. She previously spoke at the New York State Bar Association’s “Basic Elder Law” CLE in November.

“An Introduction to Elder Law and Special Needs Planning” will be held on Thursday, January 16 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, in the Ground Floor Conference Room at 2 Westchester Park Drive, White Plains, NY. Registration is required. To register, click here.

Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP is Westchester’s preeminent law firm, with a more than 80-year legacy of providing superior legal counsel to the residents and businesses of Westchester County and Greenwhich, CT. To learn more about the firm’s services, visit https://www.bpslaw.com/, or contact its offices at (914) 949-2700. Click here to send an email and inquire about Frances Pantaleo, Esq’s team and practice areas.

The First Three Westchester County Executives

Both Judge Bleakley and Judge Hopkins were former BPS attorneys.

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