Partner Joe DeGiuseppe Speaking at 91st Annual NYSAC Fall Conference
Bleakley Platt partner Joe DeGiuseppe, chair of the firm’s Employment and Immigration Law practices, will speak on Monday, September 16th at the 91st Annual Fall Conference of the NYS Cemetery Association on the topic of “Recent Developments in NYS Paid Family Leave Laws.” Mr. DeGiuseppe’s presentation will provide an overview of various leave issues under this NYS law and its interaction with similar federal, state and local employee leave laws, including FMLA, the NYS Human Rights Law and the NYC and Westchester County Earned Sick Leave Laws.
Mr. DeGiuseppe advises clients on all aspects of labor and employment law, including employment terminations and discipline, reductions-in-force, personnel policies and practices, employee benefit cases and collective bargaining negotiations. He has acted as lead counsel on significant employment discrimination law cases, wage and hour cases and collective actions, non-competition cases and arbitration proceedings. He also advises corporations, business executives, professional employees and individual clients with respect to immigrant visa (green cards) applications, U.S. citizenship applications, nonimmigrant work visa petitions, and employment verification and discrimination issues.
More information on the 91st Annual NYSAC Fall Conference can be found at the following link: http://nysac.com/upcoming-events/
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Courts Can Now Use Google Maps: N.Y. Law Amended to Allow Courts to Take Judicial Notice of Information from Web-mapping Services
I often use Google Maps, the Westchester County Geographic Information Systems, and other web-based mapping services in my cases to find visual information about specific locations around the world that are relevant. Using those maps during depositions is easy. But getting those maps admitted into evidence at a trial or hearing would require an evidentiary certification from the custodian of the image that could be difficult and time consuming. Not anymore.
The New York State Legislature recently amended § 4511 of the Civil Law and Practice Rules (“C.P.L.R.”) to require courts to take “judicial notice” of digital mapping images and related information. Courts can take judicial notice of a fact when it is a well-known or indisputable, proven fact.
The new § 4511(c) reads:
“Every court shall take judicial notice of an image, map, location, distance, calculation, or other information taken from a web mapping service, a global satellite imaging site, or an internet mapping tool, when requested by a party to the action, subject to a rebuttable presumption that such image, map, location, distance, calculation, or other information fairly and accurately depicts the evidence presented. The presumption established by this subdivision shall be rebutted by credible and reliable evidence that the image, map, location, distance, calculation, or other information taken from a web mapping service, a global satellite imaging site, or an internet mapping tool does not fairly and accurately portray that which it is being offered to prove. A party intending to offer such image or information at a trial or hearing shall, at least thirty days before the trial or hearing, give notice of such intent, providing a copy or specifying the internet address at which such image or information may be inspected. No later than ten days before the trial or hearing, a party upon whom such notice is served may object to the request for judicial notice of such image or information, stating the grounds for the objection. Unless objection is made pursuant to this subdivision, or is made at trial based upon evidence which could not have been discovered by the exercise of due diligence prior to the time for objection otherwise required by this subdivision, the court shall take judicial notice of such image or information.”
So, § 4511(c) creates a rebuttable presumption. Any party can ask a court to take judicial notice of the web mapping service images or information. No evidentiary showing is required, but requesting parties must notify their adversaries at least thirty (30) days before a trial or hearing. The adversary must then object no later than ten days before the trial or hearing, stating the grounds for the objection, which must include “credible and reliable evidence” that the image or information “does not fairly and accurately portray that which it is being offered to prove.” If the adversary fails to make a timely objection (unless new facts are learned after the objection deadline), the court must take judicial notice of the image or information.
This is a very practical amendment to the C.P.L.R. that will promote efficiency by saving time. We all rely on these web mapping services in our everyday lives. There is no reason that the courts should be any different.
At Bleakley Platt, Mr. Rodriguez focuses his practice in the areas of litigation, intellectual property and real estate. Previously, he was the Director of Real Estate for Westchester County, where he negotiated commercial real estate transactions valued at over $100 million. Prior to his appointment as Director of Real Estate, Mr. Rodriguez defended the County of Westchester in one of the highest-profile HUD enforcement actions in United States history. He has also served as a law clerk to two federal judges and worked as an intellectual property litigator at a large law firm in New York City.
Visit Mr. Rodriguez’s Facebook page “Trademark Tales,” Twitter feed, Instagram feed and LinkedIn for more thoughts on the law.
To read Mr. Rodriguez’s complete biography, click here.
Read MoreSupreme Court Strengthens Rights of Trademark Licensees: Holds that bankruptcy debtors cannot terminate trademark license agreements under section 365 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code
In the United States, the Bankruptcy Code allows individuals and entities (“debtor”) who cannot repay their debts to seek relief from some or all of those debts.
One of the peculiar aspects of the Bankruptcy Code is that 11 U.S.C. § 365(a) enables a debtor to reject “executory contracts,” which are contracts that neither party has finished performing. Examples of executory contracts are a real estate lease and an intellectual property licensing agreement.
The question before the Supreme Court in Mission Product Holdings, Inc. v. Tempnology, LLC., was whether the “rejection” of a trademark licensing agreement under § 365(a) also terminated the rights of the licensee to use the trademark.
The Court agreed to hear the case to resolve a split among the circuit courts. The Court of Appeals for the First Circuit held in In re Tempnology, LLC, 879 F. 3d 389 (2018) that a debtor’s rejection of trademark licensing agreement terminated the licensing agreement. The Seventh Circuit, however, had ruled the other way in Sunbeam Products, Inc. v. Chicago Am. Mfg., LLC, 686 F. 3d 372 (7th Cir. 2012).
The Supreme Court agreed with the Seventh Circuit, holding that a debtor’s rejection of trademark license under Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code has the same effect as a breach of that license agreement outside bankruptcy. Rejection does not rescind rights that the contract previously granted.
“A rejection breaches a contract but does not rescind it. And that means all the rights that would ordinarily survive a contract breach, including those conveyed here, remain in place.” The debtor “can stop performing its remaining obligations under the agreement. But the debtor cannot rescind the license already conveyed. So the licensee can continue to do whatever the license authorizes.”
The Court’s holding is a victory for trademark licensees. It strengthens the rights of licensees by making clear that rejection of a trademark license during bankruptcy does not rescind the license. It will also give trademark licensees greater power and leverage during the bankruptcy reorganization process.
At Bleakley Platt, Mr. Rodriguez focuses his practice in the areas of litigation, intellectual property and real estate. Previously, he was the Director of Real Estate for Westchester County, where he negotiated commercial real estate transactions valued at over $100 million. Prior to his appointment as Director of Real Estate, Mr. Rodriguez defended the County of Westchester in one of the highest-profile HUD enforcement actions in United States history. He has also served as a law clerk to two federal judges and worked as an intellectual property litigator at a large law firm in New York City.
Visit Mr. Rodriguez’s Facebook page “Trademark Tales,” Twitter feed, Instagram feed and LinkedIn for more thoughts on the law.
To read Mr. Rodriguez’s complete biography, click here.
Read MoreBrendan H. Buschman Presents a CLE Seminar on Supplemental Needs Trusts
Brendan H. Buschman, a member of the firm’s Elder Law and Special Needs Practice Group, will give a CLE seminar on Supplemental Needs Trusts for the Mamaroneck Harrison Larchmont Bar Association in conjunction with Benchmark Title on Friday, June 7, 2019 at Emilio’s Ristorante, Harrison, NY.
The presentation will review such topics as Self-Settled Supplemental Needs Trusts, Third Party and Trigger Supplemental Needs Trusts in Wills and/as Testamentary Substitutes, and ABLE Accounts.
Mr. Buschman has experience in elder law, special needs planning and guardianship proceedings under Article 81 of the Mental Health Hygiene Law and Article 17A of the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act, drafting and administration of special needs trusts, estate planning, drafting of wills and trusts, and estate administration.
To read Mr. Buschman’s complete biography, click here.
Read MoreBleakley Platt attorneys, William P. Harrington and John W. McGowan, to sue New York State Parole Board over release of Judith Clark
On Monday, May 13th, Bleakley Platt attorneys William P. Harrington and John W. McGowan, in conjunction with co-counsel Mark Blanchard and Dennis Lynch of Blanchard and Wilson, commenced an action in New York State Supreme Court on behalf of clients Arthur G. Keenen Jr. and Michael Paige against the New York State Parole Board (the “Board”) and Commissioners Tana Agostini, Ellen Alexander, and William Smith Jr. based on the Board’s decision to grant parole to and release murderer, Judith Clark, who was convicted for her role in the infamous 1981 Brinks robbery which claimed the lives of three innocent men: Sgt. Edward O’Grady (Nyack Police Department); Officer Waverly “Chipper” Brown (Nyack Police Department); and Brinks Security Officer Peter Paige. Arthur Keenen is a retired Nyack Police Officer who was injured during the Brinks robbery and Michael Paige is the son of the late Peter Paige, slain during the robbery.
Through this action, our clients/plaintiffs contend that the Board acted improperly and failed to follow the statutory and regulatory guidelines in making its decision to grant parole to the convicted murderer Judith Clark. Ultimately, our clients seek a reversal of the Board’s decision and that Judith Clark be remanded back to state prison to serve the remainder of her sentence.
This matter garnered media coverage from many local outlets, including News12, the Journal News, Fios1 News, the New York Post, and 1010 WINS among others.
A link to an article covering the press conference and announcement of the suit: https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/rockland/2019/05/13/brinks-victims-seek-new-parole-hearing-freed-judith-clark/1186735001/
Read MorePartner Jim Glatthaar & Counsel Adam Rodriguez Quoted by The Verge on Facebook Housing Discrimination Case
Bleakley Platt Partner Jim Glatthaar and Counsel Adam Rodriguez were key sources for a recent article in The Verge that examines the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s claim that Facebook violated the Fair Housing Act by letting ad buyers use Facebook algorithms to target audiences that included or excluded certain races, religions, or genders.
According to Mr. Glatthaar, the case is unusual for a variety of reasons. “Something like this is a national practice, whereas most housing discrimination is fairly local,” he says. “The federal government is one of the few entities that can handle something of this scope.”
According to Mr. Rodriguez, HUD doesn’t have to establish that these targeting algorithms are purposefully designed to avoid showing ads to certain protected classes. It just has to demonstrate that the system effectively makes housing less accessible to these people — a concept known as disparate impact. “If there is an algorithm that just happens to discriminate against racial minorities or gender minorities or whatever, I think it would still be problematic,” says Rodriguez. He compares the move to a zoning restriction whose text and intent is race-neutral but that directly results in fewer black residents, which would likely still be considered discriminatory.
To read the entire article, click here.
Mr. Glatthaar is a member of the Litigation, Co-Operative and Condominium, Construction and Real Estate Practice Groups at Bleakley Platt. He has represented landlords, tenants, developers, non-profit institutions, sellers, purchasers, realtors, cooperatives and condominiums in building, zoning, housing and disability-based discrimination claims, landlord-tenant and construction defect claims both in courts and before state and federal administrative agencies. He has also represented property owners and purchasers in complex real estate and financing transactions.
Click here to view his complete attorney profile.
At Bleakley Platt, Mr. Rodriguez focuses his practice in the areas of litigation, intellectual property and real estate. Previously, he was the Director of Real Estate for Westchester County, where he negotiated commercial real estate transactions valued at over $100 million. Prior to his appointment as Director of Real Estate, Mr. Rodriguez defended the County of Westchester in one of the highest-profile HUD enforcement actions in United States history. He has also served as a law clerk to two federal judges, and worked as an intellectual property litigator at a large law firm in New York City.
To read Mr. Rodriguez’s attorney profile, click here.
Read MoreAttorneys for child abuse victim call for Court appointed Special Master to ensure records are protected
Attorneys for child abuse victim call for Court appointed Special Master to ensure records are protected.
New York’s new landmark child abuse act creates a long waiting period before victims can file.
This waiting period must not become an opportunity for new abuse.
Only a Court appointed neutral Special Master can protect the new rights granted to those who have waited decades for their day in Court.
Today, on behalf of our client, and at least one thousand young boys of first- and second-generation American families victimized and abused by Dr. Reginald Archibald of Rockefeller University Hospital, we have filed an action asking the Court to appoint a Special Master to ensure that the newly granted litigation rights of childhood sexual abuse victims are protected.
This neutral Special Master must direct that all records, photos, X-Rays, mail correspondence, and email, if any exists, be preserved. Further, the Special Master must also direct that the Hospital, its officers and employees, and its law firm cease contacting former patients of Dr. Archibald, and that any notes, transcriptions, letters, questionnaires or other materials gathered on behalf of the Hospital be preserved and made available to any patient who is preparing possible litigation under the new statute. In the case of the Victim we represent, these same orders should apply to Madison Square Boys Club, and any other organizations that may have been involved in the actions of Dr. Archibald.
John Corcoran, a retired NYPD Special Assignment Sergeant, was swept into Archibald’s abuse after a swim at Madison Boys Club. With a fake diagnosis, the prestige of Rockefeller University Hospital and the assistance of Madison Boys Club and others, the pre-adolescent Corcoran was exposed to Archibald’s sexual abuse, which Rockefeller University has admitted was “reprehensible.”
“The legislature may have had a very good reason for to delay the implementation of this law by 6 months after passage, but that time period must not become an opportunity to re-victimize our client,” said Barbara Hart of Lowey Dannenberg.
“We have seen how our client was contacted by the Hospital’s law firm and interviewed without informing him of the possibility that he could sue under the new law or that they were acting on behalf of the Hospital,” added William Harrington, of Bleakley Platt.
The new law grants victims, who were barred from pursuing their abusers by the statute of limitations, an opportunity to file legal cases for a period of one year. That year commences in August 2019, but no provision was made to preserve and protect possible evidence on the 6-month period before the law takes effect.
Today’s action seeks to remedy that for Mr. Corcoran and all other victims that may seek relief.
Read MoreRodriguez Article Five Trademark Issues Every Business Owner Needs To Know Published by Council of Industry
A recent edition of the Council of Industry’s Newsletter contains an article written by Bleakley Platt Counsel Adam Rodriguez. The article, entitled Five Trademark Issues Every Business Owner Needs To Know, addresses five things all business owners should know about their brands and intellectual property.
Some of the key topics in the article include:
- What is a Trademark?
- Trademark protection is not linked to your business name.
- Trademark registrations never expire.
- Trademarks are affordable.
- Ignoring Trademarks can be expensive.
At Bleakley Platt, Mr. Rodriguez focuses his practice in the areas of litigation, intellectual property and real estate. Previously, he was the Director of Real Estate for Westchester County, where he negotiated commercial real estate transactions valued at over $100 million. Prior to his appointment as Director of Real Estate, Mr. Rodriguez represented the County of Westchester in federal and state litigation and appeals. He has also served as a law clerk to two federal judges, and worked as an intellectual property litigator at a large law firm in New York City.
To read Mr. Rodriguez’s complete biography, click here.
Read MoreRodriguez Appointed by Chief Judge of S.D.N.Y. to U.S. Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel
On April 1, 2019, Mr. Rodriguez was appointed by Chief Judge Colleen McMahon of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York as a member of the U.S. Magistrate Judges Merit Selection Panel.
The appointment of a U.S. Magistrate Judge is an important process. The Merit Selection Panel is tasked with reviewing the selection, appointment, and reappointment of United States Magistrate Judges, in accordance with the Federal Magistrate Act of 1979.
In the case of the appointment of a new magistrate judge, the function of the Panel is to identify five members of the bar who are best qualified for appointment as magistrate judge. For a reappointment, the Panel appraises the performance of the incumbent magistrate judge and recommends to the court whether the judge should be reappointed to a new term.
Regulations require that scholarship, academic and professional achievement, civic engagement, legal experience, knowledge of the law and the federal courts, and the personal attributes of the candidates will be considered.
At Bleakley Platt, Mr. Rodriguez focuses his practice in the areas of litigation, intellectual property and real estate. Previously, he was the Director of Real Estate for Westchester County, where he negotiated commercial real estate transactions valued at over $100 million. Prior to his appointment as Director of Real Estate, Mr. Rodriguez represented the County of Westchester in federal and state litigation and appeals. He has also served as a law clerk to two federal judges, and worked as an intellectual property litigator at a large law firm in New York City.
To read Mr. Rodriguez’s complete biography, click here.
Read MoreWilliam P. Harrington to Serve as Chairman of Two Merged Organizations: Westchester County Association and Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation
Bleakley Platt Chairman William P. Harrington, who currently serves as chairman of the Westchester County Association, will become chairman of a new regional organization created by the merger of the Westchester County Association and the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation.
News of the merger was reported on Westfair Online in an article titled “Going regional: Westchester County Association and HVEDC plan merger.”
A strategic partnership had been announced by the two organizations in October, which then led to discussions about a merger. Details of the merger are still in process, as is the name of the organization.
The combined organizations will have more power to advocate on behalf of businesses and build a stronger business climate throughout the region.
To read Mr. Harrington’s complete biography, click here.
Read MorePartner Jonathan A. Murphy Speaking on Interaction with the DEC for The Council of Industry – The Manufacturer’s Association of the Hudson Valley
Bleakley Platt partner Jonathan A. Murphy, co-chair of the firm’s Environmental practice and chair of its Construction practice, will speak on February 15 to the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Network of The Council of Industry on topics of interest when dealing with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Mr. Murphy’s program will provide an overview of New York administrative law principles, and will discuss DEC enforcement practices. His presentation will include:
- DEC Notices of Violation – The Process and What to Expect
- DEC Enforcement Process: Stipulations, Orders on Consent and Enforcement Hearings
- Peculiarities and Pitfalls in DEC Enforcement Policies and Expectations
Mr. Murphy handles environmental matters for both corporate and insurance clients, in litigated claims as well as direct administrative agency proceedings with federal, state, county and local environmental agencies. He counsels clients on environmental risks, enforcement implications and regulatory requirements in a variety of business and transactional settings. His substantive areas of practice include CERCLA/RCRA, TSCA, CWA, New York’s Navigation Law, and other environmental and regulatory enforcement exposures presented by federal, state and local environmental regulations.
Read Mr. Murphy’s complete biography here.
Learn more about The Council of Industry here.
Read MorePartner Jonathan A. Murphy Presents Continuing Education Program on Contractual and Environmental Issues for Engineers
Bleakley Platt partner Jonathan A. Murphy, co-chair of the firm’s Environmental practice and chair of its Construction practice, will present to engineers during a full day program titled “Engineering Law and Ethics,” a continuing education class for professional engineers.
Mr. Murphy will present on two topics, basic contract law for engineers and issues faced by engineers in the environmental arena.
The environmental segment will examine relevant and recurring practice issues encountered by engineers working on environmental issues in New York. Areas of discussion include requirements for licensed engineers certifying submissions to DEC, water quality compliance and enforcement update, stormwater permitting update and emerging issues concerning the New York City watershed. He will also explore ethical issues faced when representing clients who are facing regulatory enforcement.
The contract law primer segment will cover basic contract law principles, statutes of limitation in New York applicable to engineers, as well as conduct, acts and omissions that can constitute a breach of contract.
Mr. Murphy is an experienced and skilled advisor to clients on environmental and construction matters. In the construction arena, Mr. Murphy represents construction clients (owners, general contractors, subcontractors and design professionals) – both as claimants and respondents – in litigation, at trial, and in arbitrations on controversies ranging from construction defect claims to delay damages, wrongful termination and payment disputes. He also drafts and negotiates contracts for clients involved in private and government projects and provides legal guidance throughout a project’s life.
Read his complete biography here.
Read MorePartner Peter Bassano Represents Dominican Sisters of Hope on Creation of Mariandale Preservation Easement in Ossining
Bleakley Platt Partner Peter Bassano guided a recently-completed preservation effort for the Dominican Sisters of Hope that safeguards from development 34 acres of the Sisters’ 61-acre Mariandale property in Ossining, N.Y., through a conservation easement donated to the Westchester Land Trust.
The easement covers the undeveloped part of Mariandale and excludes the campus with the Sisters’ offices, chapel and the Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center, for which a renovation and redesign of buildings is planned. The Sisters will continue to own and manage the property.
“The goal of this easement is to protect this land in perpetuity, which is very important to the Sisters’ earthly mission,” said Mr. Bassano. “It took approximately three years for the Sisters’ vision of preservation to reach fruition,” Mr. Bassano noted.
“This land has been an oasis in the midst of development in Westchester County,” said Sister Lorelle Elcock, O.P., Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Hope. “We have a responsibility to be in right relationship with Earth, not over it or owning it, but caring for it. We are protecting this land so that it will be a source of healing and refuge for both humans and wildlife.”
“We’re very appreciative of Peter’s work with us. He was very patient and really understood our values and what we were trying to achieve,” said Sister Lorelle, adding, “He’s worked with us on several things over the years. We’ve been very pleased with him.”
The protected property is adjacent to the Village of Ossining’s 30-acre Crawbuckie Nature Preserve. In addition to protecting significant ecological resources, the conservation easement means nearly one mile of Hudson River shoreline is now protected in perpetuity—honoring a priority in the 2016 New York State Open Space Conservation Plan.
“The conserved land consists of a variety of habitat types, including woodlands, meadow, wetlands, and a steep ravine through which flows a stream on its way to emptying into the Hudson River,” a press release on the easement said.
Lori Ensinger, president of the Land Trust, said in the release, “The preservation of this beautiful land holds special meaning for Westchester Land Trust. We have always known that this property is sacred to the Sisters, and we worked to ensure that they felt comfortable with their decision to preserve the property after they are gone. Every action they have taken demonstrates their clear stewardship ethic and a deep reverence for the land. This project has been one of the most inspirational we have ever been involved with.”
Peter Bassano is the Firm’s Managing Partner, a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and the head of the Real Estate and Commercial Finance Practice Groups. Mr. Bassano has more than 30 years’ experience in all aspects of commercial real estate.
More About The Dominican Sisters Of Hope
Read MoreFrances M. Pantaleo Addresses the NYS Bar Association Trusts and Estates Law Section
Partner Frances M. Pantaleo presented at the 2018 Fall Meeting of the Trusts and Estates Law Section of the New York State Bar Association on October 19. The two-day program focused on real property issues that frequently arise in elder law and estate planning practices.
Ms. Pantaleo’s presentation emphasized that a primary residence, however modest, is often a client’s most valuable asset and one that the client is generally motivated to protect and preserve for his or her heirs. She addressed income tax, capital gains tax, estate tax and Medicaid consequences of real property ownership and transfers, including transfers to irrevocable and revocable trusts, life estate deeds and outright transfers.
Ms. Pantaleo leads the Elder Law and Special Needs Practice Group at Bleakley Platt. She is a former Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association and a member of the Trusts and Estates Section. Ms. Pantaleo is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).
Ms. Pantaleo serves on the Board of Directors of Legal Services of the Hudson Valley and is a frequent presenter on Elder Law and Special Needs topics for consumers at the request of community and service organizations including AARP, UJA-Federation, Pace Women’s Justice Center, Alzheimer’s Association, Westchester Arc, Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services and Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.
Read her complete biography here.
Read MorePartner Jim Glatthaar Speaking Again to Council of NYC Cooperatives & Condominium’s 38th Annual Housing Conference & Expo – November 11th
Bleakley Platt partner Jim Glatthaar has been asked to return to the Annual Housing Conference & Expo presented by the Council of New York City Cooperatives & Condominiums. Now in it’s 38th year, the conference is designed to offer help to coop and condo owners and board members, multi-family management companies and real estate agents improve their knowledge and skills in address legal, financial and HR issues, managing buildings and planning for the present and the future.
Mr. Glatthaar’s presentation, “When Dissidents Are Elected To The Board,” addresses what happens when board members who have their own agendas are elected to a board of directors, how boards can work productively with “rogue” board members, and how to effectively minimize the chances of a dissident being elected in the first place.
A member of the Litigation, Co-Operative and Condominium, Construction and Real Estate Practice Groups at Bleakley Platt, Mr. Glatthaar concentrates his practice in the areas of zoning and land use law and litigation, cooperative and condominium law, construction law and real estate litigation. He has represented landlords, tenants, developers, non-profit institutions, sellers, purchasers, realtors, cooperatives and condominiums in building, zoning, housing and disability-based discrimination claims, landlord-tenant and construction defect claims both in courts and before state and federal administrative agencies. He has also represented property owners and purchasers in complex real estate and financing transactions.
Learn more about the Council of NYC Cooperatives & Condominium and the conference.
Learn more about Jim Glatthaar.
Read MoreBleakley Platt Attorneys Named To New York Metro Super Lawyers 2018 and New York Metro Rising Stars 2018 Lists
Ten Bleakley Platt attorneys have been selected to the New York Metro Super Lawyers list as top New York Metro area lawyers for 2018, and one Counsel and three associates were named New York Metro Rising Stars.
Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the New York metro area are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.
The attorneys receiving this honor are:
Bleakley Platt Counsel Adam Rodriguez and associates Elizabeth C. Briand, Daniel P. Buckley and Justin M. Gardner were named to the 2018 New York Metro “Rising Star” List by Super Lawyers, an honor received by no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in the state.
Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.
Read MoreTHREE BLEAKLEY PLATT PARTNERS RECOGNIZED BY THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA© 2019
Bleakley Platt is pleased to announce that three partners at the firm have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2019:
- Joseph DeGiuseppe in the field of Labor and Employment Law
- Frances Pantaleo for Elder Law, for the fifth consecutive year
- Nancy Rudolph in the practice area of Trusts and Estates (Litigation)
Joseph DeGiuseppe leads the Labor and Employment and Immigration Practice Groups. He has over 35 years experience in representing and advising Fortune 500 companies and other corporate clients in labor, employment and immigration law, including 14 years of experience at Skadden and more than six years of experience at Jackson Lewis.
Mr. DeGiuseppe advises clients on all aspects of labor and employment law, including employment terminations and discipline, reductions-in-force, personnel policies and practices, employee benefit cases and collective bargaining negotiations. He has acted as lead counsel on significant employment discrimination law cases, wage and hour cases and collective actions, non-competition cases and arbitration proceedings.
He is rated an AV® Preeminent (5.0 out of 5) from Martindale-Hubbell and has been included in New York Metro Super Lawyers lists since 2013.
Frances M. Pantaleo is the head of the Elder Law Practice Group. She handles a broad range of matters with a particular emphasis on elder law, special needs planning, guardianship proceedings under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law and Article 17A of the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act, drafting and administration of special needs trusts, estate planning, drafting of wills and trusts, and estate administration.
Ms. Pantaleo is the former Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association and a member of the Trusts and Estates Section. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and is a member and has served as past-chair of the Elder Law Committees of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association and the Westchester County Bar Association. She is co-author of a chapter on elder law in General Practice in New York, published by the West Publishing Company.
She is rated an AV® Preeminent (5.0 out of 5) from Martindale-Hubbell and has been included in New York Metro Super Lawyers lists since 2010.
Nancy J. Rudolph is a member of our Trusts and Estates and Real Estate Practice Groups. She has served in the public sector as an Assistant Attorney General in the New York State Office of the Special Prosecutor, handling white collar civil litigation related to Medicaid Fraud.
Ms. Rudolph concentrates her practice in the area of trusts and estates, estate administration, estate tax, and guardianship in the Surrogate’s Court, the Supreme Court, and before the United States Tax Court. Ms. Rudolph represents beneficiaries and fiduciaries, both individual and corporate, in judicial proceedings involving probate, administration, lost wills, construction, kinship, removal of fiduciaries, contested accountings, uncontested accountings, and in real estate transactions. Ms. Rudolph also represents individuals and corporate fiduciaries as trustees of supplemental or special needs trusts.
Ms. Rudolph has been included in the New York Metro Super Lawyers lists since 2013.
Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. 83,000 industry leading attorneys are eligible to vote (from around the world) and has received over 10 million evaluations on the legal abilities of other lawyers based on their specific practice areas around the world. For the 2019 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, 7.8 million votes were analyzed, which resulted in more than 60,000 leading lawyers being included in the new edition. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”
Read MoreAdam Rodriguez Featured in Fordham Lawyer
An alumnus of Fordham Law School, Adam Rodriguez was one of four alumni on the cover of the Spring 2018 issue of Fordham Lawyer. The article, “Courtside,” focuses on the clerkship program at Fordham Law that has “turned out a bevy of superstars.”
Mr. Rodriguez discusses his clerkships with the Hon. Ramon E. Reyes Jr., a magistrate judge with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and the Hon. Dora L. Irizarry, Chief Judge of the Eastern District.
“Clerking set the stage for the rest of my career,” Rodriguez says. Observing judges in court and speaking to them afterward proved “invaluable” … because it taught him what tools he needs—now that he’s on the other side of the bench—to provide to a judge that will help him receive a favorable ruling, as well as the importance of professionalism and practicality among attorneys.
Mr. Rodriguez focuses his practice in the areas of real estate, litigation and intellectual property. Previously, he was the Director of Real Estate for Westchester County, where he negotiated complex commercial real estate transactions, including leases for office space throughout the County and multi-million dollar hangar leases at the Westchester County Airport. Before that, 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.
Read MoreBleakley Platt Featured In Special Section in Fortune, Bloomberg Business Week and Money Magazines
A profile of Bleakley Platt detailing the firm’s culture of excellence, history and commitment to the community appears in the June issues of Fortune, Bloomberg Business Week and Money magazines.
With six former members of the firm having served in the State Appellate Division or Supreme Court, Bleakley Platt is the only law firm in New York that can include two federal judges who simultaneously served as chief judges of the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York among its alumni.
The firm’s close proximity to the state and federal courthouses gives Bleakley Platt attorneys ready access to the local courthouses and a familiarity with jurists, further distinguishing the firm from its competitors.
Click here to read the article.
Read MoreFrances M. Pantaleo Speaks at Alzheimer’s Association’s Conference on Dementia
Bleakley Platt partner Frances M. Pantaleo spoke at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Fourth Annual Hudson Valley Regional Dementia Conference, “Meeting of the Minds,” on May 17th.
Her presentation, “After the diagnosis: Essential Legal Documents for Persons with Dementia” was well attended, with many questions from the audience about the important legal documents, such as powers of attorney, health care proxies, living wills, and medical records release forms, which facilitate financial and health care decision making for individuals with dementia. The presentation also focused on the importance of reviewing estate planning documents, asset titles and beneficiary designations when there is a diagnosis of a potentially life limiting medical condition.
Ms. Pantaleo leads the Elder Law and Special Needs Practice Group at Bleakley Platt. She is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Hudson Valley/Rockland/Westchester Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and makes many presentations on Elder Law and Special Needs topics for consumers at the request of community and service organizations including AARP, UJA- Federation, the Pace Women’s Justice Center, Westchester Arc, the Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services and the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.
A former Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association and a member of the Trusts and Estates Section, Ms. Pantaleo is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). She is a member and has served as past-chair of the Elder Law Committees of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association and the Westchester County Bar Association. She is co-author of a chapter on elder law in General Practice in New York, published by the West Publishing Company and a frequent lecturer at Continuing Legal Education programs which provide training to attorneys regarding elder law and special needs planning.
Bleakley Platt was pleased to be a premium exhibitor at the event.
Read MoreAdam Rodriguez Selected for Business Council of Westchester’s 2018 Rising Stars
Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP is pleased to announce that Adam Rodriguez has been named by the Business Council of Westchester as one of its 2018 Rising Stars – 40 Under 40 honorees. Selected for their professional accomplishments, affiliations and leadership skills, Mr. Rodriguez and 39 other honorees will be celebrated at a reception held on June 21, 5:00 – 8:00 PM at The Atrium, 800 Westchester Avenue in Rye Brook.
Mr. Rodriguez focuses his practice in the areas of real estate, litigation and intellectual property. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Rodriguez was the Director of Real Estate for Westchester County, where he negotiated complex commercial real estate transactions, including leases for office space throughout the County and multi-million dollar hangar leases at the Westchester County Airport. Prior, 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. Before joining the County Attorney’s Office, Mr. Rodriguez clerked for Chief U.S. District Court Judge Dora L. Irizarry and U.S. Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr., both of the Eastern District of New York.
Read MoreZachary Cohen Speaks at New York Medical College Program
Zachary Cohen, a member of the firm’s Health Care, Corporate and Intellectual Property Practice Groups, gave a presentation to more than one hundred fourth-year medical students at New York Medical College’s School of Medicine “Transition to Residency” program. The medical students, who will graduate later this year, are required to take a one-week course to facilitate their transition from medical school into specialized residency programs. In addition to specialty tracts focusing on procedural skills and case-based problem solving sessions, they also attend sessions that will enhance their professional development. Mr. Cohen was invited to prepare a presentation on Healthcare Law Fundamentals.
The presentation was a one-hour legal primer, reviewing such topics as the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law, Health Care Fraud, Billing, Coding and Documentation, OIG Exclusion authority and State Fraud and Abuse Laws. Mr. Cohen also delved into key employment agreement provisions that young doctors commonly encounter, including indemnification, terminations, restrictive covenants and professional liability insurance issues.
Zachary Cohen has been practicing law since 2007 and specializes in healthcare and corporate law. He has experience representing hospital systems, hospitals, nursing homes, medical practices, physicians, management companies and other health care clients. He advises these clients on a host of business, regulatory and transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate formation, contract negotiations and corporate governance.
Read MoreElizabeth Briand Speaks on Medicaid Home Care CLE for NYSBA
Elizabeth Briand, an associate with the Elder Law practice group, gave a presentation for the New York State Bar Association on April 16 in New York City. Her presentation, on financial eligibility for Medicaid Home Care, was part of a 4.5 MCLE credit program titled “Home Care in New York State: Private Hiring of Aides, Managed Long Term Care Plan Options and Immediate Need for Medicaid.” The day-long CLE program was attended by 55 attorneys, including Elder Law attorneys and other attorneys.
Ms. Briand’s presentation covered topics including financial eligibility, spousal issues, the application process and the use of pooled income trusts to shelter income for Medicaid home care recipients.
Elizabeth Briand speaks frequently before consumer and professional groups on Elder Law topics. She represents clients in all matters relating to Elder Law, Estate Planning and Estate Administration, Medicare and Medicaid benefits, guardianship proceedings under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law and Article 17A of the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act and drafting and administration of Special Needs Trusts (SNTs).
Read MoreSix Bleakley Platt Women Attorneys Named to New York Metro 2017 Super Lawyers/The Top Women List
Six Bleakley Platt attorneys have been included on the New York Metro 2017 Super Lawyers/The Top Women list. The attorneys receiving this honor are Partners Susan E. Galvao, Mary Ellen Manley, Frances M. Pantaleo and Nancy J. Rudolph, and Mary Anne Wirth, Of Counsel and Elizabeth C. Briand, Associate, in the Rising Star category. The attorneys were named in a special supplement published by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers and distributed throughout the New York metro area.
Susan E. Galvão, Partner, is a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee, co-chair of the Appellate practice group and a member of the Litigation practice group. Ms. Galvão has represented a variety of corporations, banks, insurance companies and individuals in litigation before federal and state trial and appellate courts. She has extensive experience in appellate practice, Surrogate’s Court practice, and trust and estate litigation, including kinship matters. She is also experienced with complex commercial litigation, including contract disputes, employment litigation, insurance coverage issues and class action defense. She has argued appeals in the state and federal courts on a broad spectrum of issues.
Mary Ellen Manley, Partner, leads the Firm’s Trusts and Estates practice group. Ms. Manley concentrates in the area of Surrogate’s Court practice. She has substantial trust and estate litigation experience, representing fiduciaries and beneficiaries in adversarial proceedings, including will contests, accountings, removal of fiduciaries, will construction or reformation proceedings, fee litigation, determination of right of election, kinship hearings, and validity of creditors’ claims. Ms. Manley is also experienced in all aspects of trust and estate administration.
Frances M. Pantaleo, Partner, is the head of the firm’s Elder Law practice group. Ms. Pantaleo handles a broad range of matters with a particular emphasis on Elder Law, special needs planning, guardianship proceedings under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law and Article 17A of the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act, drafting and administration of special needs trusts, estate planning, drafting of wills and trusts, and estate administration.
Nancy J. Rudolph, Partner, concentrates in the area of trusts and estates, estate administration, estate tax, guardianship, Surrogate’s Court practice and estate litigation. Ms. Rudolph litigates in Surrogate’s Court, Supreme Court and the United States Federal District Courts, representing heirs, beneficiaries and fiduciaries, both individual and corporate, in judicial proceedings involving probate, contested probate, administration, lost wills, construction, kinship, removal of fiduciaries, contested accountings, uncontested accountings, turn over, spousal right of election, and in real estate transactions. Ms. Rudolph also represents individuals and corporate fiduciaries as trustees of inter vivos trusts as well as supplemental or special needs trusts.
Mary Anne Wirth,Of Counsel, is the head of the Criminal Defense and Investigations Practice Group and concentrates in white collar criminal defense work and general civil litigation. She is also a member of the Litigation and Appellate Practice Groups. Ms. Wirth served as Associate Independent Counsel in the Office of the Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr, in Washington D.C. from 1997 to 1998. She was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York from 1983 to 1988, assigned to the Civil Division. She was also an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office from 1988 to 1996. She has served as District Counsel for the New York District of the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States Department of Justice. Ms. Wirth has been an Adjunct Professor of Law at Fordham Law School in the Legal Writing Program since 1987.
Elizabeth Briand, Associate, is with the Elder Law and Trusts and Estates practice groups and handles all matters relating to Elder Law, estate planning and estate administration, Medicare and Medicaid benefits, guardianship proceedings under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law and Article 17A of the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act, drafting and administration of special needs trusts. Ms. Briand is Chair of the Sponsorship Committee of the New York State Bar Association Elder Law and Special Needs Section, and served as Program Co-Chair of the 2016 Annual Meeting. Ms. Briand is also a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and a member of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association.
Read MorePartner Nancy J. Rudolph Honored by Westchester Visiting Nurse Services Group, Inc.
Nancy J. Rudolph, a Bleakley Platt partner in the Trusts and Estates practice group with an emphasis on Surrogate’s Court practice and estate litigation, will be presented with the Distinguished Service Award on May 16 by the Westchester Visiting Nurse Services Group, Inc. at its Annual Spring Benefit Gala.
The award is being presented in recognition of Ms. Rudolph’s six years of outstanding service as a valued Member and Treasurer of the Westchester Visiting Nurse Services Group, Inc.’s Board of Trustees.
In a letter to Ms. Rudolph, Joyce Infante, VNS Westchester, explained “During this era of dramatic changes in regulatory policies for agencies such as ours, your expertise and stewardship have helped VNSW to maintain our fiscal stability, enabling us to sustain and expand essential home healthcare services for the communities we serve. We are extremely grateful for your service and dedication.”
The VNSW Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization created to solely support the programs and services of VNS Westchester for residents of Westchester, the Bronx, Dutchess, Putnam and Rockland counties.
The gala takes place on Wednesday, May 16, 5:30 – 8:30 pm at the Willow Ridge Country Club, Harrison, NY and Ms. Rudolph’s fellow honorees are Vital Care Services, Community Leadership Award and Carolyn Rogers, RN, Outstanding Achievement in Nursing Award. For information on the gala, visit VNSW Foundation, Inc.
Read MoreBleakley Platt Welcomes Atty K. Bruggemann as Counsel to the Firm
Bleakley Platt is pleased to announce that Atty K. Bruggemann has become Of Counsel to the firm. Ms. Bruggemann is experienced in complex matrimonial cases involving high net worth individuals, professional athletes and celebrities. She is also experienced in child custody and support matters and in the drafting and negotiation of prenuptial, postnuptial, separation and settlement agreements.
Ms. Bruggemann’s entire legal career has been dedicated to the practice of Matrimonial and Family Law. She has been recognized by Top Women Attorneys in New York, as well as Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2014 – 2017) and has published articles in The New York Law Journal and New York Family Law Monthly.
Ms. Bruggemann received her J.D. from New York Law School (cum laude, 2009) and her B.A. from Emerson College (cum laude, 2001). She is admitted to practice in New York.
Read MoreBleakley Platt Executive Committee Chairman William P. Harrington Leads Schools and County Center to a Win
Relying as much on his diplomatic skills as his legal talents, Executive Committee Chairman William P. Harrington has resolved an ugly battle between numerous local girls and boys basketball coaches’ associations and Section 1, leading to an agreement that has returned high school basketball semi-finals and finals to the iconic Westchester County Center.
In Fall 2017, Section 1 leaders decided to remove championship basketball games from the Westchester County Center. The boy’s basketball games had been held in the arena since 1933, the girl’s games since 1999, and semi-finals and finals have been held there every year since, with the exception of 2005.
The coaches’ complaint accused Section 1 of hijacking the student-athlete’s dreams of playing in the County Center solely with profits in mind.
Represented by Bleakley Platt Executive Committee Chairman William P. Harrington, the coaches filed a lawsuit alleging that the decision to remove the games was illegal and should be nullified. The coaches believed there was a deliberate breakdown in the decision-making process that violated Section 1’s constitution, which mandates that the Athletic Council must give final approval for tournament and sponsor selections. The Athletic Council was not involved in making the decision to move the games.
A deal was brokered between the schools and the office of County Executive George Latimer. Athletic directors Henry Sassone (North Salem) and Roman Catalino (Somers) Chris Drosopoulos (Briarcliff) and Artie McCormack (Irvington) were key players in the deal.
The lawsuit will be dropped and the focus of the coaches and Section 1 can now return where it belongs: on the student-athletes and basketball.
Read MoreBleakley Platt Counsel Raymond M. Planell and Partner Matthew G. Parisi Article on Burial and Cemetery Issues Published in NYSBA’s Trust & Estate Section Newsletter
The Winter 2017 edition of the New York State Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Law Section Newsletter contains an article written by Bleakley Platt Counsel Raymond M. Planell and Partner Matthew G. Parisi, “First Things First: Addressing Burial and Cemetery Issues.” The article addresses the laws, regulations and rulings regarding cemetery matters that often face trusts and estates attorneys. Mr. Planell and Mr. Parisi encourage trusts and estates attorneys to consider burial issues as part of their client’s estate planning.
Some of the key topics in the article include:
Control of the Disposition of the Decedent’s Remains
Control of the Memorial
Burial Rights and Control of the Place of Burial
Disinterment
Transfer of Burial Lots
Tax Impact of Payments to Cemeteries
Raymond M. Planell is a former member of the Firm’s Executive Committee, and former head of the Trusts & Estates Practice Group. His practice includes trust, estate, and tax matters and issues related to the organization and governance of charitable entities and not-for-profit corporations, particularly cemetery corporations.
Matthew G. Parisi is a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee, and is the co-chair of the Cemetery Law Practice Group and chair of the Environmental Practice Group. His practice includes the representation of area municipalities, corporations and individuals in a wide variety of environmental and zoning disputes.
Bleakley Platt has represented cemeteries throughout New York State for over 75 years. The Firm’s cost-efficient representation and knowledgeable attorneys make the firm a valued partner to its cemetery clients. Click here to learn more about the firm’s cemetery law practice.
Read MorePartner Matthew G. Parisi Appointed to Bleakley Platt Executive Committee
Bleakley Platt & Schmidt is pleased to announce that Partner Matthew G. Parisi has been appointed as a new member of the firm’s Executive Committee, which is charged with overseeing the management, growth and development of the firm.
William P. Harrington, Chairman of the Executive Committee, said, “The evolution and growth of our law firm is based upon our core of young talented lawyers. Matt has distinguished himself as a future leader and we welcome him to the Executive Committee.”
Mr. Parisi, a member of the Litigation Practice group, joined Bleakley Platt in 1994. To learn more about Mr. Parisi, click here.
Other members of the Executive Committee are William P. Harrington, Chairman of the Executive Committee; Peter N. Bassano, Managing Partner; Robert Braumuller and Susan E. Galvão.
Read MorePartner Christopher Palermo Moderates Panel on Medical Devices for New York State Bar Association’s Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law Section’s Annual Meeting
Bleakley Platt partner Christopher C. Palermo is the moderator of a Continuing Legal Education panel discussion on medical devices at the annual meeting of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law Section of the New York State Bar Association, held on January 25 at the New York Hilton in New York City. Topics of discussion on the panel include updates on FDA device and software regulation and the FDA’s evolving policy on personalized medicine tests.
Mr. Palermo is a litigation partner at the Firm with experience representing pharmaceutical companies and other health care providers in litigation matters and government investigations. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law Section of the New York State Bar Association.
Read MorePartner Jim Glatthaar Quoted in Habitat Magazine on a New Law for Co-op and Homeowner’s Association Boards
Bleakley Platt Partner Jim Glatthaar was a key source for a January article in Habitat Magazine that examines a new state law which requires all co-op and homeowners associations (HOAs) boards to prepare an annual report of all contracts they awarded in which one of the members of the board of directors has a financial interest.
According to Mr. Glatthaar, the new law has created a lot of headaches for boards, particularly for those that are already well-run and won’t necessarily benefit from the law. A large amount of detailed information is required which will add a significant clerical burden to boards. Note that the statute amends New York’s Business Corporation Law and Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, but does not amend the Real Property Law so the new requirement does not impact most condominiums.
Well-run boards already include much of the information in their minutes, says Mr. Glatthaar, who has created a checklist of tasks to make sure that boards are in compliance and has been speaking before property management companies to educate managers and board members on what is required.
Mr. Glatthaar is a member of the Litigation, Co-Operative and Condominium, Construction and Real Estate Practice Groups at Bleakley Platt. He has represented landlords, tenants, developers, non-profit institutions, sellers, purchasers, realtors, cooperatives and condominiums in building, zoning, housing and disability-based discrimination claims, landlord-tenant and construction defect claims both in courts and before state and federal administrative agencies. He has also represented property owners and purchasers in complex real estate and financing transactions.
Click here to view his complete attorney profile.
Read MoreChristopher C. Palermo is Moderator for WCBA CLE Program on New State-of-the-Art Technology in Westchester’s Commercial Division Court
Bleakley Platt partner Christopher C. Palermo is the moderator of a Westchester County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education program discussing the new state-of-the-art courtroom that is now up and running in Westchester County Supreme Court’s Commercial Division. The free program, entitled “Integrated Courtroom Technology: Evidence Presentation and Video Conferencing in the Courts,” will be held on January 18, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in Courtroom 105 of the Westchester County Supreme Court, 111 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in White Plains. Speakers at the program will include Westchester’s two Commercial Division Justices, Hon. Linda S. Jamieson and Hon. Gretchen M. Walsh, and the program will include a demonstration of the new courtroom technology.
A partner in the firm’s Litigation practice group, Mr. Palermo was appointed by Chief Judge of the State of New York Jonathan Lippman in 2013 to serve on the Commercial Division Advisory Council, which is charged with advising the Chief Judge on an ongoing basis about all matters concerning the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, the branch of the New York court system that handles complex business disputes. Mr. Palermo was also Secretary to the Commercial Courts Task Force, established by Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye in 1995 to create and refine the Commercial Division, the nation’s first general trial court devoted exclusively to business litigation.
Read MorePartner Christopher Palermo Moderates Panel on Medical Devices for New York State Bar Association’s Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law Section’s Annual Meeting
For the fifth consecutive year, legal publisher Thomson Reuters has turned to partner Chris Palermo to provide a summary of New York law on product liability for one of its publications. The online publication Cross-border Commercial Transactions, previously known as the Practical Law International Sales and Marketing Guide, is a subscription-only report that provides up-to-date insight in question-and-answer format on a wide variety of legal issues for companies doing business worldwide. The product liability section provides an overview of product liability law in various jurisdictions around the world.
A partner in the firm’s Litigation practice group, Mr. Palermo is also a member of the firm’s Product Liability practice group and represents clients in complex product liability and toxic tort litigation. He is an elected member of the Executive Committee of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law Section of the New York State Bar Association, which serves to help attorneys stay informed of the latest developments in the food, drug and cosmetic law field. To learn more about Mr. Palermo, click here.
Read MoreBleakley Platt Welcomes Adam Rodriguez as Counsel to the Firm
Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP is pleased to announce that Adam Rodriguez has become Of Counsel to the firm. Before joining Bleakley Platt, Mr. Rodriguez was the Director of Real Estate for Westchester County, where he negotiated complex commercial real estate transactions, including leases for office space throughout the County and multi-million dollar hangar leases at the Westchester County Airport.
Prior, Mr. Rodriguez 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. While at the County Attorney’s Office, Mr. Rodriguez appeared before federal and state trial courts, federal and state administrative agencies, and argued appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the N.Y.S. Appellate Division, Second Department.
Before joining the Westchester County Attorney’s Office, Mr. Rodriguez clerked for Chief U.S. District Court Judge Dora L. Irizarry and U.S. Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr., both of the Eastern District of New York.
A graduate of Fordham University School of Law, Mr. Rodriguez received a graduate degree from Polytechnic University and his undergraduate degree from Manhattanville College, where he was co-captain of the baseball team.
Read MoreBleakley Platt Welcomes New Attorneys to the Firm
Gabriel M. Goldenberg has recently joined the firm as a member of the Commercial Finance and Real Estate practice groups. He advises and represents regional and national institutional lenders and developers, as well as individual and corporate borrowers in residential and commercial real estate transactions. His background includes working for Congressman Michael Grimm (Brooklyn) as Director of Constituent Services.
Mr. Goldenberg earned his J.D. at Brooklyn Law School and a B.S. from Cornell University. He is admitted to practice law in New York State and is a member of the New York State Bar Association, New York City Bar Association and Brooklyn Bar Association.
Andriana Chryssikos has become Of Counsel to the firm in the matrimonial and family law practice area. Ms. Chryssikos has significant experience in all aspects of matrimonial litigation, and provides clients with compassion and integrity during such difficult times.
Ms. Chryssikos earned her J.D. from New York Law School, and a B.A. from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association, The District of Columbia Bar Association and the Women’s Westchester County Bar Association. Ms. Chryssikos was featured in Westchester Magazine’s “Notable hires and promotions from the Westchester business community” in 2017.
Read MoreFrances M. Pantaleo is Program Co-Chair for the New York State Bar Association’s Elder Law and Special Needs Section Annual Meeting 2018
Bleakley Platt partner Frances M. Pantaleo is Program Co-Chair of the Section’s Annual Meeting, held on January 23, part of the week-long Annual Meeting of the New York State Bar Association, January 22 – 26 at the New York Hilton in New York City.
Mrs. Pantaleo has been planning the program, selecting speakers, developing topics and creating a day-long event that will bring attendees up-to-date on Elder Law in New York State. The program will also feature a session on ethical standards facing Elder Law and Special Needs attorneys.
In addition to her role as Program Co-Chair for this important meeting, Mrs. Pantaleo’s other roles in the New York State Bar Association include service as Vice-Chair for the Mentoring and Special Needs Planning committees of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section and Co-Chair of the Elderly and Disabled Committee of the Trusts and Estates Section. She is a past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section.
Ms. Pantaleo leads the Elder Law and Special Needs Practice Group at Bleakley Platt and is a frequent lecturer at Continuing Legal Education programs. She also makes frequent presentations on Elder Law and Special Needs topics for consumers at the request of community and service organizations.
Read MorePartner Mary Ellen Manley Honored by St. John’s University School of Law Alumni Association Westchester Chapter
Mary Ellen Manley was honored in December at the annual holiday luncheon presented by the Westchester Chapter of the St. John’s University School of Law Alumni Association. Ms. Manley was the guest of honor at a well-attended luncheon held at the Westchester Hills Golf Club in White Plains. Guests brought toys that were donated to children served by the St. John’s Parish in Bedford Stuyvesant.
Mary Ellen Manley is presented with a festive St. John’s University School of Law sweatshirt by the Honorable Daniel D. Angiolillo, Vice President of the alumni assiciation, President of the Westchester chapter of the alumni association and former member of the New York State Judiciary, at the holiday luncheon.
As head of the firm’s Trusts and Estates Practice Group, Ms. Manley concentrates in the area of Surrogate’s Court practice. She has substantial estate litigation experience, representing fiduciaries and beneficiaries in adversarial proceedings, including will contests, accountings, removal of fiduciaries, will construction or reformation proceedings, fee litigation, determination of right of election, kinship hearings, validity of creditors’ claims and wrongful death compromises.
Ms. Manley is currently Vice President of the Westchester County Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Westchester County Bar Association and has served as President of the Bar Association. She was a recipient of the “Above the Bar” award as the leading trusts and estates attorney in Westchester County, and has been named to the Super Lawyers list as a top rated estate and trust litigation attorney in the New York Metro area.
Read MoreWilliam P. Harrington to be Honored by Legal Services of the Hudson Valley
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley will honor Bleakley Platt Chairman William P. Harrington at its 2018 Equal Access to Justice Dinner, scheduled for April 10 at the Ritz-Carlton, Westchester. The event is the organization’s major fundraiser of the year, attracting more than 400 attorneys, business leaders, judges, lawmakers and community leaders. Proceeds will benefit programs that provide legal services to children and families throughout the Hudson Valley.
The dinner will be co-chaired by Marc L. Greenwald, partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, Jonathan C. Harris, general counsel and secretary of MBIA Inc. and Vanessa Kaye Watson, vice president and senior managing counsel of Mastercard International.
The law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP and the Entergy Corporation will also be honored that night.
Mr. Harrington is Chairman of Bleakley Platt & Schmidt’s Executive Committee and an accomplished trial attorney representing clients in commercial, environmental, civil rights, and complex toxic tort matters. He is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and served on Gov. Pataki’s Advisory Panel for Federal Judicial Appointments. He is also the Chairman of the Westchester County Association and a Trustee of the New York Archdiocese Finance Council and Fund for Inner City Schools of Westchester, Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center, St. Joseph’s Seminary, and Each One Counts Foundation, Inc. Bill is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, where he was an Academic All American in basketball, and of Fordham University Law School.
About Legal Services of Hudson Valley
The mission of Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) is to provide free, high quality counsel in civil matters for individuals and families who cannot afford to pay an attorney where basic human needs are at stake. Headquartered in White Plains with offices throughout the Hudson Valley, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley has helped hundreds of thousands of people since its inception 50 years ago. Last year the organization handled more than 15,500 cases impacting more than 36,000 household members.
Read MoreThree Bleakley Platt Partners are Recognized in the Best Lawyers in America 2018
Bleakley Platt is pleased to announce that three partners at the firm have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2018 Best Lawyers in America:
Joseph DeGiuseppe in the field of Labor and Employment Law
Frances Pantaleo for Elder Law, for the fourth consecutive year
Nancy Rudolph in the practice area of Trusts and Estates (Litigation)
Joseph DeGiuseppe leads the firm’s Labor and Employment and Immigration Practice Groups. He has over 35 years’ experience in representing and advising corporate and other management clients in various areas of labor and employment law, including employment terminations and discipline, reductions-in-force, employment handbooks, non-competition/non-disclosure agreements, and labor arbitrations and negotiations. He is the author of well-known articles on labor and employment law including his seminal work on the employment-at-will rule entitled “The Effect of the Employment-at-Will Rule on Employee Rights to Job Security and Fringe Benefits,” which has been cited by the New York Court of Appeals and many other federal and state appellate courts. Mr. DeGiuseppe has also been a featured lecturer at various labor and employment law seminars.
Frances Pantaleo is the head of the Elder Law Practice Group. She handles a broad range of matters with a particular emphasis on elder law, special needs planning, guardianship proceedings under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law and Article 17A of the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act, drafting and administration of special needs trusts, estate planning, drafting of wills and trusts, and estate administration. Ms. Pantaleo is the former Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association and a member of the Trusts and Estates Section. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and is a member and has served as past-chair of the Elder Law Committees of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association and the Westchester County Bar Association. She is co-author of a chapter on elder law in General Practice in New York, published by the West Publishing Company.
Nancy Rudolph is a member of our Trusts and Estates and Real Estate Practice Groups. She has served in the public sector as an Assistant Attorney General in the New York State Office of the Special Prosecutor, handling white collar civil litigation related to Medicaid Fraud. Ms. Rudolph concentrates in the area of trusts and estates, estate litigation, estate administration, estate tax, and guardianship proceedings in the Surrogate’s Courts, the Supreme Courts, and before the United States District Courts. Ms. Rudolph represents beneficiaries and fiduciaries, both individual and corporate, in judicial proceedings involving probate, administration, trust litigation, lost wills, construction, kinship, removal of fiduciaries, contested accountings, uncontested accountings, and in real estate transactions. Ms. Rudolph currently serves on the Westchester County Bar Associations’ Trust and Estate’s Executive Committee and is Co-Chair of the Trust and Estate Section of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association.
Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.
Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. 83,000 industry leading attorneys are eligible to vote (from around the world), and has received almost 10 million evaluations on the legal abilities of other lawyers based on their specific practice areas around the world. For the 2018 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, 7.4 million votes were analyzed, which resulted in more than 58,000 leading lawyers being included in the new edition. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”
Read MoreFrances M. Pantaleo Speaking on Elder Law to the Business Community and Consumers
Bleakley Platt Partner Frances M. Pantaleo will take part in a panel discussion titled “The Business of Aging Today” on December 1 at a Power Breakfast sponsored by the Business Council of Westchester, which will be held at the Crowne Plaza in White Plains. The breakfast will focus on ideas and strategies to help businesses who want to capture the rapidly growing market of adults 55 in Westchester.
Ms. Pantaleo will discuss the ways that an Elder Law attorney can assist business owners and their employees who are dealing with the financial and emotional stress of caring for a loved one with long term care needs.
Ms. Pantaleo will speak on December 5 at an informational open house at The Osborn Retirement Community, a nonprofit organization that provides a continuum of care for residents located in Rye, New York. The open house will feature a tour and discussions about preparing and planning for a move to a retirement community.
Ms. Pantaleo’s program will focus on the legal issues that individuals and families need to focus on before making the transition from living in the family home to moving to a senior living community.
Ms. Pantaleo, who leads the Elder Law and Special Needs Practice Group at Bleakley Platt, is frequently invited to speak before seniors and caregivers. A past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association and past Chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association, Ms. Pantaleo also speaks before attorneys on Elder Law matters.
Read MoreWilliam P. Harrington to Be Presented With Judge Learned Hand Award From AJC
Bleakley Platt Chairman William P. Harrington will be presented with the Judge Learned Hand Award from the Westchester/Fairfield County chapter of the American Jewish Committee for his achievements within and beyond the practice of law. Mr. Harrington will be honored at an awards dinner taking place on November 29 at the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains.
The Judge Learned Hand Award is the highest honor bestowed by the American Jewish Committee upon members of the legal profession. Established in 1964, the award is presented to outstanding lawyers who have contributed meaningfully to the legal community through professional achievement and community leadership and whose work reflects the integrity and broad humanitarian ideals exemplified by Judge Learned Hand.
A legendary figure, Judge Learned Hand served as Senior Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1924 to 1951, and was famous for the extensive range of decisions he rendered in more than two thousand cases.
“It is a great honor to accept this award and to be associated with such an inspirational leader,” said William P. Harrington. “Judge Learned Hand exemplifies what all attorneys should strive for: to enhance the lives of others through justice, equality and respect. Today, when the work of the American Jewish Committee has become so important, we all embrace these qualities and hope that by doing so, we can improve our communities and our nation.”
Stanley Twardy, former U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut and Managing Partner of Day Pitney LLP, will also be presented with the Judge Learned Hand Award that evening.
Mr. Harrington is Chairman of the Firm’s Executive Committee and head of the Litigation and Toxic Tort/Complex Litigation Practice Groups. Mr. Harrington is an experienced trial attorney who has represented Fortune 500 companies in criminal, commercial, environmental, civil rights, real estate, gaming and employment discrimination matters. His clients have included major oil companies, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, racetracks/casinos, financial institutions and significant regional companies in all aspects of complex environmental, toxic tort and commercial litigation. Mr. Harrington also represents both municipalities and developers in all phases of land use development and related litigation.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE
AJC’s mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel, and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. AJC Westchester/Fairfield connects the local community with AJC’s global advocacy work to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel. Our access to diplomats, elected officials, and interfaith leaders at the local level advances AJC’s broader global priorities: combating anti-Semitism, promoting Israel’s place in the world, and countering the spread of radicalism and extremism.
Read MorePartner James Glatthaar Presents Legal Update to Co-op and Condo Management Firms
Bleakley Platt partner James Glatthaar recently presented a legal update for owners and property managers at Gramatan Management, a co-op and condo managing agent in New Rochelle. His program focused on recent amendments to the BCL (Business Corporation Law) and N-PCL (Not-For- Profit Corporation Law) regarding conflict of interest reporting for co-ops and condos and homeowner’s associations (HOAs). Mr. Glatthaar explained the new law and the resulting new responsibilities to the company’s property managers and property owners, who were invited to attend his presentation.
In mid-November, Mr. Glatthaar is scheduled to speak on the amended laws and new responsibilities for Hudson North Management, a property management company located in Ardsley.
The new law, which takes effect on January 1, 2018, requires additional disclosure by “interested directors” of Cooperatives, Condominiums or Homeowners Associations, i.e. directors who have a direct or indirect interest in a party to a financial transaction approved by the Board.
Click here to read Mr. Glatthaar’s legal advisory.
Click here to view his attorney profile.
Read MoreBleakley Platt & Schmidt Sponsors Westchester Biotech Project and Zachary B. Cohen Moderates Panel
Bleakley Platt helped launch the Westchester Biotech Project by sponsoring the Innovation in Research Symposium at Fordham University’s Westchester New York campus on October 26, 2017. Bleakley Platt’s Health Law, Corporate and Intellectual Property practices and deep roots in the Westchester and broader Hudson Valley region make the firm a valuable community partner for the Westchester Biotech Project. The Biotech Project seeks to connect researchers, engineers, data scientists and other professionals engaged in the biotechnology field to promote the development and growth of Westchester County’s biotechnology cluster.
Bleakley Platt associate Zachary B. Cohen served as the moderator for a session on “Regional Resources for Clinical Research.” The panel featured Gary E. Gibson, Ph.D., Professor of Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medicine and Director of Laboratory at the Burke Medical Research Institute, Amy Weinberg, DNP, Associate Director of Medical Sciences at Gilead Sciences and Christina Brennan, MD, Vice President of Clinical Research at Northwell Health.
Zachary Cohen is an associate in the Firm’s Health Care, Corporate and Information Technology and Cybersecurity Groups. He advises clients on a host of business, regulatory and transactional matters and is experienced in representing clients in the information technology and health care industries on cybersecurity law and HIPAA matters.
Read MorePartner Christopher Palermo Published in Law360 on Recent Amendments to Rules in New York’s Commercial Division Courts
Law360 published an article by Partner Christopher Palermo, a member of the firm’s Litigation practice group, on efforts to ensure that the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of New York continues to be an attractive forum for businesses to resolve disputes.
New York’s Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks recently signed an administrative order amending two Rules of Practice of the Commercial Division. The amendments require that attorneys in New York’s Commercial Division courts submit statements in a form prescribed by the Office of Court Administration certifying that they have discussed with their clients the availability of Alternative Dispute Resolution options during several stages of proceedings, and to advise the Court at the preliminary conference whether their clients wish to engage in mediation at some point in the case.
Mr. Palermo, a member of the Commercial Division Advisory Council, was a primary drafter of the proposal to amend the Commercial Division rules.
Click here to read the article in its entirety.
Read MoreElizabeth C. Briand Presents Program on Health Care Planning at Bedford Hills Community House
Bleakley Platt associate Elizabeth Briand recently presented a program for seniors about the importance of planning in advance for health care needs. Her discussion, which took place on October 24, addressed the legal documents necessary to ensure that an individual’s wishes are honored, including Health Care Proxies, living wills, the MOLST (Medical Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment) and decision making by members of the family.
Elizabeth Briand speaks frequently before consumer and professional groups on Elder Law topics. She is a member of the Elder Law and Trusts and Estates Practice Groups at Bleakley Platt and handles all matters relating to Elder Law, Estate Planning and Estate Administration, Medicare and Medicaid benefits, guardianship proceedings under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law and Article 17A of the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act, drafting and administration of special needs trusts.
Read MoreFrances M. Pantaleo Speaking at Several Professional Events
Bleakley Platt partner Frances M. Pantaleo’s service to the legal profession and the community is evidenced by her busy schedule this fall.
Ms. Pantaleo is dinner chair for the Pace Women’s Justice Center’s “Making a Difference Benefit Dinner,” which will be held on October 19th at Doral Arrowwood, Rye Brook, NY and will honor Gayle S. Lob, CFP of New Rochelle and Chief of Police David M. Ryan, Pound Ridge. Pace Women’s Justice Center is a self-funded nonprofit legal center located at Elisabeth Haub School of Law. Each year, PWJC provides free legal services to nearly 3,000 victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse, as well as conducts or participates in over 140 training and outreach events.
On November 14, Ms. Pantaleo will give a presentation entitled “Estate Planning for Individuals with Special Needs,” at a New York State Bar Association Continuing Education program, taking place at the Westchester Marriott. Her program is designed for attorneys whose practices are not focused on this area of the law, and who wish to gain an understanding of the basics of estate planning for individuals with disabilities and their families.
The next day (November 15), Ms. Pantaleo will be a speaker at the Financial Planning Association of New York’s monthly educational meeting, providing an update on Elder Law and Special Needs law for accountants and financial services professionals. The program will take place at New York University’s midtown campus.
Read MoreBleakley Platt Partner William H. Mulligan, Jr. To Be Inducted Into Fordham Preparatory School Hall of Honor
Bleakley Platt is pleased to announce that Partner William H. Mulligan, Jr. will be inducted into the Fordham Preparatory School Hall of Honor on November 17 at a dinner at The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York. Of the 100 nominations submitted, fourteen alumni were selected for this honor.
The Fordham Prep Hall of Honor was created to recognize illustrious individuals from the school’s long and rich history who have made outstanding contributions to Fordham Prep or to perpetuate the memory of those who have brought distinction and honor to Fordham Prep in their endeavors. Founded in 1841, members of the Fordham Prep family have distinguished themselves in various fields, and include men and women from all walks of life.
A member of the class of 1966, Mr. Mulligan attended Fordham Prep School, Fordham University and Fordham School of Law. His father, William H. Mulligan, was dean of the Fordham University School of Law. Mr. Mulligan’s two sons, William and Rory, are also graduates of Fordham Prep.
Mr. Mulligan is a member of the Litigation and Intellectual Property practice groups. He represents corporate and individual clients in commercial law, trusts and estates litigation, defamation, employment discrimination and sexual harassment matters. Based on his extensive experience in all areas of civil litigation, including trials and appeals in federal and state courts, Mr. Mulligan has represented major institutions, private companies, and individuals in a variety of matters, including, in addition to the areas listed above, patent litigation against the United States and securities litigation.
Read MoreBleakley Platt Partner Jim Glatthaar To Speak At Council Of New York City Cooperatives & Condominiums 37th Annual Housing Conference & Expo
Bleakley Platt partner Jim Glatthaar has been invited to speak at the 37th Annual Housing Conference & Expo presented by the 2017 Council of New York City Cooperatives & Condominiums on November 12. This all day conference and expo, held at the Eleanor Roosevelt High School, East 67th Street in NYC is one of the biggest gatherings for the New York City condo and cooperative sector.
Mr. Glatthaar will present a session on what occurs when dissidents are elected to the board of directors of a coop or condo. The election of malcontent directors and/or managers presents a unique set of challenges to boards. He will discuss why such individuals run, why other residents vote for them and what happens when a ‘rogue’ board member is elected. He’ll address how board members can work productively with these individuals and develop strategies to manage a dissident, and ways that a board can minimize the likelihood of a dissident’s success in an election.
To learn more about the conference, visit cnyc.com.
Mr. Glatthaar is a member of the Litigation, Co-Operative and Condominium, Construction and Real Estate Practice Groups at Bleakley Platt. He concentrates his practice in the areas of zoning and land use law and litigation, cooperative and condominium law, construction law and real estate litigation. He has represented landlords, tenants, developers, non-profit institutions, sellers, purchasers, realtors, cooperatives and condominiums in building, zoning, housing and disability-based discrimination claims, landlord-tenant and construction defect claims both in courts and before state and federal administrative agencies. He has also represented property owners and purchasers in complex real estate and financing transactions.
Click here to view his attorney profile.
Read MoreBleakley Platt Attorneys Names to New York Metro Super Lawyers 2017 and New York Metro Rising Stars 2017 Lists
Twelve Bleakley Platt attorneys have been selected to the New York Metro Super Lawyers list as top New York metro area lawyers for 2017. One partner and three associates were named “New York Metro Rising Stars.”
Each year, Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters publication, identifies no more than five percent of the lawyers in New York State as “Super Lawyers” – “outstanding lawyers” who have attained a “high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.” The selection process includes independent research and peer evaluations.
The attorneys receiving this honor are:
Joseph DeGiuseppe, Jr.
Susan E. Galvao
William P. Harrington
Mary Ellen Manley
Robert D. Meade
William M. Murphy
Christopher C. Palermo
Frances M. Pantaleo
Matthew G. Parisi
Raymond M. Planell
Nancy J. Rudolph
Mary Anne Wirth
Bleakley Platt Partner Stephen J. Brown and associates Elizabeth C. Briand, Daniel P. Buckley and Justin M. Gardner were named to the 2017 New York Metro “Rising Star” List by Super Lawyers, an honor received by no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in the state.
Read MoreBleakley Platt Partner Frances M. Pantaleo Selected for Inclusion in 2018 Best Lawyers in America for Elder Law
Frances M. Pantaleo has been selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2018 Best Lawyers in America in the field of Elder Law. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.
Bleakley Platt congratulates Ms. Pantaleo for achieving this recognition for the fourth time.
Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. 83,000 industry leading attorneys are eligible to vote (from around the world), and has received almost 10 million evaluations on the legal abilities of other lawyers based on their specific practice areas around the world. For the 2018 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, 7.4 million votes were analyzed, which resulted in more than 58,000 leading lawyers being included in the new edition. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”
Click here to read Ms. Pantaleo’s complete attorney profile.
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