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The article discusses the factors affecting the compensation claims filed by employees in the U.S. for work-related injuries. According to Lewis & Lewis PC attorney Peter Eisenhauer, the changes in the compensation laws make people realize the need to get an attorney. Attorney Jack Stiefel adds that the increase in the compensation system fraud is linked to the economic deterioration. It also mentions the additional changes to the rules by the New York Workers' Compensation Board.

The article discusses the mentoring of several veteran litigators in the U.S. to those who are still learning on the process of litigation in the trial law. According to Daniel Altieri, a graduate of Suny Buffallo Law School, he is comfortable on the approach taken by Ken Africano, litigator of the law firm Harter Secrest & Emery LLP wherein the firm has a mentoring structure for young legislators. It also mentions that the firm supporta and understands aspirant legislators.

The article discusses the impact of the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on law firms in Buffalo, New York. It mentions that the law firms consider such law as good for their business. It notes that with the passage of the law, the firm, Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP is forced to expand its presence in the health-care legal market. It also emphasizes that some law firms demand additional staffing to meet the needs of their clients about the bill.

The article discusses the impact of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act in the U.S. on small businesses like the Guildcraft Arts and Crafts of Bob Gluck in Tonawanda, New York. It states that the law, which regulates the testing and labeling of products for children, could threaten small businesses and could increase the prices of the products for consumers. The article looks at the move of supporting policymakers to urge the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reexamine the law.

The article discusses the long term impact of the Love Canal chemical waste landfill case in New York in the current environmental laws and litigation in the U.S. John Kolaga, a partner with Jaeckle Fleischmann and Mugel LLP asserts the positive effect of regulations and reforms that came out of the Love Canal litigation. It provides a comprehensive overview concerning the Love Canal case from 1890s until 1995.

The article presents answers to questions related on legal topics including the things that a woman should prepare in going to a law school, the challenges that a woman may face in being in the legal scene in Western New York (WNY), and the developments on the gender inequality in the legal profession.

The article offers the author's insights regarding home-based jobs. According to the report from Global Workplace Analytics, more than 3.1 million workers from the U.S. are working from home and are interested to engaged in home businesses. Moreover, Steve Cichon, owner of Buffalo Stories LLC, mentions that flexibility and freedom of an employee from the traditional offices triggered them to obtain greater productivity.

The article reports on the launch of the iCDNet software by Jack W. Hunt & Associates Inc. president Kevin Hunt to upgrade court reporting in the U.S. The technology will enable court reporters to deliver information to the attorneys sitting in a room for a deposition in real time. In addition, the software also allows attorneys to highlight key parts of a deposition, search for specific words and keep track of everything being said.

The article presents the author's views on the need of greater focus on mental health services in the U.S. He refers to the recent shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. He says that despite such tragedies, state funding for the mental health programs is being eliminated and the latest victim is Erie County Mental Health Association. He talks about the association's efforts to help at-risk children and provide foster care to such children.

The article discusses the tax loopholes in the U.S. David Barrett, a CPA, said tax professionals work within the tax code to find the best options for their clients. They do so to pay the least amount of taxes that are legally required. The tax code can serve as a launching pad for some very creative applications of these rules.

The article reports that the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of New York has recovered more than 53.6 million dollars from both criminal and civil forfeitures in the fiscal year 2012.

The article reports on the national initiative to combat domestic violence in the U.S. It is said that there are potentially millions of victims every year, with many crimes going unreported, while there is a national initiative to combat these challenges through greater education and awareness and the prosecution of abusers.

The article focuses on the significance of long-term retirement planning and provides viable advice from financial planners in the U.S. Peter Hafner suggests people thinking for their future to become smart with an investment portfolio. Hafner aims to help people deal with their emotions when planning for their finances. Certified public accountant Cheryl Jankowski ensures that her clients make strategic decisions in minimizing tax liability.

The article discusses the aspects for business to consider when choosing coverage and filing a claim for business-interruption insurance in an event of natural disaster in the U.S.

The article reports on the financial trouble faced by Americans with student loans, which is predicted to be critical to the fall of the housing market in the U.S. According to Noelle Carter of Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Buffalo Inc. in Buffalo, New York, it is difficult to manage an increase number of people who were not able to match with their loan repayment obligations. It is argued by critics that that the student-loan system places borrowers at a discrete disadvantage.

A blog from the author on the Equine Activity Liability Act in the U.S.

The article reports on the difficulties faced by local companies and organizations in the U.S. looking to international workers to fill shortage of skilled workers in the fields of science, medicine, and computer technology concerning proper documentation.

The article reports on the effectiveness of the Dignity for All Student Act (DASA) in making schools safer for children in the U.S. According to lawyer Kimberly Georger, the law would help schools prevent bullying among students. Also, she adds that the school district will be liable if it allows children to be emotionally or physically harmed at school.

The article offers the insights of Vincent LoTempio, a registered patent attorney, on patent and copyright law in the U.S. He says that patent can cost business entity $5,000 to $10,000 and gives them the right to stop others from producing their products. He mentions that patent lawsuits have been filed everyday in the country particularly from big companies. He adds that "patent trolls" are considered one of the challenges faced by inventors during lawsuit.

The article focuses on Walsh Insurance Group and discusses those factors and elements which helped the company to flourish in continuity from generation to generation and success in business. It informs on how Walsh Group which works as a family unit has achieved its present standard by putting emphasis on maintaining a strong reputation among insurance agencies and their customers. It was founded in 1860 and has three Western New York locations and 75 employees.

The article reflects on the reduction in the taxable value of assets passed on at the event of an individual's death from 5 million dollars to 1 million dollars, under the U.S. Federal Estate Tax act effective from January 1, 2013. It opines that this law will catch many unawares, who have not planned their wills accordingly. Mark Tronconi, partner at Tronconi Segarra & Associates LLP, says that this law will affect a lot of people as most people have assets worth more than one million dollars.

The article reports that according to attorney Jacob Herstek, the rapid evolution of technology has led to a dramatic rise in privacy-related lawsuits in the U.S.

The article reports on the controversy surrounding the decision of several companies in the U.S. to ask their prospective employees to provide access to their account on social networking website Facebook during the interview process. According to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer such a decision is wrong and they have no right to gain access to private information of job applicants, and there is a need to make a legislation against it.

The article offers information on the negligence for financial planning among generation Y in the U.S. It states that not many professional plan their future in terms of finances and think about their retirement finances. It mentions that though part of income is automatically deducted from the paychecks for 401(k) plan, investors are still confused between the 401(k) plan and other pension plans.

The article reports on the recommendation of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to implement a full ban on the use of cell phones while driving. Attorney Chris O'Brien expresses opposition on the ban since a hands-free device can be used while driving. Meanwhile, Steve Pacer, a public affairs specialist at AAA of Western and Central New York, supports the NTSB recommendation.

The article reports on the result of the national ranking of law firms in 2011 wherein 50 Buffalo, New York-based firms has earned a spot in the list. It mentions that Hurwitz & Fine PC was ranked in 16 practice areas and senior member Dan Kohane says that its gratifying to be recognized in a peer-evaluation format. It also notes that Hodgson Russ LLP, the largest firm in Western New York is high on the list in the rankings.

The article reports on the Off the Clock promotion offered by HoganWillig LLP which aims to assist people on questions associated to the U.S. legal system through Facebook. HoganWillig views this initiative as a chance to cultivate future business and new clients. The questions will be answered by attorneys Steven Wiseman and Amanda Lowe.

The article reports on the dismissal by the U.S. Government on their case against the Erie County, New York regarding the treatment of prisoners at Erie County Holding Center and Correctional Facility. It states that the federal government decided to dismiss it after official of the county agree with the changes on the facilities. It says that technical compliance consultants will act as watchdogs to address mental health, medication, and protection of prisoners.

The article focuses on the approaches of companies to outsource their human resources (HR) and manage employee benefits in the U.S. It says that most companies, particularly small businesses seek outside assistance in outsourcing their HR matters, with the overhaul in the health-care system. Lisa Lyman of customer relations for Veracity Benefits says that her company offers broker benefits, research and consulting for business that have 75 to 10 employees.

The article focuses on the lessons learned by the Western New York litigators including John Weinholtz, Marco Cercone, and David Brock as they fulfill their tasks. It states that Weinholtz got to spend time and learn things about cows when he had to defend his client against a dairy farmer. It mentions the civil arson cases which gave Cercone the chance to learn the aspects of fire and related topics. It also states that Brock had a case where he has to learn the human tissue transplants.

The article focuses on the efforts of the nonprofit organization Bunkers in Baghdad in providing golf equipment to U.S. soldiers in Iraq. It reports that Joe Hanna, the organization's director, has donated 2 million golf balls for the recreation of the soldiers deployed in the country. According to Hanna, the vision of the organization has grown quickly with the help of U.S. individuals.

The article reports on the use of a love contract in employment in the U.S. where both parties in a romantic relationship sign the contract specifying that they are in a mutual relationship.

The article discusses the increasing number of employment-discrimination lawsuits being filed in the U.S. It says that such cases can be classified into two, lawsuits filed by employees who failed to find new job following lay off or termination and those filed by employees as preventive action to keep their job. It presents the insights of several lawyers from Buffalo, New York including Kimberly Georger, Ann Evanko and Kevin Wicka regarding the grounds of a discrimination claim.

The article reports on the comments of lawyers Jack Brill and Kate Ulrich concerning health care regulations in the U.S. which have elicited uncertainty, frustration and fear among business owners and law firms.

The article focuses on the impact of the increasing fraudulent claims on individuals' financial aspect in the U.S. It states that the said fraudulent claims could force the average household to pay 1,000 dollars annually in order to cover such claims as indicated by attorney Earl Cantwell. It cites the ways by which people and businesses could protect themselves against inflated claims. An edited interview with Cantwell on bogus claims is also offered.

The article presents the views of New York District Judge Paula Feroleto regarding the requirements for the adoption of new laws enacted in the U.S. such as Rockefeller Drug Law reforms and the Foreclosure law.

The article offers the insights of Damon Morey LLP partner Peter Marlette on how Buffalo, New York attracts the best legal talents despite low salaries. Marlette says that the cost of living is among the factors attracting lawyers to the city, which ranked 12th lowest-paying region for lawyers in the U.S. He also states that his firm offers hands-on training for young attorneys and that the proximity to the University at Buffalo (UB) Law School is a big advantage as well.

The article focuses on the evolving profession in the paralegal industry. The U.S. Department of Labor says that the industry is expected to gain 28% job growth in the next decade. Beth Bialis of Hodgson Russ LLP says that paralegal profession had evolved and had become more educated compared before. Western New York Paralegal Association Inc. president Laura Syzchowski says that they are planning to propose a certification and licensure program for the profession to the Department of Education.

The article offers views concerning the law which had been set to provide a one-year repeal of the federal estate tax in 2010 in the U.S. Tom Hyde, leader of the estates and trusts practice group at Hodgson Russ LLP, says that inaction of lawmakers has left his wondering how they should be preparing their estates in lieu of the estate tax limbo. Hurwitz & Fine PC estate planning attorney Larry Franco infers that it would be impractical to have a retroactive enactment back to January 1, 2010.

The article reports on the launch of the IRS Help Inc. Web site as a key to expand business in the U.S. It states that IRShelp.com web site was launched to resolve tax problems with the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) and to unite people with local agents as well as to have help available in every community throughout the country. Jennifer and Patrick O'Neil, heads of the company, aims to expand business through including a network of attorneys, certified accountants, and registered agents.

The article offers tips on how to effectively handle labor and management relations of companies in the U.S. including being an active listener, showing empathy and not rushing one's judgment.

The article profiles Harris Beach LLP lawyer Phil Brothman in Buffalo, New York. It states that Brothman earned his law degree in 1962 at the University of Buffalo and started out as a practicing lawyer at the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It notes that Brothman has an important role in Graycliff Conservancy Inc. Brothman says that Harris Breach is reputable in the representation of school districts in Rochester, New York.

The article discusses the relevance of healthcare reform law on the employment discrimination in the U.S. It states that the legislation include provisions which aim to protect employees against discrimination in the workplace. Attorney Kevin Wicka of Brown & Tarantino LLC offers his perspective about the difficulty on proving the existence of employment discrimination cases. Ginger Schröder of Schröder, Joseph & Associates in Buffalo depicted the current employment discrimination.

The article reports on the move of law firms to provide a pro bono work intended for unemployed people who need civil legal service in the U.S. It states that the pro bono program not only gives away their legal services for free but also provides an opportunity for firms to give attorneys a chance to gain valuable training and experience. Robert Heary, Hiscock & Barclay LLP partner, infers that the important element of the program is the incentive given to lawyers for their participation.

The article discusses the significance of advance planning to the succession of a family business in the U.S. Administrator of business and corporate practice group Peter Klein of Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel LLP states that people do not understand the significance of adavance planning of business transfer to the heirs. In this regard, partner Fred Attea of Phillips Lytle LLP states that he advices the clients to exploit possible way to create succession plan to retain business in the family.

The article reports on the topic that would be discussed by Erie County Court Judge Lisa Bloch Rodwin and Cohen & Lombardo PC counsel Maryann Saccomando Freedman at the public event "Women and the Law" to be held at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library in New York on March 25, 2010.

The article reports on the rise of bankruptcy filings in the U.S. despite the implementation of the 2005 Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act.

The article reports on the court decision on the case that challenged the 2005 U.S. Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCA) provisions. The court clarified the legislation and upheld the requirement that bankruptcy attorneys refer as debt-relief agencies. According to attorney Courtney Quinn, the rules limit how an attorney can advise a client and go against the nature of attorney-client relationship. Comments from lawyers regarding the court decision are also included.

The article focuses on the failure of the Congress to amend the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 which was signed by former-President George W. Bush in the U.S. It notes the speculation of the legal and estate-planning communities that the Congress will rewrite the act to close the tax loophole as well as its associated issues in the country. It notes how financial advisers, tax lawyers and certified public accountants (CPAs) are addressing the issue.

The article reports on the overhaul of healthcare system in the U.S. It states that indications to overhaul the system surfaced and the medical-malpractice litigation has deteriorated the taxpayers' millions of dollars. Meanwhile, the proponents of the reform explains that the present malpractice system costs the huge money of the taxpayers while jeopardizing the quality health care. However, the opposition argues that the demise of health care relates to malpractice litigation.