Legal Alerts
Jody E. Briandi Ranks #63 on Business First's Power 150 Women
According to the newspaper, Business First editors and reporters used their opinions and observations to rank 150 of the area's most influential women--explanding its previous list of 125. Business First describes this list as "a group whose talent and influence fuel economic, social and cultural growth."
Anastasia M. McCarthy Appointed Co-chair of the Statewide Legislative Committee of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York
The Women's Bar Association is the second largest Bar Association in the State of New York and a well-respected voice in Albany.
Who’s on First? A Primer for Assigning Sidewalk Duty
The question “Who's on First” is a good one in determining who is responsible to an injured party in New York City and other areas of the state where liability for sidewalk accidents is placed by statute on the owner of an abutting property.
The Buffalo News: BUDC prepares Northland site for more redevelopment
Hurwitz & Fine Commercial Real Estate, Development and Finance Attorney Evan Y. Bussiere was quoted in the July 14, 2020 Buffalo News article, "BUDC prepares Northland site for more redevelopment."
Examining Risk Transfer in Construction Agreements
Well written risk transfer clauses are essential in the defense of a construction site accident and may mean the difference between the continuation or failure of an owner’s or general contractor’s family business.
New York’s Travel Advisory: What It Means for Employers
New York Governor Cuomo recently issued Executive Order 205, which requires certain individuals to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in New York if they are traveling from states with significant community spread of COVID-19
Has Your Business Updated Its Office Safety Plans Based on the Latest NYS Guidance?
This alert summarizes some of the key differences between the office-based guidance issued on May 28 and the updated guidance on June 26. Businesses should check the date at the top of the guidance to determine when it was last updated for their industry.
Step Out Buffalo Business: 5 Things Employers Should (But Might Not) Know About Reopening in WNY
Attorney Katherine L. Wood was featured as a guest contributor to Step Out Buffalo Business's Business Blog on July 8, 2020.
Hurwitz & Fine Insurance Coverage Group Quoted in Multiple Industry Publications for Analysis of First COVID-19 Decision Nationwide
Hurwitz & Fine's Insurance Coverage team was quoted in Claims Journal and Insurance Journal on July 7, 2020 for its analysis of the first COVID-19 decision last week by a trial court judge in Lansing, Michigan.
Best's Insurance News & Analysis: "Judge Siding With Insurer in COVID-19 BI Case Is a ‘Big Win,’ Attorneys Say"
Attorney Lee S. Siegel was quoted in the Best's Insurance News & Analysis July 6, 2020 article.
COVID-19 Business Interruption Coverage Legislative Summary
The Hurwitz & Fine Coverage Team prepared a consolidated resource document comprised of legislative summaries for all proposed state and federal legislation to date concerning COVID-19 business interruption coverage.
Michigan State Court Renders First Substantive COVID-19 Decision Nationwide And It’s A Big Win For Carriers
The first substantive COVID-19 business interruption decision nationwide is a big win for insurance carriers. A Michigan state court holds that “direct physical loss of or damage to property” requires more than mere loss of use/access, and, as a bonus, that the virus exclusion unambiguously excludes coverage for the viral pandemic.
Managing Conflict as a Leader
The leader who recognizes the importance of conflict resolution is a leader who understands the value of building strength from within, but to do so, one needs to be aware and mindful of the conflict and the need to resolve it.
A Whirlwind Introduction to Our New Series on Business Contracts
Now more than ever, we urge our business friends and clients to take this time to reflect on how commercial activities were conducted before the pandemic in the hope of changing the way you effectively conduct business going forward, with the purpose of mitigating or at least reducing your legal risk of exposure.
Discrimination, Harassment, and Accommodations During a Pandemic, Part 2: What Employers Should Know About the EEOC’s Latest Guidance
In Part 2 of this series, we will focus on the new EEOC guidance related to age, sex, and pregnancy discrimination issues that may arise as the result of the pandemic.
Discrimination, Harassment, and Accommodations During a Pandemic, Part 1: What Employers Should Know About the EEOC’s Latest Guidance
With many regions now in Phase 3 of New York’s reopening plan, employers should be aware of potential claims they may not immediately view as COVID-19 related.
Erie County Clerk's Office to Re-Open Under Very Limited Parameters
Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns has issued a directive opening the Erie County Clerk’s Office to title companies ONLY starting this coming Monday, June 15, 2020.
Legislative Updates - June 2020
With the New York lawmakers returning to work, the NYS Legislature has been working to address a number of timely issues, including the (until recently) quickly dwindling CVA lookback window and a multi-bill package intended to reform New York's various law enforcement agencies.
NY Workers’ Compensation Board Issues Fact Sheet on COVID-19 Claims
New York State Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) recently published a fact sheet—entitled COVID-19 & Workers’ Compensation Q&A—which suggests that many COVID-19 claims are likely to be approved. The key take-aways from the fact sheet and best practices for employers are summarized in this alert.
Fun in the Sun: What Employers Should Know About the Re-Opening of Outdoor Dining in NYS
As of June 4, 2020, outdoor and patio dining have re-opened in WNY as part of Phase 2 of the State’s re-opening plan. How should employers go about re-opening their outdoor dining spaces, and what should they know about the NYS Department of Labor Interim Guidance on outdoor dining?
