Legal Alerts

On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “Act”) which aims to assist employees impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Act takes effect on April 1, 2020.  The Act has two key components—expanding Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) coverage and mandating paid sick leave. 

In response to the spread of COVID-19 in New York State, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that all non-essential businesses must reduce their in-person workforce by 75%.  This latest reduction, which takes effect on Friday March 20, 2020 at 8:00 p.m., is an increase from the 50% reduction of in-person workforce announced by Governor earlier in the week.

During this difficult and unprecedent time, the safety and well-being of our employees, along with the legal and business needs of our clients, are our top priorities.  We remain committed to providing our clients with the highest quality of legal services to meet their needs during this crisis and are available to assist in all ways.

Governor Cuomo mandated today that all employers must immediately reduce their workforce to 50% in the physical workspace.  To be clear, this does not mean that employers must reduce their actual workforce through layoff, rather, the other 50% of an employer’s workforce is permitted to perform work off-premises. 

Joseph S. Brown, Member of Hurwitz & Fine's Employment team, offers insight to employers on COVID-19 in the March 18, 2020 edition of Business First.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Families First Coronavirus Response (H.R. Bill 6201), sweeping legislation that will provide a myriad of emergency relief to businesses and individuals, including paid family and sick leave.  The Bill, in its current format, amends several key provisions of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) and also provides for up to 80 hours of paid sick leave for full-time employees. This alert briefly summarizes two key sections of this 110-page Bill that may be of interest to clients.

An employer’s response to COVID-19 will vary by industry, location, and the extent to which employees are involved in business travel.  Hurwitz & Fine's update is a summary of some of the best practices for non-health care employers as well a brief discussion of employment laws implicated in responding to the latest coronavirus developments.

"Hurwitz & Fine elevates longtime attorney to managing partner" in February 18, 2020 Buffalo Business First.

Jody E. Briandi to become the law firm’s third managing partner in 43 years.

Buffalo Business First has named Ann E. Evanko to its 2020 Power 250 list.

The Board of Directors of the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce has elected Attorney Evan Y. Bussiere as their Chairperson-Elect for the ensuing term.

Focusing on Community Association Board Representation and Condominium & Homeowners Association Offerings, this practice group helps guide sponsors and developers of condominium and homeowners’ association offerings through the process of preparing and filing their submissions with the NYS Attorney General’s Office and assisting clients in the drafting, review and revision of governing documents.

Attorney Lawrence C. Franco was appoved as Secretary of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, in addition to his position as a Director and also as Chair of the Audit Committee.

The law firm is listed as the #8 Largest Buffalo Law Firm as ranked by Business First.

Labor & Employment updates on an important employment law.

Attorney Lawrence M. Ross has been unanimously approved to serve a three-year term as a member on the Board of Directors of Crisis Services. 

Michael F. Perley, Sr. Member and Treasurer at Hurwitz & Fine, P.C., was elected to the Board of the Erie County Bar Association Foundation, Inc. for a three-year term.

The Defense Trial Lawyers Association encourages fellowship among the civil defense attorneys in the Eighth Judicial District by facilitating the exchange of ideas, enhancing litigation and trial skills, and advocating for the civil defense bar to the administrators of the Eighth Judicial District and the Western District of New York.

For many retirees, their retirement account is their biggest asset and one that they spent decades growing, but major changes could be coming to these accounts thanks to the pending SECURE Act, which is expected to be passed into law by 2020.