News

Legal briefs.

Legal briefs.

COVID Restrictions Lifted and HERO Act Amendments: Are Businesses in the Clear?

As was much anticipated following Governor Cuomo’s prior declaration that most COVID restrictions would be lifted if New York State reached the threshold mark of 70% of those age 18 and older having at least one vaccination shot, the Governor excitedly followed through on his promise by lifting COVID restrictions in commercial and social settings,… Read More

Are you prepared for your company’s cybersecurity attack?

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions of companies to rely more on remote access work, this comes with a slew of new cybersecurity concerns. Is your data protected? Are you properly insured against a cyber attack? Are you in compliance with federal and state cybersecurity and data privacy laws? What would a cybersecurity attack mean… Read More

Business Succession Planning – Insightful Tips

On Tuesday, May 4th from 8:15a.m.— 9:30a.m. Business Law partner attorney Jamie Batt joins forces with Niagara University’s Family Business Center and Jim Segarra, of Tronconi Segarra & Associates for a virtual presentation discussing Business Succession Planning Advice in the Era of COVID. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much in the world of business.… Read More

28.6 Billion Dollar Restaurant Revitalization Fund

Our business law team is dedicated to helping the hard-hit restaurant business owners stay informed of post COVID-19 pandemic opportunities to recover and to thrive. The American Rescue Plan Act Established a $28.6 Billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These funds will help to revitalize the restaurant industry across… Read More

Can the C-Suite and Directors Be Held Personally Liable for Environmental Violations?

Environmental attorney John Kolaga discusses personal liability of corporate officers for environmental violations. Corporate officers and directors carry an exorbitant amount of responsibilities. Given these challenges, it is sometimes easy to forget that environmental issues involved with running a corporation can loom large, if overlooked. Solving environmental problems – complying with detailed regulations and addressing… Read More

Matt Miller Defends East Aurora Spanish Teacher in Discrimination Lawsuit.

Labor and Employment partner attorney, Matt Miller defends an East Aurora Spanish teacher in a discrimination lawsuit. Matt says she, “was repeatedly denied by the district.” East Aurora Middle School Spanish teacher, Julie Rizzo, loves her job. She’d like to be able to continue teaching, however, Rizzo has a serious immune deficiency disorder she was… Read More

Clarifying the Sexual Harassment Standard in New York

There has been a lot of reporting lately on what the legal standard is for sexual harassment claims in New York in light of the recent allegations of three women against Governor Andrew Cuomo.  Matt Miller clarifies the current state of New York law in this area. There are two primary laws at play here. … Read More

David Pfalzgraf, Jr. Recognized by Buffalo Business First Power 250

When you wake up every morning and “Make Your Bed”, and give 120% to everything you do — you make a difference. Congratulations on the Power 250! Our founding and managing partner, David R. Pfalzgraf Jr., has been named to the Buffalo Business First 2021 Power 250. It is an honor to have one of… Read More

Environmental Attorney John Kolaga discusses TENORM in WNY

John Kolaga, NYSBA Environmental Committee Member, is presenting The “New Normal” for TENORM (Technically-Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) in New York, on Thursday, February 25th. The environmental practice in Western New York continues to evolve, with its industrialized legacy driving the need for practitioners to stay on top of regional-based considerations. This program highlights a… Read More

What to Consider if You Are Thinking of Incorporating Bitcoin Into Your Business

Business Law focuses on innovative companies at the forefront of their respective industries. The recent disclosure of Tesla’s $1.5 billion investment in bitcoin (“BTC”)[1] has served as an exclamation point to the growing institutional acceptance of BTC as a credible store of value, akin to cash reserves or gold. This trend has advanced partially due… Read More

Gestational Surrogacy is finally legal in New York State! Now What?

Gestational Surrogacy is finally legal in New York State, allowing for many couples to have their dreams of becoming parents within their reach. Our passionate fertility and surrogacy team of partner attorneys Jamie Batt, and Elizabeth DiPirro, and associate attorneys Micelle Graham, and Keli Iles-Hernandez understand well beyond just the legalities of surrogacy. If this… Read More

Update: NYSDOL New COVID-19 Leave Guidance

New York State’s Department of Labor (“NYSDOL”) recently issued new Quarantine Leave guidance that affects all employers, regardless of size. Back in March 2020, New York State enacted legislation that forced employers to provide job-protected leave for any employees who become subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine/isolation due to COVID-19. That mandate subsequently was modified to… Read More

Tony Rupp Speaks to GMA Giving His Civil Rights Clients a National Voice

Tony Rupp Civil Rights attorney interviewed on GMA as he continues to hold those responsible accountable. Jake Reinhardt and his fiancée, Taylor Schmieder were in shock when Buffalo police officer and bounty hunters from Bail Bond LLC arrived on their doorstep in the middle of the night. The bounty hunters were armed and pointed their… Read More

Identifying Void, Unenforceable, or Alarming Contract Provisions

Please join Rupp Baase partner attorney and construction law practice area leader, Dan Sarzynski in conjunction with Niagara Frontier Construction Financial Management Association for a virtual conversation on contract provisions and negotiations. On February 23rd, Dan will be discussing multiple important topics such as: Pay-if-paid provisions Indemnity provisions Lien waiver and lien exhaustion provisions No-damage-for… Read More

Dan Sarzynski Presents Mechanics Liens Webinar on Friday, March 26th

Rupp Baase partner attorney, and construction law practice group leader, Dan Sarzynski, partners with the Construction Exchange of Buffalo and Western New York for an educational mechanics liens webinar that will cover topics such as: • Overview of Mechanics Liens• Filing and Timing Requirements• Private vs. Public Projects• Discharging the Lien• Foreclosing the Lien• Defenses… Read More

OSHA Issues New COVID-19 Guidance to Help Employers

On January 29, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) published revised COVID-19 guidance (“Guidance”) to help employers identify COVID-19 risks and determine appropriate control measures.  Our Labor & Employment team breaks down the Guidance for employers. The move came following an order from President Biden directing OSHA to release clear guidance for employers to… Read More

COVID-19 Stimulus for the Year 2021 – Is Your Business Eligible for Relief?

The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate approved a new COVID-19 stimulus package for the fiscal year 2021.  The stimulus package includes further relief for American citizens and businesses that were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Included in the stimulus package is an extension and second round of funding to small businesses through… Read More