The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (“OIEA”) recently published an investor bulletin to educate investors on the legal remedies available for resolving disputes with broker-dealers under the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).
 

Partner Kimberly C. Lau provided her commentary to the AP News on the newly released proposed Title IX Regulations.

In the wake of the Biden Administration's newly released proposed Title IX Regulations, Partner Kimberly C. Lau spoke with the Chronicle of Higher Education about what she views as the most notable proposed changes to the current regulations.

On May 25, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) released proposed amendments to Rule 35d-1 (the “Names Rule”), under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The SEC believes that the amendments would enhance transparency in the asset management market and ensure that a fund’s name does not misrepresent the fund’s investments and risks.

In an article in "Just The News" examining a recent appeals court decision that "suspects" anti-male bias in the President Obama-era Title IX regulations, Kimberly C. Lau commented that she does not expect this ruling will influence the proposed Title IX regulations expected to be released by the Biden Administration this month.

Partner Kimberly C. Lau provides her legal opinion to a variety of outlets regarding the ongoing Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard defamation trial.

Last month, partner Alexis Cirel was a panelist at the American Bar Association Family Law Section Spring CLE Conference in New Orleans.

Partner Sarah A. Steckler was recognized for her work along with her co-chairs of the Senior Law Day Collaborative Elena Falcone, Director of Public Engagement for the Westchester Library System, and Melinda Bellus of Legal Services of the Hudson Valley.

Partner Kimberly C. Lau was recently quoted in media outlets in the United Kingdom about the status of the Depp v. Heard trial.

Warshaw Burstein, LLP announced that the firm has hired five new associates over the past several months to work with the Litigation, Real Estate, Matrimonial and Trusts and Estates groups.

Warshaw Burstein, LLP is a proud sponsor of the Pace Women’s Justice Center Annual Spring Cocktails for a Cause Party on May 24, 2022.

Partner Kimberly C. Lau was interviewed by CBS News for her legal perspectives on the Depp v. Heard defamation trial, including her commentary on social media criticism toward Heard as an alleged victim of domestic violence and sexual assault and the potential impact on others from coming forward in the future.

William Samuels, Partner and Chair in the Intellectual Property Group at Warshaw Burstein, LLP, has been named a member of Law360’s 2022 New York Editorial Advisory Board.

Partner Kimberly C. Lau recently provided Rolling Stone with her legal opinion regarding the potential influence that hostile social media commentary from their fanbase could have on the Depp vs. Heard defamation trial.

Kimberly C. Lau and her team obtained a unanimous jury verdict for their client, Andrew Pampu, in defamation and civil conspiracy claims against defendants resulting in an award of $5.3mm following a week-long jury trial in South Carolina.

“Danielle and Leron each have made important contributions to our firm in their respective areas of practice, and we are delighted to promote them to Counsel,” Frederick R. Cummings, Jr., Managing Partner of Warshaw Burstein, said. “We are proud to be able to continue to grow the firm as well as promote within our diverse and talented team of attorneys."

Warshaw Burstein, LLP announced that Thomas Filardo has been promoted to Equity Partner of the firm.

Organization provides free legal services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.

Kimberly C. Lau, partner and chair of the firm’s Title IX and College Discipline Practice, and her team obtained a unanimous jury verdict for their client, Andrew Pampu, in defamation and civil conspiracy claims against defendants resulting in an award of $5.3mm following a week-long jury trial in South Carolina.

by Jordan Kohn and Brian Daughney

Big changes may be on the horizon for special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”). The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voted on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, to propose new rules for SPACs which, if adopted, would require SPACs to provide increased investor disclosures focused primarily on their ownership and performance forecasts. The proposed rules and amendments are designed to enhance disclosure and investor protection in initial public offerings (IPOs) by SPACs and in business combination transactions involving shell companies, such as SPACs, and private operating companies.

Harvey Krasner and Patrick Calella represented joint venture 7G Realty and Forte Capital for the transaction and financing of a $10.8 million purchase of a 18,256-square-foot warehouse that has been converted into a retail building at 2214 North Miami Avenue in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami.

Sarah Steckler, a partner in the Trusts and Estates and Elder Law groups was a featured guest on "Time to Talk with Jen Graziano" on WVOX 1460 AM on February 28, 2022. Sarah discussed Senior Law Day programs in Westchester County, as well as basic information about trusts and estates planning.

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Kimberly C. Lau, partner and chair of the firm’s Title IX and College Discipline Practice, and her team obtained a unanimous jury verdict on their client’s, Andrew Pampu, defamation and civil conspiracy claims against defendants resulting in an award of $5.3mm following a week-long jury trial in South Carolina.

The guides answer frequently asked questions that Lau’s group receives from parents and students trying to understand what Title IX is, understand their rights under Title IX, and provide first steps on navigating a Title IX process.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced last week the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status ("TPS") for 18 months due to the conditions there resulting from the Russian military invasion.

Brian Daughney Joins as Partner in the Corporate and Securities Group, Michael Kaufman Joins as Partner, Chairs Tax Group

Partners Alan Pollack, Felicia Ennis and Associate Leron Thumim represented Harrington Global Opportunity Fund in a Southern District of New York decision that allows the client’s case to proceed against formidable opposition from several major banks and brokerage houses.

The federal gift tax exemption amount for gifts made in the year 2022 is $12.06 million per person ($24.12 million for a married couple) up from $11.7 million in 2021. However, the exemption amount will be reduced by approximately one-half on January 1, 2026, if Congress does not act to make the higher exemption amount permanent.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2023 H-1B cap will open at 12 p.m. EST on March 1 and extend to 12 p.m. EST on March 18, 2022. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to complete and submit their registrations using the USCIS online H-1B registration system.

Non-Profit Awards Grants to Help Finance Advanced Fertility Treatments

Alexis Cirel, Partner in the Matrimonial Group and Founding Chair of the Fertility Law Group at Warshaw Burstein, LLP, has been named to the Board of Directors of the Baby Quest Foundation.

Wrubel will become president in 2023 and serve a two-year term
Eric Wrubel, Chair of the Matrimonial Group and Co-Chair of the Fertility Law Group at Warshaw Burstein, LLP, was elected President-Elect for the New York Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers at its annual meeting on January 20, 2022.

On January 7th, Governor Hochul announced as of January 12, 2022, all visitors to nursing homes must present a negative COVID test, wear a high-quality mask, and physically distance from all facility personnel, visitors and patients.

On January 12, Sarah A. Steckler and Cornelia Schimert virtually discussed the legal, financial, and caregiving tools available to plan for the golden years.

Alexis Cirel, a partner in the Matrimonial and Family Law Group and Co-Chair of the Fertility Law Group, was recently interviewed on the topic of parental leave policies that account for nontraditional family structures in an article for Robyn, an online community focusing on support and parental wellness for expecting, new and hopeful-to-be parents.

When her doctor presented gestational surrogacy as an option for Alexis Cirel, it felt, at first, like defeat. Not only was it something she hadn't ever anticipated, she learned that it wasn't even a legal option in New York at the time.

Sophie Jacobi-Parisi, Partner in the Matrimonial and Family Law Group, and Eric Wrubel, Partner in the Matrimonial and Family Law Group and Co-Chair of the Fertility Law Group, have both been named Best Lawyers in America for the New York Area in 2022. Ms. Jacobi-Parisi was recognized in the area of Family Law and Family Law: Mediation and Arbitration, and Mr. Wrubel was recognized in the practice area of Family Law.

Warshaw Burstein, LLP provides sophisticated and cost-effective Elder Law services available to seniors and individuals with disabilities. We take an individualized approach and collaborate with their care team to understand our clients’ circumstances and personal goals.

The New York State Department of Health has increased the 2022 Medicaid regional nursing home rates which must be used when calculating a transfer of assets penalty period for coverage of nursing facility services. These rates are based on average private pay nursing home costs in each of the seven regions in the State.

The U.S. Secretary of State, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has authorized consular officers to waive in-person interviews for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants through the end of 2022. Nonimmigrant visa applicants with previous petitions approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may be eligible for this interview waiver.

Syracuse University College of Law annually publishes the "Giving Book" to showcase the achievements and generosity of its alumni. In the 2021 edition, Warshaw Burstein partner Kimberly Lau and associate Aubre Dean discuss their beginnings at the university and the ways they give back to the institution and its current students.

Warshaw Burstein, LLP wishes to note, with great sadness, the passing of our partner and longtime colleague and friend, Barry Klingman, who died peacefully on December 16, 2021.

Sarah A. Steckler, a Partner within Warshaw & Burstein’s Trusts and Estates Group, was the moderator of the panel "Financial Fitness for Seniors During the Holidays & Beyond" at the Senior Law Day Collaborative on Wednesday, December 15. The event took place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. virtually over Zoom.

On November 12, 2021, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began allowing automatic extensions of employment authorization where an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal application has been filed. As a result, L-2 and E-Dependent spouses will no longer have to apply for an EAD card to be authorized to work in the United States

On November 24, 2021, the Republic of South Africa informed the World Health Organization of a new, potentially more contagious variant of COVID-19, which has since been dubbed as “Omicron.” As a result, the U.S. has imposed a travel ban on eight countries in southern Africa, effective Monday, November 29, 2021.

New York City can review claims of housing discrimination on religious grounds. Co-op boards are expected to act in good faith. Our Real Estate Partner Slava Hazin was quoted in the New York Times discussing Holiday Displays.

After nearly two years of the pandemic and nearly 6 billion vaccine shots worldwide, the United States will soon be lifting its geographic COVID-19 related travel bans. Beginning in November 2021, individuals from China, Iran, the Schengen Area, U.K., Ireland, Brazil, South Africa and India will no longer be banned from entering the U.S., and instead will be allowed into the country upon meeting certain individualized safety criteria.