Five Years Without a Quorum: Revisiting the Record-Setting Case Backlog at the MSPB
Last January marked the fifth straight year the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) has lacked a quorum. Since the spring of 2019, the quasi-judicial body that protects federal…
The VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers is Now Eligible for Judicial Review
In a 2021 class-action lawsuit of Beaudette v. McDonough, brought by the National Veterans’ Legal Services Program (NVLSP), the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans…
Presumption of Innocence: Does it Still Apply in the Military Justice System and How Can you Protect Yourself Against Allegations of Misconduct?
Due to the uniquely coercive factors present in the military, many times, those who are accused of misconduct feel pressured to speak up to give their side of the story. This…
“Truth in Vaccination” Bill Seeks to Improve State Response to False Vaccination Records
On December 22, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a package of legislation focused on improving New York’s response to the continued threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. While much…
A Federal Injunction: Pausing the Vaccine Mandate for Federal Employees
Judge Jeffrey Brown of the U.S. Court for the Southern District of Texas issued an injunction against President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate last Friday. The injunction puts…
How Marijuana, Other Drug Use and Alcohol Can Affect you in Family Court
With the recent legalization of marijuana in New York State, many New Yorkers are still left wondering what their rights are in regard to usage and how that might affect them and…
How to Deal with Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets During a Divorce
Cryptocurrency has become one of the newest and most prevalent investments of the last two years. As a result, the courts are now faced with the prospect of having to evaluate and…
Who Gets the Family Pet in a Divorce?
Effective this past October, New York State passed a law related to custody of pets in divorce. Specifically, this law relates to what are called Companion Animals. Previously,…
COVID-19 Federal Vaccine Mandate: Agencies Encouraged to Delay Proposed Disciplinary Actions
At the end of November, the Biden administration encouraged agencies to hold off on enforcing suspensions or removals for unvaccinated federal employees. The guidance comes after…
How Will the Legalization of Marijuana Impact My Criminal Record?
Back in March, former Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the New York State Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) into law, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for…