SBP Open Season—Is DFAS intentionally ignoring the NDAA 2023?
Military retirees may be eligible to make an election at certain times—upon retirement, immediately following a divorce or marriage, etc.—that would allow their surviving…
Can You Be Charged Under the UCMJ After Discharge?
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (“UCMJ”) was enacted by Congress to provide substantive and procedural laws governing the military justice system, including…
The End of the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements and What it Means for Federal Employees
President Biden signed an Executive Order on May 9, 2023, formally rescinding the vaccination requirement and COVID-19 safety protocols for federal employees and contractors,…
New Federal Laws Protecting Pregnant and Nursing Workers in 2023
On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Spending Bill, which featured two new laws: the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Providing…
Foreign Contact Reporting Requirements for Security Clearance Holders
The reporting of contacts, specifically foreign contacts, for clearance holders is of the utmost importance for continued access authorization. All security clearance holders have…
New York Animal (Pet) Custody: Who Gets Custody of Your Pet if You Break Up?
Pet ownership is more prevalent than ever these days, with post-pandemic loneliness encouraging many New Yorkers to add another four-legged friend to their family unit. According…
Can “Presumptive ADR” become the New Norm for New York Divorces?
In May 2019, upon recommendation by an Advisory Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”), Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks…
How to Navigate the Informal and Formal Stages of the EEO Complaint Process
For federal employees who want to file an EEO complaint based on instances of unlawful discrimination, understanding the EEO complaint process can be quite challenging. It can…
Too Much Information: The Problem with “Personality Disorder” on Military Discharge Documents
Too many veterans leave the military with mental health conditions. Additionally, many of them may have had their mental health conditions misdiagnosed while they were serving. As…
“Going Green” for St. Patrick’s Day: Cannabis & Driving—What You Need to Know
It’s to no one’s surprise that police and other law enforcement will be on high alert this St. Patrick’s Day, with the 17th landing on a Friday this year. With approximately…