# O’Connell & Aronowitz > Providing high-quality legal advice to our clients since 1925. > Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.3, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://oalaw.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://oalaw.com/blog/): Read legal news, firm updates, and practical guidance from O'Connell & Aronowitz attorneys serving clients across New York. - [O’Connell & Aronowitz Attorneys Recognized in 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oconnell-and-aronowitz-attorneys-recognized-in-2025-super-lawyers-and-rising-stars-lists/): O’Connell & Aronowitz Attorneys Recognized in 2025 Upstate New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists - [O'Connell and Aronowitz Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 Edition](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/best-lawyers-2026-announcement/): 15 O’Connell & Aronowitz attorneys named to The Best Lawyers in America® 2026, with Florence Richardson honored as Lawyer of the Year. - [O'Connell & Aronowitz Supports the Regional Food Bank’s Holiday Hunger Appeal](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oconnell-and-aronowitz-supports-the-regional-food-banks-holiday-hunger-appeal/): O'Connell and Aronowitz supports the Regional Food Bank's Holiday Hunger Appeal to help fight food insecurity in the Capital Region. - [Limited Liability Companies in New York - How They Might be Useful to You](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/limited-liability-companies-in-new-york/): By: Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. I have gotten a lot of questions lately regarding limited liability companies (LLCs). I thought it might be a topic of general... - [Basic Child Support - What is Covered, and What is Not?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/basic-child-support-what-is-covered-and-what-is-not/): A parent’s basic child support obligation in New York State covers the child’s basic living expenses such as food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and... - [COVID-19 Updates for the Healthcare Industry](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/covid-19-updates-for-the-healthcare-industry/): The Health Law Sidebar provides updates and insights on the ever-changing and sometimes turbulent legal topics and events affecting healthcare providers - [CONFIRMED The Guard is Changing: James Cox is Leaving OMIG's Top Spot](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/confirmed-the-guard-is-changing-james-cox-is-leaving-omigaes-top-spot/): Earlier this week, we blogged about postings found on job-search sites Monster. com and indeed. - [CARES Act Update: Reporting and Disclosure Requirements](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/cares-act-update-reporting-and-disclosure-requirements/): The CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act provided $175 billion to hospitals and eligible health care providers. - [ATTENTION ALCOHOLISM AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES PROVIDERS: SAMHSA's Proposed Changes to 42 CFR Part 2 Address Key Integration Issues, Raise Other Questions About Compliance Responsibilities](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-alcoholism-and-substance-abuse-services-providers-samhsaaes-proposed-changes-to-42-cfr-part-2-address-key-integration-issues-raise-other-questions-about-compliance-responsibilitie/): In an earlier post, we highlighted that the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ("SAMHSA") submitted a proposed rule for - [O&A Criminal Practice Launches New Website for College Student Legal Defense](https://oalaw.com/blog/student-defense/oa-criminal-practice-launches-new-website-for-college-student-legal-defense/): Our Criminal Defense practice announces the launch of a new website focused on legal defense for college students, www. StudentDefenders. com. - [Coronavirus and Business Interruption Claims: Free Consultations for Small Business Owners](https://oalaw.com/blog/business-law-transactions/coronavirus-and-business-interruption-claims-free-consultations-for-small-business-owners/): Learn about COVID-19 business interruption insurance claims and legal options for small business owners. - [CARES Act: Medicaid & CHIP Provider Relief Fund Application Deadline Extended by US HHS to Friday, August 28, 2020](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/cares-act-medicaid-chip-provider-relief-fund-application-deadline-extended-by-us-hhs-to-friday-august-28-2020/): Read updates on the CARES Act Medicaid and CHIP Provider Relief Fund application deadline from O'Connell and Aronowitz. - [Are Whistleblower Cases Under the Federal False Claims Act Without Government Intervention Unconstitutional?](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/are-whistleblower-cases-under-the-federal-false-claims-act-without-government-intervention-unconstitutional/): Are Whistleblower Cases Under the Federal False Claims Act Without Government Intervention Unconstitutional? - [Proud Sponsors of 2017 Capital Pride Festival](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/proud-sponsors-of-2017-capital-pride-festival/): O'Connell and Aronowitz is a proud sponsor of the 2017 Capital Pride Festival. - [Proud Corporate Sponsors of Our Community Magazine](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/proud-corporate-sponsors-of-our-community-magazine/): O'Connell and Aronowitz is proud to be among the first Albany businesses, and the first law firm, to became sponsor of Our Community USA, LLC, a media and - [New York Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: A Practical Legal Guide for Couples](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/new-york-prenuptial-and-postnuptial-agreements-a-practical-legal-guide-for-couples/): Learn how prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can protect assets, clarify expectations, and support couples planning for the future. - [Back-to-School Legal Readiness:](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/back-to-school-legal-readiness/): A Guide for Families from O’Connell and Aronowitz As families across New York prepare for a new school year - from kindergarten drop-offs to college - [Developments Regarding the Corporate Transparency Act](https://oalaw.com/blog/business-law-transactions/developments-regarding-the-corporate-transparency-act/): Multiple Court Cases Leave an Uncertain Landscape In an article I wrote last February, I made note of Congress’ enactment of the Corporate Transparency Act - [How Lead Poisoning Affects Children](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/how-lead-poisoning-affects-children/): This Centers for Disease Control infographic highlights some of the many dangers children face from exposure to lead. - [Attorney Kelly Mikullitz Featured in Daily Gazette Article Discussing Lead Poisoning](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/attorney-kelly-mikullitz-featured-in-daily-gazette-article-discussing-lead-poisoning/): The March issue of Daily Gazette's Homes Edition featured an interview with attorney Kelly Mikullitz. - [Do You Want To Open A Med Spa in New York State? Perils and Pitfalls…](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/do-you-want-to-open-a-med-spa-in-new-york-state-perils-and-pitfalls/): What is a Medical Spa (“Med Spa”) and who regulates them in New York State? A Med Spa is a facility where individuals may obtain various services such as... - [Navigating New York State's Med Spa Compliance Rules](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/navigating-new-york-states-med-spa-compliance-rules/): Med Spa’s have become an increasingly prevalent feature of New York State’s health and cosmetic industry. New York State does not offer a singular... - [The New York Estate Tax: Does Your Family Need to Worry?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/the-new-york-estate-tax-does-your-family-need-to-worry/): For many New Yorkers, the words “estate tax” sound like a problem reserved for the very wealthy. But New York’s estate tax rules are more complicated, and... - [Lead Poisoning: How will I know if my family is being affected by lead poisoning?](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/lead-poisoning-how-will-i-know-if-my-family-is-being-affected-by-lead-poisoning/): While many types of serious personal injuries result from obvious events -- car collisions, explosions, assaults, slip and falls, construction mishaps - [An Overview of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/an-overview-of-the-uniform-child-custody-jurisdiction-and-enforcement-act/): The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) recognizes that multi-state custodial Issues arise because of our mobile society. - [Can You Be Married by "Common Law" in New York State?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/can-you-be-married-by-common-law-in-new-york-state/): A Common Law marriage is one created despite no marriage license being issued and no marriage ceremony being performed. New York State does not allow the. - [Duration of Post-Divorce Maintenance](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/duration-of-post-divorce-maintenance/): By Kelly Mikullitz New York State law provides that, except where spouses have entered into a formal Agreement providing for or waiving maintenance - [High Net Worth Divorce in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/high-net-worth-divorce-in-new-york/): New York high net worth divorce attorneys skilled in business valuation, hidden assets, and spousal maintenance. - [Violating New York's Automatic Orders Can Be a Contempt of Court](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/violating-new-yorks-automatic-orders-can-be-a-contempt-of-court/): Upon commencement of a matrimonial action in New York State, the plaintiff must serve upon the defendant a copy of “NOTICE OF ENTRY OF AUTOMATIC ORDERS." - [Understanding Revocable Trusts](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/understanding-revocable-trusts/): Estate planning can feel overwhelming. While many people expect the Last Will and Testament to be the main document in their estate plan, that is just one. - [Bankruptcy Basics: Your Rights and Options](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basics-your-rights-and-options/): Learn how bankruptcy works, compare Chapter 7 and 13, understand discharge rules, and explore New York exemptions that may protect your home and assets. - [Estate Planning and Taxes: A Practical Guide for Individuals and Families](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/estate-planning-and-taxes-a-practical-guide-for-individuals-and-families/): Estate planning is about protecting people, not only assets. A well-designed plan can help your family avoid unnecessary delay, conflict, and cost, while. - [A Grandparent May Be Granted Custody and Visitation Rights](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/a-grandparent-may-be-granted-custody-and-visitation-rights/): In New York State, if certain circumstances exist, the courts may grant visitation rights to a grandparent. Where one or both parents of the child are deceased - [Resuming Your Pre-Marriage Name Upon Divorce or Annulment](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/resuming-your-pre-marriage-name-upon-divorce-or-annulment/): The Domestic Relations Law of the State of New York provides that, in any Action or Proceeding brought wherein at least part of the relief granted is - [Mayor Mamdani Proposes Changes to New York Estate Taxes : The new proposals are a significant change to New York Law](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/mayor-mamdani-proposes-changes-to-new-york-estate-taxes-the-new-proposals-are-a-significant-change-to-new-york-law/): Last month, Bloomberg News and the New York Post reported that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani proposed lowering the New York State estate tax exemption - [O'Connell & Aronowitz Attorneys to Speak on Landmark “Buffalo Billion” Prosecution at Albany Law School](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oconnell-aronowitz-attorneys-to-speak-on-landmark-buffalo-billion-prosecution-at-albany-law-school/): On April 21, 2026, O’Connell & Aronowitz, Attorneys at Law, is proud to share that two of its attorneys — Stephen Coffey, Esq. , and Pamela Nichols, Esq. - [Truck Accident Liability Explained: Who Is Really at Fault?](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/truck-accident-liability-explained-who-is-really-at-fault/): Learn who may be liable after a New York truck accident, including drivers, trucking companies, contractors, and other responsible parties. - [Saving for the Costs of College - Understanding Your Options](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/saving-for-the-costs-of-college-understanding-your-options/): Throughout our community this month, high school seniors will be graduating and many of them will be heading off to college. With college costs... - [Buried in the Fine Print: How Amazon's Return to Arbitration Could Affect Your Injury Claim](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/buried-in-the-fine-print-how-amazons-return-to-arbitration-could-affect-your-injury-claim/): Amazon has made a significant change to the rules governing disputes with its U.S. customers: binding arbitration is back, and class-action lawsuits are out. - [O'Connell & Aronowitz Attorneys Named to the 2027 Best Lawyers](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/honors-firm-news/oconnell-aronowitz-attorneys-named-to-the-2027-best-lawyers/): O'Connell & Aronowitz is proud to announce that sixteen attorneys from the firm's Latham and Saratoga Springs offices have been named to the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers, with three additional attorneys recognized on the 2027 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list. These honors reflect the firm's continued depth across health care law, personal injury, - [Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in New York: Timeline, Cost Factors, and Next Steps](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/divorce/contested-vs-uncontested-divorce-in-new-york-timeline-cost-factors-and-next-steps/): What's the difference between contested and uncontested divorce in New York? See timelines, cost factors, and next steps with O'Connell & Aronowitz. - [Emergency Bankruptcy in New York: When Filing Quickly Can Stop Collections or Foreclosure](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/emergency-bankruptcy-in-new-york-when-filing-quickly-can-stop-collections-or-foreclosure/): Facing foreclosure, wage garnishment, or repossession in New York? An emergency bankruptcy filing triggers the automatic stay. Learn your options with O&A. - [Transfer on Death Deeds in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/transfer-on-death-deeds-in-new-york-2/): New York’s transfer on death deed law went into effect on July 19, 2024 – a little over two years ago. - [Rights of a Surviving Spouse to your Estate: How Marriage Affects Your Estate Plan](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/rights-of-a-surviving-spouse-to-your-estate-how-marriage-affects-your-estate-plan/): How Marriage Affects Your Estate Plan. Marriage changes more than just your personal life, it can also change what happens to your estate when you die. - [Calculation of Basic Child Support](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/calculation-of-basic-child-support/): The amount of child support that a non-custodial parent may be ordered to pay to the custodial parent is generally a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s... - [Gifting in the Context of Medicaid Applications](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/gifting-in-the-context-of-medicaid-applications/): What results in a penalty period and why? In my practice, I get a lot of questions from clients regarding gifting and its impact on Medicaid eligibility. - [The New Retirement Savings Account for Kids](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/the-new-retirement-savings-account-for-kids/): A recent federal law has introduced a new tax-advantaged savings account for minors. - [A Lookback on Important Developments from 2025](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/a-lookback-on-important-developments-from-2025/): What you need to know as we enter the New Year In 2025, my colleagues and I reported on several developments in the law regarding our main practice areas. - [Electronic Wills Are Coming to New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/electronic-wills-are-coming-to-new-york/): Beginning in June 2027, the execution of a Last Will and Testament may be completed electronically under New York law. - [Access to Physical and Mental Health Records in a Custody Case](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/access-to-physical-and-mental-health-records-in-a-custody-case/): If a child’s parents have a legal dispute over custody and/or other parenting rights and responsibilities and wish it to be resolved by a Court in New - [HOW CAN THE SUPPORT COLLECTION UNIT HELP?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/how-can-the-support-collection-unit-help/): Learn how New York's Support Collection Unit helps collect, distribute, and enforce child support payments for families. - [International Parent-Child Abduction](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/international-parent-child-abduction/): Parents who believe there is a risk of abduction of a child by the other parent may wish to take steps to prevent the child from leaving the country. - [What You Need to Know in 2025 About Cannabis Legalization in New York State](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/what-you-need-to-know-in-2025-about-cannabis-legalization-in-new-york-state/): Review key 2025 updates on cannabis legalization in New York and what businesses and individuals should know. - [HEALTH ATTORNEYS TAKE STAGE AT STATEWIDE CONFERENCE](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/health-attorneys-take-stage-at-statewide-conference/): O'Connell and Aronowitz presented a slate of workshops and seminars at the 35th Annual Association for Community Living Agencies in Mental Health (ACLAIMH) - [Medical Malpractice in New York: How to Know If You Have a Case](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/medical-malpractice-in-new-york-how-to-know-if-you-have-a-case/): When you place your trust in a medical professional, you expect to receive competent, attentive care. Most of the time, that trust is well-placed. - [Honoring Graig Zappia: Community Partner of the Year](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/honoring-graig-zappia-community-partner-of-the-year/): We are proud to share that Graig Zappia, a member of our litigation team, has been named the 2026 Community Partner of the Year by the South End Children’s Cafe - [O’Connell & Aronowitz Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oconnell-aronowitz-attorneys-recognized-in-2026-super-lawyers-and-rising-stars-lists/): We are proud to announce that 13 of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Upstate New York Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists. - [Beginning the Process for a Successful Estate Plan](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/beginning-the-process-for-a-successful-estate-plan/): Learn how to begin a successful estate plan, including key documents, goals, and planning steps for families. - [Self-Care During Divorce](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/self-care-during-divorce/): Learn practical self-care strategies during divorce and how steady support can help families through the process. - [Payment of Children’s Educational Expenses](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/payment-of-childrens-educational-expenses/): Learn how New York courts may address children's educational expenses in divorce and child support matters. - [The Latest Chapter of the Corporate Transparency Act Saga](https://oalaw.com/blog/business-law-transactions/the-latest-chapter-of-the-corporate-transparency-act-saga/): Review the latest Corporate Transparency Act developments and what new federal reporting rules may mean for companies. - [Year-End Legal Checklist: Essential Steps for Families and Businesses](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/estate-planning/year-end-legal-checklist-essential-steps-for-families-and-businesses/): Use this year-end legal checklist to review family, estate, and business planning steps before the new year. - [AG's Leadership Committee on Nonprofit Revitalization Proposes Less Bureaucracy and More Transparency for NY Nonprofits](https://oalaw.com/blog/business-law-transactions/agaes-leadership-committee-on-nonprofit-revitalization-proposes-less-bureaucracy-and-more-transparency-for-ny-nonprofits/): Explore proposed nonprofit reforms in New York, including changes aimed at reducing bureaucracy and increasing transparency. - [Medical Marijuana Application Deadline Pushed to June 5](https://oalaw.com/blog/cannabis-law/medical-marijuana-application-deadline-pushed-to-june-5/): Read updates on New York medical marijuana licensing deadlines and cannabis law developments from our legal team. - [Steve Coffey and Scott Iseman Successfully Defend State Senator Robert Ortt in Major Attorney General Prosecution](https://oalaw.com/blog/criminal-defense/steve-coffey-and-scott-iseman-successfully-defend-state-senator-robert-ortt-in-major-attorney-general-prosecution/): Read how Steve Coffey and Scott Iseman defended State Senator Robert Ortt in a major Attorney General prosecution. - [How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy without Losing Your Vehicle](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy-without-losing-your-vehicle/): Learn how Chapter 7 bankruptcy may affect your vehicle and how New York exemptions can help protect your car. - [The Importance of Emotional Support During a Divorce](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/the-importance-of-emotional-support-during-a-divorce/): Learn why emotional support matters during divorce and how families can navigate the process with steadier guidance. - [Your Best Partner on Motorcycle Ride? Adequate Insurance](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/your-best-partner-on-motorcycle-ride-adequate-insurance/): Learn why adequate motorcycle insurance matters and how New York riders can protect themselves before hitting the road. - [Keep Kids Safe with the Right Sports and Recreation Helmets](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/keep-kids-safe-with-the-right-sports-and-recreation-helmets/): Learn how to choose, fit, and maintain sports and recreation helmets to help protect children from serious injuries. - [What is the Residency Requirement for Divorce in New York State?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/what-is-the-residency-requirement-for-divorce-in-new-york-state/): Understand New York divorce residency requirements and what they mean before starting a matrimonial case. - [October 20-26 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/october-20-26-is-national-lead-poisoning-prevention-week/): Learn about National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, lead exposure risks, and legal rights involving lead paint injuries. - [Coronavirus and Student Loans: Relief for Student Loan Borrowers](https://oalaw.com/blog/criminal-defense/coronavirus-and-student-loans-relief-for-student-loan-borrowers/): Understand student loan relief options during COVID-19, including payment pauses, interest rates, and federal protections. - [How to Prepare for Government Investigations in the Wake of the CARES Act](https://oalaw.com/blog/criminal-defense/how-to-prepare-for-government-investigations-in-the-wake-of-the-cares-act/): Prepare for CARES Act and PPP fraud investigations with guidance on audits, compliance, and risk management. - [COVID-19 Update: NY Governor Issues Executive Order on Mortgage Forbearance Actions](https://oalaw.com/blog/about-oa-helps/covid-19-update-ny-governor-issues-executive-order-on-mortgage-forbearance-actions/): Stay informed on New York mortgage forbearance actions and how legal updates may affect homeowners and lenders. - [Medicaid & CHIP Provider Relief Fund Applications Due Monday, August 3, 2020](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/medicaid-chip-provider-relief-fund-applications-due-monday-august-3-2020/): Review Medicaid and CHIP Provider Relief Fund application guidance and deadlines for healthcare providers. - [Important SCOTUS Decision for Providers On False Claims Act Cases: When Do You Know Submitting Claims Is Wrong?](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/when-do-you-know-submitting-claims-is-wrong/): Learn when submitting healthcare claims may become legally risky and how providers can evaluate compliance concerns. - [How To Preserve Your Separate Property](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/how-to-preserve-your-separate-property/): Learn how to preserve separate property during divorce and protect assets under New York matrimonial law. - [DOJ’s 2024 Corporate Compliance Guidelines: Key Takeaways for Healthcare Providers](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/dojs-2024-corporate-compliance-guidelines-key-takeaways-for-healthcare-providers/): Learn how DOJ corporate compliance guidance affects healthcare providers, liability, settlements, and compliance programs. - [HHS Issues Guidance Notice for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Homes](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/hhs-issues-guidance-notice-for-skilled-nursing-facilities-and-nursing-homes/): Review HHS guidance for skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes, with practical insight from New York health law attorneys. - [Wrapping Up an Estate from a Beneficiary’s Perspective](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/wrapping-up-an-estate-from-a-beneficiarys-perspective/): Understand estate settlement from a beneficiary's perspective, including probate timelines, distributions, and legal rights in New York. - [Tax Tips to Keep in Mind Now That Tax Day is Upon Us](https://oalaw.com/blog/business-law-transactions/tax-tips-to-keep-in-mind-now-that-tax-day-is-upon-us/): Read O'Connell & Aronowitz's tax tips for business owners and individuals, with practical guidance from New York attorneys. - [Photos - Services for Individuals & Families](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/photos-services-for-individuals-families/): View photos highlighting services for individuals and families from O'Connell & Aronowitz and our New York legal team. - [The New York State PACE Program: A Guide for Providers](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/the-new-york-state-pace-program-a-guide-for-providers/): Learn how New York's PACE program works for providers delivering integrated medical and long-term care services. - [Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Attorney in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/bicycle-and-pedestrian-accident-attorney-in-new-york/): Injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident in New York? Learn how O'Connell & Aronowitz helps victims pursue compensation. - [What Is "Imputed Income"?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/what-is-imputed-income/): Learn what imputed income means in New York divorce and support cases, and how courts may calculate income for support obligations. - [Small Business Legal Readiness Checklist: Essential Compliance Toolkit for Business Owners](https://oalaw.com/blog/business-law-transactions/small-business-legal-readiness-checklist-essential-compliance-toolkit-for-business-owners/): Use this small business legal readiness checklist to spot compliance gaps, reduce risk, and prepare your business for growth. - [Our Health Law Team Is Pleased to Welcome Richard Harrow to O'Connell and Aronowitz](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/our-health-law-team-is-pleased-to-welcome-richard-harrow-to-oconnell-and-aronowitz/): O'Connell and Aronowitz continues its rapid growth to its health care and criminal law practices with the addition of Richard S. Harrow, Esq. Mr. - [Wage Theft Prevention Act Takes Effect April 9, 2011](https://oalaw.com/blog/labor-employment-law/wage-theft-prevention-act-takes-effect-april-9-2011/): In December 2010, Governor David A. Patterson signed the Wage Theft Prevention Act into law. - [Medicaid Fraud: Grand Larceny or Is Another Doctor Just Getting Played?](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/medicaid-fraud-grand-larceny-or-is-another-doctor-just-getting-played/): The recent June 3, 2011 indictment of Suresh Hemrajani, a Washington Heights doctor, by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, at first glance appears - [Redefining the Concept of a Disabled Employee under the ADA](https://oalaw.com/blog/labor-employment-law/redefining-the-concept-of-a-disabled-employee-under-the-ada/): The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission promulgated new regulations on the issue of how to define "disability" under the Americans with Disabilities - [Pitfalls of an Inventory Case in Criminal Prosecution](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/pitfalls-of-an-inventory-case-in-criminal-prosecution/): Two recent Medicaid and Medicare fraud prosecutions from the New York County District Attorney's Office and the United States Attorney for the Eastern - [OMIG Reform Legislation Passes New York Senate, Assembly; Awaits Governor's Signature](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/omig-reform-legislation-passes-new-york-senate-assembly-awaits-governors-signature/): Yesterday, June 23, 2011, the New York State Assembly passed A.5686A, a bill which could significantly impact the powers of the Office of the Medicaid - [Senators Request Investigation of Physician Owned Distributorships](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/senators-request-investigation-of-physician-owned-distributorships/): On June 9, 2011, five prominent United States senators sent a letter to the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) asking - [Medicare Fraud Strike Force Charges 91 Individuals for Over $295 Million in False Billing](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/medicare-fraud-strike-force-charges-91-individuals-for-over-295-million-in-false-billing/): On Wednesday, the Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS) and the Department of Justice ("DOJ) issued a joint press release which reported the - [VERDICT MAKES HISTORY](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/verdict-makes-history/): In a 9 year old case, a New York State Supreme Court jury in Franklin County, New York awarded an astounding $2. - [O&A Clients Receive Favorable Results in Recent Ethics Proceedings](https://oalaw.com/blog/criminal-defense/oa-clients-receive-favorable-results-in-recent-ethics-proceedings/): O'Connell and Aronowitz achieve successful outcomes for clients in recent professional ethics proceedings. - [Introducing our Trusts, Estates, and Elder Law Department](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/introducing-our-trusts-estates-and-elder-law-department/): The Trusts, Estates, and Elder Law Department of O'Connell and Aronowitz recently published the inaugural issue of its newsletter. - [OMIG 2012-2013 Work Plan: A Brief Overview](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/omig-2012-2013-work-plan-a-brief-overview/): "Fighting Fraud. Improving Integrity and Quality. Saving Taxpayer Dollars. - [ATTORNEYS VOLUNTEER FOR NATIONAL DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS EFFORT](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/attorneys-volunteer-for-national-distracted-driving-awareness-effort/): Distracted driving is responsible for more than 5,000 deaths and close to 450,000 accidents in the US every year. - [O'CONNELL AND ARONOWITZ TEAM HONORED IN FIRST AMENDMENT CIVIL RIGHTS CASE](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oconnell-and-aronowitz-team-honored-in-first-amendment-civil-rights-case/): O'Connell and Aronowitz was honored by The Sanctuary for Independent Media on Saturday, March 3, for their pro bono work in a First Amendment civil rights - [Tax Dollars at Work: Federal Government Spent $102 million in Auditing Fees to Identify Less Than $20 Million in Medicaid Overpayments](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/tax-dollars-at-work-federal-government-spent-102-million-in-auditing-fees-to-identify-less-than-20-million-in-medicaid-overpayments/): The Government Accountability Office ("GAO") has released a report following its review of the National Medicaid Audit Program. - [New York City and Long Island Prosecutors Announce Prescription Drug Initiative; 98 Charged with Illegal Distribution of Prescription Pain Killers](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/new-york-city-and-long-island-prosecutors-announce-prescription-drug-initiative-98-charged-with-illegal-distribution-of-prescription-pain-killers/): On June 6, 2012, The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, along with District Attorneys from Kings (Brooklyn), Richmond (Staten - [Analysis on GAO Report: $102 Million Spent on Auditing Fees to Identify Less Than $20 Million in Overpayments](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/analysis-on-gao-report-102-million-spent-on-auditing-fees-to-identify-less-than-20-million-in-overpayments/): The Federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) has determined that a program to fight fraud in the Medicaid health system for the poor has cost the - [United States HHS OIG Reviewing Self Disclosure Protocol for Federal Health Care Programs](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/united-states-hhs-oig-reviewing-self-disclosure-protocol-for-federal-health-care-programs/): The federal government's Office of the Inspector General ("OIG"), part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is considering - [Medicaid Compliance Plans and the OMIG](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/medicaid-compliance-plans-and-the-omig/): As you may be aware, the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (or "OMIG) has established that certain Medicaid providers (all Public - [OMIG Adopts Regulations Concerning Withholding of Medicaid Payments When Fraud Is Alleged](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/omig-adopts-regulations-concerning-withholding-of-medicaid-payments-when-fraud-is-alleged/): In accordance with federal law, the OMIG has finalized proposed regulatory changes to conform New York State law to federal law regarding the withholding - [TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS FALL WITHIN PROTECTED CLASS OF SEX BARRING DISCRIMINATION](https://oalaw.com/blog/labor-employment-law/transgender-individuals-fall-within-protected-class-of-sex-barring-discrimination/): The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently issued a decision finding that a complaint of discrimination based on gender identity, change of sex - [Auditing the Auditors? Congressional Panel Requests Federal Audit of New York's Medicaid Program](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/auditing-the-auditors-congressional-panel-requests-federal-audit-of-new-yorkaes-medicaid-program/): As a result of a recent Congressional report on New York State's Medicaid program, a Congressional panel has requested that federal auditors review New - [Medicaid Provider Gets His Second Day In Court, Wins $7.7 Million Verdict Against His Accusers](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/medicaid-provider-gets-his-second-day-in-court-wins-7-7-million-verdict-against-his-accusers/): A Brooklyn dentist who alleged that his career was ruined by a New York State Attorney General's Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) investigation - [Major Victory for Saratoga County Maplewood Manor in Appeal of OMIG Audit](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/major-victory-for-saratoga-county-maplewood-manor-in-appeal-of-omig-audit/): Last week, Maplewood Manor, a nursing home owned and operated by Saratoga County and represented by Jeffrey J. - [Auditing the Auditors? Congressional Panel Requests Federal Audit of New York's Medicaid Program](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/auditing-the-auditors-congressional-panel-requests-federal-audit-of-new-yorks-medicaid-program/): As a result of a recent Congressional report on New York State's Medicaid program, a Congressional panel has requested that federal auditors review New - [Your Tax Dollar At Work: Fighting Medicaid Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in NYC](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/your-tax-dollar-at-work-fighting-medicaid-fraud-waste-and-abuse-in-nyc/): The New York Post has reported that the New York City Human Resources Administration ("HRA) spent $15. - [Auditing the Auditors, Part II: New York State Senate Republicans Request Independent Audit of the OMIG](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/auditing-the-auditors-part-ii-new-york-state-senate-republicans-request-independent-audit-of-the-omig/): As a result of a recent Congressional report on New York State's Medicaid program, the Legislative Gazette has reported that Senate Republican leader Dean - [Brooklyn DA Creates New Healthcare Fraud Division](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/brooklyn-da-creates-new-healthcare-fraud-division/): On Monday, Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced the creation of a new Healthcare Fraud division within his office. - [FIRM RECEIVES BROWN SCHOOL 'CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP AWARD'](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/firm-receives-brown-school-corporate-partnership-award/): O'Connell and Aronowitz was honored to be inaugural recipient of the Brown School's Corporate Partnership Award, accepted by attorneys Nancy Sciocchetti - [LAWSUIT EARNS $18 MILLION REFUND FROM DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/lawsuit-earns-18-million-refund-from-department-of-health/): O'Connell & Aronowitz has for the second time in 3 years recovered millions of dollars for independent and hospital-based clinical laboratories against the - [Auditing the Auditors: OSC vs. OMIG](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/auditing-the-auditors-osc-vs-omig/): The Office of the New York State Comptroller (OSC) has just announced that it will be conducting an audit of the New York State Office of the Medicaid - [Exclusion From Federal Health Care Programs: New Guidance From The United States HHS OIG](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/exclusion-from-federal-health-care-programs-new-guidance-from-the-united-states-hhs-oig/): The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has issued a Special Advisory Bulletin on the Effect of - [OMIG Posts Assisted Living Program Audit Protocols](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/omig-posts-assisted-living-program-audit-protocols/): The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) has released its final audit protocols for Assisted Living Programs (ALPs). - [Fourth Circuit Decision Addresses Constitutionality of Per-Claim Penalty under Federal False Claims Act](https://oalaw.com/blog/criminal-defense/fourth-circuit-decision-addresses-constitutionality-of-per-claim-penalty-under-federal-false-claims-act/): Analyze the 4th Circuit’s ruling on the constitutionality of per-claim penalties under the False Claims Act. - [MIKE MCDERMOTT WINS BLOCKBUSTER VERDICT IN WHITE COLLAR PROSECUTION](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/mike-mcdermott-wins-blockbuster-verdict-in-white-collar-prosecution/): (December 13, 2013) - A 6-week trial in a major white collar prosecution in U. S. - [TELECONFERENCE ADDRESSES JUSTICE CENTER'S IMPACT ON NYSCAL MEMBERS](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/teleconference-addresses-justice-centeraes-impact-on-nyscal-members/): The O'Connell and Aronowitz Healthcare Consulting Group conducted a teleconference, "Complying with the Justice Center", for the New York State Center for - [HIPAA Violation Settlement for Failure to Establish Breach Notification Policies and Procedures](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/hipaa-violation-settlement-for-failure-to-establish-breach-notification-policies-and-procedures/): A Massachusetts dermatology practice, APDerm, has agree to make a $150,000 payment and enter into a corrective action plan with the U. S. - [WILL BERGLUND TO SERVE ON BOARD OF CAPITAL REGION BANKRUPTCY BAR ASSOCIATION](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/will-berglund-to-serve-on-board-of-capital-region-bankruptcy-bar-association/): Will Berglund has been reelected to the Board of Directors of the Capital Region Bankruptcy Bar Association. - [The OMIG At Work: A Year Of Record Recoveries?](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/the-omig-at-work-a-year-of-record-recoveries/): The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) has announced that it has recovered $851 million in Medicaid funds for 2013. - [National Health Care Fraud Abuse Control Program Reports Record Recoveries and Return on Investment](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/national-health-care-fraud-abuse-control-program-reports-record-recoveries-and-return-on-investment/): Through their Health Care Fraud Abuse Control program ("HCFAC"), the United States Departments of Justice ("DOJ) and the United States Department of Health - [Not-for-Profits, Revitalized](https://oalaw.com/blog/business-law-transactions/not-for-profits-revitalized/): On December 18, 2013, Governor Cuomo signed the New York Non-Profit Revitalization Act of 2013 ("NPRA"). - [Office of the Medicaid Inspector General Releases 2014-2015 Work Plan](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/office-of-the-medicaid-inspector-general-releases-2014-2015-work-plan/): The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General ("OMIG) has released its State Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Work Plan The Work Plan is a road map of - [HEALTH LAW TOPICS ADDRESSED IN PRESENTATIONS BY DANIELLE HOLLEY](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/health-law-topics-addressed-in-presentations-by-danielle-holley/): Health Law attorney Danielle Holley presented a recent seminar for the Clinical Ethics Primer Series at the Albany Guardian Scoiety in conjunction with the - [HONORED TO RECEIVE 'HEART OF BUSINESS' GOBY AWARD](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/honored-to-receive-heart-of-business-goby-award/): O'Connell and Aronowitz takes immense pride in announcing the Firm has been named recipient of the 'GOBY Heart of Business Award' for an inspired effort by - [TOM DINOVO PRESENTS SEMINAR ON BEST LITIGATION PRACTICES](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/tom-dinovo-presents-seminar-on-best-litigation-practices/): Tom DiNovo will join the distinguished faculty of National Business Institute in presenting a CLE seminar on May 15. - [LEGAL VS. PHYSICAL CHILD CUSTODY](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/legal-vs-physical-child-custody/): Any resolution of a child custody dispute in the New York State Courts, whether in Family Court or Supreme Court (as part of a divorce), will include both - [HHS OIG 2010 Medicare Audit: $6.7 Billion Misspent for Evaluation and Management Services](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/hhs-oig-2010-medicare-audit-6-7-billion-misspent-for-evaluation-and-management-services/): The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General ("OIG) has completed its audit of 2010 Medicare payments for - [ATTORNEYS APPOINTED TO NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/attorneys-appointed-to-new-york-state-bar-association-committees/): O'Connell and Aronowitz is pleased to announce that five of our attorneys have been appointed by NYSBA President Glenn Lau-Kee to committees of the New - [CAPITAL DISTRICT TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION HONORS STEVE COFFEY](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/capital-district-trial-lawyers-association-honors-steve-coffey/): Steve Coffey was honored by the Capital District Trial Lawyers Association as recipient of the prestigious Daniel Mahoney Memorial Award. - [Attention OPWDD Providers: OMIG Releases Compliance Guidance for Corporate Compliance Programs](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-opwdd-providers-omig-releases-compliance-guidance-for-corporate-compliance-programs/): The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) has released Compliance Guidance for use by providers regulated by the New York State - [Attention OMH Continuing Day Treatment Providers: OIG Releases Audit of CDT Programs, Seeks Repayment of over $18 Million to Federal Medicaid Program](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-omh-continuing-day-treatment-providers-oig-releases-audit-of-cdt-programs-seeks-repayment-of-over-18-million-to-federal-medicaid-program/): The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General ("OIG) conducted an audit of New York State's nonhospital-based - [Attention Medicaid and Medicare Providers: US DOJ Sues Providers for Failing to Return Overpayments Within 60 Days](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-medicaid-and-medicare-providers-us-doj-sues-providers-for-failing-to-return-overpayments-within-60-days/): On June 27, 2014, in the case of United States ex rel. Kane v. Healthfirst, Inc. , et al. , No. 11-2325 (S. D. N. Y. - [Auditing the Auditors: OSC Audits the OMIG and Questions the Accuracy of OMIG's Cost Saving Figures](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/auditing-the-auditors-osc-audits-the-omig-and-questions-the-accuracy-of-omigaes-cost-saving-figures/): The New York State Office of the State Controller ("OSC") has released its audit of the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General ("OMIG") - [Auditing the Auditors: OSC Audits the OMIG and Questions the Accuracy of OMIG's Cost Saving Figures](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/auditing-the-auditors-osc-audits-the-omig-and-questions-the-accuracy-of-omigs-cost-saving-figures/): The New York State Office of the State Controller ("OSC) has released its audit of the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General ("OMIG) - [Congress Questions ONC's Authority to Pursue Health IT Safety Center](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/congress-questions-oncaes-authority-to-pursue-health-it-safety-center/): The House of Representatives has grown increasingly skeptical of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information ("ONC") and its plans to - [Congress Questions ONC's Authority to Pursue Health IT Safety Center](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/congress-questions-oncs-authority-to-pursue-health-it-safety-center/): The House of Representatives has grown increasingly skeptical of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information ("ONC) and its plans to - [NYC HRA Sued under False Claims Act by Whistleblower; Settles with US DOJ for $1.05 Million](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/nyc-hra-sued-under-false-claims-act-by-whistleblower-settles-with-us-doj-for-1-05-million/): According to United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, the City of New York (NYC) has agreed to pay the United States Department of Justice (US DOJ) $1. - [Cardiology Group to Pay More than $1.33 Million to Settle Allegations of Stark Law and False Claims Act Violations](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/cardiology-group-to-pay-more-than-1-33-million-to-settle-allegations-of-stark-law-and-false-claims-act-violations/): According to United States Attorney Richard Hartunian of the Northern District of New York, Cardiovascular Specialists, P. C. - [The OMIG Releases Annual Report for 2013: A Year of Record Recoveries](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/the-omig-releases-annual-report-for-2013-a-year-of-record-recoveries/): The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) has released its 2013 Annual Report ("Report). - [PRO BONO PROGRAM EARNS RECOGNITION FOR O'CONNELL AND ARONOWITZ](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/pro-bono-program-earns-recognition-for-oaeconnell-and-aronowitz/): O'Connell and Aronowitz earned two honors this month for its pro bono program and the services it provides to victims of domestic violence and others in - [PARTNER KELLY MIKULLITZ ELECTED TO BIANYS BOARD OF DIRECTORS; SLATED TO SPEAK AT NATIONAL LEAD LITIGATION CONFERENCE](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/partner-kelly-mikullitz-elected-to-bianys-board-of-directors-slated-to-speak-at-national-lead-litigation-conference/): Kelly Mikullitz, Partner in our Environmental Injury and Lead Poisoning practice area, was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury - [The Changing of the Guard? The Search for a New Medicaid Inspector General](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/the-changing-of-the-guard-the-search-for-a-new-medicaid-inspector-general/): It appears that Governor Cuomo's office is looking to replace New York State Medicaid Inspector General James C. Cox. - [CONFIRMED The Guard is Changing: James Cox is Leaving OMIG's Top Spot](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/confirmed-the-guard-is-changing-james-cox-is-leaving-omigs-top-spot/): Earlier this week, we blogged about postings found on job-search sites Monster. com and indeed. - [O'CONNELL AND ARONOWITZ TO HELP LOCAL VETERANS FOR NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oaeconnell-and-aronowitz-to-help-local-veterans-for-national-day-of-action/): Did you know there are more than 20 million living U. S. veterans? To help do its part, O'Connell and Aronowitz has partnered with the U. S. - [The Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) Posts 2014 Compliance Program Certification Information and Forms](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/the-office-of-the-medicaid-inspector-general-omig-posts-2014-compliance-program-certification-information-and-forms/): It's that time of year again when Medicaid providers who are required to have an effective Medicaid Compliance Plan have to so certify to the OMIG. - [HOME CARE ASSOCIATION OF NYS ENLISTS CARLA WILLIAMS FOR EDUCATION CONFERENCE](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/home-care-association-of-nys-enlists-carla-williams-for-education-conference/): Carla Williams was featured presenter at Home Care Association of NYS conference "Are You Ready for FIDA? - [Medical Marijuana Draft Regulations Appear on DOH Website](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/medical-marijuana-draft-regulations-appear-on-doh-website/): The New York State Department of Health has posted draft regulations on the medical use of marijuana in New York. - [Attention Medicaid Transportation Providers: OMIG Releases Compliance Guidance for Corporate Compliance Programs](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-medicaid-transportation-providers-omig-releases-compliance-guidance-for-corporate-compliance-programs/): The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) has released Compliance Guidance for use by Transportation providers. - [Attention Medicaid Dental Providers: OMIG Audit Protocols Released](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-medicaid-dental-providers-omig-audit-protocols-released/): The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) has released its final audit protocols for Dental providers in the Medicaid program. - [US DOJ Sets New Record for Fraud and False Claims Recoveries in FY2014](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/us-doj-sets-new-record-for-fraud-and-false-claims-recoveries-in-fy2014/): As 2014 comes to a close, the United States Department of Justice ("DOJ) has many reasons to celebrate as it reflects on the year that was. - [O'CONNELL AND ARONOWITZ ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oconnell-and-aronowitz-announces-major-expansion/): O'Connell and Aronowitz has announced a major expansion of its business law and commercial litigation practices with the addition of three experienced - [New York State's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit by the Numbers](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-york-stateaes-medicaid-fraud-control-unit-by-the-numbers/): Medicaid Fraud Control Units ("MFCUs") have a responsibility to combat Medicaid fraud and patient abuse and neglect. - [New York State's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit by the Numbers](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-york-states-medicaid-fraud-control-unit-by-the-numbers/): Medicaid Fraud Control Units ("MFCUs) have a responsibility to combat Medicaid fraud and patient abuse and neglect. - [Seventh Circuit Decision Highlights Scope of Anti-Kickback Statute](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/seventh-circuit-decision-highlights-scope-of-anti-kickback-statute/): This month's article from the Albany County Bar Association Newsletter offers brief summary of the recent decision in U. S. v. - [DANIELLE HOLLEY HOSTED AT COLONIE LIBRARY FOR BOOK REVIEW SERIES](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/danielle-holley-hosted-at-colonie-library-for-book-review-series/): Danielle Holley was featured at the Town of Colonie's William K. Sanford Library on February 19 as part of their ongoing Book Review Series. - [Jeff Sherrin Featured at New York State Association of Health Care Providers](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/jeff-sherrin-featured-at-new-york-state-association-of-health-care-providers/): Jeffrey Sherrin was a featured presenter at the annual education conference of the New York State Association of Health Care Providers on March 2. - [HHS OIG Finds Ulster County DSS 100% Non-Compliant, Demands Refund of $6.3 Million for Unallowable Continuous 24-Hour Personal Care Services](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/hhs-oig-finds-ulster-county-dss-100-non-compliant-demands-refund-of-6-3-million-for-unallowable-continuous-24-hour-personal-care-services/): This month, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General ("HHS OIG) released its audit report for Ulster - [HHS Looks to Collect $12 Million from New York State for Unallowable Continuous 24-Hour Personal Care Services](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/hhs-looks-to-collect-12-million-from-new-york-state-for-unallowable-continuous-24-hour-personal-care-services/): In 2011, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General ("HHS OIG) investigated New York City's Medicaid claims - [Office of The Medicaid Inspector General Releases 2015-2016 Work Plan](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/office-of-the-medicaid-inspector-general-releases-2015-2016-work-plan/): The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General ("OMIG) has released its State Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Work Plan. - [Attention DSRIP Performing Provider System Leads: OMIG Highlights Special Considerations for Compliance Plans](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-dsrip-performing-provider-system-leads-omig-highlights-special-considerations-for-compliance-plans/): The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General ("OMIG) has released Compliance Guidance for use by DSRIP (Delivery System Reform Incentive - [Kurt Bratten Assists Local Non-Profit Soldierettes](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/kurt-bratten-assists-local-non-profit-soldierettes/): Kurt Bratten's work with Washington County based Soldierettes, a recently launched nonprofit that provides services to caregivers of returning veterans - [New York Proposes Overhaul of Its Data Breach Statute and a New Data Security Standard in the Wake of Recent Cyber Attacks](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-york-proposes-overhaul-of-its-data-breach-statute-and-a-new-data-security-standard-in-the-wake-of-recent-cyber-attacks/): The largest data security breaches ever reported have occurred in the last several years. - [New OIG Fraud Alert Focuses on Compensation of Medical Directors](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-oig-fraud-alert-focuses-on-compensation-of-medical-directors/): The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General ("OIG") issued a short Fraud Alert last week focusing on the - [Medical Marijuana License Winners Announced](https://oalaw.com/blog/cannabis-law/medical-marijuana-license-winners-announced/): The New York State Department of Health announced the winners of five licenses to manufacture and dispense medical marijuana today. - [Advance Directives Necessary for Your Estate Planning](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/advance-directives-necessary-for-your-estate-planning/): What should you have to ensure your wishes are honored? The article above discusses new developments in digital advance directives for health care decision - [What do you do if you are appointed trustee of a trust?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/what-do-you-do-if-you-are-appointed-trustee-of-a-trust/): The Prudent Investor Act and how it applies to you A trust may be used in estate planning for many different reasons. - [Update: Court Denies Motion to Dismiss Federal Case and Identifies When 60-day Clock for Repayment of Overpayments Begins Ticking](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/update-court-denies-motion-to-dismiss-federal-case-and-identifies-when-60-day-clock-for-repayment-of-overpayments-begins-ticking/): On August 3, 2015, Judge D.J. Ramos of the Southern District of New York denied Healthfirst's motion to dismiss the United States' action under the False - [Beware of Broadening Data Security Requirements - A National Trend](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/beware-of-broadening-data-security-requirements-a-national-trend/): In the wake of some of the largest data security breaches in history, including the massive breach of government computer systems in June that compromised - [Supplemental Needs Trust in Jeopardy](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/supplemental-needs-trust-in-jeopardy/): Inconsistent Terms in Will Lead to Hearing A recent case from New York County Surrogates Court tells a cautionary tale about the problems that can occur if - [ESPN, JPP, and HIPAA: CAN REPORTERS BE LIABLE FOR REVEALING PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION?](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/espn-jpp-and-hipaa-can-reporters-be-liable-for-revealing-protected-health-information/): With the NFL season opener just a few hours away, the arrival our most recent Health Law column in the Albany County Bar Association Newsletter is timely - [Disclosure Of Student Mental Health Records: Teachable Moment From Oregon](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/disclosure-of-student-mental-health-records-teachable-moment-from-oregon/): This month's column in the Albany County Bar Association Newsletter reviews the situation that unfolded earlier this year at the University of Oregon. - [Saratoga Today Newspaper Features Matt Dorsey Article on Guardianship Appointments](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/saratoga-today-newspaper-features-matt-dorsey-article-on-guardianship-appointments/): A regular contributor to Saratoga Today newspaper, our Trust & Estates attorney Matt Dorsey's most recent article, published in this week's edition of the - [Helping a Client Clean Up an Oily Mess](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/helping-a-client-clean-up-an-oily-mess/): Imagine 100 gallons of fuel oil pumped into the basement of your home by mistake and the oil company refuses to compensate you for your loss. - [O'Connell and Aronowitz Law Firm Adds Key Resources to Support Healthcare Consulting Group Expansion](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oaeconnell-and-aronowitz-law-firm-adds-key-resources-to-support-healthcare-consulting-group-expansion/): O'Connell and Aronowitz Attorneys at Law has announced the expansion of its Healthcare Consulting Group with four new consultants to support program growth - [New York State Comptroller Audits Social Adult Day Programs](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-york-state-comptroller-audits-social-adult-day-programs/): New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli today released an audit of Social Adult Day Services ("SADS") programs in New York State. - [CMS Solicits Comments on New Antikickback Safe Harbors](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/cms-solicits-comments-on-new-antikickback-safe-harbors/): The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") is soliciting topics for new safe harbors and special fraud alerts. - [Attorneys Participate in Law Day Event to Give Back to Veterans](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/attorneys-participate-in-law-day-event-to-give-back-to-veterans/): At O'Connell and Aronowitz, we take pride in giving back to the community. - [Billing Agent for Healthcare Provider Settles for $500,000 to Resolve TRICARE False Claims Act Case](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/billing-agent-for-healthcare-provider-settles-for-500000-to-resolve-tricare-false-claims-act-case/): Today, the Department of Justice U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York announced a settlement with Medical Reimbursement Systems - [Comptroller Claims NYSDOH Leaves $95 Million of Drug Rebates on the Table](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/comptroller-claims-nysdoh-leaves-95-million-of-drug-rebates-on-the-table/): This week, the New York State Comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli, issued audit findings which claimed that the New York State Department of Health ("DOH") - [Behavioral Home and Community-Based Services Delayed](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/behavioral-home-and-community-based-services-delayed/): The New York State has delayed implementation of Behavioral Home and Community-Based Services ("HCBS") outside of New York City. - [CMS Releases Final Rule on 60-day Medicare Overpayment Reporting Obligations](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/cms-releases-final-rule-on-60-day-medicare-overpayment-reporting-obligations/): This morning, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") made available a copy of a final rule clarifying the obligations of providers and - [SAMHSA Submits Proposed Changes to 42 C.F.R. Part 2](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/samhsa-submits-proposed-changes-to-42-c-f-r-part-2/): Alcoholism, substance abuse and chemical dependency treatment providers should be aware that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - [Brittnay M. McMahon Joins with Albany Law in Career Prep Event](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/brittnay-m-mcmahon-joins-with-albany-law-in-career-prep-event/): Brittnay M. McMahon, associate attorney in our Real Estate Department, recently participated in Albany Law School's first-ever Career Connections â - [Further Analysis of 60-day Medicare Overpayment Rule Reveals Emphasis on Proper Compliance Plans](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/further-analysis-of-60-day-medicare-overpayment-rule-reveals-emphasis-on-proper-compliance-plans/): Last week, we highlighted that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS) released a long-awaited final rule regarding its interpretation of the - [Flu Prevalent, and Masks Required](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/flu-prevalent-and-masks-required/): New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker has declared that the influenza virus is prevalent in the state. - [ATTENTION ALCOHOLISM AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES PROVIDERS: SAMHSA's Proposed Changes to 42 CFR Part 2 Address Key Integration Issues, Raise Other Questions About Compliance Responsibilities](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-alcoholism-and-substance-abuse-services-providers-samhsas-proposed-changes-to-42-cfr-part-2-address-key-integration-issues-raise-other-questions-about-compliance-responsibilities/): In an earlier post, we highlighted that the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ("SAMHSA) submitted a proposed rule for - [N.Y. Appellate Division Upholds Insurance Policy Exclusion for "Five Guys" Data Breach](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/n-y-appellate-division-upholds-insurance-policy-exclusion-for-five-guys-data-breach/): Today, the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department issued a decision enforcing an insurer's exclusion of coverage for "damages - [OCR Announces that the Phase 2 HIPAA Audit Program Has Already Started](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/ocr-announces-that-the-phase-2-hipaa-audit-program-has-already-started/): The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) just announced that its Phase 2 HIPAA audit program has started and that covered entities and business associates are - [Johnson & Johnson To Pay $72 Million For Cancer Death Linked To Talcum Powder](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/johnson-johnson-to-pay-72-million-for-cancer-death-linked-to-talcum-powder/): This Huffington Post story details the recent $72 Million verdict against Johnson & Johnson for ovarian cancer caused by talc which is in Baby powder and - [Matthew Jackson Named President Elect for Upstate NY Chapter of TMA](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/matthew-jackson-named-president-elect-for-upstate-ny-chapter-of-tma/): Of Counsel attorney Matthew Jackson was recently elected President Elect for the Upstate New York Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) - [Times Union Names O&A Top Workplace for Fourth Straight Year](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/times-union-names-oa-top-workplace-for-fourth-straight-year/): O'Connell and Aronowitz has been awarded a 2016 Top Workplaces honor by The Times Union for the fourth year in a row. - [New Law on Administration of Digital Assets in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/new-law-on-administration-of-digital-assets-in-new-york/): Fiduciaries Now Granted Access to Important Data Following several failed attempts to pass previous versions of the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to - [USDA Offers Funding for Healthcare Providers Serving Rural Areas](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/usda-offers-funding-for-healthcare-providers-serving-rural-areas/): Rural healthcare providers that seek funding for capital expenditures, equipment, vehicles, or telemedicine infrastructure for their programs should make - [SCOTUS Decides Implied Certification Issue in Key False Claims Act (Whistleblower) Case](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/scotus-decides-implied-certification-issue-in-key-false-claims-act-whistleblower-case/): In a decision that is poised to have resonating implications for health services providers, the Supreme Court of the United States explicitly endorsed the - [Motorcycle Safety](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/motorcycle-safety/): Pam Nichols's July Newsletter Motorcycle ridership is at an all-time high in the United States with more than 8 million registered motorcycles on the roads - [Marijuana and Driving: A Growing Safety Concern](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/marijuana-and-driving-a-growing-safety-concern/): Pam Nichols's June Newsletter Drinking remains the number one cause of accidents and deaths from impaired driving. - [Are you a business that has had a data breach? Will your customers be able to sue you?](https://oalaw.com/blog/criminal-defense/are-you-a-business-that-has-had-a-data-breach-will-your-customers-be-able-to-sue-you/): Discover the legal risks of a data breach. Learn about customer lawsuits, New York privacy laws, & how to protect your business from liability after a - [Arthur Pasquariello Joins O&A](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/arthur-pasquariello-joins-oa/): Albany law firm O'Connell and Aronowitz announces that attorney Arthur Pasquariello has joined the 90-year old firm as Of Counsel. - [Volunteer Work Recognized](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/volunteer-work-recognized/): Jami Durante Rogowski was honored for her work with the Boys and Girls of Schenectady as recipient of the Vincent C. - [A Day of Action To Help Schenectady Children Prepare for New School Year](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/a-day-of-action-to-help-schenectady-children-prepare-for-new-school-year/): Each year, thousands of children in the Capital District start the new school year without having the necessary materials to help them succeed in the - [Text Box after Slider](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/text-box-after-slider/): Providing high-quality legal advice to our clients since 1925. O'Connell & Aronowitz has been a trusted leader in the legal profession and in our community - [Governor Cuomo Announces Over $50 Million in Funding for Home Health Services for Senior Citizens Not Yet Eligible for Medicaid](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/governor-cuomo-announces-over-50-million-in-funding-for-home-health-services-for-senior-citizens-not-yet-eligible-for-medicaid/): Today, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that $50 million in funding from the state's Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program has been - [NY Times: Trial by Jury, A Hallowed American Right, is Vanishing](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/ny-times-trial-by-jury-a-hallowed-american-right-is-vanishing/): Today's New York Times article confirms our recent experience: whether due to lack of experience or inadequate preparation, most lawyers are afraid to - [Ask the Lawyer: What does an executor do?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/ask-the-lawyer-what-does-an-executor-do/): Most everyone knows that they need to name an executor in their Last Will and Testament, but unless you've acted as an executor yourself, you may not know - [Congratulations to our 2016 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/congratulations-to-our-2016-super-lawyers-and-rising-stars/): O'Connell and Aronowitz is pleased to announce that thirteen of our attorneys were named to the 2016 Upstate New York Super Lawyers list. - [Justice Served Awards 2016](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/justice-served-awards-2016/): Pam Nichols's August Newsletter This month's issue of my Let America Know newsletter features four remarkable stories of people who courageously took on - [New Electronic Advance Directives Become Available](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/new-electronic-advance-directives-become-available/): Caution needed to comply with New York law As more of our healthcare moves into the digital world and access becomes greater, it is important to be aware - [Planning for Your Digital Afterlife](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/planning-for-your-digital-afterlife/): What to do with your digital assets The digital world is constantly evolving and becoming an increasing presence in our daily lives. - [ATTENTION OASAS PROVIDERS: JUSTICE CENTER INCIDENT REPORTING](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-oasas-providers-justice-center-incident-reporting/): Recently, the Counsel of OASAS, Robert Kent, sent a memorandum to all providers regarding Justice Center incident reporting policies and procedures for all - [Lead Concerns Prompt Landmark Testing Legislation](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/lead-concerns-prompt-landmark-testing-legislation/): We commend the very recent landmark legislation by Governor Cuomo to test drinking water in New York schools for lead contamination. - [Asbestos Awareness: A Lethal Threat to All Americans](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/asbestos-awareness-a-lethal-threat-to-all-americans/): Pam Nichols's September Newsletter Most people know asbestos is a serious health hazard. - [Attorney Neil Murray Files Lawsuit Challenging New York Internet Gambling Law](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/attorney-neil-murray-files-lawsuit-challenging-new-york-internet-gambling-law/): A press conference was held on October 5 to announce the filing of lawsuit by Neil Murray on behalf of four New York citizens, backed by anti-gambling - [Personal Injury Team Wins $800K Verdict for Client Injured on Trampoline](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/personal-injury-team-wins-800k-verdict-for-client-injured-on-trampoline/): Personal Injury attorneys Pamela Nichols and Steve Coffey won an $800K verdict in Saratoga County Supreme Court for a client seriously injured on a - [Death and Taxes - Find out Whether your Loved Ones Will have to Pay the Tax Man](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/death-and-taxes-ae-find-out-whether-your-loved-ones-will-have-to-pay-the-tax-man/): There is a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to gift taxes. Over the last few years, the law in New York State has changed significantly. - [How We Work: Putting a Focus on the Person in Personal Injury Litigation](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/how-we-work-putting-a-focus-on-the-person-in-personal-injury-litigation/): When injury occurs, an experienced attorney is your best asset to get the compensation you deserve. - [Pamela Nichols Named NYSTLA Capital Region Affiliate President](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/pamela-nichols-named-nystla-capital-region-affiliate-president/): At the 22nd annual NYSTLA Capital Region Judicial Recognition Dinner held October 4th, our Managing Partner Pamela Nichols was sworn in as president of the - [Albany Personal Injury Attorneys at O'Connell and Aronowitz](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/albany-personal-injury-attorneys-at-oaeconnell-and-aronowitz/): We are passionately devoted to fighting for and guarding a person's civil and consumer rights. - [Prescription Drugs: Risk and Prevention Guide](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/prescription-drugs-risk-and-prevention-guide/): Pam Nichols's October Newsletter The number of people suffering, and all too often dying, from prescription drug abuse is staggering. - [Holiday Food Safety](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/holiday-food-safety/): Pam Nichols's November Newsletter Family, parades, turkey, football - sounds like a recipe for a great Thanksgiving day. - [O'Connell and Aronowitz Ranked Among 2017 "Best Law Firms"](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oaeconnell-and-aronowitz-ranked-among-2017-aeoebest-law-firmsae/): O'Connell and Aronowitz is proud to announce that it has been named a Metropolitan Tier 1 Best Law Firm in the 2017 Edition of U. S. - [Prescription Drugs: Risk and Prevention Guide](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/prescription-drugs-risk-and-prevention-guide-2/): Pam Nichols's October Newsletter The number of people suffering, and all too often dying, from prescription drug abuse is staggering. - [Civil Justice 2016](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/civil-justice-2016/): Pam Nichols's December Newsletter This past year we've been following several stories of dangerous products or unfair practices that threaten the health - [Facebook and the Workplace](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/facebook-and-the-workplace/): Click image above for complete issue Pam Nichols's January Newsletter People now spend more time online than watching television. - [Times Union Coverage of Lawsuit on Behalf of Persons with Mental Illness](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/times-union-coverage-of-lawsuit-on-behalf-of-persons-with-mental-illness/): A spate of recent lawsuits filed by Jeff Sherrin were the topic of Times Union news story on November 3oth. - [Spike in Traffic Deaths Reverses 40-Year Trend](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/spike-in-traffic-deaths-reverses-40-year-trend/): Feb 2017 Issue of Let America Know Pam Nichols's February Newsletter Troubling news on traffic safety. - [Common Causes of Brain Injuries](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/common-causes-of-brain-injuries/): The Superbowl officially puts football season behind us, and with it the focus on concussions in the media will likely fade until summer training camp. - [What Can I Expect From a 341 Meeting of Creditors?](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/what-can-i-expect-from-a-341-meeting-of-creditors/): If you are filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it is necessary to attend a meeting of creditors, known as a 341 Hearing because it is required - [George R. Slingerland Named O'Connell and Aronowitz Shareholder](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/george-r-slingerland-named-oconnell-and-aronowitz-shareholder/): O'Connell & Aronowitz proudly announces the promotion of attorney George R. Slingerland to Shareholder. Mr. - [The OMIG Releases its 2017-2018 Work Plan](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/the-omig-releases-its-2017-2018-work-plan/): The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General ("OMIG) has released its annual Work Plan for fiscal year 2017-18. - [Free Test for Lead in Drinking Water Available to Residents](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/free-test-for-lead-in-drinking-water-available-to-residents/): The New York State Department of Health announced March 1 that it is launching a pilot program that will allow residents that are served by either a - [Medicaid Program Integrity: US GAO Finds CMS Needs Work to Develop More Effective Oversight Efforts](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/medicaid-program-integrity-us-gao-finds-cms-needs-work-to-develop-more-effective-oversight-efforts/): On April 17, 2017, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report about the current state of Medicaid program integrity. - [US HHS OIG and HCCA Release Compliance Program Effectiveness Resource Guide](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/us-hhs-oig-and-hcca-release-compliance-program-effectiveness-resource-guide/): The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) released Measuring - [Conference for Health Educators Provides Statewide Audience for Pamela Nichols and End Distracted Driving](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/conference-for-health-educators-provides-statewide-audience-for-pamela-nichols-and-end-distracted-driving/): Pamela Nichols is presenting the End Distracted Driving: Student Awareness Initiative today at the New York Association for Health Physical Education - [Federal False Claims Act Recoveries Are the Third Highest in History](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/federal-false-claims-act-recoveries-are-the-third-highest-in-history/): The United States Department of Justice ("DOJ) reported that it obtained over $4. - [What is the Role of a Bankruptcy Trustee?](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/what-is-the-role-of-a-bankruptcy-trustee/): If you file for personal bankruptcy, a trustee will be appointed to manage your case. - [Medical Answering Services, LLC Awarded Contract for Medicaid Transportation Services Management in the New York City Region](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/medical-answering-services-llc-awarded-contract-for-medicaid-transportation-services-management-in-the-new-york-city-region/): As of April 23, 2017, Medical Answering Services, LLC (MAS) will serve as the Medicaid transportation manager for the New York City region. - [Felonies vs. Misdemeanors in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/criminal-defense/felonies-vs-misdemeanors-in-new-york/): New York, like most states, divides crimes into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. - [Jeffrey J. Sherrin Presents At National Conference for Clinical Laboratories](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/jeffrey-j-sherrin-presents-at-national-conference-for-clinical-laboratories/): Jeff Sherrin joins a faculty of 80 lab-industry leaders today at the 22nd Annual Executive War College, billed as the nation's pre-eminent gathering of - [Times Union Names O'Connell and Aronowitz A Winner of the Capital District 2017 Top Workplaces Award](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/times-union-names-oconnell-and-aronowitz-a-winner-of-the-capital-district-2017-top-workplaces-award/): O'Connell and Aronowitz has been awarded a 2017 Top Workplaces honor by the Times Union. - [Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/estate-planning-for-unmarried-couples/): Estate planning involves the legal structuring of the disposition of one's current and projected assets. - [Bikers, Walkers Threatened By Increase In Distracted Driving](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/bikers-walkers-threatened-by-increase-in-distracted-driving/): Pam Nichols's May Newsletter April showers have given way to May flowers, encouraging walkers and bicyclists to get out and enjoy the weather. - [Guardianship for Incapacitated Adults](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/guardianship-for-incapacitated-adults/): In New York, adults who can no longer manage their personal or financial affairs due to mental or physical impairment are considered legally incapacitated. - [Elements of a Slip and Fall Claim](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/elements-of-a-slip-and-fall-claim/): Any time someone suffers an injury because a business, homeowner, or municipality did not take good care of their property, the accident victim may have - [Accidents Involving Drivers without Insurance](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/accidents-involving-drivers-without-insurance/): Most states require that drivers obtain car insurance prior to operating a vehicle, and New York is no exception. - [O&A Heart Walk Teams Ready for Action](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oa-heart-walk-teams-ready-for-action/): On Saturday June 3, our attorneys and staff will field two teams in the 2017 Capital Region Heart Walk and Run. - [Attention Medicaid Managed Care/CHIP Program Providers: You Must Enroll in the Medicaid Program Effective 01/01/2018](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-medicaid-managed-care-chip-program-providers-you-must-enroll-in-the-medicaid-program-effective-01-01-2018/): Effective January 1, 2018, federal law requires that all Medicaid Managed Care Network providers, as well as all Children's Health Insurance Program - [Beware the Insurance Company Three D's: Delay, Deny, Defend](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/beware-the-insurance-company-three-daes-delay-deny-defend/): July issue of Let America Know Newsletter Pam Nichols's July Newsletter When you buy insurance, you're buying security. - [Adults are Key to Preventing Playground Injuries](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/adults-are-key-to-preventing-playground-injuries/): June issue of Let America Know Newsletter Pamela Nichols's June Newsletter Summer, playgrounds and kids: It's a magic combination of exercise, social - [Vehicle Rollovers in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/vehicle-rollovers-in-new-york/): While relatively rare compared to other types of motor vehicle accidents, vehicle rollovers have a higher fatality rate than any other type of crash. - [Clearing Debt through Chapter 7 Bankruptcy](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/clearing-debt-through-chapter-7-bankruptcy/): If you're struggling with mounting debt, it can often feel like there is no way to get your finances back on track. - [The Dangers of Social Media and Criminal Charges](https://oalaw.com/blog/criminal-defense/the-dangers-of-social-media-and-criminal-charges/): In recent years, social media has become a part of the daily lives of people all over the world. - [Brittnay McMahon Installed as Vice President of Adirondack Women's Bar Association](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/brittnay-mcmahon-installed-as-vice-president-of-adirondack-womens-bar-association/): Brittnay McMachon, fifth from right, joins fellow officers installed at AWBA annual dinner. - [Question Before New York's Highest Court: Can the State of New York Put Your Physician In Jail for Acting Upon Your Decision to End Your Life?](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/question-before-new-yorkaes-highest-court-can-the-state-of-new-york-put-your-physician-in-jail-for-acting-upon-your-decision-to-end-your-life/): New York's highest court recently heard arguments in a challenge to the state's physician-assisted suicide ban. The Court of Appeals case is Myers v. - [Pam Nichols Lends Hand as Trial Lawyers Care Committee Gives Back in Boston](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/pam-nichols-lends-hand-as-trial-lawyers-care-committee-gives-back-in-boston/): Pam Nichols joined with fellow Trial Lawyers Care Committee members volunteering Saturday, July 22 at On The Rise (OTR) women's shelter in Boston. - [Devastated by a Doctor's Negligence, a Desperate Mother Comes to O'Connell and Aronowitz](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/devastated-by-a-doctoraes-negligence-a-desperate-mother-comes-to-oaeconnell-and-aronowitz/): Read how O'Connell & Aronowitz helped a mother seeking justice after medical negligence. - [Kurt Bratten Joins Globally Renowned Security Technologist at Cybersecurity Symposium](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/kurt-bratten-joins-globally-renowned-security-technologist-at-cybersecurity-symposium/): Kurt Bratten will be a featured panelist at the 5th annual Cybersecurity Symposium hosted by GreyCastle Security on October 11th. - [Question Before New York's Highest Court: Can the State of New York Put Your Physician In Jail for Acting Upon Your Decision to End Your Life?](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/question-before-new-yorks-highest-court-can-the-state-of-new-york-put-your-physician-in-jail-for-acting-upon-your-decision-to-end-your-life/): New York's highest court recently heard arguments in a challenge to the state's physician-assisted suicide ban. The Court of Appeals case is Myers v. - [How Do Bankruptcy Trustees Get Paid in New York?](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/how-do-bankruptcy-trustees-get-paid-in-new-york/): A trustee in bankruptcy is an entity or individual who is tasked with administering a bankruptcy estate. - [Justice Organizations Lead the Fight to Protect the Safety and Rights of All Americans](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/justice-organizations-lead-the-fight-to-protect-the-safety-and-rights-of-all-americans/): Pamela Nichols's August Newsletter Every year for the Justice Served Awards issue, we celebrate injured people and their families who have stepped up to - [Dog Bites and Children: An Overview](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/dog-bites-and-children-an-overview/): Approximately half of all children under the age of 12 years old have been bitten by a dog. - [Long-term Care Planning Basics in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/long-term-care-planning-basics-in-new-york/): Long-term care describes the services required to meet an individual's personal care needs. - [Estate Planning with Life Insurance in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/estate-planning-with-life-insurance-in-new-york/): Estate planning is the process of organizing one's financial affairs prior to death. - [Important Information on the Equifax Security Breach](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/important-information-on-the-equifax-security-breach/): Due to the severity and widespread nature of the Equifax breach (approximately 8 million New Yorkers were affected), we are sharing information about your - [Ending a Guardianship in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/ending-a-guardianship-in-new-york/): In New York, courts have the authority to appoint guardians to individuals that have been found to be incapacitated. - [Can NY Employers Legally Terminate a Rally Protester?](https://oalaw.com/blog/labor-employment-law/can-ny-employers-legally-terminate-a-rally-protester/): So you employ a white supremacist … Since August’s tragic events in Charlottesville, various social media feeds have identified protesters from the “Unite - [Matthew Jackson Has Been Named O&A Shareholder](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/matthew-jackson-has-been-named-oa-shareholder/): O'Connell and Aronowitz, one of the Capital District's largest broad service law firms, proudly announces Matthew Jackson has been named its newest - [The Importance of Filing a Police Report Following a Car Accident](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/the-importance-of-filing-a-police-report-following-a-car-accident/): Following an automobile accident in New York, it's imperative that medical attention be immediately sought to assess and treat any injuries sustained in - [Make Your Home Safer with "3F" Safety Check](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/make-your-home-safer-with-3f-safety-check/): Pam Nichols' October Newsletter Home is where we should feel most safe and secure. - [Reasons to File a Small Business Bankruptcy](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/reasons-to-file-a-small-business-bankruptcy/): Running a small business can be exciting and lucrative, provided that you have a well-thought-out business plan and the ability to execute it. - [Divorce without a Prenuptial Agreement in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/divorce-without-a-prenuptial-agreement-in-new-york/): A prenuptial agreement is a contract between spouses made prior to marriage. - [Are Estate Planning Fees Tax Deductible in New York?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/are-estate-planning-fees-tax-deductible-in-new-york/): Estate planning is the process of structuring the disposition of one's current and projected assets. - [Cybersecurity Symposium features Kurt Bratten](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/cybersecurity-symposium-features-kurt-bratten/): The Equifax breach and how to prevent a repeat of it were hot topics at a cybersecurity symposium that featured O'Connell and Aronowitz compliance attorney - [Myers v Schneiderman - Aid in Dying Will Require a Legislative Overhaul to Be Recognized](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/myers-v-schneiderman-ae-aid-in-dying-will-require-a-legislative-overhaul-to-be-recognized/): The Court of Appeals issued a decision in September in Meyers v. Schneiderman, 2017 NY Slip Op 06412, 2017 N. Y. - [Myers v Schneiderman - Aid in Dying Will Require a Legislative Overhaul to Be Recognized](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/myers-v-schneiderman-e-aid-in-dying-will-require-a-legislative-overhaul-to-be-recognized/): The Court of Appeals issued a decision in September in Meyers v. Schneiderman, 2017 NY Slip Op 06412, 2017 N. Y. - [Drug Errors are Far Too Common](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/drug-errors-are-far-too-common/): Pam Nichols's November Newsletter Medication errors occur when a mistake is made in prescribing, dispensing or taking a drug. - [The Pros and Cons of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/the-pros-and-cons-of-chapter-7-bankruptcy/): Although Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often a debtor's best option for getting his or her finances back in order, one should carefully assess its pros and cons - [Adoption Tax Credits for Same-Sex Couples](https://oalaw.com/blog/business-law-transactions/adoption-tax-credits-for-same-sex-couples/): Now that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states, LGBTQ adoption is becoming more and more common. - [Brittnay McMahon Named Outstanding Young Professional Philanthropist](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/brittnay-mcmahon-named-outstanding-young-professional-philanthropist/): Brittnay McMahon accepts award with Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady Executive Director Shane Bargy. - [Emergency Regulations Allow Facilities to be Designated Caregivers of Medical Marijuana](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/emergency-regulations-allow-facilities-to-be-designated-caregivers-of-medical-marijuana/): This month's column in the Albany County Bar Association Newsletter addresses the emergency regulations issued by the NYS Department of Health declaring - [When Divorce is not an Option in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/when-divorce-is-not-an-option-in-new-york/): Even when a marriage is irretrievably broken, some married couples decide that divorce is not a viable option. - [O'Connell and Aronowitz Named Among 2018 Best Law Firms](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oaeconnell-and-aronowitz-named-among-2018-best-law-firms/): The 2018 edition of U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" named O'Connell and Aronowitz a Tier 1 and 2 firm in six different practice areas on the - [Estate Planning for Business Owners in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/estate-planning-for-business-owners-in-new-york/): When a business owner dies with no estate plan in place, the survivors are left with little direction on how to proceed. - [Are Trusts Taxable in New York?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/are-trusts-taxable-in-new-york/): Establishing a trust is an excellent way to care for family members and other beneficiaries after death. - [Bankruptcy with a Mortgage in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-with-a-mortgage-in-new-york/): A common question among homeowners contemplating Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is whether one's mortgage may be kept upon filing. - [Divorce in New York: Who Pays the Legal Fees?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/divorce-in-new-york-who-pays-the-legal-fees/): A common issue of contention in New York divorce proceedings is the division of responsibility for legal fees. - [Bumpy Road Ahead for Self-Driving Cars](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/bumpy-road-ahead-for-self-driving-cars/): Pam Nichols's January Newsletter Most cars now already feature some form of self-driving technology, from cruise control - first developed in the 1950s - [How Child Support is Determined in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/how-child-support-is-determined-in-new-york/): In New York, child support is governed by the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA). - [Conservatorship and Guardianship in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/conservatorship-and-guardianship-in-new-york/): The terms "conservatorship" and "guardianship" are often used interchangeably. - [Eligibility for VA Benefits in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/eligibility-for-va-benefits-in-new-york/): Individuals who actively served in the military and were not dishonorably discharged are considered "veterans" for the purpose of determining VA health - [Why Declare Bankruptcy in New York?](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/why-declare-bankruptcy-in-new-york/): Bankruptcy is a federal court procedure that allows individuals to eliminate their debts and repay their creditors. - [Divorce and Annulment in New York: What's the Difference?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/divorce-and-annulment-in-new-york-whataes-the-difference/): While similar in some respects, divorce and annulment are very different methods of ending a marriage. - [New York Transfers of Guardianship](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/new-york-transfers-of-guardianship/): Article 81 of New York's Mental Hygiene Law provides courts in New York with the authority to appoint guardians. - [An Overview of New York Drug Possession Felonies](https://oalaw.com/blog/criminal-defense/an-overview-of-new-york-drug-possession-felonies/): In New York, in order for one to be convicted of criminal possession of a controlled substance (CPCS), prosecutors must prove the following beyond a - [Attorney Florence M. Richardson Joins O'Connell and Aronowitz](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/attorney-florence-m-richardson-joins-oaeconnell-and-aronowitz/): Albany law firm O'Connell and Aronowitz is pleased to announce that attorney Florence M. Richardson has joined the broad service firm as Of Counsel. - [Wills and Living Wills in New York: What's the Difference?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/wills-and-living-wills-in-new-york-whataes-the-difference/): A will, also called a last will and testament, and a living will are two types of estate planning documents that serve different purposes. - [Loophole Silences Victims of Workplace Harassment](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/loophole-silences-victims-of-workplace-harassment/): Pam Nichols's February Newsletter Thousands of employers across the nation are sneaking a loophole into employment contracts called "forced," "binding" or - [Bankruptcy with No Assets in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-with-no-assets-in-new-york/): When a debtor files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, all or a portion of his or her outstanding debts are sometimes repaid via the liquidation of assets. - [Do I Need to be Legally Separated to be Granted a Divorce in NY?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/do-i-need-to-be-legally-separated-to-granted-a-divorce-in-ny/): It is a common misconception that married couples must be legally separated before they may be granted a divorce from the New York State Supreme Court. - [The Effect of Divorce on Children](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/the-effect-of-divorce-on-children/): The Effect of Divorce on Children At O'Connell and Aronowitz, we understand the impact that divorce can have on families - particularly children. - [Holding Opioid Makers Accountable](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/holding-opioid-makers-accountable/): Pam Nichols's March Newsletter The use and abuse of prescription painkillers has reached record levels in the United States. Another record? - [How Does Divorce Affect Your Social Security](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/how-does-divorce-affect-your-social-security/): Generally, the Social Security Administration provides benefits to divorced spouses in the same manner as they are provided to married spouses. - [Free Webinar for Boards of Directors Addresses Cybersecurity and Compliance](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/free-webinar-for-boards-of-directors-addresses-cybersecurity-and-compliance/): Free Webinar March 15 at 2:00 p.m. Addresses Cybersecurity for Boards of Directors Kurt Bratten joins cybersecurity experts GreyCastle Security to present - [Retaining an Attorney | NY Divorce](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/retaining-an-attorney-ny-divorce/): It goes without saying that divorces and custody disputes are difficult and stressful events for everyone involved. - [What are the Equitable Distribution Rules in a New York Divorce?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/what-are-the-equitable-distribution-rules-in-a-new-york-divorce/): One of the key issues that must be resolved in a divorce is how to divide the marital property. - [Attorney Graig F. Zappia Joins O'Connell and Aronowitz](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/attorney-graig-f-zappia-joins-oaeconnell-and-aronowitz/): Albany law firm O'Connell and Aronowitz is pleased to announce that attorney Graig F. Zappia has joined the broad service firm as Of Counsel. - [Wills and Trusts in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/wills-and-trusts-in-new-york/): Wills and trusts are both part of the estate planning processâ - a process which involves the legal structuring of the disposition of one's assets. - [The OMIG Releases Annual Report for 2013: A Year of Record Recoveries](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/the-omig-releases-annual-report-for-2013-a-year-of-record-recoveries-2/): The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) has released its 2013 Annual Report ("Report). - [Lead Poisoning Risks For Children in New York Public Housing](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/lead-poisoning-risks-for-children-in-new-york-public-housing/): As reported in the New York Times this week, The New York City Housing Authority's failure to conduct required lead paint inspections has put many children - [Estate Planning: Who To Select to Fulfill your Plan?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/estate-planning-who-to-select-to-fulfill-your-plan/): One of the most important choices you make in your estate plan is who you select as your fiduciaries and agents. - [Injured Workers: Don't Overlook Third-Party Actions](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/injured-workers-dont-overlook-third-party-actions/): Pamela Nichols's April Newsletter Work injuries are life-changing and still all too common in America. - [Filing for Bankruptcy to Stop Eviction in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/filing-for-bankruptcy-to-stop-eviction-in-new-york/): When a tenant files for bankruptcy in New York, an automatic stay is created. - [O&A Honored by The Legal Project](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oa-honored-by-the-legal-project/): Our firm was honored to be among the companies and individuals recognized today at The Legal Project's Annual Pro Bono Awards Luncheon, commemorating 23 - [Estate Planning Essentials: Power of Attorney in NY](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/estate-planning-essentials-power-of-attorney-in-ny/): Almost everyone considers doing a Will or Trust at some time in their lives, usually when something significant happens, i. e. - [Bankruptcy When You Own A Home in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-when-you-own-a-home-in-new-york/): While filing for bankruptcy can be stressful, it doesn't necessarily have to result in the loss of your home. - [Cybersecurity is Topic for May 24 Program Hosted by TMA Upstate New York Chapter](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/cybersecurity-is-topic-for-may-24-program-hosted-by-tma-upstate-new-york-chapter/): The Upstate New York Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association will host a Cybersecurity program featuring O&A attorney Kurt Bratten, who manages - [Reasons to Participate in Long-Term Care Planning](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/reasons-to-participate-in-long-term-care-planning/): Long-term care is a range of supports and services that an individual may require to meet his or her personal care needs, including medical care and - [Case Studies in Guardianship | Acting for Those in Need](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/case-studies-in-guardianship-acting-for-those-in-need/): There are three basic types of guardianship under New York law. Below are case studies demonstrating how each operates and why they are necessary. - [Air Bag Liability in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/air-bag-liability-in-new-york/): Air bags, meant to provide an additional measure of safety, can do more harm than good when malfunctions occur. - [What Are Your Rights If Your Pet Is Negligently Injured](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/what-are-your-rights-if-your-pet-is-negligently-injured/): Pam Nichols's June Newsletter To pet lovers, a pet is more than property. They are companions, therapists, play pals or warm pillows. - [Should I file Personal Bankruptcy?](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/should-i-file-personal-bankruptcy/): The decision to file for bankruptcy is often one of the hardest choices that a person has to make in his or her lifetime. - [Lead Poisoning Grabs National Headlines: NYC Housing Authority Agrees To $2B Settlement Over Massive Health Violations](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/lead-poisoning-grabs-national-headlines-nyc-housing-authority-agrees-to-2b-settlement-over-massive-health-violations/): Federal prosecutors recently released a report summarizing a two-year investigation into the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) as detailed in Forbes - [How Bankruptcy Affects Renting an Apartment](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/how-bankruptcy-affects-renting-an-apartment/): When debt gets out of control, bankruptcy is sometimes the best method available to get one's financial situation back on track. - [Divorce and Special Needs Children](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/divorce-and-special-needs-children/): Divorce can be a complicated process, particularly when there are children involved. - [O'Connell & Aronowitz Expands Business Law and Commercial Litigation Practice](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oaeconnell-aronowitz-expands-business-law-and-commercial-litigation-practice/): O'Connell and Aronowitz has announced another major expansion of its business law and commercial litigation practices with the addition of three - [How You Establish Your Bank Accounts Matters](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/how-you-establish-your-bank-accounts-matters/): Make Sure Your Accounts Are Properly Titled Bank accounts can be titled in many different ways. - [What is a Living Will and Do I Need One?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/what-is-a-living-will-and-do-i-need-one/): A living will is a legal document in which a person directs the types and duration of treatment he or she would want to receive if ill and unable to - [Report Finds Majority of Schools Not Testing for Lead in Water](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/report-finds-majority-of-schools-not-testing-for-lead-in-water/): Fewer than half of U. S. school districts test their drinking water for lead, according to a federal report released this week. - [Flawed Orthopedic Implants](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/flawed-orthopedic-implants/): Pam Nichols's July Newsletter There is no doubt that breakthroughs in medical technology have improved the lives of millions of Americans. - [Can I Relocate My Child's Residence?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/can-i-relocate-my-childs-residence/): If you have a child from a marriage or relationship of whom you have custody in New York State, you are not automatically entitled to relocate his or her - [Top Seven Myths and Mistakes in Estate Planning](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/top-seven-myths-and-mistakes-in-estate-planning/): What not to do and how not to do it After practicing law for almost twenty years, Matt Dorsey of our Trusts and Estates Department has heard and seen a lot - [How Bankruptcy Affects Your Credit Score](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/how-bankruptcy-affects-your-credit-score/): Most people who consider filing for bankruptcy worry about the effect that it will have on their credit score. - [What Legal Documents Should Be Updated After A Divorce?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/what-legal-documents-should-be-updated-after-a-divorce/): Once you are divorced, it is imperative to make changes to certain legal documents. - [Important Estate Planning Choices: The People Who Will Fulfill Your Plan](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/important-estate-planning-choices-the-people-who-will-fulfill-your-plan/): One of the most important choices you make in your estate plan is who you select as your fiduciaries and agents. - [Four O'Connell & Aronowitz Attorneys Named to 2019 Best Lawyers® List](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/four-oconnell-aronowitz-attorneys-named-to-2019-best-lawyersa-list/): O'Connell & Aronowitz is pleased to announce that four lawyers have been included in the 2019 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. - [Every Person, Regardless of Age, Susceptible to Unintentional Falls](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/every-person-regardless-of-age-susceptible-to-unintentional-falls/): Pam Nichols's October Newsletter According to the National Safety Council, over 34,000 Americans died in 2016 from the common and preventable injury of - [Construction Site Safety in NY](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/construction-site-safety-in-ny/): Careers in construction can be rewarding but there is also significant potential for injury. - [Celebrating a Safer, More Just America](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/celebrating-a-safer-more-just-america/): Pam Nichols's August Newsletter The 2018 Justice Served Awards honor nominees for their commitment to a safer, more just America. - [Kurt Bratten to Present at Cybersecurity Symposium](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/kurt-bratten-to-present-at-cybersecurity-symposium/): Kurt Bratten is slated to present at the 6th Annual Cybersecurity Symposium hosted by GreyCastle Security. - [What Happens If You Die Without a Will in New York?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/what-happens-if-you-die-without-a-will-in-new-york/): If you die without a Will, known as dying 'intestate', the New York Estates Powers and Trusts Law provides a process which allows your assets to pass to - [How Do You Know if There is Lead in Your Home?](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/how-do-you-know-if-there-is-lead-in-your-home/): If your home was built before 1978, there is a good chance it has lead-based paint. - [Life After Divorce: Spousal Support and Post-Divorce Maintenance in NY](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/life-after-divorce-spousal-support-and-post-divorce-maintenance-in-ny/): When a marriage ends, questions arise on how the divorce will impact overall lifestyle during and after the divorce process. - [2018 Safe Toy Buying Guide](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/2018-safe-toy-buying-guide/): Product safety is NOT guaranteed. Pam Nichols's December Newsletter Whenever we buy something - especially toys for our children - we hope that someone is - [O&A Sponsors Fall Conference of SUNY Student Assembly](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oa-sponsors-fall-conference-of-suny-student-assembly/): For the third consecutive year, O'Connell & Aronowitz and Student Defenders, a division of O&A's Criminal Defense practice, were sponsors of the State - [Myths and Mistakes In Estate Planning: Do-it-Yourself Wills](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/myths-and-mistakes-in-estate-planning-do-it-yourself-wills/): Though online Will 'forms' may seem better than having no Will at all, they could later be found invalid leaving your family and your last wishes at the - [Thousands Claim Link Between Baby Powder and Cancer](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/thousands-claim-link-between-baby-powder-and-cancer/): Pam Nichols's February Newsletter "A product mothers can trust'. Generations of mothers know this is the advertising promise behind Johnson & Johnson's - [Who Gets the Family Pet in Divorce?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/who-gets-the-family-pet-in-divorce/): With the rise in pet ownership and high incidence of divorce, pet custody has become more common. - [Danielle Holley Named O&A Shareholder](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/danielle-holley-named-oa-shareholder/): O'Connell and Aronowitz, one of the Capital District's largest broad service law firms, announces the promotion of attorney Danielle E. - [Jeffrey Siegel Named Managing Partner at O'Connell and Aronowitz](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/jeffrey-siegel-named-managing-partner-at-oaeconnell-and-aronowitz/): O'Connell and Aronowitz is pleased to announce that Jeffrey A. Siegel has been named Managing Partner effective Jan. 1, 2019. - [Estate Planning Tips for the New Year](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/estate-planning-tips-for-the-new-year/): The New Year is ideal time get organized about estate planning Make it your resolution to get organized! - [Common Terms in Bankruptcy Proceedings](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/common-terms-in-bankruptcy-proceedings/): This glossary of terms is designed to demystify the bankruptcy process and provide a brief explanation of some of the most common terminology in bankruptcy - [Will a Psychological Evaluation be Ordered in Your Custody Proceeding?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/will-a-psychological-evaluation-be-ordered-in-your-custody-proceeding/): In child custody proceedings, the Court will decide what custodial arrangement is in the best interests of the child. - [Steve Coffey Wins $350,000 For Injuries in Auto/Pedestrian Accident](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/steve-coffey-wins-350000-for-injuries-in-auto-pedestrian-accident/): After a 2-day trial in Albany County Supreme Court, Personal Injury Attorney Steve Coffey won a $350,000 jury verdict for a client injured in an - [Deaths on NY Ski Slopes](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/deaths-on-ny-ski-slopes/): The tragedy of three skiers who lost their lives in separate incidents while skiing the same trail at Hunter Mountain this winter is both headline grabbing - [NYS Budget Takes Aim at Lead Poisoning](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/nys-budget-takes-aim-at-lead-poisoning/): Taking aim at the public health crisis of childhood lead poisoning, Governor Cuomo, in his 2019 budget, has proposed the long overdue lowering of the - [Attorney Kelly Mikullitz Obtains $1.5M for Student Who Suffered Traumatic Brain Injury in College Classroom](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/attorney-kelly-mikullitz-obtains-1-5m-for-student-who-suffered-traumatic-brain-injury-in-college-classroom/): Attorney Kelly Mikullitz reached a $1.5 million settlement last week in a case involving a college in western New York where her client, a former student - [A Primer on the Basics of IRAs](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/a-primer-on-the-basics-of-iras/): IRAs are a great way to grow tax-free savings for your retirement, but the rules concerning their establishment and operation can be confusing. - [Do Homework Before Saying Yes to A Surgery Center](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/do-homework-before-saying-yes-to-a-surgery-center/): Pam Nichols's March Newsletter We're betting you or someone you know has been referred to a surgery center for a routine procedure without even knowing it - [Why are Foodborne Illness Outbreaks on the Rise?](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/why-are-foodborne-illness-outbreaks-on-the-rise/): Pam Nichols's April Newsletter Last year was one for the record books at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). - [Questions to Ask When Retaining a Divorce Attorney](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/questions-to-ask-when-retaining-a-divorce-attorney/): Before hiring a divorce lawyer, the initial interview provides an opportunity to see if to if they are the right fit for you. - [In Memoriam: Matthew Jackson](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/in-memoriam-matthew-jackson/): We will miss our friend Matt Jackson. F. Matthew Jackson, 49, passed away on March 23, 2019. - [Help for Victims of Domestic Violence](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/help-for-victims-of-domestic-violence/): If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are many resources available for assistance. - [Divorce Q&A: What is a Statement of Net Worth?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/divorce-qa-what-is-a-statement-of-net-worth/): During divorce proceedings, the Statement of Net Worth outlines each parties' income, assets, expenses and outstanding debts. - [Child Custody: Can I Relocate My Child's Residence?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/child-custody-can-i-relocate-my-childs-residence/): Child Custody Concerns: If you're looking to relocate your child's residence, it's smart to seek the advice of a Child Custody attorney. - [No Fault Divorce in New York State](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/no-fault-divorce-in-new-york-state/): The "No-Fault" divorce action can help divorce couples from exhausting financial and emotional resources. - [Attorney Kelly Mikullitz Presents at BIANYS Legal Symposium](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/attorney-kelly-mikullitz-presents-at-bianys-legal-symposium/): Kelly Mikullitz will be co-presenter at the 2019 BIANYS Legal Symposium being held June 3 in Saratoga Springs. - [Fighting for Those Who Fight For Us](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/fighting-for-those-who-fight-for-us/): Pam Nichols's May Newsletter There are over two million active and reserve members of the Unites States armed forces. - [How Divorce Affects Health Insurance](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/how-divorce-affects-health-insurance/): There are many things to consider during divorce, and health insurance should be one of them. - [Kelly Mikullitz Installed as BIANYS 1st Vice President](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/kelly-mikullitz-installed-as-bianys-1st-vice-president/): Presenters at the BIANYS Legal Symposium. A venerable advocate for people suffering from brain injuries, Kelly Mikullitz was installed as 1st Vice - [Steve Coffey Secures Not-Guilty Verdict on Charges of Attempted Rape](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/steve-coffey-secures-not-guilty-verdict-on-charges-of-attempted-rape/): Criminal Defense Attorney Steve Coffey obtained an acquittal last week in the jury trial of a man accused of attempted rape. - [What is a Deposition?](https://oalaw.com/blog/criminal-defense/what-is-a-deposition/): Like most people, you may have never before been involved in litigation. It's understandable you'll have questions and, perhaps, some apprehension. - [New Attorneys Join O'Connell and Aronowitz](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/new-attorneys-join-oconnell-and-aronowitz/): We are pleased to announce the addition of two new attorneys to our firm. - [How Do I Get a Lead Test For My Child?](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/how-do-i-get-a-lead-test-for-my-child/): It is critically important to get your child tested for lead so that if there is an elevated blood lead level, steps can be taken to eliminate the source - [When You Know Divorce is Your Next Step, It Can Help To Know The First Steps](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/when-you-know-divorce-is-your-next-step-it-can-help-to-know-the-first-steps/): When you've made the difficult decision that divorce is the option that will be in your best interests, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. - [Attorney Kelly Mikullitz Featured in Documentary on Lead Poisoning and its Devastating Effect on Families](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/attorney-kelly-mikullitz-featured-in-documentary-on-lead-poisoning-and-its-devastating-effect-on-families/): When the Oneida County Health Department and Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida set out to produce a documentary about lead poisoning, they consulted - [Four O'Connell & Aronowitz Attorneys Named to 2020 Best Lawyers® List](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/four-oconnell-aronowitz-attorneys-named-to-2020-best-lawyersa-list/): O'Connell & Aronowitz is pleased to announce that four lawyers have been included in the 2020 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. - [O'Connell and Aronowitz Attorneys Selected to 2019 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oaeconnell-and-aronowitz-attorneys-selected-to-2019-super-lawyers-and-rising-stars-lists/): We are pleased to announce that thirteen of our attorneys were named to the 2019 Upstate New York Super Lawyers list. - [Child Custody: Intentional Interference in Child's Relationship with Other Parent Can Affect Custody Rights](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/child-custody-intentional-interference-in-childs-relationship-with-other-parent-can-affect-custody-rights/): Lack of insight as to the importance of a child's relationship with the non-custodial parent can affect child custody. - [Smart Toys Can Put Your Child's Privacy, Safety at Risk](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/smart-toys-can-put-your-childaes-privacy-safety-at-risk/): Is your child's "smart" toy a privacy risk? Learn about the security & safety concerns associated with connected toys and how to protect your family’s - [Personal Gun Safety Tips for the Hunt and at Home](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/personal-gun-safety-tips-for-the-hunt-and-at-home/): Personal gun safety is always on the minds of most hunters, but gun, home and landowners can be held liable for injury to others. - [Matt Jackson Posthumously Honored by Bankruptcy Bar Associations](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/matt-jackson-posthumously-honored-by-bankruptcy-bar-associations/): Matt Jackson was posthumously honored by the Central New York and Capital Region Bankruptcy Bar Associations as recipient of the 2019 Nicholas S. - [Scott Iseman and Julia Kosineski Secure Not-Guilty Verdict](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/scott-iseman-and-julia-kosineski-secure-not-guilty-verdict/): Criminal Defense Attorneys Scott Iseman and Julia Kosineski obtained a full acquittal last week in a felony jury trial in Clinton County, New York in front - [CMS Announces New Exclusion Related Sanction: the Preclusion List](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/cms-announces-new-exclusion-related-sanction-the-preclusion-list/): Aside from the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General's (OIG) Exclusion List for health care providers and - [O'Connell & Aronowitz Named Among 2020 "Best Law Firms"](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oconnell-aronowitz-named-among-2020-best-law-firms/): O'Connell & Aronowitz has been ranked in the 2020 U. S. News - Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" list regionally in 6 practice areas. - [Fire Risks Increase During Winter Holidays](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/fire-risks-increase-during-winter-holidays/): Pam Nichols's December Newsletter According to the National Fire Protection Association, more home fires occur during the winter months than any other - [Protect Yourself and Your Party Guests This Holiday Season](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/protect-yourself-and-your-party-guests-this-holiday-season/): Protect yourself and your guests this holiday season. Learn about social host liability, safety tips for hosting, & how to prevent accidents during - [Supporting Veterans: Our Nation's Focus Today, Our Firm's Focus Year Round](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/supporting-veterans-our-nations-focus-today-our-firms-focus-year-round/): On Veterans Day, O'Connell and Aronowitz joins our nation in recognizing, honoring and thanking those who have served and continue to serve in the United - [Syracuse University Taps Kelly Mikullitz for Education Program on Lead Poisoning](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/syracuse-university-taps-kelly-mikullitz-for-education-program-on-lead-poisoning/): Students from the Syracuse University School of Social Work attended the policy forum addressing lead poisoning of children in New York state. - [IVF - A Year in Review: A Legal Perspective](https://oalaw.com/blog/laboratory/ivf-a-year-in-review-a-legal-perspective/): Pleased to share an article looking back at 2019 and the challenges that IVF labs faced. - [FIRST GUILTY PLEA UNDER EKRA](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/first-guilty-plea-under-ekra/): The first enforcement under the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA) was announced on January 10, 2020. - [Vaping: Unregulated, Addictive and Dangerous](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/vaping-unregulated-addictive-and-dangerous/): After years of decline in the number of Americans that smoked, along came e-cigarettes with a promise that vaping would be less dangerous and make it easy - [Constitutional Law Attorneys](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/constitutional-law-attorneys/): Situated in Albany in close proximity to New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, as well as the trial and intermediate-level New York State courts - [Employers Should Update Handbooks to Reflect New NYS Ban on Discrimination in Reproductive Health Decisions](https://oalaw.com/blog/labor-employment-law/employers-should-update-handbooks-to-reflect-new-nys-ban-on-discrimination-in-reproductive-health-decisions/): January is always a good time for employers to review and update their employee handbooks, as new laws frequently take effect at the beginning of the year. - [Second Circuit Ruling Puts Potential Arrow in Employers' Quiver When Facing Collective Action FLSA Claims](https://oalaw.com/blog/labor-employment-law/second-circuit-ruling-puts-potential-arrow-in-employers-quiver-when-facing-collective-action-flsa-claims/): In collective actions involving wage claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), each individual plaintiff’s claim can often be relatively small. - [Overview of the Marriage Equality Act](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/overview-of-the-marriage-equality-act/): The New York State Marriage Equality Act grants same sex couples the freedom to marry in New York State and prohibits the denial of a marriage license to - [Michael P. McDermott Named O&A President as Jeffrey J. Sherrin Steps Down](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/michael-p-mcdermott-named-oa-president-as-jeffrey-j-sherrin-steps-down/): Mike McDermott to continue O'Connell and Aronowitz's 95-year tradition of providing exceptional legal service as the Firm's new President. - [Neil Murray Court Victory Covered in New York Times](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/neil-murray-court-victory-covered-in-new-york-times/): Yesterday's ruling in New York State's second-highest court is another win for Neil Murray and his clients in high profile litigation disputing the - [Coronavirus Update for Our Clients](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/coronavirus-update-for-our-clients/): At O'Connell and Aronowitz, we continue to monitor the situation with COVID-19, the coronavirus. - [Showing Support for Veterans with Free Legal Clinic Sponsored by Saratoga County Bar Association](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/showing-support-for-veterans-with-free-legal-clinic-sponsored-by-saratoga-county-bar-association/): Scott Iseman is working with the Saratoga County Bar Association on a Veterans Legal Clinic to held be on Friday, March 6th from 9:00 a. m. until Noon. - [Estate Planning in a Time of Crisis](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/estate-planning-in-a-time-of-crisis/): How to sign documents during the coronavirus Getting your estate planning documents together can be challenging during the best of times. - [CMS Guidance for Laboratories During COVID-19 : Remote Review of Laboratory Data, Results, and Slides/Images](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/cms-guidance-for-laboratories-during-covid-19-remote-review-of-laboratory-data-results-and-slides-images/): The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued Guidance for Laboratories during the current public health emergency. - [Insurance Coverage May Be Available for COVID-19 Losses](https://oalaw.com/blog/business-law-transactions/insurance-coverage-may-be-available-for-covid-19-losses/): Is your business covered for COVID-19 losses? Learn about potential insurance coverage for business interruptions & legal options from our expert - [COVID-19 Testing and Illegal Kickbacks - Another Warning Lesson](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/covid-19-testing-and-illegal-kickbacks-ae-another-warning-lesson/): On March 30, 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice for the District of New Jersey announced the arrest of Erik Santos, an individual who owned a marketing - [NEW YORK STATE MEDICAID REVALIDATION PROCESS IS TEMPORARILY ON HOLD DUE TO COVID-19; CERTAIN TERMINATED PROVIDERS ARE REACTIVATED](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-york-state-medicaid-revalidation-process-is-temporarily-on-hold-due-to-covid-19-certain-terminated-providers-are-reactivated/): Generally speaking, providers enrolled in the New York State Medicaid program have to revalidate (essentially reapply) for enrollment every five years - [COVID-19 Testing and Illegal Kickbacks - Another Warning Lesson](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/covid-19-testing-and-illegal-kickbacks-e-another-warning-lesson/): On March 30, 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice for the District of New Jersey announced the arrest of Erik Santos, an individual who owned a marketing - [Questions & Answers on the Importance of a Living Will: What is a Living Will and Should You Have One?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/questions-answers-on-the-importance-of-a-living-will-what-is-a-living-will-and-should-you-have-one/): A lot of people are thinking about preparing a Will because they are concerned about the current public health crisis. - [Coverage for your COVID-19 Losses May be Available](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/coverage-for-your-covid-19-losses-may-be-available/): If you are provider who is experiencing a business slow down or interruption, whether due to Government mandated suspension of services or otherwise - [NEW YORK STATE MEDICAID WILL BE ADOPTING A PROVISIONAL TEMPORARY ENROLLMENT PROCESS FOR PROVIDERS DUE TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-york-state-medicaid-will-be-adopting-a-provisional-temporary-enrollment-process-for-providers-due-to-the-covid-19-crisis/): eMedNY has advised that the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS) has approved New York State's request to adopt a provisional - [How long should Medicaid and Medicare Providers Retain Medical Records: Six Years or Ten Years? The Answer may Surprise You!](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/how-long-should-medicaid-and-medicare-providers-retain-medical-records-six-years-or-ten-years-the-answer-may-surprise-you/): Previously, some medical providers may have kept their medical records for six years based on their understanding of the Medicaid and/or Medicare record - [Free Webinar: SBA Payroll Protection Program](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/free-webinar-sba-payroll-protection-program/): We are here to help our community understand and take full advantage of the Payroll Protection Program. - [Attention Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Providers: Medicaid Policy Changes](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-durable-medical-equipment-prosthetics-orthotics-and-supplies-dmepos-providers-medicaid-policy-changes/): As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has issued new guidance to Medicaid Durable Medical - [COVID-19 Updates for Employers](https://oalaw.com/blog/business-law-transactions/covid-19-updates-for-employers/): Our Employment Alert newsletter addresses important recent rulings and decisions at the state and federal level that impact employers. - [Medicare and Medicaid Enrollment: The Times They are a Changin'](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/medicare-and-medicaid-enrollment-the-times-they-are-a-changin/): On September 5, 2019, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule entitled "Program Integrity Enhancements to the Provider - [Criminal Convictions and the CARES Act](https://oalaw.com/blog/criminal-defense/criminal-convictions-and-the-cares-act/): Congress has appropriated over $300 billion in Small Business Administration loans to aid businesses coping with the Covid-19 pandemic. - [Protect This House: Responding to Law Enforcement Contact as Corporate Counsel](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/protect-this-house-responding-to-law-enforcement-contact-as-corporate-counsel/): Few corporate and in-house counsels expect that they or their employees will be contacted by law enforcement. - [FDA Enforcement - Serology Testing for COVID-19](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/fda-enforcement-are-serology-testing-for-covid-19/): As laboratories across the country work to adapt to the new environment that COVID-19 has presented, they are navigating a new regulatory field to get - [NYS Medicaid Extends Expiring ETIN Recertification Window](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/nys-medicaid-extends-expiring-etin-recertification-window/): As a result of the COVID-19 virus outbreak, the New York State Medicaid program is extending the recertification window for providers with an expiring ETIN - [FDA Enforcement - Serology Testing for COVID-19](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/fda-enforcement-e-serology-testing-for-covid-19/): As laboratories across the country work to adapt to the new environment that COVID-19 has presented, they are navigating a new regulatory field to get - [Coronavirus and Criminal Cases](https://oalaw.com/blog/criminal-defense/coronavirus-and-criminal-cases/): Like so much of society, the criminal justice system has slowed down in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. - [The Importance of Having a Power of Attorney: How can it help you in a time of crisis](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/the-importance-of-having-a-power-of-attorney-how-can-it-help-you-in-a-time-of-crisis/): Given the current public health crisis, many people are giving thought to preparing a trust or will, however, also very important to your estate plan is - [Watch Out for Scams and Phishing Campaigns](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/watch-out-for-scams-and-phishing-campaigns/): Cybercriminals are actively targeting remote workers right now because of the COVID-19 pandemic and are using coronavirus-oriented scams to do it. - [Tips for Securely Working From Home](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/tips-for-securely-working-from-home/): We offer some helpful tips for improving the security of your remote work experience for those who are working from home during the Coronavirus epidemic. - [CARES Act Update: HHS Releases $30 Billion to Health Care Providers for COVID-19; Another $70 Billion Will Follow](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/cares-act-update-hhs-releases-30-billion-to-health-care-providers-for-covid-19-another-70-billion-will-follow/): The bipartisan federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act became law on March 27, 2020. This $2. - [Attention NYS Medicaid Providers: Guidance for the Use of 90 Day Date of Service Billing Rule Delay Reason 15 (Natural Disaster/State of Emergency)](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-nys-medicaid-providers-guidance-for-the-use-of-90-day-date-of-service-billing-rule-delay-reason-15-natural-disaster-state-of-emergency/): Generally speaking, providers in New York State Medicaid program have to submit their claims for reimbursement within 90 days after the date of service - [O'Connell and Aronowitz Expands Business Law Group](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oaeconnell-and-aronowitz-expands-business-law-group/): O'Connell and Aronowitz has significantly expanded its Business Law and Commercial Litigation Department with the addition of five seasoned attorneys. - [New York State DOH Establishes Online Portal for Medicaid Provisional Temporary Provider Enrollment for the COVID-19 Crisis](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-york-state-doh-establishes-online-portal-for-medicaid-provisional-temporary-provider-enrollment-for-the-covid-19-crisis/): The New York State Medicaid program has replaced previously offered emergency enrollment options relating to the COVID-19 pandemic with an online portal - [How the CARES Act Impacts Bankruptcy Proceedings](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/how-the-cares-act-impacts-bankruptcy-proceedings/): The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") was signed into law on March 27, 2020 making some very significant changes to the - [COVID-19 and Child Support Obligations](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/covid-19-and-child-support-obligations/): Many of our clients have had questions regarding their child support obligations as they endure job losses or income reductions in the midst of the - [O'Connell and Aronowitz Closes Offices for Juneteenth Holiday](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oaeconnell-and-aronowitz-closes-offices-for-juneteenth-holiday/): On Friday, June 19th, we are closed in observance of the Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. - [Updates in the CMS Second Interim Final Rule in the Wake of COVID-19](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/updates-in-the-cms-second-interim-final-rule-in-the-wake-of-covid-19/): On April 30, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS) issued a Second Interim Final Rule in response to the COVID-19 Public Health - [US HHS OIG Releases Semiannual Report to Congress](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/us-hhs-oig-releases-semiannual-report-to-congress/): The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) released its Semiannual Report to Congress for the - [Amid Pandemic, Vigilance Against Health Care Fraud Still Continues](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/amid-pandemic-vigilance-against-health-care-fraud-still-continues/): Prosecutions related to Medicare kickback schemes and genetic testing continues despite the pandemic with several new cases. - [O&A Recognized As A 2020 Top Workplace](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oa-recognized-as-a-2020-top-workplace/): O'Connell and Aronowitz has been recognized as a 2020 Top Workplace by the Times Union! - [An Estate Planning Update in the Time of the Coronavirus](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/an-estate-planning-update-in-the-time-of-the-coronavirus/): In March of this year, I wrote a column entitled "Estate Planning in a Time of Crisis", which outlined possible options for having your estate planning - [HHS expects to distribute $15 billion to eligible Medicaid and CHIP providers for COVID-19 assistance](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/hhs-expects-to-distribute-15-billion-to-eligible-medicaid-and-chip-providers-for-covid-19-assistance/): According to information released earlier this week, the United States Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS) expects to distribute $15 billion to - [US HHS OIG Releases Annual Work Plan](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/us-hhs-oig-releases-annual-work-plan/): The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) released its annual Work Plan which sets out OIG audits - [Supreme Court Rules Title VII Protects LGBT Employees](https://oalaw.com/blog/labor-employment-law/supreme-court-rules-title-vii-protects-lgbt-employees/): On Monday, June 15, the US Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, an employer who fires an employee - [Multi-Agency Investigation Uncovers Medicaid Transportation Fraud in the North Country](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/multi-agency-investigation-uncovers-medicaid-transportation-fraud-in-the-north-country/): A recent federal/state multi-agency investigation revealed that, according to the investigators, several owners and operators of medical transportation - [Executive Order 202.44 and Clinical Laboratories](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/executive-order-202-44-and-clinical-laboratories/): Executive Order 202. 44 issued on June 21, 2020 continues to modify various provisions of the law to address the COVID-19 pandemic. - [New York State Medicaid Program Cuts Taxi/Livery Rates](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-york-state-medicaid-program-cuts-taxi-livery-rates/): In a February 2020 Medicaid Redesign Team II ("MRT II) meeting, it was determined that Medicaid transportation may need "course correction due to a - [Increased Protections for Certain Whistleblowers in Health Care](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/increased-protections-for-certain-whistleblowers-in-health-care/): Governor Cuomo signed a bill on June 17, 2020 amending Section 741 of the New York Labor Law to increase protections for whistleblowers that file - [U.S. Department of Justice and Congress Focus on False Claims Act Cases Against Nursing Homes](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/u-s-department-of-justice-and-congress-focus-on-false-claims-act-cases-against-nursing-homes/): The federal False Claims Act ("FCA) states that any person who knowingly submits a false claim to the government will be liable for treble damages and - [US HHS OIG Identifies Millions in New York Medicaid Payments to Managed Care Organizations for Deceased Medicaid Beneficiaries](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/us-hhs-oig-identifies-millions-in-new-york-medicaid-payments-to-managed-care-organizations-for-deceased-medicaid-beneficiaries/): The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced on July 27, 2020, that a recent audit they - [New York Legislation Scales Back Liability Protections for Certain Health Care Facilities and Professionals](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-york-legislation-scales-back-liability-protections-for-certain-health-care-facilities-and-professionals/): On August 3, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed legislation limiting civil liability protections afforded to health care facilities and professionals during the - [New York State Implements New Surge and Flex Health Coordination System Regulations for Health Care Facilities and Agencies](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-york-state-implements-new-surge-and-flex-health-coordination-system-regulations-for-health-care-facilities-and-agencies/): New provisions have been added to Titles 10 and 18 of the New York Codes Rules and Regulations ("NYCRR) that broaden the power of the Commissioner of - [Important Updates to Medicaid Provider Compliance Requirements](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/important-updates-to-medicaid-provider-compliance-requirements/): The New York State Legislature recently enacted major pieces of legislation as part of the budget for the 2020-2021 state fiscal year. - [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Additional $20 Billion in Provider Relief Funding with Broadened Eligibility Requirements](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/u-s-department-of-health-and-human-services-announces-additional-20-billion-in-provider-relief-funding-with-broadened-eligibility-requirements/): The United States Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS") recently announced $20 billion in new Phase 3 General Distribution Provider Relief - [NYS Medicaid Audits of State Department of Health Identify $706.6 Million in Unnecessary Overpayments While the State is Faced With Budget Gap in the Billions](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/nys-medicaid-audits-of-state-department-of-health-identify-706-6-million-in-unnecessary-overpayments-while-the-state-is-faced-with-budget-gap-in-the-billions/): The New York State Office of the State Comptroller ("OSC") recently announced that five audits of the State Department of Health's ("DOH") Medicaid program - [New York State Department of Health Issues New Regulations for Purposes of Controlling Communicable Diseases in the Wake of COVID-19](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-york-state-department-of-health-issues-new-regulations-for-purposes-of-controlling-communicable-diseases-in-the-wake-of-covid-19/): New York State Department of Health ("DOH) recently announced amendments to its regulations, many of which have not been updated in fifty years, that would - [New Terms for the Repayment of Accelerated and Advance Payment Program (AAP) Loans Announced by CMS](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-terms-for-the-repayment-of-accelerated-and-advance-payment-program-aap-loans-announced-by-cms/): The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced new terms for loans issued under the Accelerated and Advance Program (AAP) that - [New York Appellate Court Rules That Not-for-Profit Corporation Law Creates a Private Right Action Against an Employer for Retaliation for Whistleblowing](https://oalaw.com/blog/labor-employment-law/new-york-appellate-court-rules-that-not-for-profit-corporation-law-creates-a-private-right-action-against-an-employer-for-retaliation-for-whistleblowing/): On December 9, 2020, the Appellate Division, Second Department, reversing Nassau County Supreme Court, became the first appellate level court in New York - [Returning to College from Winter Break and the New College COVID Regulations](https://oalaw.com/blog/student-defense/returning-to-college-from-winter-break-and-the-new-college-covid-regulations/): If you are a college student who is starting the spring semester, you should know that your college is strictly enforcing its COVID-related rules and - [O’Connell and Aronowitz Names New Partners](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oconnell-and-aronowitz-names-new-partners/): O’Connell and Aronowitz, one of the Capital District’s largest, locally owned, full-service law firms, announces the promotion of attorneys Chad A. - [Criminal Investigations Into COVID-19 Fraud](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/criminal-investigations-into-covid-19-fraud/): Criminal investigations into COVID-19 related benefit fraud are on the rise and are likely to be a regular part of the Department of Justice’s case list - [Steve Coffey and Pamela Nichols Win Substantial Settlement In Federal Court For Child Victims Act Case](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/steve-coffey-and-pamela-nichols-win-substantial-settlement-in-federal-court-for-child-victims-act-case/): Personal Injury Attorneys Steve Coffey and Pamela Nichols successfully settled a case on March 1, 2022 for a Williamstown woman, Ashley Benson, against - [Kelly J. Mikullitz and Matthew J. Dorsey named Senior Shareholders at O&A](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/kelly-j-mikullitz-and-matthew-j-dorsey-named-senior-shareholders-at-oa/): O’Connell and Aronowitz, one of the Capital District’s largest, locally owned, full-service law firms, announces the promotion of attorneys Kelly J. - [O&A Recognized as a 2022 Top Workplace](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oa-recognized-as-a-2022-top-workplace/): We are proud to announce that O'Connell and Aronowitz has been named a 2022 Top Workplace by the Times Union. - [What is Elder Law? A Complete Guide](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/what-is-elder-law-a-complete-guide/): Elder law concerns legal matters related to seniors and their families. - [Eliminating Kickbacks In Recovery Act – Update](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/eliminating-kickbacks-in-recovery-act-update/): Since the enactment of the Eliminating Kickbacks In Recovery Act (EKRA) in October of 2018, many have waited in anticipation for clarification on the reach - [10 Things to Know about Marijuana Legalization in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/marijuana-is-legal/): New York State recently legalized marijuana through legislation that permits the commercial sale of “cannabis” products, expansion of medical cannabis, and - [What is Probate and How Does it Work?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/what-is-probate-and-how-does-it-work/): The Secrets of the Probate Process in New York There is a great deal of misunderstanding and misinformation regarding probate proceedings in New York. - [The HIPAA Security Rule: Data Security Compliance For Health Care Providers​](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/hipaa-security-rule-data-security-compliance-for-health-care-providers/): It is becoming increasingly common for healthcare providers and affiliated entities to store protected health information in electronic form. - [New York State Health Care Worker Bonus Program](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-york-state-health-care-worker-bonus-program/): Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, health care workers across the country are working tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of millions of - [What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need?](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/what-kind-of-lawyer-do-i-need/): How to Find the Best Legal Representation Whether you are a plaintiff or defendant, whenever a legal emergency arises - do you know what kind of lawyer you - [How Healthcare Lawyers Help Protect Medical Organizations](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/how-healthcare-lawyers-help-protect-medical-organizations/): Due to the nature of the healthcare industry, medical practices and organizations are often at risk legally and financially. - [Super Lawyers Recognizes Ten O’Connell and Aronowitz Attorneys for Excellence](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/super-lawyers-recognizes-ten-oconnell-and-aronowitz-attorneys-for-excellence/): O’Connell and Aronowitz is proud to announce that ten of its attorneys were named to the 2022 Upstate New York Super Lawyers list. - [Planning Techniques for Blended Families - How to Protect Everyone's Interests](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/planning-techniques-for-blended-families/): As estate planning attorneys, we often work with what has become known as “blended families”. - [How Will a Divorce Affect Me Financially?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/how-will-a-divorce-affect-me-financially/): Issues to Consider There are many financial issues to consider when involved in an Action for Divorce, and there are many legal steps available to protect - [Supported Decision-Making as an Alternative to Guardianship](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/supported-decision-making-as-an-alternative-to-guardianship/): Increased Autonomy and Control for the Disabled Earlier this year, Article 82 of the New York Mental Hygiene Law (Article 82) became law, allowing for - [Death and Taxes - Questions and Answers on Estate and Gift Taxes](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/death-and-taxes-questions-and-answers-on-estate-and-gift-taxes/): Find out Whether your Loved Ones Will have to Pay the Tax Man There is a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to estate and gift taxes. - [OA Alert: Supreme Court to Address the FCA Scienter Standard](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/oa-alert-supreme-court-to-address-the-fca-scienter-standard/): FCA Background The False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729 et seq. (“FCA”), prohibits persons from “knowingly” submitting false claims or making materially - [Protecting the Family Home Against Nursing Home Costs](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/protecting-the-family-home-against-nursing-home-costs/): Preserving Your Most Important Asset I am often asked about options to protect the family home in the event a client has to enter a nursing home. - [How Your Will Controls Your Assets After You Pass Away](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/how-your-will-controls-your-assets-after-you-pass-away/): The Difference Between Probate and Non-Probate Assets People sometimes come to me unsure about the distinction between probate and non-probate assets. - [Medical Decision Making In Your Estate Plan: The Documents You Need and How They Work](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/medical-decision-making-in-your-estate-plan-the-documents-you-need-and-how-they-work/): Medical decision-making, especially in times of crisis, can be fraught with challenges. - [Power of Attorney Questions and Answers](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/power-of-attorney-questions-and-answers/): As I have written on these pages before, a power of attorney is arguably the most important document in your estate plan - other than your will or trust. - [Alert: Opportunity for Health Care Providers to Give Policy Input to State Officials](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/alert-opportunity-for-health-care-providers-to-give-policy-input-to-state-officials/): In Executive Order 23, Governor Kathy Hochul directed the State Department of Health (“DOH”) to coordinate with the newly formed State Office for the Aging - [What is a Trust and Do You Need One?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/what-is-a-trust-and-do-you-need-one/): How a Trust Can Be Part of Your Plan There is a great deal of misinformation and misunderstanding about what a Trust is and how it can potentially be part - [Medicaid Planning Flexibility with Irrevocable Trusts- Does irrevocable mean no changes are possible?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/medicaid-planning-flexibility-with-irrevocable-trusts-does-irrevocable-mean-no-changes-are-possible/): I have discussed the use of Irrevocable Trusts in the past to facilitate asset preservation strategies for Medicaid Planning. - [New US HHS OIG Compliance Guidance Tool](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/new-us-hhs-oig-compliance-guidance-tool/): On November 6th, 2023, the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) released its new General Compliance Program - [Is All Forgiven by Corporations Coming Clean? The U.S. Department of Justice Unveils Its New Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/is-all-forgiven-by-corporations-coming-clean-the-u-s-department-of-justice-unveils-its-new-voluntary-self-disclosure-policy/): On February 22, 2023, U.S. Attorneys for the Southern District of New York and Eastern District of New York Damian Williams and Breon Peace revealed a new - [Challenging the Probate of a Last Will and Testament Your Right to a Hearing Before Objections](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/challenging-the-probate-of-a-last-will-and-testament-your-right-to-a-hearing-before-objections/): I have previously written in these pages about challenges to a Last Will and Testament. - [Estate Planning for Parents with Young Children Key Things to Consider to Protect Your Loved Ones](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/estate-planning-for-parents-with-young-children-key-things-to-consider-to-protect-your-loved-ones/): Estate planning for parents with young children presents a variety of challenges and opportunities. - [The Ins and Outs of Small Estate Proceedings: A Simplified Process Under New York Law](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/the-ins-and-outs-of-small-estate-proceedings-a-simplified-process-under-new-york-law/): When someone dies in New York State and has property titled in their name, there generally has to be a probate proceeding or intestate administration - [Dying Without a Will in the State of New York - What Determines Who Receives Your Assets?](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/dying-without-a-will-in-the-state-of-new-york-what-determines-who-receives-your-assets/): What are the laws of intestate succession? What your family inherits under the rules of intestate succession are determined by section 4-1. - [Division of Pension / Retirement Benefits Upon A Divorce](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/division-of-pension-retirement-benefits-upon-a-divorce/): When spouses in New York State get divorced, all marital assets and liabilities are to be equitably divided, whether by negotiated written settlement - [ATTENTION MEDICAID PROVIDERS: UPDATED Policy on Loss of Records Due to an Unforeseen Event](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-medicaid-providers-updated-policy-on-loss-of-records-due-to-an-unforeseen-event/): Have you lost some or all of your Medicaid provider records due to an unforeseen event? All may not be lost. - [Bankruptcy Law FAQs](https://oalaw.com/blog/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-law-faqs/): Read answers to common bankruptcy law questions from O'Connell and Aronowitz, including what to expect when evaluating debt relief options. - [Trust & Estate Law FAQs](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/trust-estate-law-faqs/): What is a trust and how does it work? A trust is a legal relationship in which one person (the trustor, settlor, or grantor) transfers ownership of - [ATTENTION HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS: U.S. Department of Labor Revises the Independent Contractor Classification Rule](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-health-care-providers-u-s-department-of-labor-revises-the-independent-contractor-classification-rule/): On January 9, 2024, the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor (“USDOL”) issued a Final Rule modifying the applicable regulations to - [Divorce Law FAQs](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/divorce-law-faqs/): How do I file for divorce in New York? To commence an action for divorce in New York, you must follow these steps: Determine whether you meet the state's - [GIFT CARDS: Can You Use Them in Your Health Care Business?](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/gift-cards-can-you-use-them-in-your-health-care-business/): Health Law US HHS OIG Advisory Opinion No. 23-15 On January 3, 2024, The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General - [Chevron Deference and Its Impact on the Health Care Industry](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/chevron-deference-and-its-impact-on-the-health-care-industry/): Health Law On January 17, 2024, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments on two cases that could have potentially far-reaching impacts on the - [Getting Your Estate Plan in Place](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/getting-your-estate-plan-in-place/): Six steps to successful estate planning- Getting your estate plan in place is sometimes known innocuously as “doing estate planning” or more ominously as. - [New Attorneys Join O’Connell and Aronowitz](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/new-attorneys-join-oconnell-and-aronowitz-2/): Four new attorneys have joined the law firm of O’Connell and Aronowitz, firm President Michael McDermott announced. - [The Federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act’s Accommodation Demands on Employers: What You Should Know](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/the-federal-pregnant-workers-fairness-acts-accommodation-demands-on-employers-what-you-should-know/): Health Law On June 27, 2023, the United States Congress passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) in an effort to expand protections for employees - [The Ins and Outs of Closing Estates in New York - The Difference Between Informal and Formal Closure](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/the-ins-and-outs-of-closing-estates-in-new-york-the-difference-between-informal-and-formal-closure/): If you have ever served as an Executor or Administrator of an estate, then you know at the end of the process that you need to take steps to close the - [Thirteen O’Connell and Aronowitz Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/thirteen-oconnell-and-aronowitz-attorneys-recognized-by-super-lawyers/): O’Connell and Aronowitz is proud to announce that ten of its attorneys have been named to the 2024 Upstate New York Super Lawyers list, with an additional - [The End of Chevron Deference and Its Impact on the Health Care Industry](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/the-end-of-chevron-deference-and-its-impact-on-the-health-care-industry/): SCOTUS's end to Chevron deference impacts health care by requiring courts, not agencies, to interpret ambiguous statutes, bringing more regulatory - [Public Health Law Section 18-c: New Consent Rules and Industry Confusion](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/phl-section-18c-new-consent-rules-and-industry-confusion/): NYSDOH's new amendment now mandates, under Public Health Law Section 18-c, that healthcare providers must obtain separate consents for treatment and - [Adultery No Longer A Crime in New York State](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/adultery-no-longer-a-crime-in-new-york-state/): In November 2024, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law repealing the statute that had made the commission of adultery a misdemeanor. - [Inherited Retirement Account Withdrawal Rules](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/inherited-retirement-account-withdrawal-rules/): Inherited Retirement Account Withdrawal Rules - Trust & Estates Law - O’Connell & Aronowitz - Providing high-quality legal advice to our clients since - [Reflections on an Inspiring Week at the American Association for Justice Convention](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/reflections-on-an-inspiring-week-at-the-american-association-for-justice-convention/): A huge thank you to the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for hosting another exceptional convention. - [The Different Types of Guardianship in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/guardianship/the-different-types-of-guardianship-in-new-york/): A Primer for Understanding the Options I have had a lot of questions lately from clients about guardianships in New York. - [O’Connell and Aronowitz Named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Times Union in Its 100th Year](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oconnell-and-aronowitz-named-a-2025-top-workplace-by-the-times-union-in-its-100th-year/): O’Connell and Aronowitz is proud to be named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Times Union during our 100th anniversary. - [Separation of Siblings by a Court Order](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/separation-of-siblings-by-a-court-order/): Child Custody & Visitation - Providing high-quality legal advice to our clients since 1925. - [ATTENTION MEDICARE PROVIDERS: Important Revisions to the 60 Day Overpayment Repayment and Report Rule](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/attention-medicare-providers-important-revisions-to-the-60-day-overpayment-repayment-and-report-rule/): O’Connell & Aronowitz - Important Revisions to the 60 Day Overpayment Repayment and Report Rule. - [An Overview of New York State Courts](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/an-overview-of-new-york-state-courts/): The Family Courts in New York State are trial courts that can hear only specific types of cases, including those related to the abuse or neglect of - [Medical Malpractice: Step-by-Step Legal Response Guide](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/medical-malpractice-step-by-step-legal-response-guide/): When medical care goes wrong, the consequences can be life-altering. Patients place a deep level of trust in healthcare professionals, and when that trust - [Understanding the ADA: A Legal Resource](https://oalaw.com/blog/labor-employment-law/understanding-the-ada-a-legal-resource/): The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) plays a critical role in protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities while setting clear expectations - [Understanding Child Support: A Guide for Parents](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/understanding-child-support-a-guide-for-parents/): As the school year approaches, many families begin to think about new routines, expenses, and responsibilities. For parents who share custody or parenting. - [Will your child be represented by an attorney in your custody dispute with the other parent?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/will-your-child-be-represented-by-an-attorney-in-your-custody-dispute-with-the-other-parent/): In a custody dispute, either within a Supreme Court Action for Divorce or in Family Court, the court has the option to appoint an attorney to represent - [Legal Protection Toolkit for Domestic Violence Survivors - New York State](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/legal-protection-toolkit-for-domestic-violence-survivors-new-york-state/): Protect yourself with our New York domestic violence legal toolkit. Learn about orders of protection, custody rights, & safety resources from expert - [Are the details of your matrimonial actions and proceedings private?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/are-the-details-of-your-matrimonial-actions-and-proceedings-private/): New York State law provides that documents filed with a court or a court clerk in a matrimonial action (divorce, separation, or annulment) or in a - [Legal Rights in the Workplace: A Guide for Employers Supporting Employees with Breast Cancer](https://oalaw.com/blog/labor-employment-law/legal-rights-in-the-workplace-a-guide-for-employers-supporting-employees-with-breast-cancer/): Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute, and many individuals continue their - [Guide: Charitable Giving & Estate Planning–A Legal Checklist](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/estate-planning/guide-charitable-giving-estate-planning-a-legal-checklist/): Charitable giving is a meaningful way to leave a lasting impact, support causes that reflect your values, and create a legacy that endures beyond your - [Changes to New York State Income Cap Figures](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/changes-to-new-york-state-income-cap-figures/): New York updates 2026 income caps for child support ($193K) and spousal maintenance ($241K). - [What If A Parent Fails To Pay Child Support?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/child-support/what-if-a-parent-fails-to-pay-child-support/): Once child support has been established by Court Order, the parent required to pay child support must do so as long as the child support order is in - [O’Connell & Aronowitz Named a 2026 Top Workplace by the Times Union](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oconnell-aronowitz-named-a-2026-top-workplace-by-the-times-union/): We are proud to announce that O’Connell & Aronowitz has been named a 2026 Top Workplace by the Times Union — marking our seventh consecutive year and - [LGBTQ+ Family Law in New York: Adoption, Custody, and Legal Protections](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/lgbtq-family-law-in-new-york-adoption-custody-and-legal-protections/): New York is one of the most legally protective states in the country for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Whether you are planning to adopt, navigating a. - [Times Union names O’Connell and Aronowitz a Winner of the Capital District Top Workplaces 2024 Award](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/times-union-names-oconnell-and-aronowitz-a-winner-of-the-capital-district-top-workplaces-2024-award/): O'Connell and Aronowitz has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2024 honor by The Times Union Top Workplaces. - [ATTENTION HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS: USDOJ Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/usdoj-evaluation-of-corporate-compliance-programs/): DOJ's 2024 evaluation guides on corporate compliance programs, impacting criminal charges, plea deals, and settlements in corporate misconduct cases. - [Federal Court Explains “Willfulness” Excludes Good Faith Acts Under the Criminal Anti-Kickback Statute](https://oalaw.com/blog/health-law/federal-court-explains-willfulness-excludes-good-faith-acts-under-the-criminal-anti-kickback-statute/): Federal Court Explains “Willfulness” Excludes Good Faith Acts Under the Criminal Anti-Kickback Statute - [O'Connell & Aronowitz Attorneys Preserved a $700k Victory for Local Client](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oconnell-aronowitz-attorneys-preserved-a-700k-victory-for-local-client/): On May 1, 2025, O’Connell & Aronowitz attorneys Fran Smith and Dan Tuczinski preserved a major appellate victory. - [Estate Planning Toolkit for Families](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/estate-planning-toolkit-for-families/): Protect your family’s future with our essential estate planning toolkit. Learn about wills, trusts, & power of attorney from our experienced attorneys. - [Commuters, Business Travelers Face New Dangers, Shrinking Legal Rights](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/commuters-business-travelers-face-new-dangers-shrinking-legal-rights/): Explore the evolving legal challenges for commuters and business travelers. Learn how shrinking legal rights impact personal injury claims in New York. - [Child Victims Act in New York: Bringing Justice to Survivors](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/child-victims-act-in-new-york-bringing-justice-to-survivors/): Understand the Child Victims Act in New York. Learn how this legislation helps survivors of childhood abuse seek justice through personal injury claims. - [Free End Distracted Driving Webinar for High School Students](https://oalaw.com/blog/accidents-personal-injury/free-end-distracted-driving-webinar-for-high-school-students/): Register for our free webinar to help end distracted driving. Essential safety education & legal insights for high school students & young drivers. - [O’Connell & Aronowitz Advises on $17.8 Million Sale of Homewood Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs](https://oalaw.com/blog/firm-news/oconnell-aronowitz-advises-on-17-8-million-sale-of-homewood-suites-by-hilton-saratoga-springs/): O’Connell & Aronowitz is pleased to announce that attorneys Steven G.Thomas, Esq., Graig F. Zappia, Esq., James D. Wighaus and Nicholas M. Cervini - [WHAT IS A “RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL”?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/what-is-a-right-of-first-refusal/): A right of first refusal is a contractual right that can be found in many areas of the law, but particularly in custody matters. - [Succession Planning Guide for Business Owners](https://oalaw.com/blog/business-law-transactions/succession-planning-guide-for-business-owners-2/): Protecting your business legacy — and the people who depend on it. For many business owners, your company is not just your livelihood — it is your legacy. - [Transfer on Death Deeds in New York](https://oalaw.com/blog/trust-estates-law/transfer-on-death-deeds-in-new-york/): A New Way to Transfer Your Property - Earlier this year, a new type of deed for the transfer of real estate was authorized in New York. ## Pages - [Home](https://oalaw.com/): OA Law attorneys serve clients across Albany, Saratoga Springs, and New York with trusted legal counsel since 1925. - [Employment Opportunities](https://oalaw.com/about/employment-opportunities/): Explore legal career opportunities at O'Connell and Aronowitz, a respected New York law firm focused on client service. - [Disclaimers](https://oalaw.com/disclaimers/): Thank you for visiting the O’Connell and Aronowitz website. The content of this website has been prepared by O’Connell and Aronowitz (“the firm”) for - [People](https://oalaw.com/people/) - [Accessibility Commitment](https://oalaw.com/accessibility-commitment/): Read O'Connell and Aronowitz's accessibility commitment and learn how the firm supports equal website access for users. - [About Us](https://oalaw.com/about/): Learn about OA Law, a New York law firm serving individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with trusted counsel since 1925. - [Sitemap](https://oalaw.com/sitemap/): Browse the O'Connell and Aronowitz sitemap to find practice areas, attorney profiles, legal blogs, and office locations. - [In The Community](https://oalaw.com/about/in-the-community/): See how O'Connell and Aronowitz supports the community through service, outreach, and local partnerships. - [Thank You For Signing Up](https://oalaw.com/newsletter/thank-you/): Thank you for signing up for updates from O'Connell & Aronowitz, a New York law firm serving clients since 1925. - [Criminal Defense](https://oalaw.com/lp/criminal-defense/): Speak with an experienced New York criminal defense attorney about charges, investigations, hearings, and urgent defense options. - [Thank You For Contacting Us](https://oalaw.com/contact/thank-you/): Thank you for contacting O'Connell & Aronowitz. 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Subscribe to the O’Connell & Aronowitz newsletter and get valuable content delivered - [Practice Areas](https://oalaw.com/practice-areas/): Explore OA Law practice areas, including injury, health, business, family, criminal, bankruptcy, employment, and estate law. - [Industries](https://oalaw.com/industries/): Discover how O’Connell & Aronowitz serves key industries across New York, offering tailored legal solutions for healthcare, education, nonprofits, and - [Locations We Serve](https://oalaw.com/locations-we-serve/): Proudly serving clients across New York State. Explore the regions O’Connell & Aronowitz covers with trusted legal representation in diverse practice - [Statement of Client Rights](https://oalaw.com/about/statement-of-client-rights/): Understand your legal rights as a client. Review the official Statement of Client Rights upheld by O’Connell & Aronowitz to ensure fair and ethical - [End Distracted Driving Campaign](https://oalaw.com/about/in-the-community/end-distracted-driving-campaign/): O’Connell & Aronowitz proudly supports the End Distracted Driving campaign—educating teens and families to make our roads safer through awareness and - [Medicaid and Medicare Compliance and Self-Disclosure](https://oalaw.com/medicaid-medicare-compliance-self-disclosure/): Medicaid and Medicare providers often have a need for regulatory interpretation to better understand the myriad of requirements confronting them in their - [Navigating Health Care Provider Audits and Investigations](https://oalaw.com/navigating-health-care-provider-audits-and-investigations/): Facing a healthcare audit or investigation? Learn how providers can respond effectively and protect their practice with guidance from experienced - [Essential Tips for Drivers: What's Next?](https://oalaw.com/essential-tips-for-drivers-whats-next/): Know your rights after a traffic stop or arrest. Learn essential legal tips for drivers and what to expect next from experienced criminal defense - [Thank You for Reaching Out to Us](https://oalaw.com/lp/thank-you/): We’ve received your information and understand how important your situation is. - [Our History](https://oalaw.com/about/our-history/): With roots dating back to 1925, O’Connell & Aronowitz has built a legacy of legal excellence, client advocacy, and community service across New York. - [LGBTQ Advocacy](https://oalaw.com/about/lgbtq-advocacy/): Dedicated to equality and justice, our attorneys provide compassionate, informed legal support for LGBTQ+ individuals across a wide range of legal issues. - [Laboratories](https://oalaw.com/laboratories/): Comprehensive legal services for clinical and forensic laboratories, including regulatory compliance, licensing, audits, and business operations guidance. - [Pro Bono Legal Services](https://oalaw.com/about/in-the-community/pro-bono-legal-services/): Committed to justice for all, our attorneys provide pro bono legal services to individuals and nonprofits in need across New York communities. ## Testimonials - [Luke B.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/luke-b/): Read Luke B.'s testimonial about working with O'Connell and Aronowitz and the firm's client-focused legal service. - [Thomas G.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/thomas-g/): Read Thomas G.'s testimonial about working with O'Connell and Aronowitz and the firm's client-focused legal service. - [Dan M.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/dan-m/): Read Dan M.'s testimonial about working with O'Connell and Aronowitz and the firm's client-focused legal service. - [Cathy P.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/cathy-p/): Read Cathy P.'s testimonial about working with O'Connell and Aronowitz and the firm's client-focused legal service. - [Nancy B.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/nancy-b/): Pam Nichols was professional, but warm and easy to talk to. She put me at ease, especially when we ran into roadblocks that had to be tackled along the - [Rich D.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/rich-d/): Steve Coffey is a lawyer's lawyer. He brings into the courtroom absolutely amazing trial skills and will fight to the bitter end to get you everything you - [Stacy F.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/stacy-f/): I want to share my extraordinary experience with O’Connell and Aronowitz, specifically Tom DiNovo and his staff. - [Kelly H.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/kelly-h/): O'Connell and Aronowitz guided me through all legal aspects of organizing a PLLC and navigating complicated health care and HIPAA laws. - [Joe M.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/joe-m/): Corporate filings and lease negotiations with Bob Koshgarian and his professional team was first class. - [Nick C.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/nick-c/): I was fortunate to find Mike McDermott who represented me in cases involving unfortunate events. - [Karen](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/karen/): I was going through a divorce Kelly, Jess and everyone at this firm was more then helpful. - [NormaJoy L.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/normajoy-l/): Florence Richardson is compassionate, supremely intelligent and a beautifully composed lawyer. - [Krysti L.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/krysti-l/): My family was fortunate to be referred to O'Connell & Aronowitz for legal matters. They were helpful, friendly, and professional. - [Tia T.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/tia-t/): O'Connell and Aronowitz has been my attorney for years. From helping me with my late husband's estate issues to preparing my personal estate, I would - [Erin B.](https://oalaw.com/blog/testimonial/erin-b/): Pam Nichols was professional - but warm and easy to talk to. She put me at ease during the entire process of resolving our claim, especially when we ran ## People - [James D. Wighaus](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/james-d-wighaus/): Learn about James D. Wighaus, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Colin D. Green](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/colin-d-green/): Learn about Colin D. Green, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [David R. Ross](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/david-r-ross/): Learn about David R. Ross, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Ellis A. Lockhart](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/ellis-a-lockhart/): Ellis is an associate at O’Connell & Aronowitz, helping clients navigate divorce, family and matrimonial law matters with care and practical guidance. - [Edward F. (Ted) Murphy](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/edward-f-murphy/): Edward “Ted” Murphy is Of Counsel at O’Connell & Aronowitz, representing clients in divorce, family and matrimonial law matters. - [Anna R. Myers Norton](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/anna-r-myers/): Learn about Anna R. Myers Norton, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [William F. Berglund](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/william-f-berglund/): Learn about William F. Berglund, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Matthew J. Dorsey](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/matthew-j-dorsey/): Learn about Matthew J. Dorsey, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Kurt E. Bratten](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/kurt-e-bratten/): Learn about Kurt E. Bratten, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Jenna M. DiBenedetto](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/jenna-m-dibenedetto/): Learn about Jenna M. DiBenedetto, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Brian M. Culnan](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/brian-m-culnan/): Learn about Brian M. Culnan, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Thomas J. DiNovo](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/thomas-j-dinovo/): Learn about Thomas J. DiNovo, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Stephen R. Coffey](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/stephen-r-coffey/): Learn about Stephen R. Coffey, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Richard S. Harrow](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/richard-s-harrow/): Learn about Richard S. Harrow, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Peter A. Pastore](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/peter-a-pastore/): Learn about Peter A. Pastore, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Pamela A. Nichols](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/pamela-a-nichols/): Learn about Pamela A. Nichols, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Michael P. McDermott](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/michael-p-mcdermott/): Learn about Michael P. McDermott, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Allen F. Light](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/allen-f-light/): Learn about Allen F. Light, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Mary T. Aperance](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/mary-t-aperance/): Health law attorney Mary Aperance counsels healthcare providers on regulatory compliance, transactions, audits, overpayments, and payer disputes. - [Karen Martino Valle](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/karen-martino-valle/): Learn about Karen Martino Valle, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Jeffrey J. Sherrin](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/jeffrey-j-sherrin/): Learn about Jeffrey J. Sherrin, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Graig F. Zappia](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/graig-f-zappia/): Learn about Graig F. Zappia, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Florence M. Richardson](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/florence-m-richardson/): Learn about Florence M. Richardson, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Cornelius D. Murray](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/cornelius-d-murray/): Learn about Cornelius D. Murray, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Michael Y. Hawrylchak](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/michael-y-hawrylchak/): Learn about Michael Y. Hawrylchak, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Kevin Laurilliard](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/kevin-laurilliard/): Learn about Kevin Laurilliard, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Cristina Commisso](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/cristina-commisso/): Learn about Cristina Commisso, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Holly Vegas](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/holly-vegas/): Learn about Holly Vegas, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Steven G. Thomas](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/steven-g-thomas/): Learn about Steven G. Thomas, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. - [Nicholas M. Cervini](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/nicholas-m-cervini/): Learn about Nicholas M. Cervini, an OA Law attorney serving clients across New York with trusted legal counsel and practical guidance. ## Locations - [Lawyers in Saratoga Springs, NY](https://oalaw.com/locations/saratoga-springs-ny/): Need a lawyer in Lawyers in Saratoga Springs? OA Law serves individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with trusted legal counsel across New. - [Lawyers in Latham, NY](https://oalaw.com/locations/lawyers-in-latham-ny/): Need a lawyer in Lawyers in Latham? OA Law serves individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with trusted legal counsel across New York. - [Lawyers in Albany, NY](https://oalaw.com/locations/albany-ny/): Need a lawyer in Lawyers in Albany? OA Law serves individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with trusted legal counsel across New York. - [Utica, NY](https://oalaw.com/locations/utica-ny/): Need a lawyer in Utica? OA Law serves individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with trusted legal counsel across New York. - [Kingston, NY](https://oalaw.com/locations/kingston-ny/): Need a lawyer in Kingston? OA Law serves individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with trusted legal counsel across New York. - [Plattsburgh, NY](https://oalaw.com/locations/plattsburgh-ny/): Need a lawyer in Plattsburgh? OA Law serves individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with trusted legal counsel across New York. - [Syracuse, NY](https://oalaw.com/locations/syracuse-ny/): Need a lawyer in Syracuse? OA Law serves individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with trusted legal counsel across New York. - [Schenectady, NY](https://oalaw.com/locations/schenectady-ny/): Need a lawyer in Schenectady? OA Law serves individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with trusted legal counsel across New York. - [Troy, NY](https://oalaw.com/locations/troy-ny/): Need a lawyer in Troy? OA Law serves individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with trusted legal counsel across New York. - [New York City, NY](https://oalaw.com/locations/new-work-city-ny/): Need a lawyer in New York City? OA Law serves individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with trusted legal counsel across New York. - [Lawyers in Queensbury, NY](https://oalaw.com/locations/lawyers-in-queensbury-ny/): Need a lawyer in Lawyers in Queensbury? OA Law serves individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with trusted legal counsel across New York. ## Results - [43.5 Million Recovered](https://oalaw.com/results/43-5-million-recovered/): Review O'Connell and Aronowitz's $43.5 million recovery and our experience in high-value injury litigation. - [1.5 Million Settlement](https://oalaw.com/results/1-5-million-settlement/): Review O'Connell and Aronowitz's $1.5 million settlement and our experience pursuing injury claims in New York. - [800K Verdict](https://oalaw.com/results/800k-verdict/): Review O'Connell and Aronowitz's $800K verdict and our experience pursuing personal injury claims in New York. - [Not Guilty Verdict](https://oalaw.com/results/not-guilty-verdict/): Review a not guilty verdict and O'Connell and Aronowitz's experience defending clients in criminal cases. - [Not Guilty Verdict Ulster County](https://oalaw.com/results/not-guilty-verdict-ulster-county/): Review a not guilty verdict in Ulster County and O'Connell and Aronowitz's criminal defense experience in New York. - [Not Guilty Verdict Federal prosecution](https://oalaw.com/results/not-guilty-verdict-federal-prosecution/): Review a not guilty verdict in federal prosecution and O'Connell and Aronowitz's criminal defense experience. - [15.4 Million Verdict](https://oalaw.com/results/15-4-million-verdict/): Review O'Connell and Aronowitz's $15.4 million verdict and our experience litigating serious injury cases in New York. - [20.5 million verdict](https://oalaw.com/results/20-5-million-verdict/): Review O'Connell & Aronowitz's $20.5 million verdict and our experience litigating catastrophic injury claims in New York. - [11 Million Recovered](https://oalaw.com/results/11-million-recovered/): Review O'Connell & Aronowitz's $11 million recovery and our experience pursuing serious personal injury claims in New York. - [6.3 Million Settlement](https://oalaw.com/results/6-3-million-verdict/): Review O'Connell & Aronowitz's $6.3 million settlement result and our experience pursuing personal injury claims in New York. - [6 million verdict](https://oalaw.com/results/6-million-verdict/): Review O'Connell & Aronowitz's $6 million verdict result and our experience litigating personal injury claims in New York. - [6 Million Recovered](https://oalaw.com/results/6-million-recovered/): Review O'Connell & Aronowitz's $6 million recovery and our experience pursuing serious personal injury claims in New York. - [4.5 Million Verdict](https://oalaw.com/results/4-5-million-verdict/): Review O'Connell & Aronowitz's $4.5 million verdict result and our experience litigating personal injury claims in New York. - [2.2 Million Verdict](https://oalaw.com/results/2-2-million-verdict/): Review O'Connell & Aronowitz's $2.2 million verdict result and our experience litigating personal injury claims in New York. - [5 Million Settlement](https://oalaw.com/results/5-million-settlement/): Review O'Connell & Aronowitz's $5 million settlement result and our experience pursuing personal injury claims in New York. - [3.3 Million Settlement](https://oalaw.com/results/3-3-million-settlement/): Review O'Connell & Aronowitz's $3.3 million settlement result and our experience pursuing personal injury claims in New York. - [4 Million Settlement](https://oalaw.com/results/4-million-settlement/): Review O'Connell & Aronowitz's $4 million settlement result and our experience pursuing personal injury claims in New York. - [Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts](https://oalaw.com/results/multi-million-dollar-verdicts/): Our Lead Litigation Group is one of the largest in Upstate NY. We have secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements in upstate New York including - [Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts Child Victims Act in 2019](https://oalaw.com/results/multi-million-dollar-verdicts-child-victims-act-in-2019/): Since New York State’s passage of the Child Victims Act in 2019, our Personal Injury Litigation team has won countless verdicts for survivors of child ## Practices - [Creditors' Rights, Collections & Recovery](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/creditors-rights-collections-recovery/): Experienced New York attorneys representing businesses in creditors' rights, collections, and recovery matters. Contact O'Connell & Aronowitz. - [Sexual Abuse & Assault](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/sexual-assault-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Sexual Abuse & Assault matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Child Custody FAQ's](https://oalaw.com/practices/family-divorce-lawyer-ny/child-custody-faq-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Child Custody FAQ's matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Spousal Maintenance](https://oalaw.com/practices/family-divorce-lawyer-ny/spousal-maintenance-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Spousal Maintenance matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Separation Agreements](https://oalaw.com/practices/family-divorce-lawyer-ny/separation-agreement-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Separation Agreements matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Property Division](https://oalaw.com/practices/family-divorce-lawyer-ny/property-division-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Property Division matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Prenuptial Agreements](https://oalaw.com/practices/family-divorce-lawyer-ny/prenuptial-agreement-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Prenuptial Agreements matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Grandparents' Rights](https://oalaw.com/practices/family-divorce-lawyer-ny/grandparents-rights-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Grandparents' Rights matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Equitable Distribution Marital Assets / Liabilities](https://oalaw.com/practices/family-divorce-lawyer-ny/equitable-distribution-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Equitable Distribution Marital Assets / Liabilities matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy. - [Divorce](https://oalaw.com/practices/family-divorce-lawyer-ny/divorce-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Divorce matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Child Support](https://oalaw.com/practices/family-divorce-lawyer-ny/child-support-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Child Support matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Child Custody & Visitation](https://oalaw.com/practices/family-divorce-lawyer-ny/child-custody-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Child Custody & Visitation matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Divorce | Family | Matrimonial](https://oalaw.com/practices/family-divorce-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Divorce | Family | Matrimonial matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [FAQ - Sealing Criminal Records](https://oalaw.com/practices/criminal-defense-lawyer-ny/seal-criminal-records-ny/): OA Law helps clients with FAQ - Sealing Criminal Records matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [FAQ - NYS Criminal Court Appearances](https://oalaw.com/practices/criminal-defense-lawyer-ny/ny-criminal-court-faq/): OA Law helps clients with FAQ - NYS Criminal Court Appearances matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [FAQ - Bail & Release From Jail](https://oalaw.com/practices/criminal-defense-lawyer-ny/bail-release-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with FAQ - Bail & Release From Jail matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [White Collar Crimes](https://oalaw.com/practices/criminal-defense-lawyer-ny/white-collar-crime-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with White Collar Crimes matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Weapons Charges](https://oalaw.com/practices/criminal-defense-lawyer-ny/weapons-charges-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Weapons Charges matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Drug Defense Lawyers](https://oalaw.com/practices/criminal-defense-lawyer-ny/drug-crime-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Drug Defense Lawyers matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Driving Offenses](https://oalaw.com/practices/criminal-defense-lawyer-ny/traffic-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Driving Offenses matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Criminal Defense](https://oalaw.com/practices/criminal-defense-lawyer-ny/): O'Connell and Aronowitz criminal defense lawyers protect clients' rights and reputations in investigations, charges, trials, and appeals across New York. - [Accidents & Catastrophic Personal Injuries](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Accidents & Catastrophic Personal Injuries matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal. - [Student Defense](https://oalaw.com/practices/student-defense/): O'Connell and Aronowitz helps students and families respond to school discipline, college conduct proceedings, Title IX matters, and related charges. - [Student Defense](https://oalaw.com/practices/criminal-defense-lawyer-ny/student-defense-lawyer-ny/): Student defense lawyers representing New York students in disciplinary, Title IX, campus misconduct, academic, and criminal-related matters. - [Criminal Appeals & Litigation](https://oalaw.com/practices/criminal-defense-lawyer-ny/criminal-appeals-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Criminal Appeals & Litigation matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Wrongful Death Lawyer](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/wrongful-death-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Wrongful Death Lawyer matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Truck Accidents](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/truck-accident-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Truck Accidents matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [FAQ - Student Defense](https://oalaw.com/practices/criminal-defense-lawyer-ny/student-defense-lawyer-ny/student-defense-faq-ny/): Review student defense FAQs on campus discipline, school hearings, Title IX investigations, and when to contact a New York defense attorney. - [Sports, Amusement & Recreation Injuries](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/sports/): OA Law helps clients with Sports, Amusement & Recreation Injuries matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Premises Liability](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/premises-liability/): OA Law helps clients with Premises Liability matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Motorcycle Accident](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/motorcycle-accident-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Motorcycle Accident matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Medical Malpractice](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/medical-malpractice-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Medical Malpractice matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Dog Bites](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/dog-bite-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Dog Bites matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Defective Products](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/defective-products/): OA Law helps clients with Defective Products matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Dangerous Drugs & Defective Medical Devices](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/dangerous-drugs-defective-medical-devices/): OA Law helps clients with Dangerous Drugs & Defective Medical Devices matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy. - [Construction Site Injuries](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/construction-site-injury-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Construction Site Injuries matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Car Accident](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/car-accident-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Car Accident matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Brain Injuries](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/brain-injury-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Brain Injuries matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Birth Injuries](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/birth-injury-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Birth Injuries matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Construction Law](https://oalaw.com/practices/construction-lawyer-ny/): Work with New York construction lawyers on project disputes, claims, contracts, liens, and litigation involving owners, contractors, and developers. - [Commercial Financing](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/commercial-financing-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Commercial Financing matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Commercial & Corporate Transactions](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/corporate-commercial-transactions-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Commercial & Corporate Transactions matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Healthcare Transactions](https://oalaw.com/practices/health-law-attorney-ny/healthcare-transaction-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Healthcare Transactions matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Healthcare Consulting Group](https://oalaw.com/practices/health-law-attorney-ny/healthcare-consulting-group-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Healthcare Consulting Group matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Business Law & Transactions](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with business law and transactions in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Appellate Law](https://oalaw.com/practices/appellate-law/) - [Appeals & Critical Motions](https://oalaw.com/practices/appellate-law/appeals-critical-motions/): Strategic Advocacy when The Outcome Matters Most At O’Connell & Aronowitz, our Appeals & Critical Motions practice provides focused, high-level advocacy for clients and trial teams facing the most consequential stages of litigation. Some matters require full appellate representation after a judgment, order, or agency determination. Others require appellate-level analysis before the case reaches that - [Personal Litigation & Appeals](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/personal-litigation-appeals-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Personal Litigation & Appeals matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Commercial Litigation & Appeals](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/commercial-litigation-appeals-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Commercial Litigation & Appeals matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Retirement Account Divisions | QDRO](https://oalaw.com/practices/family-divorce-lawyer-ny/qdro-retirement-division-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Retirement Account Divisions | QDRO matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Labor & Employment Law](https://oalaw.com/practices/labor-employment-law/): OA Law helps clients with Labor & Employment Law matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Construction Law](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/construction-law-attorney-ny/): O'Connell and Aronowitz advises construction businesses on contracts, disputes, compliance, transactions, and risk management across New York. - [Professional Discipline](https://oalaw.com/practices/health-law-attorney-ny/professional-discipline/): OA Law helps clients with Professional Discipline matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Estate Planning and Elder Law](https://oalaw.com/practices/trusts-estates-law/): OA Law helps clients with Estate Planning and Elder Law matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Wills & Trusts](https://oalaw.com/practices/trusts-estates-law/wills-trusts/): OA Law helps clients with Wills & Trusts matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Estate Planning](https://oalaw.com/practices/trusts-estates-law/estate-planning/): OA Law helps clients with Estate Planning matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Elder Law](https://oalaw.com/practices/trusts-estates-law/elder-law/): OA Law helps clients with Elder Law matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Medicaid Planning & Asset Preservation](https://oalaw.com/practices/trusts-estates-law/medicaid-planning-asset-preservation/): OA Law helps clients with Medicaid Planning & Asset Preservation matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Estate & Trust Administration](https://oalaw.com/practices/trusts-estates-law/estate-trust-administration/): OA Law helps clients with Estate & Trust Administration matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Guardianship](https://oalaw.com/practices/trusts-estates-law/guardianship/): OA Law helps clients with Guardianship matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Real Estate Litigation](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/real-estate-litigation-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Real Estate Litigation matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Estate Litigation](https://oalaw.com/practices/trusts-estates-law/estate-litigation/): OA Law helps clients with Estate Litigation matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Cannabis Law FAQ](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/cannabis-law-faq-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Cannabis Law FAQ matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Estates and Trust FAQ's](https://oalaw.com/practices/trusts-estates-law/estates-and-trust-faqs/): OA Law helps clients with Estates and Trust FAQ's matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [FAQ - Student Defense](https://oalaw.com/practices/student-defense/faq-student-defense/): Find answers to student defense questions about school conduct cases, disciplinary hearings, appeals, and legal support for students and families. - [Commercial Real Estate](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/commercial-real-estate-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Commercial Real Estate matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Municipal Law](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/municipal-law-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Municipal Law matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Not-For-Profit](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/nonprofit-law-attorney-ny/): New York nonprofit law attorneys advising tax-exempt organizations on formation, governance, compliance, transactions, and operational matters. - [Succession Planning](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/business-succession-planning-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Succession Planning matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Taxation](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/tax-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Taxation matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Health Law](https://oalaw.com/practices/health-law-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Health Law matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Administrative & Regulatory](https://oalaw.com/practices/health-law-attorney-ny/healthcare-regulatory-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Administrative & Regulatory matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Data Security & Privacy](https://oalaw.com/practices/health-law-attorney-ny/healthcare-data-privacy-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Data Security & Privacy matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Medicaid, Medicare, and Third Party Payor Compliance](https://oalaw.com/practices/health-law-attorney-ny/medicare-medicaid-compliance-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Medicaid, Medicare, and Third Party Payor Compliance matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy. - [Litigation and Appeals](https://oalaw.com/practices/health-law-attorney-ny/healthcare-litigation-appeals-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Litigation and Appeals matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Casino & Gaming Attorneys](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/ny-casino-gaming-attorney/): OA Law helps clients with Casino & Gaming Attorneys matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Cannabis Law](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/cannabis-business-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Cannabis Law matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Government Investigations](https://oalaw.com/practices/government-investigation-lawyer-ny/) - [Government Investigations Unit](https://oalaw.com/practices/health-law-attorney-ny/healthcare-investigation-defense-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Government Investigations Unit matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Insurance Company Cost Recovery](https://oalaw.com/practices/health-law-attorney-ny/insurance-cost-recovery-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Insurance Company Cost Recovery matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Bankruptcy Law FAQ](https://oalaw.com/practices/bankruptcy-lawyer-ny/bankruptcy-faq-ny/): Get bankruptcy FAQ guidance from New York attorneys on filings, debt relief, creditor issues, and next steps for individuals and businesses. - [Construction Law FAQ](https://oalaw.com/practices/construction-lawyer-ny/construction-law-faq-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Construction Law FAQ matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Healthcare Fraud | Abuse | White Collar Crime](https://oalaw.com/practices/health-law-attorney-ny/healthcare-fraud-defense-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Healthcare Fraud | Abuse | White Collar Crime matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy. - [Chapter 11 Bankruptcy](https://oalaw.com/practices/bankruptcy-lawyer-ny/chapter-11-bankruptcy-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Chapter 11 Bankruptcy matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Chapter 13 Bankruptcy](https://oalaw.com/practices/bankruptcy-lawyer-ny/chapter-13-bankruptcy-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Chapter 13 Bankruptcy matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Chapter 7 Bankruptcy](https://oalaw.com/practices/bankruptcy-lawyer-ny/chapter-7-bankruptcy-attorney-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Chapter 7 Bankruptcy matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [Bankruptcy](https://oalaw.com/practices/bankruptcy-lawyer-ny/): OA Law helps clients with Bankruptcy matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. ## Industries - [Surety](https://oalaw.com/industry/surety/): Representations involving surety bonds present a potentially complex relationship among multiple parties, including the principal, surety and obligee. - [Not-For-Profit](https://oalaw.com/industry/not-for-profit/): Legal guidance for not-for-profit organizations on governance, compliance, transactions, tax-exempt matters, and operational challenges. - [Real Estate Developers](https://oalaw.com/industry/real-estate-developers/): The real estate industry is driven by constant changes in capital markets, finance opportunities, new tax incentives, business demand, demographics and - [Private Finance](https://oalaw.com/industry/private-finance/): We structure, negotiate and document a wide range of financing transactions for banks, asset-based lenders, finance companies, insurance companies and - [Private Equity](https://oalaw.com/industry/private-equity/): O’Connell & Aronowitz represents principals and investors in organizing and offering private funds (including private equity funds, venture capital funds - [Industrial & Consumer Manufacturing](https://oalaw.com/industry/industrial-consumer-manufacturing/): O’Connell & Aronowitz’s manufacturing law team partners with companies to create long-term approaches for the advancement of their company and the - [Food & Beverage | Hospitality](https://oalaw.com/industry/food-beverage-hospitality/): O’Connell & Aronowitz is proud to represent hospitality industry clients of all shapes and sizes. - [Construction](https://oalaw.com/industry/construction/): Our lawyers understand that a construction project has several moving parts, and each component must come together for a project to be a success. - [Commercial Lessors](https://oalaw.com/industry/commercial-lessors/): Every commercial lease brings with it a range of legal issues and requirements that must be addressed in the lease agreement. - [Commercial Lenders](https://oalaw.com/industry/commercial-lenders/): The experienced lawyers of O’Connell & Aronowitz provide complete legal support for commercial lending, from due diligence and loan documents to defaults - [Business Startups](https://oalaw.com/industry/business-startups/): O’Connell & Aronowitz business startups practice has assisted businesses varying in size and complexity on both legal and practical operations issues. - [Banks & Financial Institutions](https://oalaw.com/industry/banks/): Our banking litigation attorneys assist financial institutions of every size and scope with litigation, dispute resolution, and regulatory matters. - [Healthcare Practitioners](https://oalaw.com/industry/healthcare-practitioners/): The healthcare industry is among the most heavily scrutinized and regulated across the United States. - [Post-Acute & Long-Term Care](https://oalaw.com/industry/post-acute-and-long-term-care/): While the aging population increases, long-term care providers are still faced with inadequate reimbursement and rigorous and ever-expanding government - [Laboratories](https://oalaw.com/industry/laboratories/): Legal support for clinical and diagnostic laboratories, including regulatory compliance, litigation, and business operations. - [Behavioral Health & Substance Abuse Providers](https://oalaw.com/industry/behavioral-health-and-substance-abuse-providers/): Our attorneys have a proven record of successfully helping behavioral health and substance abuse providers because we understand what it takes to navigate - [New York Digital Health and Technology Compliance Attorneys](https://oalaw.com/industry/digital-health-technology/): The modern business world relies upon data and the digital systems that manage it. - [Homecare](https://oalaw.com/industry/homecare/): We traditionally think of homecare as involving health care providers coming into our homes or apartments to take care of our clinical needs. - [Physician Organizations](https://oalaw.com/industry/physician-organizations/): Health law is among the highest-regulated professions in the United States. - [Lobbying](https://oalaw.com/industry/lobbying/): O’Connell and Aronowitz’s Lobbying Group combines nearly 100 years of serving as the preeminent health law firm in the Capital Region with extensive health - [Cannabis](https://oalaw.com/industry/cannabis/): The O’Connell & Aronowitz Cannabis Law Practice Group has begun assisting businesses varying in size and complexity on both legal and practical operations ## Categories - [Bankruptcy](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/bankruptcy/): Read bankruptcy updates from OA Law on Chapter 7, Chapter 13, debt relief, and financial recovery in New York. - [Health Law](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/health-law/): Read health law updates from OA Law on compliance, litigation, provider rights, and healthcare policy changes. - [Firm News](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/firm-news/): Read OA Law news, awards, announcements, and press releases from a New York law firm serving clients since 1925. - [Accidents & Personal Injury](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/): Read OA Law personal injury articles on crashes, claims, liability, compensation, case results, and safety tips. - [Defective Products](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/defective-products/): Hurt by a defective or recalled product? OA Law details liability theories, deadlines, evidence, and payout drivers. Read attorney guides, case wins, and step-by-step checklists. - [Automobile Accident](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/automobile-accident/): Need answers after a car wreck? OA Law’s attorneys break down fault, insurance hacks, timelines, and payouts. Real cases, checklists, and safety tips—start here. - [Toxic Exposure](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/toxic-exposure/) - [Sports, Amusement, & Recreation Accidents](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/sports-amusement-recreation-accidents/): Injured at a gym, theme park, or rec league? OA Law breaks down waivers, liability, timelines, and payout factors. Read attorney guides, checklists, and case wins. - [Sexual Abuse & Assault](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/sexual-abuse-assault/): Suffered sexual abuse or assault? OA Law explains civil deadlines, evidence, confidentiality, and compensation options. Read attorney guides, resources, and next‑step checklists. - [Lead Poisoning](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/lead-poisoning/): From peeling paint to tainted plumbing, our lawyers break down evidence, statutes, and settlement drivers. Browse FAQs, timelines, and verdicts to strengthen your claim. - [Events](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/firm-news/events/) - [Medical Malpractice](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/medical-malpractice/): From misdiagnosis to surgical mistakes, our lawyers explain liability, insurer tactics, and damages. Browse FAQs, timelines, and verdicts to strengthen your malpractice claim. - [Slip & Fall](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/slip-fall/) - [Motorcycle Accident](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/motorcycle-accident/): Hurt in a bike crash? OA Law explains fault, no‑fault limits, insurance tactics, and payout factors. Read attorney guides, checklists, and case wins to protect your claim. - [Dog Bite](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/dog-bite/): Bitten by a dog? OA Law explains NY liability rules, insurance tactics, timelines, and payout factors. Read attorney guides, checklists, and case results to protect your claim. - [Defective Medical Devices](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/defective-medical-devices/): From hip implants to surgical mesh, our lawyers cover proof, insurer tactics, and damages. Browse FAQs, timelines, and verdicts to strengthen your defective device claim. - [Constructon Site Accidents](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/constructon-site-accidents/): Hurt on a jobsite? OA Law explains third‑party liability, OSHA breaches, timelines, and payout factors. Read attorney guides, checklists, and case wins to protect your claim. - [Workplace Injuries](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/workplace-injuries/) - [Bike Accident](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/bike-accident/): Hit while cycling? OA Law explains fault, insurance tactics, timelines, and payout factors. Read lawyer-written guides, checklists, and case results to protect your claim. - [Premises Liability](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/premises-liability/): Hurt on unsafe property? OA Law explains duty, notice, insurance tactics, timelines, and payout factors. Read attorney guides, checklists, and case results to protect your claim. - [Dangerous Drugs](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/dangerous-drugs/): Harmed by a dangerous or recalled medication? OA Law outlines liability, FDA actions, statutes, and settlement drivers. Read attorney guides, case wins, and next‑step checklists. - [Brain Injuries](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/accidents-personal-injury/brain-injuries/): Dealing with a traumatic brain injury? OA Law breaks down proof, symptoms, timelines, and payout drivers. Read attorney-written guides, case wins, and recovery tips. - [Business Law & Transactions](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/business-law-transactions/): Explore legal insights on business law, contracts, and corporate transactions. Stay updated with expert articles from trusted business attorneys. - [Taxation](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/business-law-transactions/taxation/) - [Not-for-Profit](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/business-law-transactions/not-for-profit/) - [Criminal Defense](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/criminal-defense/): Read criminal defense articles from OA Law on DWI, drug charges, white-collar crime, and court rights. - [Drug Defense Lawyers](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/criminal-defense/drug-defense-lawyers/) - [Criminal Appeals and Litigation](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/criminal-defense/criminal-appeals-and-litigation/) - [White Collar Crimes](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/criminal-defense/white-collar-crimes/) - [Divorce/ Family/ Matrimonial](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/divorce-family-matrimonial/): Read New York family law articles from OA Law on divorce, custody, support, mediation, and matrimonial issues. - [Divorce](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/divorce-family-matrimonial/divorce/) - [Prenuptial Agreements](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/divorce-family-matrimonial/prenuptial-agreements/) - [Child Support](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/divorce-family-matrimonial/child-support/) - [Child Custody & Visitation](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/divorce-family-matrimonial/child-custody-visitation/) - [Spousal Maintenance](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/divorce-family-matrimonial/spousal-maintenance/) - [Separation Agreements](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/divorce-family-matrimonial/separation-agreements/) - [Staff News](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/firm-news/staff-news/) - [Honors](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/firm-news/honors-firm-news/) - [Labor & Employment Law](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/labor-employment-law/): Read labor and employment law updates from OA Law on workplace rights, compliance, litigation, and legal trends. - [Student Defense](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/student-defense/): Read student defense articles from OA Law on disciplinary hearings, Title IX, campus misconduct, and student rights. - [Trust & Estates Law](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/trust-estates-law/): Read estate planning articles from OA Law on wills, trusts, probate, asset protection, and family planning. - [Estate Planning](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/trust-estates-law/estate-planning/) - [Wills and Trusts](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/trust-estates-law/wills-and-trusts/) - [Elder Law](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/trust-estates-law/elder-law/) - [Guardianship](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/trust-estates-law/guardianship/) - [Special Needs Trusts and Planning](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/trust-estates-law/special-needs-trusts-and-planning/) - [Covid-19 Legal Resources](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/about-oa-helps/): Read OA Law community updates on service, charitable giving, outreach, partnerships, and local initiatives. - [Laboratory](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/laboratory/): Stay informed on legal developments affecting clinical laboratories. Our attorneys provide insights on compliance, litigation, & regulations in New York. - [Cannabis Law](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/cannabis-law/): Read New York cannabis law updates from OA Law on licensing, compliance, regulation, and legal developments. - [Commercial Real Estate](https://oalaw.com/blog/category/business-law-transactions/commercial-real-estate/) ## Job Roles - [Healthcare Consultants](https://oalaw.com/people/role/healthcare-consultant/): Meet OA Law healthcare consultants helping New York providers with regulatory, operational, and clinical guidance. - [Associates](https://oalaw.com/people/role/associate/): Meet OA Law associate attorneys serving clients across New York in litigation, business, family, health, and injury matters. - [Of Counsel](https://oalaw.com/people/role/of-counsel/): Meet Of Counsel attorneys at OA Law, senior advisors with deep experience in complex New York legal matters. - [Shareholders](https://oalaw.com/people/role/shareholder/): Meet the shareholders of O’Connell & Aronowitz. Our senior legal leaders bring extensive experience & proven results to diverse practice areas across NY.