Generated by All in One SEO Pro v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # O’Connell & Aronowitz Providing high-quality legal advice to our clients since 1925. ## 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. - [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... - [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. - [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 - [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 - [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. - [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. - [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 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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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 - [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. - [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. - [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) - [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-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 - [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 - [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. - [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. - [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 - [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. - [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. - [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 - [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. - [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 - [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 - [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 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. - [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. - [What is the Difference Between A Contested and Uncontested Divorce?](https://oalaw.com/blog/divorce-family-matrimonial/what-is-the-difference-between-a-contested-and-uncontested-divorce/) - If you're considering getting a divorce, it's important to understand the differences between those which are contested and those which are uncontested. - [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 - [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 - [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 - [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. - [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 - [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 - [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. - [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 - [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 - [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 - [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 - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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). - [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. - [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 - [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. - [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 - [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 - [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. - [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? - [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. - [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." - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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 - [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. - [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. - [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. Our legal team will review your message and respond as soon as possible. - [PearlPalooza 2022 Giveaway](https://oalaw.com/pearlpalooza-2022-giveaway/) - Learn about the PearlPalooza 2022 giveaway from O'Connell & Aronowitz and our community involvement in New York. - [Injured In A Car Accident?](https://oalaw.com/lp/car-accident/) - Injured in a car accident in New York? Contact O'Connell & Aronowitz for guidance from experienced personal injury attorneys. - [SUFFERED FROM MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE?](https://oalaw.com/lp/medical-malpractice/) - Suffered from medical negligence in New York? Contact O'Connell & Aronowitz to discuss your medical malpractice claim. - [Contact](https://oalaw.com/contact/) - Connect with O’Connell & Aronowitz. Reach out to our legal team to schedule a consultation or get answers to your legal questions—serving clients across - [Privacy Policy](https://oalaw.com/privacy-policy/) - Policy updated January The following privacy policy has been established to explain what personal information collects on our website and how the - [Newsletter](https://oalaw.com/newsletter/) - Stay informed with legal news, firm updates, and expert insights. 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 - [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 - [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 - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [Lisa C. Hladik](https://oalaw.com/lawyers/lisa-c-hladik/) - Learn about Lisa C. Hladik, 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 - [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 - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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 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. - [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. - [Creditors Rights & Collections](https://oalaw.com/practices/business-law-attorney-ny/creditors-rights-collections-lawyer-ny/) - OA Law helps clients with Creditors Rights & Collections 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. - [Lead Poisoning & Toxic Exposure](https://oalaw.com/practices/personal-injury-attorney-ny/lead-poisoning/) - OA Law helps clients with Lead Poisoning & Toxic Exposure matters in New York through practical guidance, advocacy, and responsive legal support. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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 & 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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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 - [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. - [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. - [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 - [Surety](https://oalaw.com/industry/surety/) - Representations involving surety bonds present a potentially complex relationship among multiple parties, including the principal, surety and obligee. - [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.