New York Paralegal Blog

The federal charges against Miami Lakes attorney Rodolfo Mario Blanco in the Southern District of Florida send a stark reminder through the legal community and for anyone entrusting their assets to an attorney: the attorney trust account is a sacred duty, and its misuse carries severe consequences. Blanco, who made his initial court appearance on October 28, faces multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering, alleged crimes that strike at the heart of the legal profession's ethical obligations. What is an Attorney Trust Account and Why is it So Important? At the core of this case is the attorney trust account, also known as an IOTA (Interest on Trust Accounts) account in some states, or an escrow account. This isn't just a regular bank account; it's a specially designated account where attorneys hold funds belonging to clients or third parties. Think of it as a legal safe deposit box for money, but with strict rules: Segregation: The most fundamental rule ...

The world of civil rights and employment law is undergoing a significant shift at the federal level, particularly concerning how we address discrimination. Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a final rule that dramatically alters federal enforcement under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This change, while technical in nature, has profound implications for how we tackle racial inequality in America. But here’s a crucial point: New York State is standing firm, and, in many ways, offers stronger protections than what is now being prioritized federally. Let's break it down. What Just Happened Federally: The End of "Disparate Impact" in Federal Enforcement For decades, federal agencies used two main legal theories to fight discrimination: Intentional Discrimination: This is the obvious kind, when someone is explicitly denied a job or service because of their race, color, or national origin. This remains illegal. Disparate Impact: This...

The recent $16.75 million settlement reached by New York Attorney General Letitia James with DoorDash is more than just a large financial penalty; it's a powerful statement about consumer protection and worker compensation in the gig economy. At its core, this case reveals how an allegedly deceptive business practice can run afoul of New York state law and the significant legal consequences that follow. The Core Allegation: Deception and Misleading Practices The essence of the DoorDash investigation focused on the company's payment model used between May 2017 and September 2019. The Attorney General alleged that DoorDash misled both customers and delivery workers ("Dashers") regarding the handling of tips. 1. The Tip-Subsidization Scheme In this model, DoorDash guaranteed Dashers a minimum payment for a delivery. The deception was not that tips were withheld entirely, but that they were used to subsidize DoorDash's own pay obligations: The Customer...

In the bustling, high-stakes world of New York law, there's a force that often operates behind the scenes, yet is absolutely essential to the wheels of justice: the paralegal. But let's be clear; we're not just "behind the scenes." We are at the heart of it all, driving cases forward, deciphering complex legal landscapes, and advocating for our clients every single day. This is why we created the New York Paralegal Blog. While we celebrate the professional who is Unapologetic, Outspoken, and Powerful—whether you are a paralegal, an attorney, a law student, or a member of the public—this platform is designed for everyone who wants a sharp, clear understanding of the New York legal world and its intersection with politics. Unapologetic: We deliver straightforward analysis without the excessive legalese. We recognize the expertise that goes into breaking down complex legislation and case law, and we're here to share that insight with all readers, even...

The indictment of a former high-ranking DEA official, Paul Campo, and his associate, Robert Sensi, for allegedly conspiring with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is a case of shocking betrayal that illuminates the severity of U.S. federal laws against narcoterrorism and material support. The charges filed against the defendants are not just standard drug or money laundering crimes; they are federal terrorism offenses designed to dismantle criminal enterprises that threaten national security. Here is an explanation of the core laws involved in the alleged crimes and the staggering consequences the defendants face. 1. The Power of the "Foreign Terrorist Organization" (FTO) Designation The most critical factor in this case is the U.S. Secretary of State's designation of the CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on February 20, 2025. This designation elevates the cartel's legal status from a criminal organization to a national security threat,...

On Friday, January 12, 2024, the financial world was shaken by a coordinated announcement from the U.S. Attorney's Office and the SEC detailing a massive fraud scheme at the heart of Morgan Stanley's block trading business. The case centered on a profound breach of trust orchestrated by the firm and its former Head of U.S. Equity Syndicate Desk, Pawan Passi. The resolution that day—a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) for the firm and a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) for the executive—set in motion one of the most significant enforcement actions of the decade. Now, nearly two years later, we can confirm the financial score is settled and the professional consequences are in full effect. 1. The Core Deception: The Secret Tipped The fraud occurred from 2018 through August 2021. The scheme was simple but effective: The Broken Promise: Morgan Stanley, through Passi, promised block sellers (clients needing to sell large quantities of stock) that their intentions would...

The recent $37.76 Million Settlement with CVS for over-dispensing insulin pens is more than just a large fine; it’s a powerful illustration of the government’s primary weapon against healthcare fraud: The False Claims Act (FCA). This case provides a crucial look into the high-stakes legal framework that protects taxpayer-funded programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE. What Law Was Broken? The False Claims Act (FCA) The core of the CVS settlement is a violation of the Federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733). This is the government’s most effective tool for recovering funds lost due to fraud. 1. The Core Violation: A "False Claim" The FCA targets anyone who knowingly submits, or causes to be submitted, a false or fraudulent claim for payment to the U.S. government. This law targets anyone who knowingly submits, or causes to be submitted, a false or fraudulent claim for payment to the U.S. government. In the CVS case, the false claims were rooted in t...

The One Big Rule Everyone Forgets Copyright does NOT protect ideas. It only protects the exact way you say or draw something. You CAN copyright The exact words in your script The exact lines of dialogue The exact painting you made A specific melody in a song You CANNOT copyright “Aliens on a jungle planet” “A chosen hero who wakes up in a fake world” “Floating mountains with waterfalls” “Machines hunting humans after a robot war” So if you write a story about blue cat people who ride dragons, nobody can copy your pages word-for-word. But anyone on Earth is allowed to make their own movie about blue cat people who ride dragons. That part is free for everyone. Why Music Gets in Trouble but Movies Almost Never Do In music, if two songs sound almost the same, regular people on a jury hear it and go “yep, stolen” → the artist has to pay millions. In movies, a judge (who probably hates sci-fi) reads both stories and says “these are just ideas everyone uses” → case thrown out. Rea...

The workplace stories of the mid-20th century—the white women who broke into banking from clerical pools, and the Black professionals who found their careers deliberately stalled just outside the manager's office—are not just history. They are the origin story of modern employment law and the ongoing battle for true equality. The legal foundation for these seismic shifts and persistent battles rests almost entirely on one piece of legislation: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 1. Title VII: The Bedrock of Equality Title VII is the core federal law that prohibits employment discrimination. It makes it unlawful for an employer to refuse to hire, to discharge, or otherwise discriminate against any individual in the "terms, conditions, or privileges of employment" because of that individual's: Race Color Religion Sex National Origin  The Power of "Sex" The inclusion of sex in the law was, famously, a last-minute addition by opponents attempt...