New York Paralegal Blog

It's been a long and agonizing wait, but today, the Department of Justice (DOJ) finally announced a major move: the Backpage remission process. This isn't just some small gesture; it's the largest effort ever to compensate victims of human trafficking whose lives were shattered by that disgusting website. For fourteen goddamn years, from 2004 until April 2018, Backpage was a cesspool. It was the go-to online platform for commercial sex and, sickeningly, sex trafficking, including children. While the scumbags running Backpage made millions, countless lives were destroyed. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti hit the nail on the head: these executives lined their pockets by exploiting vulnerable women and children. It's infuriating to think about. U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine and the FBI's Assistant Director Jose A. Perez deserve credit for their relentless pursuit of these criminals. And IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco is r...

Los Angeles is buzzing with news as former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, widely known as "Agent Zero," was arrested today along with five other defendants on a federal indictment. The charges stem from an alleged illegal gambling business, operating high-stakes poker games out of an Encino mansion owned by Arenas himself. The indictment, unsealed today after being returned on July 15, alleges that from September 2021 to July 2022, Arenas, Yevgeni Gershman, and others ran a clandestine gambling operation. Arenas, 43, faces charges of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. Among those arrested is Yevgeni Gershman, 49, a.k.a. "Giora," described as a suspected high-level member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group. He, along with Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Ievgen Krachun, are each charged with conspiracy and operating...

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! After all this time, all the struggles, the marches, the blood spilled for basic fairness, they're STILL trying to kick us down! This so-called "ending illegal discrimination"?! Don't let them fool you! It's a blatant ATTACK on everything we've fought for! They want to wipe out diversity programs – the ONLY way to even try and level the playing field after centuries of being held back! They're saying that looking at how policies unfairly hurt Black folks is WRONG?! How else are we supposed to fix the SYSTEM that was built to hold us down?! This isn't about "merit." This is about going back to a time where if you weren't white, you didn't get a chance. They're trying to erase the very idea that racism still exists, that it's built into the fabric of this country! Don't sit there and be SILENT! They are chipping away at our rights, piece by piece. We cannot let them turn back the clock! We ha...

Finally, some justice! That monster, Ellow Williams, 32, just pleaded guilty to brutally raping a woman in her SoHo apartment building. This animal followed her inside, choked her until she blacked out, and then committed this horrific crime on April 21, 2024. Can you believe the audacity? Following an innocent woman into her own home! Thankfully, Williams is now staring down 18 years in state prison for Rape in the First Degree. He's set to be sentenced on September 16, 2025. This isn't just a win for the victim, but a win for all of us who demand safety in our own neighborhoods. District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. made it clear: "A young woman was walking into her SoHo apartment building when Ellow Williams followed her inside, strangled her until she appeared to lose consciousness, and raped her. He will now serve a lengthy prison sentence for this brutal and terrifying attack." Message to all predators out there: you will be caught, and you will pay f...

Yesterday, our New York community was shattered by a senseless act of violence that claimed four innocent lives. Among them was NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, a dedicated 3 1/2-year veteran. He leaves behind his incredibly brave wife, eight months pregnant, and two young sons. My heart aches for them, for his NYPD family, and for every person touched by this tragedy. The weapon used in this horrific attack? An AR-15–style assault rifle – the very same weapon of war we've seen tear through communities in mass shootings across America. Here in New York, we've fought hard for strong gun laws. We've banned assault weapons, strengthened our Red Flag Law, and closed dangerous loopholes. We've done our part. But our laws, no matter how robust, can only go so far when a weapon designed for war can be easily obtained in a state with weak gun laws and then brought into New York to commit mass murder. This isn't just a New York problem; it's an American crisis. We...

Ever wondered about the legal minds behind your favorite movies, songs, or sports events? While attorneys take center stage, there's a vital role played by Entertainment Law Paralegals. These unsung heroes provide crucial support, ensuring the legal gears of the entertainment industry turn smoothly. Let's dive into what an Entertainment Law Paralegal does, what they earn, and the demand for this exciting specialization. What Exactly Does an Entertainment Law Paralegal Do? An Entertainment Law Paralegal is a specialized legal assistant who works alongside attorneys representing a diverse range of clients in the entertainment world – from actors, musicians, and athletes to film studios, sports teams, and digital content creators. Their work is a blend of legal expertise and industry insight. Here are their primary responsibilities: Legal Research: They delve into legal precedents and statutes related to intellectual property (copyrights, trademarks), contract law, lab...

We've all looked up at the iconic Hollywood Sign, perched majestically on the hills, and felt a sense of awe. It's almost like a modern-day Mount Olympus, a place where dreams are made and legendary figures reside. But what turns a "good actor"—someone undeniably talented—into a "movie star," a true Hollywood "god" in our cultural pantheon? It's a fascinating question, and it's not just about acting chops. While great talent is the foundation, here's what seems to be the secret sauce, the metaphorical "ambrosia" that elevates some to superstardom: The "Ambrosia" of Stardom: The "It" Factor (Pure Charisma): Some people just have an undeniable magnetism. It's not just good looks; it's a captivating presence that makes you want to watch them, whether they're on screen or walking the red carpet. Think of stars who effortlessly command attention – that's charisma. The Unmistakable Per...

Ever wonder what makes some bosses amazing to work for, while others... not so much? It's not magic, and it's definitely not just about telling people what to do. Being a great manager comes down to a few key ideas that anyone can understand. Think of it like this: A good manager is like the conductor of an orchestra. They make sure everyone plays their part, at the right time, to create a beautiful piece of music (or, in our case, achieve team goals!). Here’s their secret recipe: 1. The Power of "The Plan" (and Backup Plans!) A great manager starts by setting clear goals. This isn't just wishful thinking; it's about defining exactly what success looks like for the team. Once goals are set, they plan how to get there, like drawing a map for a journey. This planning isn't just about the destination; it's also about understanding all your pieces. Imagine a chessboard: a great manager knows exactly how many "players" (team members, r...

We've all heard the saying, "Teamwork makes the dream work!" But what is teamwork, really? Sometimes, what we think is teamwork is actually just... a lot of people in one place. Let's clear up some common misunderstandings. What Teamwork ISN'T Imagine five people gathered around a single lightbulb, all trying to change it at once. Or picture a kitchen bustling with five chefs when only one is truly needed to prepare a meal. While the intentions might be good, this isn't teamwork. It's often: Inefficiency: Too many cooks in the kitchen (or lightbulb changers in the hallway) can actually slow things down, create confusion, and even lead to mistakes. A Crowd: When tasks are simple and can easily be handled by one or two people, adding more just creates a crowd, not a cohesive team effort. Everyone ends up getting in each other's way, and individual contributions become muddled. Unnecessary Duplication: If everyone is tr...

Think about what makes a workplace feel safe and fair. Today, most of us would agree that being free from unwanted sexual advances or a consistently uncomfortable environment based on your gender is a basic right. But believe it or not, this wasn't always a clearly defined protection under the law. Let's take a quick trip back in time to see how we got to where we are. Before the "Sexual Harassment" Label For a long time, if someone faced unwelcome sexual behavior at work, it was often dismissed. It might have been called "flirting," "a misunderstanding," or even blamed on the victim. There wasn't a widely recognized term or legal framework to address it. People might feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or even lose their jobs because of it, but they had little recourse. The Rise of a Movement: Defining the Problem In the 1970s, as women entered the workforce in larger numbers and the women's rights movement gained momentum, people...

Last night’s episode of South Park was hilarious. It had Trump trying to get his groove on with the devil and the devil kept telling Trump that he wasn’t in the mood, it was funny. Also, Trump kept dropping his pants frolicking around with a microscopic penis. It was so funny! It was hilarious. I think the President got a little offended by the episode lol .

It's a story that makes your stomach churn. This week, a Georgia woman, Rachel Lodice, was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison in Nassau County, New York. Her crime? Driving while high on marijuana, causing a horrific crash that killed 64-year-old Cynthia Mitchell and severely injured her passenger. You might be thinking, "But isn't marijuana legal in New York?" And you'd be right. Adults 21 and over can legally possess and consume cannabis in New York State. But here's where common sense must step in, and where Rachel Lodice's actions tragically failed. Legal Doesn't Mean Without Consequence The legalization of marijuana has been a significant shift, and for many, it's about personal freedom and responsible choices. However, there's a world of difference between enjoying a cannabis product responsibly in the privacy of your home and getting behind the wheel of a car while impaired. Consider the facts of this case: Extreme Reckles...

Hey everyone, your New York Paralegal Blog is buzzing with some major legal news! French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have officially filed a defamation lawsuit against American political commentator Candace Owens. What's This All About? The lawsuit, just filed in a Delaware state court, centers on claims Owens has repeatedly made, including in an eight-part podcast series, that Brigitte Macron was born biologically male. The Macrons allege that these statements are not only false but also part of a deliberate campaign by Owens to promote her platform, gain notoriety, and make money. Why Are They Suing Now? The Macrons claim that Owens' commentary has led to "relentless bullying on a worldwide scale" and caused them significant distress. Their legal team asserts that they repeatedly tried to get Owens to retract her statements, even providing evidence to disprove her claims, but she continued to spread the information. They are ...

I can still picture it: Chemical Bank, the institution that would eventually merge with Chase in what was touted as a "merger of equals." Back then, I was at the 72nd and First Avenue branch in Manhattan. One particular day, feeling good about my sales abilities, I was talking with my manager. I asked her, "Who's a major client we've always wanted, but haven't gotten?" She quickly replied: Sotheby's. The renowned auction house, right in our neighborhood. "We've been trying to get our foot in the door for years," she admitted, "but we've never been successful." Years. That word stuck with me. "Oh yeah?" I thought. "Let me give it a try." I picked up the phone. I called Sotheby's, and simply asked to be transferred to the person who handled their business banking. To my surprise, I was immediately put through to the Chief Financial Officer, Mary A. Walling. "Ms. Walling," I began...

It's a really tough and uncomfortable question to ask: how different was the racism of Nazi Germany from the racism in the United States, especially during the time of Jim Crow laws? Both periods involved horrific discrimination, violence, and the idea that one race was superior to another. But digging a bit deeper, we find some crucial differences in their ultimate goals and how their societies were structured. Let's break it down: Hitler's Germany: A Quest for "Purity" and Annihilation Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany was built on an extreme and terrifying idea: the world needed to be "purified" by getting rid of "inferior" races. Top Dog Race: They believed in an "Aryan master race" (mostly Northern Europeans, especially Germans) as the peak of humanity. "Subhuman" and Targeted for Death: Groups like Jewish people, Roma (Gypsies), Slavic people, and Black people were labeled "subhuman." The goal wasn...

The recent news that TD Bank pleaded guilty to serious violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and conspiracy to commit money laundering sent ripples across the financial world. With penalties totaling over $1.8 billion to the Department of Justice alone – part of a larger $3.09 billion resolution – this case stands as a stark reminder of the critical importance of robust compliance programs. What Went Wrong? A Failure of Vigilance At the heart of TD Bank's troubles was a "pervasive and systemic failure" in its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program. Shockingly, between 2018 and 2024, an estimated $18.3 trillion in transactions were not properly monitored by their automated systems. This enormous blind spot allowed sophisticated money laundering networks, sometimes aided by bank employees, to funnel over $670 million in illicit funds through TD Bank accounts. The issues weren't just oversights; the bank intentionally excluded certain transaction types, like ...

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the Compliance Paralegal Series! Today, we're diving into a serious case that highlights the critical importance of strong compliance and ethical conduct, especially when dealing with government contracts. Recently, the Department of Justice announced that four men, including a USAID contracting officer and three corporate executives, pleaded guilty to a decade-long bribery scheme. This wasn't small potatoes – we're talking about over $550 million in U.S. taxpayer-funded contracts being influenced by illicit payments and hidden deals. Who's Involved and What Did They Do? Here's a breakdown of the key players and their roles in this alarming scheme: Roderick Watson (USAID Contracting Officer): The man at the center, Watson pleaded guilty to bribery. He abused his position of trust, using his influence to steer contracts to favored companies in exchange for personal gain. Walter Barnes (Owner/President of Vistant): Barne...

The dedicated individuals who provide crucial home health care – helping our elderly, disabled, and ill loved ones live independently – are once again at the center of a federal policy debate. The current administration, through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), has proposed a rule that could significantly alter their pay and protections, with potential far-reaching effects. What's On the Table? At the heart of this proposal is a move to roll back a 2013 regulation that extended federal minimum wage and overtime protections to home health and personal care aides employed by third-party agencies. If the new rule is finalized, it would reinstate a broader "companionship services" exemption, essentially meaning many home care agencies would no longer be federally required to pay these workers the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) or provide overtime pay. The Trump administration's DOL argues that this change is about deregulation. They contend it will: Redu...

A recent guilty plea in federal court out of Tacoma, Washington, shines a spotlight on the serious consequences of violating wildlife protection laws. Branden Trager of Brush Prairie, Washington, and his company, Mayhem Services LLC, admitted to breaking federal hunting regulations, specifically the Lacey Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). What Happened? In January 2023, Trager and Mayhem Services conducted a hunting trip in western Washington where they violated the MBTA. While the specific violations weren't fully detailed in the provided information, the MBTA prohibits actions like: Hunting migratory birds with a vehicle. Using a vehicle to herd birds. Exceeding daily bag limits. Failing to retrieve downed birds. Transporting untagged birds belonging to someone else. After these violations, the illegally taken birds were transported, which then violated the Lacey Act—a law designed to prevent the trafficking of unlawfully obtained wildlife across state or ...

Hiring an attorney is a big step, especially when you're dealing with a stressful legal issue. You're putting your trust, your money, and often your future into someone else's hands. Most lawyers are ethical and dedicated, but sometimes, you can end up with a bad apple. So, how do you spot the warning signs that your attorney might not have your best interests at heart? Here are some red flags to watch out for: 1. The "Too Eager" Attorney Who Suddenly Changes: Beware of the lawyer who seems overly enthusiastic about your case at first, promising the moon and stars, only for their behavior to change drastically once you've retained them. This shift, from highly engaged to distant or dismissive, can be a sign that they were more interested in getting your retainer fee than genuinely representing you. 2. The Communication Black Hole: You've hired them to represent you, but suddenly your calls aren't returned, emails go unanswered, and you'...

Celebration time! Mark your calendars, because National Paralegal Day is just around the corner on August 6th! This is the perfect opportunity to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of paralegals to the legal field. From their meticulous research and drafting skills to their compassionate client support, paralegals are the backbone of many successful legal teams. So, let's give a big shout-out to all the hardworking paralegals out there! Thank you for your dedication and expertise!

  Frontier Hot-Dip Galvanizing, a steel galvanizing business in Buffalo, New York, will pay $360,000 and implement significant changes to their workplace as part of a settlement with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The lawsuit, filed by the EEOC, accused Frontier of subjecting Black temporary and permanent workers to severe race and national origin-based harassment. This included the regular use of offensive racial slurs and a work environment covered in racist graffiti. Even after complaints were made, the company allegedly failed to address the hostile environment. Instead, when two workers complained and then filed charges with the EEOC, Frontier reportedly threatened and fired them. Such actions are a direct violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects employees from discrimination and retaliation based on race and national origin. What Does the Settlement Mean? Beyond the $360,000 in financial relief, the settlemen...

Ever felt like you've been treated unfairly because of who you are? Dealing with discrimination can be tough, and figuring out how to report it used to involve a lot of paperwork. But here's some great news for New Yorkers: the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR) has launched a brand new call center to make reporting discrimination simpler and more accessible than ever before! What's the big deal? For the very first time, you can now report discrimination directly over the phone with a real person. No more endless forms to fill out by yourself! How does it work? Just dial (844) NYS-DHR1 or (844) 697-3471. You'll be connected with a friendly, trained professional who will listen to your story. They'll ask you about what happened and why you believe it was discrimination, clarifying any details as needed. Think of them as your personal assistant for filing a report. They'll document everything you share and process it as a discrimination repo...

Hey everyone, let's talk about a big win for consumers! The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just delivered a huge blow to a business opportunity scam that tricked people with false promises of easy money through Amazon and Walmart. It's a tough reminder to be cautious, but also a fantastic example of justice being served. What Happened? Basically, these companies and their operators — including a key player named Steven J. Mayer — told folks they could make a fortune by having the defendants set up and run online stores for them. We're talking claims of "$100K+ per month" and even "million-dollar" operations. Sounds great, right? The harsh reality? These promises were almost never true. Instead of striking it rich, most people lost tens of thousands of dollars and ended up buried under crushing debt. It's truly heartbreaking to hear about people trying to secure their financial future only to be preyed upon like this. As Christopher Mufarr...

I want to share some news that, while deeply disturbing, also brings a sense of profound relief and justice. It's a reminder that even in the darkest corners of humanity, there are dedicated individuals fighting to protect the innocent. This past Monday, Donald Jenkins, a 37-year-old man from Clarksville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to a truly heinous crime: traveling across state lines with the express intent to sexually abuse a child. This isn't just a legal formality; it's a stark look into the chilling reality of online predators. Think about it: In September 2024, this man started communicating with someone he believed to be an 11-year-old child in Clifton Park, New York. He meticulously planned his assault, even renting a car in Tennessee and driving all the way to New York. The sheer audacity, the cold calculation, is stomach-turning. But here's where the good news comes in. On November 19, 2024, thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement, Jenkin...

Imagine owing a huge amount of money, say over $14 million. Now imagine trying to get rid of that debt through bankruptcy, but forgetting to mention a few things... like properties and bank accounts in Dubai and Pakistan! Well, that's exactly what happened with a Texas couple, Hasan Farid Hashmi and Umme Salma Hashmi. They filed for bankruptcy last September after several hospitals owned by Dr. Hashmi closed down. They told the court they only had a Dallas home and a couple of small U.S. bank accounts. They even mentioned a trust for their kids, but claimed they didn't own anything in it. But here's where things went wrong for them: The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP), a part of the Department of Justice, started digging. And what they found was a shocking surprise! The Hashmis actually owned several other properties and bank accounts overseas in Dubai and Pakistan. Not only that, but they were also using money from that "kids' trust" to pay for their ...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking a stand against a new wave of potentially dangerous products hitting the market: those containing high levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine, or "7-OH." What is 7-OH? You might know of kratom, a plant that naturally contains small amounts of 7-OH. However, the FDA's recent actions are focused on products that have concentrated 7-OH, far beyond what's found naturally. We're talking about things like pills, gummies, drink mixes, and even "shots" being sold online, in smoke shops, gas stations, and corner stores. Why is the FDA concerned? Simply put, these concentrated 7-OH products are not legal and can be dangerous. Here's why: Not Approved: 7-OH is not allowed in dietary supplements or regular foods. There are also no FDA-approved medications containing 7-OH. Unproven Safety and Effectiveness: When you use these products, you're exposing yourself to something that hasn't been tested t...