New York Paralegal Blog

The recent tragic murder of an immigrant woman on a train has, understandably, sparked outrage and grief. In the aftermath, some commentators have attempted to draw comparisons between this horrific act and deaths that occur at the hands of law enforcement. For example, Matt Walsh stated, "This is a greater outrage than the death of every BLM martyr combined times a thousand." However, to equate these two types of tragedies is to fundamentally misunderstand the core principles of justice, accountability, and the role of the state in a civilized society. While any loss of life due to violence is a tragedy, there is a crucial distinction between a murder committed by a private citizen and a death caused by a law enforcement officer, even if that death is deemed a murder. This distinction lies primarily in the power dynamics and the inherent trust placed in state actors. When a Random Person Murders Someone: When a private individual commits murder, it is an act agai...

Ever wondered how lawyers became "lawyers"? Today, we picture grand universities with ivy-covered buildings. But legal education wasn't always like that. In fact, the way law schools developed in America reveals a less-than-rosy history, one where the push for "professionalism" was often a thinly veiled excuse to keep out Black people and other minorities. The Old Way: Learning on the Job For centuries, if you wanted to become a lawyer, you'd apprentice with an experienced attorney. Think of it like a hands-on internship. You'd learn the ropes by working in their office, reading law books, and observing court cases. There were also a few early law schools, but they weren't the norm. This "learn-by-doing" approach, while imperfect, allowed for a more diverse group of people to enter the legal field, regardless of their wealth or background. The "Professional" Shift: Raising the Bar (and Barriers) As the 19th century tur...

The fight for voting rights in the United States is a long and complex one, marked by significant legal milestones and persistent challenges. A common point of confusion often arises when discussing the right to vote for African Americans: wasn't that guaranteed by the 14th Amendment? While the 14th Amendment was undeniably a landmark achievement in establishing equality, it was the 15th Amendment that explicitly and directly secured the right to vote for African American men. Let's break down why. The Foundational Shift of the 14th Amendment Ratified in 1868, in the wake of the Civil War, the 14th Amendment was transformative. Its primary goals were to establish citizenship for formerly enslaved people and to guarantee fundamental rights. Key provisions include: Citizenship Clause: Declaring that all persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens. This directly addressed the status of formerly enslaved individuals. Equal Protection Clause: Prohibitin...

   A local attorney, Michael Tulchiner, 61, of Bellmore, has been charged with grand larceny for allegedly stealing over $413,000 from a client's real estate transaction. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the arrest, emphasizing the breach of trust involved when a professional is accused of using their position to steal. The Allegations According to the investigation, Tulchiner, who runs The Law Office of Michael J. Tulchiner in Melville, was hired to represent a client in a property sale. As part of the closing, a portion of the client's new refinance loan, specifically $413,237, was meant to pay off a previous loan on the property. The funds were placed in Tulchiner's mortgage disbursement account with the specific instruction that they were to be used for the closing. On August 26, 2022, Tulchiner ordered a bank check for the required amount. However, instead of delivering it, he allegedly redeposited the money into his account jus...

We've all been there: faced with a rule that seems a bit silly or tedious, tempting us to take a shortcut. "What's the harm?" we might think. But a story from my past working at a New York City bank taught me a powerful lesson about the hidden importance of compliance. I worked with a head teller named Sara (not her real name). She was a ray of sunshine—professional, kind, and excellent at her job. Then, one day, a storm rolled in. After she counted the cash in the bank’s ATMs, she came up $5,000 short. Panic ensued. Even after recounts by supervisors, the money was still missing. The bank launched an investigation, and within a couple of days, Sara was let go. It was a shocking and swift termination for an employee everyone loved. But the story took another turn. A day or two later, the $5,000 was found! It had simply been misplaced. Our branch manager, Pete, was overjoyed and immediately called Human Resources, certain they would rehire Sara. To his dism...

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...

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!

Beliebers, productivity gurus, and anyone needing a musical escape – listen up! Yesterday, July 11, 2025, Justin Bieber pulled a classic surprise move and dropped his brand-new seventh studio album, "Swag," and let me tell you, it's hitting all the right notes. You know those moments when you're deep in thought, whether it's tackling a tricky work project, sifting through emails, or even, dare I say, drafting important legal documents (a shout-out to our law-minded friends!)? You need music that sets the mood, calms the mind, and entertains without becoming a distraction. And "Swag" delivers. This isn't just another album; it's being hailed as a mature, vulnerable, and deeply personal collection. With features from artists like Gunna, Sexyy Red, and even gospel singer Marvin Winans, Bieber explores a range of sounds, blending R&B, pop, and introspective storytelling. From what we're hearing, tracks like "Walking Away...

When it comes to big new laws, the headlines often tout broad benefits. But a closer look at what's being called "The One, Big, Beautiful Bill" reveals a more complex picture, especially for those making $30,000 or less per year. While there are some perks like deductions for tips and overtime, a deeper dive suggests potential downsides that could hit low-income households hardest in the long run. The Good (But Not Totally Free) News: Tips and Overtime You might have heard about the bill's promise of "no tax on tips and overtime." This is a big draw, especially for service industry workers and those who put in extra hours. The reality is that it's more of a tax deduction than a complete tax elimination. Think of it this way: these earnings will be subtracted from your income before your federal income tax is calculated. This means you'll owe less in income tax. However, a crucial point to remember is that Social Security and Medicare taxe...

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Turkey Company Violated Federal Disability Law, Agency Charged GARNER, N.C. – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed today that Butterball, LLC, a Garner, N.C.-based turkey processing company, violated federal law by subjecting an employee to a hostile work environment based on the fact that she has Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and firing her because of that disability.

SAN FRANCISCO — Local car dealership Fremont Toyota violated federal law when its management harassed Afghani-American employees due to their national origin, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed today.

University at Buffalo Law School, The Baldy Center for Law & Social Policy Monday, September 12 & Tuesday 13, 2011 Forty years ago, the deadliest prisoner rebellion in U.S. history occurred. Next month, a major conference will bring together prisoner advocates, legislators, policymakers, corrections professionals, activists, and people who were on the front lines of the conflict, on both sides.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Rock-Tenn Company, a packaging manufacturer in Conway, Ark., will pay $160,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today.

El Paso Café Refused Reasonable Accommodation and Fired Barista Due to Dwarfism, Federal Agency Charges EL PASO — Starbucks Coffee Company violated federal law by denying a reasonable accommodation to a barista with dwarfism at its El Paso café and then firing her because of her disability, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit it filed today. According to the EEOC’s suit, Elsa Sallard has a physical impairment, dwarfism. She was hired by Starbucks to work in a customer service position July 2009, but was only allowed to train for 3 days before she was fired. The job description for the barista position stated that no prior experience was required. Soon after being hired by Starbucks, Sallard asked to use a stool or small stepladder to perform the essential functions of preparing orders and serving customers at the counter. Starbucks disregarded Sallard’s request and refused to consider her use of a stool or stepladder, the EEOC said. On the s...

WASHINGTON - The Department of Justice challenged the state of Arizona’s recently passed immigration law, S.B. 1070, in federal court today. In a brief filed in the District of Arizona, the Department said S.B. 1070 unconstitutionally interferes with the federal government’s authority to set and enforce immigration policy, explaining that “the Constitution and federal law do not permit the development of a patchwork of state and local immigration policies throughout the country.” A patchwork of state and local policies would seriously disrupt federal immigration enforcement. Having enacted its own immigration policy that conflicts with federal immigration law, Arizona “crossed a constitutional line.”

Pinnacle Pharmacy Failed to Protect Female Employees from Harasser, Federal Agency Charged MADISON, Wis. – Omnicare, Inc., doing business as Pinnacle Pharmacy, violated federal law by subjecting a class of women to a sexually hostile work environment in its La Crosse, Wis., location, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit announced today. According to the EEOC’s suit, (EEOC v. Omnicare, Inc. d/b/a Pinnacle Pharmacy, Case No. 10-cv-364), filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, the La Crosse pharmacy manager engaged in repeated, egregious acts of sexual harassment toward female employees, such as unwelcome touching that included approaching female employees from behind and grinding his crotch on them, and making sexually explicit and demeaning comments to female employees.

(openPR) - FORT WORTH – Jackson Walker is pleased to welcome partner David Seidler to the firm’s Fort Worth office. His practice focuses on commercial litigation, insurance defense, and alternate dispute resolution. Since 1992, Mr. Seidler has conducted more than 1,900 mediations of federal and state court cases involving every conceivable type of dispute.