New York Paralegal Blog

Ever watch Law & Order and hear someone say a warrant or subpoena was "quashed"? It might sound like legal jargon, but it's a pretty straightforward concept. Think of "quash" as the legal equivalent of saying "Nope, never happened!" or "We're hitting the reset button on that." In the world of detective Lennie Briscoe and A.D.A. Jack McCoy, a "motion to quash" often pops up. This is when a lawyer asks the judge to throw out a legal document, like a subpoena (an order to show up in court or hand over documents) or a warrant (permission for the cops to make an arrest or search a place). Let's imagine a scenario straight out of your favorite episode: Detectives Stabler and Benson are investigating a shady accountant. They get a subpoena to force his bank to hand over all his financial records. But the accountant's high-powered lawyer argues to the judge that the subpoena is too broad – it's asking for eve...

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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...

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!

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that Vincent Johnson of Brick, N.J., was sentenced to 50 months in prison and three years supervised release for sending a series of threatening email communications to employees of five civil rights organizations that work to improve opportunities for, and challenge discrimination against, Latinos in the United States. Johnson was also ordered to pay a fine of $10,000. Johnson, 61, who went by the internet pseudonym “Devilfish,” pleaded guilty on Oct. 20, 2010, to 10 counts related to threatening conduct towards the victims, who included employees of the LatinoJustice Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund; the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund; the National Council of La Raza; the League of United Latin American Citizens; and the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders. Johnson admitted that between November 2006 and February 2009, he emailed numerous threats to the victims to preve...

MENLO PARK, Calif., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to hiring for paralegal positions, knowledge of a specific practice area is the most desirable attribute, according to 66 percent of lawyers interviewed recently by staffing firm Robert Half Legal. Technological proficiency ranked second with 13 percent of the survey response. The survey was developed by Robert Half Legal, a premier legal staffing firm specializing in lawyers, paralegals and other highly skilled legal professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 200 lawyers at the largest law firms and corporations in the United States.

NEW YORK, NY (August 17, 2010) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the latest actions in his ongoing effort to combat scams that target New York’s immigrant communities. As part of his broad investigation into immigration fraud, Cuomo has shut down seven companies and sued two other organizations for providing fraudulent legal services to immigrants. The following seven companies and their owners have been permanently barred from operating any immigration services businesses and must collectively pay $370,000 in damages to the State of New York: (1) Centro Santa Ana, Inc. and Ana Lucia Baquero, in Queens; (2) Margo’s Immigration Services and Margarita Davidov a/k/a Margo Davidov, in Queens; (3) Miguel Fittipaldi, J.D., Ltd. and Miguel Fittipaldi, in Manhattan; (4) Arthur C. Hurwitz, in Manhattan; (5) Oficina Legal Para Hispanos, P.C. and Geoffrey S. Stewart, in Manhattan; (6) Asilos and Camilo Perdomo, in Queens; and (7) Mision Hispana, Inc. and Mayra Liz, in Queens.

NEW YORK, NY (August 20, 2009) Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that his Office has shut down three New York companies providing unauthorized and fraudulent legal services to immigrant communities, in the latest stages of his ongoing investigation into immigration fraud. Under the terms of the agreements secured by Cuomo’s Office, Immigration Solutions and Systems, Inc. of New York, Alisandra Multiservices, Inc. of Brentwood, Long Island, and All Immigration Services of Great Neck, Long Island are permanently barred from operating a business that provides immigration-related services and must collectively pay approximately $118,000 in penalties. Cuomo also announced separate lawsuits filed today in New York State Supreme Court against three additional companies providing legal services to immigrants which they were neither authorized nor accredited to provide. According to the lawsuits filed today in New York State Supreme Court, Immigration Community Service Corporat...

Lake Isabella, CA - Diana P. Wade, a disability advocate was notified by the National Association of Disability Representatives that effective February 13, 2009 she is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR). Ms Wade had to pass a stringent examination which tested her knowledge of the Social Security Administration's rules and regulations concerning their Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability benefit programs, as well as the most recent developments in Social Security Administration and court decisions. Prior to taking the examination she was required to possess specifically delineated professional qualifications (experience and education), pass a criminal background check, and submit proof of current liability insurance. The ADR designation also requires participation in continuing education about Social Security Administration claimant representation, rules, regulations and policies. Affirmation of acceptance of the Code of Ethics and accep...

MENLO PARK, CA -- Robert Half Legal, a leading provider of highly skilled attorneys, paralegals and legal support personnel on a project and full-time basis, today announced it will exhibit as a gold-level sponsor at the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) 2008 Annual Meeting. More than 2000 attendees, speakers, and exhibitors are expected at the conference to be held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, Washington, October 19-22, 2008. Details about the conference can be found at http://am.acc.com . On Tuesday, October 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Robert Half Legal, ACC's exclusive staffing partner, will conduct a Continuing Legal Education seminar entitled, “Good to Excellent: Managing and Maintaining a Successful Law Department.” Panelists scheduled to appear are John Morrow, senior vice president and general counsel of Vertafore; Jeffry Shelby, vice president and general counsel, Varolli Corporation; and Charles Volkert, executive director, R...

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and The Legal Aid Society Attorney-in-Chief Steven Banks today announced an agreement dismissing the McCain, Lamboy, Slade, and Cosentino collection of lawsuits, which together have governed the homeless services system for families with children in New York City for 25 years. The agreement, signed by the parties today, ends litigation and court oversight of the City's family shelter services system. Nearly three years ago, a court-appointed Special Master Panel evaluated the homeless services system and unanimously recommended the end to litigation. The Mayor and Attorney-in-Chief Banks were joined in the Blue Room at City Hall by Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda I. Gibbs, Corporation Counsel Michael A. Cardozo, Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Commissioner Robert V. Hess, and State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Commissioner David A. Hansell. "Today marks the beginning of a new era - an era in which the...

OLYMPIA – In an era of drive-through wedding chapels and even quicker divorces, it’s still possible to reach a roadblock. The Attorney General’s Office, which announced a settlement today with a company that advertised online divorce services, says Washington residents should check out the credentials of those who provide legal guidance and resources. “Couples trying to undo their ‘I dos’ could find the process as irksome as an irreconcilable relationship if they don’t get information from a qualified source,” Senior Counsel Paula Selis said. Do-it-yourself divorces can work if you and spouse agree about important issues, such as childcare and dividing property, Selis added. But she said there are many situations where individuals should seek the services of a licensed attorney or someone who is supervised by one. More...

In the interest of creating a more standardized, fair, and meaningful naturalization process, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently completed a multi-year redesign of the naturalization test. The revised test, with an emphasis on the fundamental concepts of American democracy and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, will help encourage citizenship applicants to learn and identify with the basic values we all share as Americans. The major aim of the redesign process is to ensure that naturalization applicants have uniform, consistent testing experiences nationwide, and that the civics test can effectively assess whether applicants have a meaningful understanding of U.S. government and history. Following a basic U.S. history and civics curriculum, the redesigned test will serve as an important instrument to encourage civic learning and patriotism among prospective citizens. More...