Hodgson Russ LLP

Partners Marissa Vitagliano Coheley, Michael Zahler, and Associate Carly Cazer have launched a new Hodgson Russ Blog, Thicker Than Water. For most families, “blood is thicker than water.” For others, greed, grievance, and grift trump family ties. The New York State Surrogate’s Court hears disputes over the affairs of the dead and the trusts of the living. This blog chronicles notable decisions from that court. Read it here: https://bit.ly/4i6nnCY

At the Attorney General’s request, Hodgson Russ Senior Associate Matt Liponis, Esq. presented “2024 Land Use Update: Caselaw and Other Developments” on March 27 to lawyers working across the New York State government. He discussed recent caselaw developments related to land use, the State Environmental Quality Review Act, New York’s Green Amendment, and the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, among other topics.

Hodgson Russ Partner Henry A. Zomerfeld and Associate Michael Boncardo presented at the Tug Hill Commission Local Government Conference in Verona, New York, on April 1. Their presentation, “Regulating Short-Term Rentals,” discussed the legal issues local communities face when navigating how to address short-term rentals, including considerations for drafting local laws and litigation over such regulations. Over 100 county, city, town, and village officials from New York State attended. See full event details here: https://bit.ly/44f56QF

A Hodgson Russ Renewable Energy Alert: https://bit.ly/42mc97F On March 31, 2024, the New York State Department of Public Service filed with the NYS Public Service Commission The First Iteration of The Grid of the Future Plan, which was prepared in cooperation with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. For further information, please contact Daniel Spitzer, Bill McLaughlin, or any other member of the Hodgson Russ Renewable Energy Practice.

Hodgson Russ will host its annual Municipal Law Seminar on Wednesday, May 14, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Buffalo Marriott Niagara in Amherst, NY. Register here: https://bit.ly/3FUpUmo Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m., and a cocktail reception will follow. Topics Include: - Cannabis Law Related To Municipalities - RPTL Update - Land Use Update - Labor and Employment Update - Hot Topics - Finance and Bond Issues, and Constitutional Issues Who should attend? Supervisors, Mayors, Board members, municipal attorneys, and department heads, this invitation may also be extended to your staff members. Our Speakers Patricia Piskorski Heer, Danielle Holmes, Peter Godfrey, Henry A. Zomerfeld, Ed Russell, Jeff Swiatek, Michael Risman, Ben Clark, and John Alessi. NY CLE, NY CPE, HRCI, and SHRM credit requested.

Hodgson Russ is hiring a Marketing Proposal & Content Coordinator for our growing marketing team. This role will help develop our proposals, pitches, and other marketing content. The right candidate is an excellent writer and seamlessly switches between legalese and marketing copy to create effective communications across channels. In Toronto? View here: https://bit.ly/4lbkBiB In Albany, Buffalo, or Rochester? View here: https://bit.ly/4jlCKZu

Hodgson Russ proudly sponsored and joined over 300 guests at the Third Annual Women United International Women’s Day Breakfast. Women United members champion initiatives that support maternal and infant health and early childhood literacy in our community—building connections, making an impact, and having fun along the way. Read the full event highlights here: https://bit.ly/41UoJfo United Way of Buffalo & Erie County

Hodgson Russ Partner Rafael Pignataro attended St. Francis High School Hamburg, NY's Career Day on March 25 and shared his journey in law with students. Ralph discussed how his education and extracurricular activities at St. Francis laid the foundation for his success at Hodgson Russ. His insights, along with those of other alumni, gave students invaluable exposure to various career paths.

Today, United Way and the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) hosted an informative seminar on Creating Breastfeeding, Chestfeeding and Lactation Friendly Worksites in compliance with updated state and federal labor laws. Special thanks to our panelists for leading this important discussion: - Mona Bonanno, MD, Kaleida Health - Kyle Ryan, MSOL, Care Management Coalition of WNY - Kinsey O'Brien, Hodgson Russ LLP - Lauren Pepe, Catholic Charities USA WIC Want to learn more about workplace lactation support and how to earn the ECDOH’s designation? Visit https://bit.ly/4ccd1Ae

As part of last month’s #InternationalWomensDay celebration, the firm hosted a professional clothing drive for Girls Rule the Law, Inc., founded by Hodgson Russ alum Mirna S.. This year, we donated seven boxes of professional clothing and shoes to the organization. Girls Rule the Law hosts youth conferences, roundtables, mentoring, and leadership opportunities for young women to bring young women into the legal field. The participants learn from judges, lawmakers, and attorneys. The young women based in the New York City area need professional clothing for these events. You can learn more about Girls Rule the Law at www.girlsrulethelaw.org. Thank you to Jodyann Galvin and Fallon Martin for organizing this year’s drive. Photographed: Fallon Martin & Marissa Vitagliano Coheley