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Voting Laws May Prove Discriminatory In 2012 Election

Posted on | February 2, 2012 | No Comments

The Attorney General, Eric Holder Jr., has vowed to use the full weight of his department to ensure the new electoral laws are not discriminatory. Many speculate Holder will have his hands full this upcoming presidential election. Republican lawmakers in more than a dozen states have recently enacted laws designed to limit access to the polls. It is believed these laws are targeting blacks, Hispanics, students, and poor, for this group came out in large numbers during the 2008 election won by Barack Obama. Whether the new laws are enacted to prevent history repeating itself, or whether the new laws are enacted to ensure proper voting, the strict voter-identification requirements may prove too rigorous for a large number of Americans. Other changes in laws include eliminating early voting periods and restricted registration drives. Most of these harsh laws have been enacted in the Southern states. Full article.

In the workplace, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. The law forbids discrimination when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment. Please visit the EEOC’s website for further information: eeoc.gov. Although the law requires equality and fairness in the workplace, many private clubs enjoy not having to abide by the EEOC.

The attorneys at Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC believe that discrimination at work, or anywhere else, has no place in a free and democratic society. Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC has worked with many clients represented on Long Island, throughout the New York City area involving employment discrimination. For a free consultation, please contact Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC at 1-888-585-4658.

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Swordsman who wielded Darth Vader’s lightsaber has died

Posted on | February 2, 2012 | No Comments

On Sunday, January 1, 2012, the British Academy of Fencing announced that Bob Anderson, the man who wielded Darth Vader’s lightsaber in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, passed away at age 89. Anderson competed in the 1952 Olympic Games as part of the British fencing team. Later, Anderson went on to coach future fencing teams and began his side career as a sword-fight trainer to the big screen. Anderson’s expertise coaching includes “Star Wars,” “The Mask of Zorro,” “Highlander,” “The Phantom,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and several James Bond films. Anderson also doubled for David Prowse as Darth Vader during light saber duels in two “Star Wars” films. Full article.

The estate tax, gift tax and generation – skipping transfer tax exemptions have been indexed for inflation for the 2012 tax year such that each will be increased from $5 million to $5.12 million beginning on January 1, 2012. This means that all under estates under $5.12 million will be exempt. There is also an advantageous “stepped – up basis” in all inherited property. Stepped – up tax basis means that if you inherit property, the new tax basis of the property is its value on the date of death. As a result, if you inherit property and later sell it, you will pay capital gains tax based only on the value of the property as of the date of death.

The attorneys at Leeds, Morelli & Brown, P.C. have worked with a variety of families in Nassau and Suffolk counties, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island. For questions regarding estate planning, please contact an attorney at the Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C. law firm for a free consultation at 1-888-556-2529 or visit the firm’s website at www.lbestatelaw.com.

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Lebron James Engaged To Long Term Girlfriend

Posted on | January 31, 2012 | No Comments

Miami Heat superstar Lebron James proposed to his long term girlfriend on New Year’s Eve at a dinner party hosted by a teammate in South Beach, Miami Florida. The NBA star, 27, proposed to his longtime girlfriend Savannah Brinson, his high school sweetheart. The couple has two children with his high school sweetheart, Savannah Brinson. The first, LeBron James Jr., was born on October 6, 2004, and the second, Bryce Maximus James, on June 14, 2007. It is estimated that Lebron James’ net worth is upward of $100 million. Full article.

A prenuptial agreement is smart financial planning, legal and financial experts say. In essence, prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into prior to marriage, civil union or any other agreement prior to the main agreement by the people intending to marry or contract with each other. The content of the prenuptial agreement may vary. Often times, provisions for division of property and spousal support in the event of divorce or break up of marriage is included. In addition, provisions for waiver of right of spousal election, meaning a spouse will have nothing of the deceased spouse’s estate at the time of death, are also included in a prenuptial agreement. Terms covering guardianship of minor children is often included in a prenuptial agreement. Due to the complexity of a prenuptial agreement, it is important to consult with an attorney if you desire (or pressured) to enter into a prenuptial agreement.

The attorneys at Leeds, Morelli & Brown, P.C. are experienced in all domestic relations matters, and have represented families in Nassau and Suffolk counties, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island. For any questions concerning domestic relations matters, contact an attorney at the Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C. law firm for a free consultation at 1-888-556-2529. Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C.’s divorce website is located at www.lbdivorcelaw.com.

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Gay Seniors Fear Housing Discrimination

Posted on | January 31, 2012 | No Comments

There is no denying the population is aging. Recent studies show that many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender seniors fear discrimination, disrespect or worse by health care workers and residents of elder housing facilities. This year 77 million baby boomers will turn 65 years old. According to SAGE, the New York – based group Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders, at least 1.5 million seniors are gay, a number expected to double by 2030. To answer demands, developers in Philadelphia have secured a site and initial funding for what will be a GLBT -friendly affordable housing facilities. Although anti – discrimination laws prohibit gay-only housing, but projects can be made GLBT – friendly through marketing and location. And while private retirement facilities targeted at the gay community exist, such residences are often out of reach for all but the wealthiest seniors. The U.S. Census figures estimate about 49% of Americans over 65 could be considered poor or low – income. The affordable housing project in Philadelphia is following a national trend, with the first affordable housing complex for gay elders in the United States in Los Angeles, California. Full article.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) does not enforce the protections that prohibit discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation. To date, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. However, there has been a lot of buzz in the federal courts surrounding gay rights. Specifically, a recent repeal of the military’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy and two laws restricting gay rights — the federal Defense of Marriage Act and the California ban on same – sex marriage – have been declared unconstitutional by federal judges in recent months. These three recent decisions on gay rights issues suggest that federal judges are increasingly willing to strike down what they see as anti – gay bias embodied in legislation.

The attorneys at Leeds Morelli & Brown, P.C., dedicate a large amount of their practice to employment discrimination claims. For any questions, contact an attorney at the Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C. law firm for a free consultation at 1-800-585-4658. Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C.’s website is located at www.lmblaw.com.

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Leah Messer Of ‘Teen Mom 2′ Pregnant & Engaged

Posted on | January 30, 2012 | No Comments

Leah Messer, reality star of MTV’s controversial show “Teen Mom 2” is reportedly pregnant again and engaged to her boyfriend of six months. Jeremy Calvert popped the question to Messer over the holidays. Messer’s very messy divorce from her then husband and father to her twins, Corey Simms, was documented for the television show and spread across the tabloids. Messer and Simms were dating for a very short time before Messer found out she was pregnant with twins. The couple married after the twins were born, only to divorce a mere six months later in April of 2011. The news of Messer’s engagement to Calvert comes as a surprise to many and critics are outraged that MTV is airing the dramatic life of 19-year-old. Many believe it is sending the wrong message to teens and young adults. Full article.

In New York, spousal support is referred to as spousal maintenance. There is not set formula to calculate spousal maintenance. Instead, a court will award the maintenance on a case by case basis. Most often spousal maintenance will end if the receiving spouse remarries. Cohabitation may also be a reason to cease permanent maintenance. The cohabitation has to be of a long-term or permanent nature with the receiving spouse and his or her boyfriend or girlfriend sharing living expenses together. Staying overnight by either party a few times a month is generally not enough. Often times ex-spouses will intentionally not remarry in order to keep getting support payments, even though they have found a new life long companion.

The law firm of Leeds, Morelli & Brown, P.C. has represented clients in Nassau and Suffolk counties, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island. If you are facing a divorce proceeding, it is important to hire lawyers that are capable of advocating your needs. For any questions, contact an attorney at the Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C. law firm for a free consultation at 1-888-556-2529 or visit our divorce website at www.lbdivorcelaw.com.

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US Labor Department cites $2.3 million in labor law violations in Long Island

Posted on | January 30, 2012 | No Comments

An ongoing initiative has been commenced by the U.S. Department of Labor to investigate noncompliance with the minimum wage laws, overtime laws and record keeping provisions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) across many restaurants on Long Island. The Wage and Hour Division is also working to remind workers of their rights under the FLSA. Currently, the division completed forty-six (46) investigations of restaurants. They have found $2,341,507 in back wages for 578 employees, as well as assessed $202,315 in civil money penalties against employers who have had willful and repeated violations. The Wage and Hour Division is focused on incidents in which employers pay cash wages to people “off the books”, do not pay employees a fixed salary for all the hours worked, ignore federal minimum wage and overtime requirements, as well as falsify payroll records. Read more here.

Under the FLSA, employers must pay employees federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. In addition, employers must also pay employees time and a half for each hour worked above 40 hours, as well as maintain accurate records of employees’ wages and working conditions. Once a violation is found, litigation, administrative subpoenas, civil money penalty assessments and liquidated damages can ensue against employers. The Wage and Hour Division uses a variety of enforcement and compliance assistance techniques to protect employees’ rights. When violations are committed, the division uses all enforcement tools as deemed necessary in order to hold the employer accountable and to prevent future violations from occurring.

Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC is dedicated to resolving issues of employer labor violations and an employee’s rights. Our firm has had considerable success in handling matters such as these throughout Long Island and the New York City area. We take great pride not only in providing quality legal service and representation, but also in being there for clients when they need it most. For any questions, contact an attorney at the Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C. law firm for a free consultation at 1-800-585-4658. Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C.’s website is located at www.lmblaw.com.

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Sexual Harassment claim against 14 year old with Down Syndrome

Posted on | January 26, 2012 | No Comments

Recently, a 14 year old with Down Syndrome has been accused of Sexual Harassment. School officials state that there is a surveillance tape of the incident. However, the teen’s mother has stated that she was told she could not see the tape. Now the boy’s family is fighting to defend him from these allegations and from being suspended. According to the school, the bus aide said that the teen hugged her in a manner she felt was sexual in nature and inappropriate. However, the teen’s sister and home health aide say they were there to witness the incident and do not feel the teenager did anything out of place or inappropriate. The incident has yet to be resolved by both the school and the teen’s family. See: http://www.kfvs12.com/story/16357133/mother-defends-teen-with-down-syndrome-facing-sexual-harassment-charges

Issues of sexual harassment are governed by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. As well as by state-level sexual harassment statutes which prohibit sexual harassment to and provide victims with a means to pursue justice. Sexual harassment can occur in one of two ways: Quid pro quo harassment or Hostile work environment. A hostile work environment involves repeated behavior that is abusive or offensive, or that interferes or alters the victims’ ability to perform their job.

Employers that foster or allow these conditions to continue can be found liable for the conduct of the offending employees. For more information, see: http://www.lmblaw.com/practice-areas/sexual-harassment

The lawyers at Leeds Morelli and Brown strive to successful judgments for their clients, including any former employees or recently fired workers who have been sexually harassed in the workplace. If you or someone you know has been faced with sexual discrimination or sexual harassment, please contact the office of Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC, 1-888-5-JOBLAW, One Old Country Road, Suite 347, Carle Place, NY, 11514-1851

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Wife found dead day before she intended to cut husband out of will

Posted on | January 26, 2012 | No Comments

The former husband of Shele Covlin, who was murdered days before her will was executed, will be facing murder charges in 2012. On New Year’s Eve two years ago, Shele Danishefsky Covlin, the 47 year old UBS vice president, was close to getting a divorce from her husband. The day before she was murdered she had an appointment to meet with her estate planner. She planned to cut her husband out of her will entirely and leave her $1.5 million estate to their two kids, Anna and Myles. Before then, she had removed him as beneficiary of her employer sponsored insurance plans. Read more here.

Tragic events such as this call to mind the importance of prompt estate planning. In New York, if someone dies without a will, the estate passes through intestacy in a New York Surrogate’s Court, and is subject to the powers of government tax as well as other risky losses to the beneficiaries. Other forms of wills which are nationally recognized include Nuncupative Wills and Holographic Wills. Nuncupative wills are orally made wills with 2 witnesses and Holographic Wills are unwitnessed, but entirely done in the testator’s handwriting. In New York, a noncupative will is accepted only if it was executed by a member of the Armed Forces, or a person accompanying Armed Forces during a declared or undeclared war. Additionally advance directives such as a living will, health care power of attorney, and health care proxy help to protect as individual should they become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves. A living will, for example, is a document signed by the creator which dictates what will happen in the event that the creator becomes sick, incapacitated, or face life support. A healthcare power of attorney gives someone else the power to make healthcare decisions on your behalf should you become sick and unable to make your own medical decisions.

The attorneys at Leeds, Morelli & Brown, P.C. handle a variety of intestate, probate and estate planning cases. For questions regarding estate planning, trusts, or wills please contact an attorney at the Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C. law firm for a free consultation at 1-888-556-2529 or visit the firm’s website at www.lbestatelaw.com.

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Restaurant Chain in Tennessee to Settle EEOC Sexual Harassment Suit

Posted on | January 26, 2012 | No Comments

In Tennessee, an Italian eatery named Rafael’s Italian Restaurant has been sued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for violating federal law. As a result, the restaurant agreed to pay $25,000 and institute other relief. According to the lawsuit, the restaurant subjected a class of female employees to sexual harassment which date back to 2005. The lawsuit explained that male kitchen workers subjected female employees, who were teenagers that the time, to sexual harassment. The harassment included crude comments, as well as requests for sex and physical touching. After the women complained, the restaurant’s management ignored the problem. In addition to monetary relief, the Restaurant has agreed to prevent further discrimination from happening, to hold annual training on employee rights, and to maintain records of sexual harassment complaints and to provide those annual reports to the EEOC. Read more here.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and many state-level anti-discrimination and sexual harassment statutes prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. There are two common types of sexual harassment: quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment. A hostile work environment typically involves repeated behavior that is abusive or offensive, or that interferes or alters the victims’ ability to perform their job. Employers that foster or otherwise allow these conditions to continue can be found liable for the conduct of the offending employees.

Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC aims to obtain success in matters of civil litigation and sexual harassment throughout Long Island and the New York City area. For more information, contact Leeds, Morelli and Brown, PC at 1-800-585-4658 for a free consultation.

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AutoZone Injunction to make Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities

Posted on | January 23, 2012 | No Comments

A federal court in Illinois has ordered an injunction against AutoZone, Inc., to reasonably accommodate for disabilities of its retail employees in central Illinois for three years and must keep records of these requests for four years. In addition to the injunction, the company must also pay $415,000 in damages and lost wages and $9,045 in litigation costs. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission(EEOC) first sued the auto parts seller in 2007 when it failed to accommodate the disability of a sales manager who was disabled with permanent back and neck impairments, in one of its central Illinois stores. See full article.

According to the United States Department of Labor, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral, and other aspects of employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. This law is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In addition, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. This law is enforced by the Civil Rights Center. See: http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/discrimination/ethnicdisc.htm

Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C.’s attorneys work hard to achieve justice for their clients and advocate for the compensation they deserve. If you or someone you know has been affected by employment discrimination or seeking a class action please feel free to contact Leeds, Morelli & Brown, PC at 1-800-585-4658 for a free consultation or view their web page at www.lmblaw.com.

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