Underberg & Kessler LLP

On February 18, 2025, a federal judge in the Eastern District of Texas lifted the preliminary injunction that was the last legal block to the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act’s reporting requirements. Read more in this blog post by U&K's Joshua Beisker. https://bit.ly/4gWjDDO

We are pleased to announce that partner Jacob H. Zoghlin has been appointed chair of the firm’s Municipal Law and Environmental Law practice groups. Jacob counsels municipalities, individuals, businesses, and citizens’ groups on diverse environmental, land use, zoning, cannabis, energy, and municipal law matters. As practice group chair, Jacob will lead a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to serving clients’ needs in these growing practice areas. Read more about Jacob here: https://bit.ly/41cwM5Q

One of my employees has recently been diagnosed with cancer. What legal documents, advice, and plans do you recommend to help her prepare for the future? U&K attorney Joshua Beisker answers this question in the Ask An Attorney column in the February/March 2025 issue of "The Bulletin" from the Monroe County Medical Society. Read the article here: https://bit.ly/41m5QSq

U&K attorneys Paul Keneally, Jennifer Shoemaker, and Ryan Biesenbach attended and spoke to a sold-out crowd at the 2025 Legal Update, co-hosted by GVC SHRM and National Human Resources Association - Rochester, NY Affiliate. Their presentation, “Navigating Leaves of Absence and Workplace Flexibility,” covered the legal requirements imposed by NYS and federal law concerning the various forms of legally mandated leave and their interaction with each other, as well as other employer requirements that routinely get raised in the context of these forms of leave. Thank you to ROC-NHRA and GVC SHRM for hosting such a great event!

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has introduced new draft general permits aimed at simplifying the approval process for activities impacting freshwater wetlands and protected waterbodies. These permits cover a range of activities, including solar energy projects, utility maintenance, and housing development. This blog post by U&K’s Mindy Zoghlin discusses the proposed permits, who stands to benefit, and who may be impacted by these changes. https://bit.ly/414zX0t

The NYSDEC has proposed amendments to SEQRA regulations to implement the Environmental Justice Siting Law, which is focused on assessing cumulative environmental impacts on disadvantaged communities. The amendments also propose streamlining reviews for certain housing projects. Learn more in this blog post by U&K's Jacob H. Zoghlin. https://bit.ly/4gvHmKu

Since the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA or Act) went into effect on January 1, 2024, the courts have gone back and forth on the constitutionality of the Act. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court put the CTA back on the books by lifting an injunction against enforcement of the CTA imposed by the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Texas. Read more in this blog post by U&K's Joshua Beisker. https://bit.ly/4aFVHD1

Last month, Governor Hochul signed a law titled “Climate Change Superfund Act” to support and fund “climate change adaptive infrastructure projects” across the state. The law will aim to have certain fossil fuel companies pay into a $75 billion fund to support climate resiliency projects.?Read more in this article by U&K attorney George S. Van Nest, originally published in The Daily Record (Rochester, NY): https://bit.ly/4hh3PfQ

U&K’s David M. Tang had an amazing time at the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Presidential Gala last evening at The Plaza Hotel in NYC. Attendees celebrated this year’s prestigious Gold Medal Award Honoree, retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, for his outstanding contributions to the legal profession and service to our country. Justice Breyer took part in a fireside chat at the gala where he spoke about his inspirational career, judicial philosophy, and his recent book. David enjoyed meeting Justice Breyer and catching up with NYSBA President Domenick Napoletano. Thank you to the NYSBA for hosting such a memorable and inspiring evening! #NYSBA25

Enjoying the last few days of the New York State Bar Association's 2025 Annual Meeting in New York City. U&K's Jacob H. Zoghlin and Mindy Zoghlin are grateful for the opportunity to learn and network with so many colleagues. Thank you NYSBA for another wonderful annual meeting! #NYSBA25