Newland & Newland, LLP

Stephen Newland, a partner, explained, “Many clients want to make sure they have a proper estate plan right now, but they are understandably concerned about needing to go to a lawyer’s office to complete this process, and they do not want anyone outside of their family to come into their homes. ”

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. (PRWEB)
May 18, 2020

Due to the health concerns that are affecting everyone in the United States, it is more important than ever for people to have a proper estate plan in place. This may include a will, living trust, power of attorney for property, and power of attorney for health care.

Stephen Newland, a partner at Newland & Newland, LLP, explained, “Many clients want to make sure they have a proper estate plan right now, but they are understandably concerned about needing to go to a lawyer’s office to complete this process, and they do not want anyone outside of their family to come into their homes. We listened to our clients and came up with a process that they feel very comfortable with.”

Curbside signings may sound like picking up items from a fast-food restaurant, but the services provided by Newland & Newland, LLP are very different. Since setting up a proper estate plan is one of the most important things a person can do, the firm has created a procedure for working with clients remotely. Through virtual meetings with clients, the firm’s attorneys can ensure that the proper estate plan documents are drafted, and these documents can then be executed through curbside signing.

During this process, a series of meetings thru Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime are set up to discuss the client’s needs and concerns. Once drafted, all documents are carefully discussed in detail using screen and document sharing to ensure the client’s needs are addressed satisfactorily.

Once the documents are fully explained to the client, and it is confirmed that all required information has been included, a curbside signing appointment will be set up. The client will park his or her car in a remote area of the parking lot of one of the Newland & Newland, LLP offices. Two members of the firm, who will wear masks and gloves, shall then witness and notarize the execution of the documents while the client remains in his or her car.

“Our clients are relieved that they can get their estate plan documents completed in a professional manner without putting their health at risk. The feedback we have gotten from clients has been tremendous,” commented Katrine Fleishman, a lawyer at Newland & Newland, LLP.

Newland & Newland, LLP is an eight-lawyer law firm with offices throughout the Chicago area, including Libertyville and Arlington Heights. To learn more about our estate planning services and options for curbside signing, contact our office by calling 847-549-0000 or visit our website: https://www.newlandattorneys.com/

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Gregory J. Watford

“I am excited to provide high-quality legal representation to the people of metropolitan New York with my new firm. By providing personalized service, my skilled legal team is committed to protecting our clients’ rights in all forums. ” Watford commented.

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
May 18, 2020

Gregory is an accomplished attorney with 25 years of litigation experience along with 10 years working in law enforcement. As a Detective Investigator at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, he investigated various types of crimes and assisted the Assistant District Attorneys in preparing criminal cases to go to trial. After graduating law school, he worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted various criminal offenses, white collar crimes, and conducted arson investigations.

Gregory’s prior legal work experience also includes Litigation Associate for the firms Dienst and Serrins, LLP and Koehler & Isaacs, LLP where he represented several municipal unions and their members. In 2001, he began working as a solo practitioner at The Law Offices of Gregory J. Watford, where he focused on criminal law, administrative law, entertainment litigation, personal injury, and real estate matters.

In 2013, Gregory returned to Koehler and Isaacs, LLP as a Senior Litigation Associate in the criminal/disciplinary unit. In 2018, he co-founded the law firm Watford Jackson, PLLC. That same year, he was appointed as an Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.

Highly regarded by colleagues, advocates, and judges, Gregory has proven success for obtaining favorable resolutions for his clients. With his knowledge of the investigative process, he has developed a unique skill set, which he uses to tirelessly defend his client’s rights and advocates for their best interests. He was recently recognized as an Elite Lawyer by his peers in the legal community, an honor bestowed upon a select group of attorneys who have demonstrated excellence in their respective practice areas.

After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Gregory earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Hofstra University School of Law. He is admitted to the following: New York State Appellate Division – Second Department and the United States District Court – Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

“I am excited to provide high-quality legal representation to the people of metropolitan New York with my new firm. By providing personalized service, my skilled legal team is committed to protecting our clients’ rights in all forums. We will aggressively defend them so they can preserve their personal and professional reputations,” Watford commented.

About The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq. PLLC

The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq., PLLC, has the proven experience, knowledge, and resources to help clients defend against a variety of criminal charges. Their skilled attorneys also represent civil service workers who are facing potential disciplinary action for incompetence or misconduct, on and off the job. With a background in litigation and law enforcement, Attorney Gregory J. Watford understands the criminal justice system, and he will zealously fight for the best possible verdicts and resolutions for his clients.

To learn more about The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq. PLLC, visit https://www.gregoryjwatfordlaw.com/ or call 646-580-6675 to schedule a consultation.

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Criminal Background Records

Criminal History Records and other important court related documents are often required in a pre-employment background check, but delays in access may prove challenging to employers.

WALTHAM, Mass. (PRWEB)
May 12, 2020

The current COVID19 lockdown of non-essential workers has greatly impacted access for current county court records which could significantly impact pre-employment background screening. Adam Almeida, President of CriminalBackgroundRecords.com, states: “Hiring managements and HR departments should take immediate note of the situation with record access at county courts; and continue to work closely with a well-qualified third-party background screening agency in order to stay ahead of any challenges related to COVID 19 and subsequent court closures.

Despite layoffs and furloughs, and a record high unemployment rate, hiring continues. Some essential industries and companies are expanding their workforce in order to keep up with the demand for their goods and services.

Adam Almeida states: “Essential industries such as health organizations, grocery stores, take-out food establishments, shipping and delivery services and other industries still require workers. While the process may have changed significantly, the process and vetting of applicants has not changed, although access to important county court records has become complicated.”

Criminal History Records and other important court related documents are often required in a pre-employment background check, but delays in access may prove challenging to employers.

From HRDive.com (Apr 09, 20):

Employers request background checks to verify that a potential hire is who they claim to be and such efforts often include a check of the individual’s criminal record. However, courts across the country are restricting access to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which is resulting in delays in criminal background checks of potential hires…(1)

Some experts state that databases are only as good as the data input and with delays at the court level, databases can become incomplete or outdated.

From SHRM.com (Apr 30, 20):

Using one of several national databases to search for court records is often insufficient on its own, because records found in these online searches may be incomplete or outdated, experts said. (2)

Almeida concludes: “As essential employers are hired, and as people generally return to work post-COVID, employers and hiring managers should continue to utilize a well-qualified third-party pre-employment background screening agency as a partner in making it through these trying times. Understanding access to key records, as well as how to access these records, can be critical in making the right hiring decision.”

CriminalBackgroundRecords.com is a third-party employment screening company, an advocate of SHRM, a member in good standing with the PBSA (Professional Background Screening Association) and for over 17 years has maintained an A+ Rating with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). The company has highly trained operators well versed in the needs and requirements of companies and organizations large and small utilizing public records, such as criminal background records, as part of a hiring process. Assisting companies in maintaining full compliance under the law is a central tenet of all client relationships with CriminalBackgroundRecords.com.

Notes:

(1)    hrdive.com/news/court-closures-during-covid-19-cause-background-check-concerns/575817/

(2)    shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/talent-acquisition/pages/employment-screening-drug-testing-options-covid19-pandemic.aspx

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Law Offices of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP

For more information about the class action lawsuit against Carter’s Retail, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to Attorney Nicholas De Blouw.

ORANGE, Calif. (PRWEB)
May 04, 2020

The Los Angeles Labor law attorneys at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action lawsuit against Carter’s Retail, Inc., alleging that the company failed to provide accurate wages and allegedly did not provide required rest periods to their California employees. The class action lawsuit against Carter’s Retail, Inc., is currently pending in the Orange Superior Court, Case No. 30-2020-01138792-CU-OE-CXC. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here.

The lawsuit filed against Carter’s Retail, Inc., alleges the company failed to accurately pay PLAINTIFF for all the time they were under DEFENDANT’s control. Allegedly, Carter’s Retail, Inc., unlawfully and unilaterally failed to accurately calculate wages for overtime worked by their employees in order to avoid paying them the correct overtime compensation. State law provides that employees must be paid overtime at one-and-one-half times their “regular rate of pay.”

Additionally, the lawsuit alleges DEFENDANT required PLAINTIFF to work while clocked out during what was supposed to be PLAINTIFF’s off-duty meal break. Further, DEFENDANT failed to provide PLAINTIFF and CALIFORNIA CLASS Members with a second off-duty meal period from time to time in which these employees were required by DEFENDANT to work ten (10) hours of work. According to the Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Wage Order, DEFENDANT is required to pay PLAINTIFF and other CALIFORNIA CLASS Members for all time worked.

For more information about the class action lawsuit against Carter’s Retail, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to Attorney Nicholas De Blouw.

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, is a labor law firm with law offices located in San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Sacramento County, and San Francisco County. The firm has a statewide practice of representing employees on a contingency basis for violations involving unpaid wages,overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and other types of illegal workplace conduct.

***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT***

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Morris Law Group’s Wealth Preservation and Estate Planning YouTube Channel

In the midst of the coronavirus with the lower interest-rate environment, some estate planning opportunities have arisen. Attorney Morris explains some of these estate planning and asset preservation techniques in the “Update Your Planning” video here: https://www.law-morris.com/video-library.

BOCA RATON, Fla. (PRWEB)
May 04, 2020

Morris Law Group, an AV® Preeminent-rated law firm headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla. has introduced a new YouTube video channel featuring a new series of videos on wealth preservation and estate planning. These videos are being recorded by the Morris Law Group team of expert attorneys and professionals. New videos will be offered each month on the firm’s website, Wealth Preservationist blog and on YouTube.

Morris Law Group’s founding partner, Stuart R. Morris, CPA, B.C.S., introduces the video series in this informative introductory video here. The series also includes videos on various topics including:

Planning in the Current Low-Rate Environment – In the midst of the coronavirus with the lower interest-rate environment, some estate planning opportunities have arisen. Attorney Morris explains some of these estate planning and asset preservation techniques that should be considered. Watch this important video here.

The SECURE Act – Attorney Morris explains how this newly enacted law may affect estate planning as well as individuals and their beneficiaries. Among other changes, the SECURE Act changed the entire landscape of how beneficiaries are going to receive IRA, pension or other retirement accounts from the deceased owners of these accounts. Watch the video here.

Irrevocable Trusts and Crummey Powers – Crummey powers are critical powers contained in an irrevocable trust to ensure that contributions made to the trust qualify for the annual exclusion gift. Proper documentation including a contribution letter is required for this technique. Find out more about it here.

Fiduciary Roles – What are the roles of a financial fiduciary, how do they serve, where are they appropriate, and how do you choose them? Attorney Morris explains fiduciary roles here.

In these videos, you will find helpful, actionable information on recent topics in the news, interesting events, in-depth strategies and cutting-edge techniques to help you protect your assets, reduce taxes and create family harmony. To subscribe to Morris Law Group’s Wealth Preservation Channel, please visit here.

Morris Law Group’s staff and attorneys are working and remain available to serve clients in Florida during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. either through phone or video conferencing. For more information about anything seen in these videos or to schedule a consultation with an attorney, please contact Morris Law Group, email Info@Law-Morris.com or call (561) 750-3850.

About Stuart R. Morris, Esq., CPA, B.C.S., Founding Partner, Morris Law Group

Attorney Stuart R. Morris is board-certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates and is a Certified Public Accountant. He founded Morris Law Group in 1991, and practices in estate and gift tax planning, probate and trust administration, wills and trusts, business structuring and succession planning, asset preservation planning, domestic and international tax planning, and special needs planning. He is recognized as one of Worth magazine’s nation’s Top 100 Attorneys, a Florida Super Lawyer, Florida Trend Magazine’s Florida Legal Elite, Palm Beach Illustrated’s list of Top Attorneys, and he has received an AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating, the highest rating afforded an attorney, from Martindale-Hubbell. He is a member of The Florida Bar, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the American Bar Association.

About Morris Law Group, Wealth Preservation Attorneys

Morris Law Group, a South Florida law firm with four conveniently located offices, specializes in wills, trusts, probate, estate and tax planning, asset protection, and business and succession planning, and provides personalized, discreet services custom-designed to help protect your wealth now and in the future. The Morris Law Group team of knowledgeable and qualified attorneys and paralegals has more than 100 years of combined experience in managing complex estate planning, tax planning, trust and estate administration, and business structuring and succession planning for clients. Expertly drafted documents are just the beginning of your Wealth Preservation Solution at Morris Law Group. You will be able to take advantage of a wide variety of sophisticated estate planning, tax planning, and business structuring and succession planning techniques to help you achieve your goals. An AV® Preeminent-rated law firm by Martindale Hubbell, Morris Law Group is adept at translating these strategies into easy-to-understand, jargon-free language, so you will be able to make informed decisions about your assets now and in the future. Visit http://www.law-morris.com or contact Morris Law Group today to schedule a consultation at (561) 750-3850.

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