Category: What When and Why

About 50 years ago, the Beatles released an innovative album called Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The album contained a hit song titled Getting Better that told John Lennon’s personal experience with self-improvement. Companies like Nestle, Mayo Clinic, and Toyota have used an improvement strategy known as Kaizen to make better products and increase market share. Focus on improvement can similarly help lawyers build their practice. Read on for professional development tips for lawyers and resources for implementing them at your firm.

First, the entire rental history for each rent-regulated unit within the building must be obtained from DHCR, which records date back to 1984. Once these records are procured, each legal annually registered rent for all regulated units must be scrutinized for increases. If there are any increases, they must be explained. This is particularly vexing for those increases related to Major Capital Improvements (MCI), which allowed landlords to hike the rent by 6% in NYC and 15% outside of NYC under the prior laws after improvements were made benefiting the tenants. For all increases, all of the backup (invoices from contractors, canceled checks for payments, etc.), must be furnished. If the supporting documentation cannot be produced, or, alternatively, if the documents are inadequate, the rent may be deemed “unreliable,” rendering the asset toxic. The level of toxicity of the asset is largely dependent upon the amount of the overcharge and the time during which the rent was overcharged. Therefore, it is highly advisable for landlords to forego the purchase of any such toxic asset, especially in buildings where there are many potential overcharge claims where the owner does not possess backup. 

Massimo F. D’Angelo

Massimo F. D’Angelo is a partner at Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. who is admitted to practice before the state courts of New York and New Jersey, and the U.S. District Courts for the Southern District and the Eastern District of New York and the District of New Jersey. Mr. D’Angelo represents condominium and cooperative boards and sponsors, as well as commercial and residential landlords and tenants in connection with complex real estate litigation matters, and regularly advises and represents clients in real estate administrative and environmental proceedings. Super Lawyers has repeatedly recognized Mr. D’Angelo as a New York Metro Area Rising Star.

www.alblawfirm.com/attorney-staff/massimo-f-dangelo/

The ABA recently simplified its dues structure and added new membership benefits. The ABA expects these improvements to increase revenues and add 83,000 members over the next 4 years.  Lawyers can similarly raise revenues by offering alternative fees and providing exceptional services. Read on for tips to strengthen client relations and create opportunities for revenue growth. 

Michael L. Goldblatt

Mr. Goldblatt has authored numerous books and articles about marketing for lawyers. He wrote Blumberg’s client marketing pamphlets and designed Blumberg’s Summa Document Organizer and Semi-Customized Law Firm Brochures.

www.michaelgoldblatt.com

Journaling has been used since ancient times to capture thoughts, keep reminders, and record events. An early example is a journal maintained by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurielius (161-180) who kept notes of his personal meditations. More recent journalizers include George Lucas, Nelson Mandela, and Ronald Reagan. Journaling is a low-cost method for preserving history, promoting productivity and improving health. Read on for tips about journaling and resources for starting a diary or journal. 

Michael L. Goldblatt

Mr. Goldblatt has authored numerous books and articles about marketing for lawyers. He wrote Blumberg’s client marketing pamphlets and designed Blumberg’s Summa Document Organizer and Semi-Customized Law Firm Brochures.

www.michaelgoldblatt.com

NEW YORK, November 12, 2019 (Newswire.com) – Blumberg announces the launch of Julius©, a free web portal providing its registered agent (RA), annual report (AR) and corporate service customers an advanced standard of service. The Julius dashboard gives instant access to details of each entity’s data, upcoming deadlines & renewal dates, and access to process of service documents – with email notification of annual and biennial deadlines where applicable. Process will be sent by email, saving days in the time allowed for process to be answered. An important feature for professionals who are obligated to notify clients about process received.

I spoke with busy Philadelphia appeals attorney Todd Mosser, Esq. about what litigants and their attorneys can expect if they need to appeal a criminal matter in the federal court system. 

Continue reading “A Guide to the Federal Criminal Appeals Process”

Todd Mosser

Todd Mosser, Esq. is a Pennsylvania appeals attorney admitted to the bar in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Third, Sixth, and Ninth Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Mosser attended Shippensburg University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, graduating with honors.

 

Mr. Mosser worked for eight years as an Assistant District Attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Appeals Unit prior to opening Moser Legal in July 2013. Since then his firm has litigated over 900 civil and criminal appeals. Mr. Mosser is a leading legal authority in his field, having been quoted in The Legal Intelligencer and having served as a television legal commentator. 

www.mosserappeals.com