News

All the latest firm news and industry updates from Whiteman Osterman & Hanna.

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Jul. 30, 2019

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna Welcomes Brian Lawlor

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, the Capital Region’s largest law firm, proudly welcomes Brian E. Lawlor to the Firm as Of Counsel.  Mr. Lawlor joins Whiteman Osterman & Hanna’s Real Estate Practice Group, where his practice will focus on affordable housing and housing finance. He has served successfully in many leadership roles in government housing agencies, including Commissioner/CEO of New York State’s housing agencies, Assistant Secretary to the Governor for [...]

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Jul. 24, 2019

What employers need to know about New York's new harassment prevention law

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna of counsel Ellen Bach was featured in the article "What Employers Need to Know About New York's New Harassment Prevention Law" in the July 9 edition of the Albany Business Review. The article highlights changes in the new law and how those changes could have major implications for employers. Click here for the full article.

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Jul. 22, 2019

Legislative Amendments Impacting New York Employers

In June 2019, the New York State Legislature adopted four major pieces of legislation that will have sweeping impacts on public and private employers in New York State.  Three of these bills have already been signed into law – (1) a law requiring employers to provide equal pay to employees in all protected classes, (2) a law prohibiting employers from requesting information and making decisions based on applicant and employee wage and salary histories, and (3) a law expanding the [...]

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Jul. 03, 2019

Scott Shimick Selected to the Business Journals' Influencers List

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna is proud to announce Scott Shimick has been selected to The Business Journals' Influencers: Law.  This list spotlights 100 attorneys who are having an impact on business and legal matters in communities across the nation. Congratulations Scott!  Click here for more information.

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Jul. 23, 2019

Robert Stout Named to the Board of Opera Saratoga

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna partner Robert A. Stout Jr. has been named to the Board of Directors of Opera Saratoga, a regional opera company of international renown.  Opera Saratoga produces an annual summer festival on the grounds of Saratoga Spa State Park featuring classical works, as well as contemporary and American operas, along with premier productions.  Opera Saratoga is active year round, including by producing its Opera-to-Go program, bringing live performances to over 50 [...]

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Jul. 22, 2019

Labor and Employment Update - Time Off to Vote

Effective April 12, 2019, all public and private New York State employers are now required to permit an employee up to three hours of paid time off (PTO) to vote in any public election, if the employee (1) is registered to vote, and (2) requests the time off at least two business days prior to the election.  An employee may request this PTO to vote regardless of the employee’s work schedules or working hours.  However, employers have the option to designate when during the [...]

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Jul. 22, 2019

Labor and Employment Update - New Protections for Farm Workers

On July 16, 2019, the Governor signed the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act into law.   When the Act becomes effective on January 1, 2020, it will provide the following labor protections for the first time to farm workers in New York State:  eligibility for overtime pay for any work over 60 hours per week, at an overtime rate of one and one-half times the laborer’s regular rate of pay; a full 24-hours day of rest each week; an 8-hour work day; disability [...]

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