By: Pamela A. Lee, Esquire Want that cute puppy in the window? It could cost you significantly more than a pretty penny. Here’s how. You—and possibly your family which may include a small child—are in the pet store and you (and your family which may include a small child) are in love. You absolutely need […]
By: Lisanne L. Mikula, Esquire One of the most closely watched cases on the Supreme Court’s docket this term was Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The facts of the case were relatively simple—Jack Phillips, a Colorado baker, refused to make a custom cake for a same-sex couple because he believed that doing […]
By: Pamela A. Lee, Esquire In a recent article, a Montgomery County newspaper reported on a new but previously unrecognized cost to a local YMCA chapter that closed or soon will be closing two of its local facilities: real estate taxes. In Pennsylvania, our law provides for the “principle that a taxpayer should pay no […]
By: Lisanne L. Mikula, Esquire As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Creditors have better memories than debtors.” But how long can a creditor wait to collect a debt? And what means can a creditor use to collect old debt? In a victory for consumers, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals recently held that a debt collection […]
By: Lisanne L. Mikula, Esquire Employment contracts for physicians are nothing new; however, the trend toward larger, corporate healthcare systems has dramatically altered the terms of physician employment agreements and the factors which a physician must consider prior to signing an employment agreement. Physician-owned practices have largely gone by the wayside, giving way to […]
By: Pamela A. Lee, Esquire In a unanimous decision on July 5, 2017, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that it is unconstitutional for a taxing authority to appeal the real property tax assessments of only one sub-classification of properties where that sub-classification is by property type, such as a commercial property or apartment complex. In Valley Forge […]
By: Pamela A. Lee, Esquire Our taxpayers unjustly pay more than their fair share of the cost of government when other property owners “game” the system and pay less than their fair share in real estate taxes. In Pennsylvania, our law provides for the “principle that a taxpayer should pay no more or no less […]
By: Matthew H. Fry, Esquire [email protected] Several years ago a friend of mine started his own business. He told me that he was having some issues with the lease and with the township that required modifications to his new location. I offered my firm’s services, but because he believed he could negotiate the issues himself and save […]
By: Lisanne L. Mikula, Esquire [email protected] A few months ago, my colleague Pamela A. Lee, Esquire, warned of the dangers of arbitration clauses hidden in contracts which waive a consumer’s right to use the court system in the event of a dispute. These clauses not only bar a consumer from filing lawsuits in court, […]
By: Matthew H. Fry, Esquire [email protected] Lawsuits are unfortunately part of doing business. However, there are ways to minimize litigation by preventing lawsuits altogether or by taking steps to preserve evidence to defend your company. This will decrease costs by either preventing or limiting protracted and expensive litigation. 1. Maintain Consistent Work Policies. Businesses should establish […]
