At the beginning of this year, the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) became effective. The CTA is intended to aid law enforcement in combating illicit activity, such as money laundering and terrorist financing, conducted through anonymous shell companies. It does so by mandating certain entities, primarily small or medium size businesses, to report “beneficial owner” information to the Financial Crimes and Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”). The CTA authorizes FinCEN, a Bureau of the US Treasurer Department, to collect, protect and disclose this information to authorized governmental authorities and financial institutions in certain circumstances. Reporting companies under the CTA include corporations, limited liability companies… read more »
Business & Corporate Law Guidance: Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware)
“Caveat emptor” was frequently applied to commercial transactions in the past. Caveat emptor is a Latin phrase that translates to “let the buyer beware”. It was a warning to those buying, primarily goods, that they should do their own research and ask pointed questions of a seller before making a purchase. Modern laws concerning the purchase and sale of goods often provide protection in that regard. However, investigating and asking questions remains valuable, even when obtaining services. These days, many legal services are available online. But they are not as helpful or inexpensive as they might seem. For example, you… read more »
Do Your Constituents have the Right-to-Know what You Post on Social Media?
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with constituents. However, the expansion of public discussion through social media encourages an expanded application of the Right-To-Know Law. In an April 2023 case, Penncrest School District v. Cagle, the Commonwealth Court attempted to clarify when a public official’s social media activity would be subject to disclosure. The new test limits the applicability of the Law to social media activity but does not settle the matter, so future litigation will likely clarify the test. The Right-To-Know Law is “designed to promote access to official government information in order to prohibit secrets, scrutinize… read more »
Important Documents for Your College-Aged Child
Accidents are the leading cause of death for young adults, and a quarter of a million Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 are hospitalized with non-lethal injuries each year. Can you imagine being unable to help or to make decisions for your child? It could happen if you fail to plan. When your child turns 18, your child transforms into an adult in the eyes of the law. Overnight, you no longer have direct access to personal information or the right to make decisions for your child, who may still depend on you. The laws that once protected your child… read more »
New Appointments and Honors – Spring 2023
Taylor M. Baublitz has joined the Board of The Parliament Arts Organization. The Parliament Arts Organization is a non-profit arts collective in the Royal Square District of Downtown York focused on empowering artists and transforming York through its gallery shows, events, and workshops to support artists. Margaret “Mieke” Driscoll, Chair of the Firm’s Business Practice Group, has been named to the Powder Mill Foundation Board of Trustees. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the York Symphony Orchestra, the York County Community Foundation, and WITF, where she has been honored as an Emeritus. Beth J. Kern was recognized… read more »
Attorney Jeff Rehmeyer Named to UPMC Memorial Hospital Advisory Board
CGA Law Firm is pleased to announce Attorney Jeffrey L. Rehmeyer has been selected to join the UPMC Memorial Hospital Advisory Board in Central Pennsylvania. UPMC has seven acute care hospitals with 1,283 licensed beds, over 160 outpatient clinics and ancillary facilities, more than 2,900 physicians and allied health professionals, and approximately 13,000 employees in Central Pennsylvania. It is a health care hub serving Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, York, Lancaster, Lebanon, Juniata, Franklin, Adams and parts of Snyder counties.
Legal Excellence Awards 2021: CGA Law Firm
President of CGA Law Firm, Attorney Jeffrey L. Rehmeyer, congratulates Attorneys Devon Myers Kolomick, Frank Henisse Countess, Judge John C. Uhler, and Paralegal Barb Ross and Administrator Kerri Cassel, for their recognition in Central Penn Business Journal’s Legal Excellence Awards 2021. Attorney Devon Myers Kolomick was awarded the Legal Excellence Up and Coming Lawyers Award, which honors attorneys who have been admitted to the bar for 10 years or less and demonstrate professional accomplishment, community service and a strong commitment to the legal profession early in their careers. Paralegal Barb Ross was awarded the Legal Excellence Paralegal Award, which honors… read more »
CGA Law Firm Raises Over $2500 for ALS Association!
On Thursday, August 12th, 2021, we hosted our very first Leadership Soak for the ALS Association: Greater Philadelphia Chapter and surpassed our fundraising goal of $2500! A BIG Thank You to all the attorneys, staff, and community members who came together for this! The Leadership Team prepares themselves for a huge bucket!Larry’s granddaughter found the super soaker!Bucket time for Jeff!Craig gets dunked!The Leadership Team and volunteer bucket-throwers!Frank forgot to put in his snorkel!The Leadership Team gets splashed!Jeff gets dunked!Craig didn’t take off his hat for this one!Larry welcomes the water bucket!Frank can’t get enough of this heat wave relief!What a… read more »
Are NDAs Actually That Important?
Article by: Jeffrey L. Rehmeyer II, Esquire There are many big-business practices that don’t necessarily apply to smaller companies. When you are a start-up or small company, you can often cut a lot of red tape without any repercussions. However, the use of non-disclosure agreements (“NDAs”), which are legal contracts of confidentiality, is not a corner to be cut. A strong NDA for your business is simple and not that expensive. The value that you will receive to protect your company and your ideas is arguably worth the potential value of the company itself, or at least the value of… read more »
Taking a Bite out of Copyright Protection
Article by: Jeffrey L. Rehmeyer II, Esquire Recently, a U.S. District Judge in Florida ruled that a dentist’s before and after photographs of his patient’s teeth didn’t create enough of a “creative spark” to merit protection. The Judge found that the photos were “devoid of creativity or originality” and thus not worthy of copyright protection. The case has elicited strong feelings on both sides of the chair and is now under appeal. Mitchell Pohl, a dentist in Florida, photographed the teeth of his female patient before and after he fixed them. The teeth were crooked and stained at first. After… read more »
