CGA Law Firm is pleased to announce the election of Stephen R. McDonald, Esq. to shareholder. Stephen has been practicing law for over 25 years and has acquired extensive experience in multiple areas. He is a seasoned attorney in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Well versed in municipal law, Stephen serves as the solicitor for multiple municipalities in South Central Pennsylvania, and the York County Clerk of Court’s Office. He often represents clients in front of zoning hearing boards and other municipal and local government entities. Prior to joining CGA, Stephen worked at the Office of the District Attorney for… read more »
Litigation Basics: Steps to Take After Being Sued
Finding out that you have been sued can be concerning and unnerving. Whether you’re an individual or part of a company, court papers can be confusing and leave you wondering what to do next. This article addresses some basic information relating to litigation to help you know when to contact our office and what to do at the beginning of litigation. If you have just been served, then you have some time to react but deadlines have already begun. Take a breath and read the papers that you’ve received to find out what the lawsuit is about. It could involve… read more »
Residential Landlords: How Old Is Your Lease?
When was the last time you updated your lease? You may be missing important protections or unknowingly violating the Landlord Tenant Act, Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act, or even the Plain Language Consumer Contract Law. Violating those laws can result in lawsuits brought by tenants, the Pennsylvania Attorney General, or could even invalidate a lease completely. Evictions and other litigation can be irritating, time consuming, and expensive. An updated lease can help to make the process faster, cheaper, and easier. It can also provide some important protections to you as the landlord. Contact Attorney Hunter Schenck at [email protected]… read more »
Pardon Me and My Marijuana
Laws regarding marijuana have been one of the fastest evolving parts of the criminal justice system. In recent times, there has been an obvious change in the attitudes toward marijuana and its use in one form or another. However, the rapidity with which the marijuana laws have evolved has resulted in a patchwork of hodgepodge and often disconnected laws. A large majority of states have adopted laws that legalize cannabis use for medical reasons, and almost half the states have also legalized the recreational use of marijuana. However, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level and is still regulated by… read more »
CDC Issues New Eviction Moratorium, Limitations Apply
The National Eviction Moratorium imposed by the Center for Disease Control in its September 4, 2020 Order expired as of July 31, 2021. That Order provided protection from eviction for the nonpayment of rent to residential tenants, if they complied with the Order’s requirements. On the evening of August 3, 2021, a new Order was issued by the CDC affecting residential evictions. The New Order is in effect until October 3, 2021 and applies to residential properties in counties that have a heightened level of community transmission of COVID-19 and the Delta variant. CDC data on transmission rates can be… read more »
Webinar: Litigation Basics in Business
Join us virtually for this YCEA Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, April 8th from noon to 1:30pm. This virtual webinar will review the basics of litigation for businesses including what to expect, how litigation works, common pitfalls, and tips & tricks for both avoiding litigation and making it easier when it becomes inevitable. Various topics including the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and collections will be discussed. Business owners, record keepers, managers, and many others can benefit from this presentation. Click Here to Register AttorneyHunter B. Schenck provides legal services to individuals and businesses in the area of litigation…. read more »
COVID-19 News: CDC Order Update
The CDC has issued a new Order which extends the protections relating to residential evictions set forth in the September 4, 2020 order. The protections have been extended through March 31, 2021. The Order does NOT forgive rent, late fees, penalties, or interest. It does NOT apply to tenants who engage in criminal activity on the premises, threaten the safety of others, damage the property, violate codes and regulations, or breach the lease in a nonmonetary way. In order to obtain protection under the Order, Tenants still must provide a declaration to the landlord or property owner, under penalty of… read more »
Webinar for Landlords on February 2nd
Join us virtually for this Leadership Luncheon presented by CGA Law Firm and Attorney Hunter B. Schenck. This virtual webinar will focus on landlords in litigation including common pitfalls and best practices as well as tips for avoiding litigation and making it easier if it becomes necessary. The information will apply to landlords as both plaintiffs and defendants in civil suits, especially in the Court of Common Pleas. Attorney Schenck will also address any new eviction updates or legislation. AttorneyHunter B. Schenck provides legal services to individuals and businesses in the area of litigation. She completed her Juris Doctorate from the Penn… read more »
When Can I Get Attorneys’ Fees in Pennsylvania?
You are upset and about to file a lawsuit against the person or entity with which you have a problem. You want them to pay for your attorneys’ fees because it’s all their fault that you’re in this predicament. You are upset because a person or entity just filed a lawsuit against you or your company. This is ridiculous and you want them to pay for your attorneys’ fees because it’s all their fault that you have to defend this suit. Who Pays? Litigation is often expensive and time consuming whether you’re a plaintiff or a defendant. I am often… read more »
CGA Law Firm is excited to announce the addition of two exceptional litigation attorneys
Liliana Fisher is a graduate of the Dickinson School of Law at Penn State and received her undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University. Liliana is the only native Spanish speaking attorney in the York County Bar Association. She has managed numerous cases dealing with many diverse aspects of the law including DUIs, white-collar crime, drug-related charges, cases involving domestic violence, and other forms of misdemeanor and felonies. At CGA, she will be handling litigation, real estate, and employment law. Renée Franchi is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Law School and earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Boston… read more »