What Is Adverse Possession?
Adverse Possession is when a person makes a claim to real property not based on buying it or receiving a deed for it but because they have possessed or occupied the property in a manner adverse to the true owner. The concept, dating back in English history, is that a person can make a claim […]
Twomey Latham Announces 2017 Mattituck Community Service Scholarship
Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo LLP was proud to honor Mattituck High School senior, Carter Montgomery, at the June 21 graduation rehearsal ceremony held at the high school. As the recipient of the scholarship, which is offered each year to a student with outstanding credentials in the areas of community and public service, […]
Twomey Latham Announces 2017 Riverhead Community Service Scholarship
Bernadette Tuthill, an associate with the law firm of Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP, was proud to honor Riverhead High School Kathleen Gregory at an awards ceremony on June 1 at Riverhead High School. Kathleen was the recipient of the annual scholarship offered by the firm to a student who has distinguished […]
Twomey Latham Announces 2017 East Hampton Community Service Scholarship Recipients
Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo announced the recipients of its Community Service Scholarships. On Thursday night the 2017 Scholarship recipients were announced at the East Hampton High School’s award ceremony. The year’s winners are Raquel Burns and Andrew Wilson, both of East Hampton.
New Partner Adds New Practice Area
Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP announced that Jeffrey W. Pagano, one of the nation’s leading labor & employment litigation attorneys, formerly of Crowell & Moring, LLC and a Co-Chair of that firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, has joined the Firm as a partner. Mr. Pagano has litigated cases in state and federal […]
Village of Southampton Dimensional Regulation Changes
On April 13, 2017, the Southampton Village Trustees amended Village Code Section 116-17.1(E). The intent of the Village Code change is to reduce the maximum permitted total gross floor area for dwellings on lots located within Residence Zoning Districts R-40, R-20, R-12.5, and R.7.5, as well as Multi-Family Residence Zoning District MF-20, by the total […]
Village of East Hampton Zoning Code Changes
Effective March 2, 2017, the East Hampton Village Trustees enacted two important zoning code changes (Local Laws 5 and 6 of 2017), which changed a number of definitions, including “Flag Lot”, “Lot Depth”, “Lot Width”, “Lot Width, Rear”, “Playing Court”, and “Structure” (Village Code Section 278-1). In addition, the law changed the area and setback […]
Protecting Your Website From Liability
A. Privacy Policy. Website owners often times ignore the Privacy Policy for their site because there is not a lot of information on needs and requirements. The Privacy Policy for a website is a very important element if there are any breaches of security. This policy is the statement that you make to visitors to […]
Certificates of Insurance: What do they really tell us?
Construction contracts almost always impose a myriad of insurance requirements upon general contractors, subcontractors, managers, design professionals and owners involved in the project. Typically, the insurance procurement requirements are divided among the parties, with one contracting party often agreeing to obtain a particular kind of coverage for another, which is extended on an additional insured […]
Polar Bear Plunge for Charity
Several members of our firm participated in the firm’s twelfth consecutive Polar Bear Plunge on December 10 to benefit the Human Resources of the Hamptons. The temp. was 31 degrees and the water temp. was a tepid 47 degrees. The funds raised in connection with this event will be used for food, shelter and clothing for […]
Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo and Suffolk County National Bank Present Contributions to Food Pantries
The law firm of Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, with Suffolk County National Bank, held a fundraising event in February to raise money to support five eastern Long Island food pantries. With contributions from numerous local businesses, the event resulted in raising $10,000. On October 27, 2016, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & […]
New York SAFE Act – A Practical Roadmap to Navigating New York’s Newest Firearms Law
The ownership of firearms by private citizens is heavily regulated in the United States with literally tens of thousands of different laws existing on the books at the Federal, State and Municipal levels. These regulations vary drastically from state to state, so it is extremely easy for the average law-abiding gun owner to become confused […]
Twomey Latham Adds Immigration Practice
Twomey Latham is pleased to announce that the firm has expanded its practice to include immigration law. This vast and complex field requires a high degree of care and attention in order to provide clients with a full understanding of the options and constraints under immigration laws, while also reflecting each client’s individual goals and […]
Small Business and Intellectual Property
A small business’s intellectual property (IP), i.e., all its intangible assets, including logos, trade names, designs, inventions and product names, are often not given due consideration by the small business owner. Just as a business can own a building or inventory it can own IP if it takes the necessary steps to establish and protect […]
Walking to End Alzheimer’s
Several members of the law firm and their families and friends participated in this past Saturday’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank. The team raised $1,765 to aid in the fight against Alzheimer’s and support those affected by Alzheimer’s on the East End of Long Island.
Twomey Latham Releases Updated Guides
The firm released updated versions of its essential guides How to Buy A Home on the East End, How to Sell A Home on the East End and How to Complete Your Estate Plan and Protect Your Family. These guides are free and offer step-by-step procedures and answers to your important questions. You can view or download pdfs of […]
Insurance for Contractors 101 – Beware of the Cheap Policy! The most Affordable Insurance Policy May Put Your Business At Risk
Responsible construction contractors understand the importance of maintaining a commercial general liability policy of insurance (“CGL”). Having insurance coverage with ample policy limits provides peace of mind that the business is protected against claims involving, among other things, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage suffered by employees or property on a project site. However, […]
Don’t Forget To Address Your Legal Affairs Before You Deploy
Preparing for a military deployment is extremely stressful. Your mind will be focused on dozens of things, including your training, your equipment, the mission and the safety of your fellow brothers and sisters in arms. You will most likely want to dedicate your remaining time at home with loved ones and friends. As such, there […]
DOT and FAA Finalize Rules for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
As drone technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, the use of unmanned aerial systems (“UAS”) for non-hobby commercial applications will become more frequent. According to industry estimates, the use of UAS in furtherance of commercial interests could generate more than $82 billion for the U.S. economy and create more than 100,000 new jobs over the next […]
Twomey Latham Announces 2016 Riverhead Community Service Scholarship
Bernadette Tuthill, an associate with the law firm of Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP, was proud to honor Riverhead High School Lauren Mastropaolo at an awards ceremony on June 2 at Riverhead High School. Lauren was the recipient of the annual scholarship offered by the firm to a student who has distinguished […]
Twomey Latham Announces 2016 East Hampton Community Service Scholarship Recipients
The law firm of Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo announced the recipients of its Community Service Scholarships. On Thursday night the 2016 Scholarship recipients were announced at the East Hampton High School’s award ceremony. The year’s winners are Abigail Roden and Stephen Kane, both of East Hampton.
David Dubin Recognized as a 2016 Top Long Island AV Preeminent Rated Lawyer
Martindale Hubbell and The American Lawyer recognized Senior Partner David Dubin as one of the 2016 Long Island’s Top AV Preeminent Rated Lawyers. AV Preeminent is an exclusive recognition granted only to lawyers ranked at the highest level of legal ability and ethical standards by their peers. Mr. Dubin’s practice includes a broad range of […]
Launching A Website? Consider Trademarks and Branding
Small business owners should take certain steps before launching their website to be successful. Here are a few tips that business owners should consider:
Food Pantry Fundraiser Rescheduled
New Date: Tuesday, February 9, from 6-10 pm at The Barn at Martha Clara Vineyards. Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, in partnership with Suffolk County National Bank, will be holding their annual Charitable Giving Fundraiser to benefit five East End food pantries. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, from […]
New Anti-Discrimination Rules in New York
Discrimination can unfortunately manifest itself in many different forms in modern society and can range from, among other things, discrimination based upon race, religion, age, familial status and/or disability. Federal, State and local laws have for several decades attempted to redress past wrongs and prevent future discrimination by imposing, often times, severe penalties against those […]
Renting Your Home in the Town of Southampton
If you own a home within the Town of Southampton and want to rent your home, whether it be annually, seasonally or monthly, it is imperative that you apply for and obtain a rental permit from the Town. If you already have rented your home without having obtained a permit, you may be at risk […]
Twomey Latham Continues Pro Bono Work
Senior partner David Dubin along with associate Alexandra Halsey Storch volunteered their legal services to three residents of the Town of Southampton in connection with Southampton’s affordable housing program. The attorneys have been representing the soon to be first time homeowners in connection with their loans and their home purchases.
Twomey Latham Announces 2015 Community Service Scholarship Recipients
For the past fifteen years, the partners of Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP have presented community service scholarships to graduating seniors at local high schools to recognize the students’ contributions to their communities. The partners are pleased to announce and congratulate the recipients of the 2015 Community Service Scholarships. This year’s recipients […]
Protecting Your Trademark on Social Media Platforms
Trademarks are valuable assets, and trademark owners must be diligent in protecting their marks on all social media platforms to safeguard their brand. Here are a few basic tips for protecting your trademarks:
Defining the Important Role of Local Counsel
Earlier this week, the New York City Bar Association issued an opinion that defines the professional obligations of attorneys who act as “local counsel.” Lawyers very often use the term “local counsel” to describe an attorney who provides assistance on a matter within their jurisdiction, while the attorney primarily responsible for the matter, or “lead […]
John Shea elected to Guild Hall Board of Trustees
Senior Partner John Shea has been elected to the Board of Trustees of the historic Guild Hall Center for the Visual and Performing Arts in East Hampton. Mr. Shea has been a partner with the law firm for over 30 years. Earlier in his career, he served as Counsel to the White House Council on […]
Popular Estate Planning Tool May Now Be Subject to Tax
For years estate planning practitioners used a sale to an intentionally defective grantor trust (“IDGT”) to freeze the value of property from the taxable estate of a client. Although not codified in the Internal Revenue Code or regulations as an acceptable estate planning tool, sales to IDGTs have withstood IRS scrutiny.
Twomey Latham Selected for 2015 New York Excellence Award
The US Commerce & Trade Research Institute (USCTRI) has selected Twomey Latham for the 2015 New York Excellence Award. According to USCTRI, Twomey Latham has consistently demonstrated a high regard for upholding business ethics and company values. This recognition by USCTRI marks a significant achievement as an emerging leader within various competitors and is setting […]
Stephen Latham Appointed to Board of The Retreat
The Retreat, eastern Long Island’s only comprehensive domestic violence services agency, has appointed Senior Partner Stephen Latham to the Board of Directors. Mr. Latham is also Counsel to The Retreat. His volunteer resume includes service at the East Hampton Youth Alliance, where he served as a Board Member and Counsel, and the Children’s Museum of […]
Twomey Latham and Suffolk County National Bank Present Contributions to Food Pantries
The law firm of Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, with Suffolk County National Bank, held a fundraising event in December to raise money to support five eastern Long Island food pantries. With contributions from numerous local businesses, the event resulted in raising $10,000. On February 11, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo […]
Taking the Plunge for Charity
Several members of our firm participated in this past Saturday’s Polar Bear Plunge at Coopers Beach in Southampton to benefit the Human Resources of the Hamptons.
The First-Time Homebuyer Exemption to the Peconic Bay Real Estate Transfer Tax
Since 1998, New York’s Tax Law § 1449-aa et seq. has allowed the five East End towns to impose upon buyers of certain real estate in those towns a 2% real estate transfer tax (the “Peconic Bay real estate transfer tax”) in order to fund the Peconic Bay region community preservation fund established pursuant to […]
Twomey Latham to Co-Host Third Annual Fundraiser
Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, in partnership with Suffolk County National Bank, will be holding their annual Charitable Giving Fundraiser to benefit five East End food pantries. The event will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2014, from 6-9 pm at Martha Clara Vineyards, located at 6025 Sound Avenue in Riverhead. Live entertainment […]
2015 Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Retirement Plans
The Internal Revenue Service announced the cost of living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension and retirement plans for tax year 2015.
Twomey Latham Announces 2014 Community Service Scholarships Recipients
Twomey Latham is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2014 Community Service Scholarships. The year’s recipients are Christopher Betuel and Serrana Mattiauda, of East Hampton High School, Carolyn Carrera of Riverhead High School, and Erika Gulija, Mariah Neknez and Tiffany White of Southampton High School. Twomey Latham’s Community Service Scholarship recognizes graduating senior high […]
Twomey Latham and Suffolk County National Bank Award $10,000 in Grants to Food Pantries
At a luncheon held January 14, 2014, the law firm of Twomey, Latham, Shea Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo and Suffolk County National Bank awarded $2,000 each to five Eastern Long Island Food Pantries. The grants to the following five food pantries: Long Island Council of Churches Food Pantry in Riverhead, Open Arms Care Center Food […]
Law Student Pro Bono Legal Advocacy
Legal Assistant Katerina Grinko, a Juris Doctor candidate at the Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, attended a two-day conference on the Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), hosted by the New York City law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP on November 2 – 3, 2013. IRAP is the first organization to […]
Christopher Kelley Super Lawyer Recognition
Senior Partner Christopher D. Kelley has been recognized in the 2013 New York Metropolitan area’s “Super Lawyers” in the practice area of real estate. Mr. Kelley’s practice involves real estate transactions, land use and real estate litigation at both the trial and appellate levels.
Stephen Latham Selected for Super Lawyer Recognition
Senior Partner Stephen B. Latham has been recognized in the 2013 New York Metropolitan area’s “Super Lawyers” in the practice area of real estate. Mr. Latham’s practice is concentrated in the areas of commercial and residential real estate development, as well as in commercial and environmental litigation.
Twomey Latham To Co-Host 2nd Annual Food Pantry Fundraiser
The firm is once again partnering with Suffolk County National Bank and will be holding a fundraiser Chinese Auction to benefit five east end food pantries. The event will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2013, from 6-9 pm at Martha Clara Vineyards, located at 6025 Sound Avenue in Riverhead. Entertainment will be provided by […]
John Shea Selected for “Top Rated Real Estate Attorneys” Recognition
Senior Partner John Shea has been selected as one of the “Top Rated Lawyers in Real Estate Law” by Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Shea’s practice involves real estate transactions of all kinds, as well as zoning, construction, and litigation related to each of those matters. His development work includes the environmental cleanup of properties to maximize their […]
Legal Ethics Update: Legal Services May Now be Donated for Charitable Auctions
In 1980, the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Committee on Professional Ethics issued an opinion (Opinion 524) that concluded it was improper for a lawyer to donate legal services to a charity auction. New York has since adopted the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which prompted the Committee to reexamine and reverse that long-standing […]
New Law: NYS Homeowners Must Re-register to Qualify for Basic STAR Exemption
The NYS School Tax Relief (STAR) Program provides an exemption from school taxes for owner-occupied, primary residences where the combined income of the owners and spouses who reside on the property does not exceed $500,000. This is known as the Basic STAR exemption.
U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down Defense of Marriage Act
This past Wednesday, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act (the “Act”). In a 5-4 decision, the Justices voted to hold Section 3 of the Act unconstitutional. Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act excluded same-sex couples from the definition of “marriage” and “spouse” in […]
Twomey Latham Announces 2013 Community Service Scholarship Recipients
Twomey Latham is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2013 Community Service Scholarships. The year’s winners are Mario Mayorga and Laura Perez, both of East Hampton High School, Amber Nicholson of Riverhead High School, and Nicolette Finder, Paris Hodges and Claire Zaneski of Southampton High School.
The Constitutionality of a Ban on Same-Sex Marriage: Oral Argument Transcript in Hollingsworth v. Perry Is Now Available
On March 26, 2013, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case regarding the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8, a 2008 ballot initiative that amended the state constitution to allow only opposite-sex couples to marry.
What the Fiscal Cliff Compromise Means for All of Us
As we all know by now, the feared “fiscal cliff” was averted at the eleventh hour. After tense and exhaustive negotiations that kept the country on edge, the Senate approved a bill to avert the fiscal cliff two hours after the midnight deadline on January 1, 2013, and the House of Representatives voted to approve […]
Twomey Latham and SCNB Raise $10,000 for East End Food Pantries
Twomey Latham and Suffolk County National Bank conducted a joint Holiday Charitable Giving Campaign in December that incorporated several fundraising events that were attended by members of the law firm, bank staff and the public. Supported by the generous donations and contributions of numerous East End businesses, the net amount raised was $10,000. At a […]
Twomey Latham To Co-Host Food Pantry Fundraiser
The event will be held on December 13, 2012, from 6-9 pm at Martha Clara Vineyards, located at 6025 Sound Avenue in Riverhead. Entertainment will be provided by Gene Casey & The Lone Sharks, Frank Latorre and Who Are Those Guys. For $20 attendees will receive 25 Chinese Auction Tickets.
Insurance Tips for Long Islanders in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy
As Long Islanders begin to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, many of them will likely turn to their homeowners’ insurance policy for coverage.
Does the Affordable Care Act a/k/a Obamacare Impose a 3.8 Percent Sales Tax on Your Home?
Barring repeal after the upcoming election, a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will come into effect in 2013 to help pay for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act a/k/a Obamacare (the “Act”). There is a lot of false or misleading information on the Internet about this tax and its impact upon the sale of one’s […]
Twomey Latham Sponsors “Jordan’s Initiative” in Sag Harbor, New York
Twomey Latham was a sponsor of the recent “Jordan’s Initiative” fishing tournament in Sag Harbor, New York. The tournament raised money for the volunteer pilot organization Patient AirLift Services (PALS) and the organization Building Homes for Heroes. Twomey Latham partner John Shea is one of the founding directors of PALS, which provides free air transportation […]
Twomey Latham’s Charitable Giving Committee Announces Recipients
Twomey Latham’s Charitable Giving Committee recently announced that its fall giving campaign will benefit local food pantries on the East End of Long Island, including the Springs Food Pantry at Springs Community Presbyterian Church in East Hampton, the Human Resources of the Hamptons Food Pantry at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church, Southampton, the […]
Twomey Latham Featured on The Ellen Hermanson Foundation Breast Center at Southampton Hospital’s “Wall of Honor”
The firm’s name will be prominently featured on the “Wall of Honor” inside The Ellen Hermanson Foundation Breast Center at Southampton Hospital in Southampton, New York, in recognition of the firm’s contribution to the Hermanson Foundation.
The High Cost of Failing to Comply With a Contractual Notice of Claim Provision
A decision earlier this year from Justice Elizabeth H. Emerson of the New York State Supreme Court, Suffolk County Commercial Division, illustrates the harsh consequences that can result from failing to comply with a contractual notice of claim provision, even when the alleged breaching party has actual notice of the apparent claim.
Team Twomey Latham Participates in Ellen’s Run
The firm recently entered a strong and enthusiastic team in the 17th annual Ellen’s Run in Southampton, New York. Proceeds from the event help fund a number of support services for breast cancer patients
Losing Protection of Registered Trademarks by Abandonment
Trademarks are an important part of any business. Once a mark is registered and, therefore, federally protected, the protection afforded by the registration is dependent upon continued use of the mark. The owner of a trademark loses its rights to a mark if it does not use the mark in a consistent and controlled manner.
The Basics of Copyright and Trademark
Copyrights and trademarks are collectively known as intellectual property rights. A copyright protects an original artistic or literary work. A trademark protects and identifies the source of goods of one party from those of another, and, similarly, a service mark protects and identifies the source of a service, rather than a product.
Supreme Court Upholds the Affordable Care Act a/k/a Obamacare
On June 28, 2012, the United States Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated decision in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius.
Twomey Latham Launches New Website
On June 29, 2012, the firm launched a completely rebuilt version of www.suffolklaw.com. The firm’s partners were directly involved in all aspects of creating the new website, including its design.
Twomey Latham Launches The Suffolk Law Blog
Twomey Latham is pleased to announce the launch of the Suffolk Law Blog. We plan on using this blog as a place to comment on important legal developments and trends that are impacting the Long Island community. Our attorneys will provide you with valuable insight on their experiences and suggestions for dealing with a broad […]
