The Harris Beach Podcast

This is an exciting time in the adult-use marijuana space in New York state – last month more than 80 small farmers received conditional cultivator licenses. That means plants are going in the ground, and recreational dispensaries will have product to sell when they open later this year. Harris Beach attorneys Heidi Schult Gregory and Meaghan Feenan give our listeners a chance to get caught up on recent cannabis developments, along with a look at what's to come. Related Links:Heidi Schult Gregory Bio – https://bit.ly/3LrYp0KMeaghan Feenan Bio – https://bit.ly/3wxlpGdCannabis Industry Team  – https://bit.ly/2ILtH80

As cannabis related businesses seek strong corporate foundations for business success in a rapidly shifting landscape, it's critical to consider legal and tax issues. Wesley Rene, an attorney on our Cannabis Industry Team, highlights considerations related to corporate structures, tax liability and more to achieve optimal growth, sustainability and compliance. Please note this does not contain legal or tax advice and should not be relied upon or construed as legal advice; it is merely discussion of considerations when starting a cannabis-related business. Please contact your lawyer or tax advisor if seeking counsel. Related Links: Wesley Rene Bio - https://bit.ly/3ozHMH4Cannabis Industry Team  - https://bit.ly/2ILtH80

Why would a law firm start a software company? Technology provides law firms with enormous opportunities to improve client service in part, by streamlining and automating labor-intensive tasks. In today's episode of the Harris Beach podcast, Chris Jagel, Harris Beach CEO, Alan Winchester, the leader of the firm's cybersecurity practice, and Mike Compisi, president of Caetra, discuss the origins of Caetra.io and how it fits with our history of innovation, along with the trend of technology-driven disruptions to the traditional practice of law. Related Links: Chris Jagel Bio - https://bit.ly/3CvVtMPAlan Winchester Bio - https://bit.ly/2YZWcU5Mike Compisi Bio - https://bit.ly/3192148Cybersecurity Practice Group - https://bit.ly/2NB55ydCaetra.io - https://bit.ly/2Nqjwoo

A small cannabis dispensary choose to plaster the fictional character Borat on its billboard resulting in a $9 million lawsuit; but it's not an isolated incident. In fact, theft of others' intellectual property is a recurring problem for the cannabis industry. On this episode of The Harris Beach Podcast, Brendan Palfreyman explains how the Borat lawsuit is a bellwether of companies aggressively protecting against theft, infringement and appropriation by cannabis start-ups. Related Links: Brendan Palfreyman Bio - https://bit.ly/3mIm1FoIntellectual Law Practice Group - https://bit.ly/30dLcCUCannabis Industry Team  - https://bit.ly/2ILtH80

T-Cell Therapies offer enormous promise in the development of new approaches to treating cancer. A federal appeals court recently heard arguments in a patent dispute between two companies that have emerged as leaders in CAR-T technology for new cancer treatments. The patent relates to a treatment approach that uses specially altered T cells to fight cancer. In 2020 Juno Therapeutics won a $1 billion judgment against Gilead's Kite Pharma in connection with alleged infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,446,190, entitled “Nucleic Acid Encoding Chimeric T Cell Receptors.” In this episode of the Harris Beach Podcast, partner Laura Smalley provides additional background on the case, analyzes the Circuit Court arguments, and provides her thoughts on the implications of the case and what might happen next. Related Links: Laura Smalley Bio - http://bit.ly/2uoTz2FIntellectual Law Practice Group - https://bit.ly/30dLcCU

On March 31, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law the New York State Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (“MRTA”) which legalized recreational use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21. Although retail sales of marijuana are not expected to begin until 2022, the legalized use of marijuana became effective immediately. On this episode two attorneys from the Harris Beach Cannabis Industry Team – Karl Sleight and Meaghan Feenan – as well as Morgan Hopkins, a CPA at DeJoy, Knauf and Blood and the director of its Hemp & Cannabis Services, address frequently asked questions that have come up during conversations with organizations throughout the state and beyond. Related Links: Meaghan Feenan Bio - https://bit.ly/34jAA8WKarl Sleight Bio - https://bit.ly/3ggZI59Morgan Hopkins Bio - https://bit.ly/3bWMkSKCannabis Industry Team  - https://bit.ly/2ILtH80

Recreational, adult-use marijuana is poised to become legal in New York state. The changes that legalization brings for virtually every workplace include modifications and updates to employer policies and procedures regarding drug testing, workplace discipline in relation to marijuana use, and workplace productivity and safety. Taylor Ventre, an attorney on the Harris Beach Cannabis Industry Team, joins the podcast to discuss these issues and other key considerations for employers. Related Links: Taylor Ventre Bio - https://bit.ly/31sAPwLCannabis Industry Team  - https://bit.ly/2ILtH80Legal Alert - https://bit.ly/3rVK3M5Webinar Registration - https://bit.ly/3cKQ1dd

New York state is placing a significant bet on developing renewable energy into a significant sector of the overall economy. The state has pledged to transition 50 percent of the state's electricity to renewable sources by 2030, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050. This focus has created significant opportunity for real estate developers, as wind and solar projects require the use of land. On this episode of the podcast, Harris Beach partner F.L. Gorman talks with Kevin Schulte, founder of Greenspark Solar. Related Links: F.L. Gorman Bio - http://bit.ly/3bWJ6i3Green Spark Solar - https://bit.ly/3bWMkSKReal Estate Developers Industry Team  - http://bit.ly/3tFuklX

Legalization of recreational, adult-use marijuana in New York state has never been more likely. At the start of 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo introduced his plan, The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA), and positioned the tax benefits of legalization as a way to help offset pandemic-related deficits. However, businesses looking to enter the burgeoning market in New York state, or simply those that will be impacted by it, have many questions. Meaghan Feenan, an attorney on the Harris Beach Cannabis Industry Team and Morgan Hopkins, a CPA at DeJoy, Knauf and Blood LLP and the director of its Hemp & Cannabis Advisory Services, join the podcast to help navigate potential issues. Related Links: Meaghan Feenan Bio - https://bit.ly/34jAA8WMorgan Hopkins Bio - https://bit.ly/3bWMkSKCannabis Industry Team  - https://bit.ly/2ILtH80Cannabis Webinar Registration  - http://bit.ly/3cKQ1dd

Product distributors, online retailers, and owners of facilities that are open to the public, may be wondering about their risk of personal injury claims stemming from COVID-19. On this episode of the Harris Beach Podcast, Senior Counsel Dan Strecker from our Mass Torts and Industry-wide Litigation practice group discusses personal injury liability in the age of COVID-19. Related Links: Dan Strecker Bio - http://bit.ly/2MNp53MMass Torts and Industry-wide Litigation Team - http://bit.ly/3rqZIUcDownload Episode Transcript

The Paycheck Protection Program has been seen as a lifeline for many businesses nationwide. In this episode Josh Steele discusses several common questions from the program – including changes to eligibility and forgivable expenses; the opportunity for a draws; elements that are triggering investigations and how an attorney can help organizations navigate what can be a complicated and nuanced loan process. Related Links: Josh Steele Bio - http://bit.ly/39Ug2GILabor and Employment Team - http://bit.ly/2TdGmSSPPP Comprehensive Webinar - http://bit.ly/3oZREIoDownload Episode Transcript

The renewable energy economy has moved well beyond the novelty stage in New York State. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has called for aggressive broad-based investments and initiatives that he believes will help New York become the leader in building a self-sustaining renewable energy industry in New York. In this episode of the Harris Beach podcast, we asked Energy Industry Team Partner Michelle Piasecki for her reaction to the state's new plan and to outline what project developers need to know to embrace the new opportunities. Related Links: Michelle Piasecki Bio - http://bit.ly/3bGo8UQEnergy Industry Team - https://bit.ly/3kUOjZxGovernor's Proposals - http://on.ny.gov/3nO2PmyDownload Episode Transcript

This fall, New York state released proposed regulations for the hemp industry that shed light on legal issues related to growing, testing, labeling and retailing hemp and its extracts such as CBD. In this episode, attorney Meaghan Feenan highlights key regulations for growers, labs, processors and retailers. Related Links: Meaghan Feenan Bio - https://bit.ly/34jAA8WCannabis Industry Team - https://bit.ly/2ILtH80MORE Act Legal Alert - https://bit.ly/39egksdDownload Episode Transcript

New York state seemed poised to legalize marijuana in 2020 – but those efforts, like so many others, were thwarted by COVID-19. However, we can expect this unfinished business to remain on the radar. In this episode attorneys Meaghan Feenan and Taylor Ventre discuss what could be around the corner in this burgeoning industry, particularly as it pertains to municipalities, special improvement districts, and Industrial Development Agencies. Related Links: Meaghan Feenan Bio - https://bit.ly/34jAA8WTaylor Ventre Bio - https://bit.ly/31sAPwLCannabis Industry Team - https://bit.ly/2ILtH80

School districts now need to prioritize compliance with a critical new regulation expanding New York state's Education Law 2D. In this episode Joseph Eckstein, business manager and DPO at Eastern Suffolk BOCES; Edward Trevvett, a partner in our Educational Institutions practice; and Alan Winchester, a partner in our cybersecurity protection and response practice and Chief Development Officer of Caetra.io, discuss regulation Part 121 and the new obligations placed on districts for managing data privacy and cybersecurity. Related Links: Edward Trevvett Bio - https://bit.ly/2SCPtwxAlan Winchester Bio - https://bit.ly/2YZWcU5Cybersecurity Protection and Response Practice Group - https://bit.ly/2NB55ydEastern Suffolk BOCES - https://bit.ly/33Bo847Caetra.io - https://bit.ly/2NqjwooDownload Episode Transcript

Forces such as COVID-19, current events and cultural groundswells have prompted society to re-examine everything from how we safely gather to how we best embrace and promote diversity. In this episode, Tori Reyner and Amanda Dwyer, corporate law attorneys at Harris Beach, discuss best practices for participating virtually in shareholder meetings and compliance with new diversity reporting requirements, reflecting the number of women serving on boards of directors of companies conducting business in New York state. Related Links: Tori Reyner Bio - https://bit.ly/30uF4qVAmanda Dwyer Bio - https://bit.ly/33nXbR7Corporate Practice Group - http://bit.ly/2wFKIulDownload Episode Transcript

In this episode Joe Picciotti, an attorney in the Harris Beach Environmental Law and Commercial Real Estate practice groups, and Vince Dick, a Principal Consultant responsible for developing and implementing environmental permitting programs at Haley & Aldrich, provide an overview of PFAS – otherwise known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They touch on the history of PFAS, major uses, why they are an emerging contaminate of concern and what to do about it. Related Links: Joe Picciotti Bio - https://bit.ly/3iVu9hlVince Dick Bio - https://bit.ly/3cr7oiHEnvironmental Law Practice Group - https://bit.ly/302fE3TCommercial Real Estate Practice Group - https://bit.ly/3iVf3bCPodcast Slides - https://bit.ly/35YlRkVDownload Episode Transcript Follow along with the slides and notes below to complement the episode. 1:40 mark – slide #1 what are PFAS/PFOA3:25 mark – slide #2 history of PFAS/PFOA4:20 mark – slide #3 list of products4:40 mark – slide #4 list of products cont'd4:55 mark – slide #5 health concerns5:15 mark – slide #6 health concerns cont'd6:55 mark – slide #7 why do we care (why is issue of legal & enviro concern, costs, etc.)12:17 mark – slide #8 states that have established advisory or regulatory levels17:17 mark – slide #9 VT soil sample example of ubiquity19:00 mark – slide #10 NH surface water results19:30 mark – slide #11 NH surface water results cont'd28:00 mark – slide #12 fingerprint slide29:30 mark – slide #13 fingerprint slide cont'd30:00 mark – slide #14 last fingerprint30:35 mark – slide #15 example comparison of fingerprints from different sources

In this episode of the Harris Beach podcast, we welcome a special guest: Adrienne Downey, principal engineer for offshore wind for the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency. NYSERDA works with stakeholders across New York to attract capital, overcome the barriers to using clean energy and help communities benefit from the transition. Adrienne discusses the state's commitment to renewables and where it's heading with Harris Beach partner Bill Flynn. Related Links: Bill Flynn Bio - https://bit.ly/2HsodhZEnergy Industry Team - https://bit.ly/3kUOjZxNYSERDA - https://on.ny.gov/3kIVDagDownload Episode Transcript

In the confusing early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, New York State took steps to protect healthcare institutions and their workers from lawsuits over decisions made to combat the mounting crisis. The state issued a broad grant of immunity in the interests of “the public health, safety and welfare of all citizens.” But not everyone saw this as a great idea, and soon discussion began about rolling back the grant of immunity. In this episode of the Harris Beach Podcast, partner Emily Crowley discusses the state's changing approach to lawsuit immunity and what it means now for workers and their employers. Related Links: Emily Crowley Bio - https://bit.ly/3hehHYrHealth Care Industry Industry Team - https://bit.ly/3eLK3ZgCOVID-19 Liability Protections in Health Care Legal Alert - https://bit.ly/3ieEAw2Senate Bill 8835 - https://bit.ly/32blJMDDownload Episode Transcript

Counterfeits and subpar knockoffs can tarnish the image and reputation of even the most established brands. In this episode of The Harris Beach Podcast, partners Neal Slifkin and Steve Nonkes discuss how they executed a successful plan to protect British company John King Chains against trademark infringement and copyright infringement. Related Links: Neal Slifkin Bio - https://bit.ly/3b48YGJSteve Nonkes Bio - https://bit.ly/2YIPm5PIntellectual Property Law Practice Group - https://bit.ly/30dLcCUDownload Episode Transcript

In early 2020, Juno Therapeutics won a $1 billion jury verdict against Gilead's Kite Pharma in connection with alleged infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,446,190, entitled “Nucleic Acid Encoding Chimeric T Cell Receptors. In this episode, Harris Beach partner Laura Smalley discusses the implications of the Juno v. Kite pharma case, including the use of the “reasonable royalty” concept to support a large damaged award. Laura is an authority on intellectual property law and is a regular contributor to the American Intellectual Property Law Association's Biotech Buzz newsletter as well as a presenter on regulatory and IP issues for immunotherapies, including Car-T and antibody technologies. Related Links: Laura Smalley Bio - http://bit.ly/2uoTz2FIntellectual Property Law Practice Group - https://bit.ly/30dLcCUDownload Episode Transcript

COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on nearly all aspects of organizations nationwide. In this episode Alan Winchester, leader of the Harris Beach Cybersecurity Protection and Response Practice Group; Michael Montagliano, Chief Technology Officer of iV4; and Michael Compisi, President of Caetra.io discuss the data privacy and security landscape. They touch on cybersecurity strategy; the increase in cybercrime during the pandemic; and the latest developments with regulations such as HIPAA, the NYS SHIELD Act, California Consumer Privacy Act and the U.S. Department of Defense's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Related Links: Alan Winchester Bio - https://bit.ly/2YZWcU5Michael Montagliano Bio - https://bit.ly/3192148Michael Compisi Bio - https://bit.ly/3192148Cybersecurity Protection and Response Practice Group - https://bit.ly/2NB55ydiV4 - https://bit.ly/382AxicCaetra.io - https://bit.ly/2NqjwooDownload Episode Transcript

As widely reported, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has asked the state Department of Health and Attorney General Letitia James to conduct an investigation of the state's long-term care facilities in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. The scrutiny of regulators and investigators could put facilities at risk of having their operating certificate suspended or revoked. In this environment, home operators must take a proactive approach. In this episode Terry Flynn, a former U.S. attorney now Harris Beach partner, and Eric Bach, a member of our GCI group and health care industry team, discuss best practices for mitigating risk while cooperating fully with any investigative requests. Related Links: Terry Flynn Bio - https://bit.ly/2wX9LtpEric Bach Bio - https://bit.ly/2AvakvRGovernment Compliance and Investigations Group - http://bit.ly/32VpSDnHealth Care Industry Team - https://bit.ly/3eLK3Zg Download Episode Transcript

The use and enforcement of material adverse effect clauses in transactions is another area of law with a renewed focus in the aftermath of the COVID-19. The clause may come into play if, as anticipated, businesses find themselves in the positon of having a pending transaction terminate due to the pandemic. In this episode of the Harris Beach podcast, Kelly Foss, a partner in the Harris Beach Business and Commercial Litigation Practice Group, shares perspective on how MAE clauses are applied and interpreted by the courts and addresses the key question – the extent to which COVID-19 qualifies as a material adverse effect. Related Links: Kelly Foss Bio - https://bit.ly/2ZqqpgDBusiness and Commercial Litigation Practice Group - http://bit.ly/3909Av8 Download Episode Transcript

As COVID-19 forces major business disruptions, force majeure clauses are increasingly pertinent across nearly every industry. In this episode of the Harris Beach podcast, Dave Clar, leader of the firm's Corporate Practice Group, and Elliot Hallak, member of the firm's Business and Commercial Litigation Practice Group and Financial Institutions and Capital Markets Industry Team share their perspective and address questions they are hearing from clients about these extraordinary act clauses. Related Links: Dave Clar Bio - http://bit.ly/3aHDmFlElliot Hallak Bio - https://bit.ly/3chs77lCorporate Practice Group - http://bit.ly/2wFKIulBusiness and Commercial Litigation Practice Group - http://bit.ly/3909Av8 Download Episode Transcript

No one likes to envision bad things happening. But developing a crisis management plan is arguably the single most important responsibility for any organization. It's your role as a leader to help your team anticipate risks, build procedures for responding to them and then practice, practice, practice. Crises come up when you least expect them, and without a plan in place, your risk level skyrockets. In this episode of the Harris Beach Podcast, Rajat Shah, a member of the Harris Beach Corporate Practice Group, and Terry Flynn, co-leader of our First Response Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Team, discuss the elements of good crisis management planning and practice. The most important principle: Communication. “Remember the Three Cs: Communication Control is Critical,” Rajat says. Related Links: Rajat Shah Bio - https://bit.ly/3aBHF5BTerry Flynn Bio - https://bit.ly/2wX9LtpCorporate Practice Group - http://bit.ly/2wFKIulDownload Episode Transcript

Update: Joan Sullivan rejoins the podcast to add perspective on how COVID-19 is impacting the New York state lobbying community. Joan touches on JCOPE filing extensions; loosening gift giving restrictions in the spirit of supporting relief efforts; and what to expect in terms of compliance enforcement.” Last year, new lobbying regulations took effect in New York state that expanded the scope of lobbying and caused some confusion. This year, the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) has promised to provide clarity; but questions linger about how to remain in compliance. In this episode, Joan Sullivan, leader of our Government Compliance and Investigations Practice Group and a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional walks us through what triggers the Lobbying Act, who needs to register as a lobbyist and why, and the state of lobbying compliance in 2020. Related Links: Joan Sullivan Bio - http://bit.ly/2VNnqxbGovernment Compliance and Investigations Practice - http://bit.ly/32VpSDnDownload Episode Transcript

When an organization is considering a major strategic development, such as seeking new investors or perhaps even selling the business, there are critical corporate housekeeping and due diligence steps needed to prepare. But it is also a good idea to go through a diligence exercise regularly, to get ahead of issues that may arise and develop a plan to address them. Dave Clar, leader of the Harris Beach Corporate Practice Group, and John Buhrman, Corporate Practice Group team member, provide an overview of the importance of thorough legal housekeeping and due diligence, the typical triggers that prompt the exercise as well as the numerous and varied elements included. Related Links: Dave Clar Bio - http://bit.ly/3aHDmFlJohn Buhrman Bio - http://bit.ly/2TEFk3SCorporate Practice Group - http://bit.ly/2wFKIulDownload Episode Transcript

Last year, new lobbying regulations took effect in New York state that expanded the scope of lobbying and caused some confusion. This year, the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) has promised to provide clarity; but questions linger about how to remain in compliance. In this episode, Joan Sullivan, leader of our Government Compliance and Investigations Practice Group and a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional walks us through what triggers the Lobbying Act, who needs to register as a lobbyist and why, and the state of lobbying compliance in 2020. Related Links: Joan Sullivan Bio - http://bit.ly/2VNnqxbGovernment Compliance and Investigations Practice - http://bit.ly/32VpSDnDownload Episode Transcript

For employers, non-compete agreements and other restrictive covenants, such as non-solicitation or non-disclosure agreements, can serve as a powerful tool to protect their business and defend their interests. However, these covenants need to address specific concerns and considerations to be effective – and enforceable in court. This podcast episode brings together two Harris Beach attorneys who combine their perspectives for a full picture: Dale Worrall, leader of the Harris Beach Business and Commercial Litigation Practice, and Scott Piper, a partner in the firm's Labor and Employment Law Practice and chair of Harris Beach's Risk Management committee. By raising critical questions– what's truly at stake for business, what they're seeking to protect, and what drives their decision to litigate - Dale and Scott cover the issues that employers need to keep in mind when drafting, being presented with, or considering litigation for non-competes and other restrictive covenants. Download the episode below, and subscribe to the Harris Beach Podcast for additional episodes geared toward business owners and executives. Related Links: Dale Worrall Bio - http://bit.ly/3a5CfixScott Piper Bio - http://bit.ly/391LLTFBusiness and Commercial Litigation Practice - http://bit.ly/3909Av8Labor and Employment Law Practice - http://bit.ly/2TdGmSSDownload Episode Transcript

For school districts, special education impartial hearings can be time consuming, expensive and stressful for staff members. In this episode Jeffrey Weiss, Harris Beach partner and co-leader of the firm's Educational Institutions Industry Team, offers a Top 10 list of the actions – or inactions – school districts take that most often lead to impartial hearing requests from parents of children with disabilities. The list is built from Weiss' 20+ years as an education attorney, and spans the use of reading services, home instruction, interacting with parents, field trips, transportation concerns and bullying claims. Related Links: Jeffrey Weiss Bio - http://bit.ly/3bsFHW3Intellectual Property Practice Group - http://bit.ly/2tJ9w3pDownload Episode Transcript

What happens when your competitors infringe your patent for golf equipment – then declare bankruptcy to avoid paying up? In this episode, Harris Beach intellectual property (IP) attorneys share the story behind the $12 million judgment that we won for our client, Izzo Golf, to protect its patented design from infringement by King Par Corporation. With the focus and persistence that any dedicated executive (or avid golfer) will understand, IP litigation attorneys Neal Slifkin and Laura Smalley represented Izzo throughout the case's twists and turns. In addition to their IP  focus, Neal and Laura coordinated with Harris Beach bankruptcy attorneys to hold King Par's owner accountable for the money he placed in his personal bank account. Related Links: Neal Slifkin Bio - http://bit.ly/2S1E7CILaura Smalley Bio - http://bit.ly/2uoTz2FIntellectual Property Practice Group - http://bit.ly/2v3e8SlDownload Episode Transcript

Lawmakers introduced and passed several bills in 2019 as part of an aggressive agenda to overhaul New York employment laws. Harris Beach attorneys Lindsey Zullo, Dan Palermo, Ibby Tariq and Taylor Ventre discuss a host of recent developments, and critical considerations for employers to be aware of in 2020. Related Links: Lindsey Zullo Bio - http://bit.ly/34qzhSoDan Palermo Bio - http://bit.ly/34rC6mjIbrahim Tariq Bio - http://bit.ly/2svsQ3esTaylor Ventre Bio - http://bit.ly/35s1XvRLabor and Employment Law Practice Group - http://bit.ly/2tquT9l Download Episode Transcript

Attorney L.J. D'Arrigo Reviews Heightened Challenges In recent years, immigration policy has shifted seemingly by the day even as workplaces become increasingly diverse – giving rise to heightened compliance challenges and a surge in enforcement activity. L.J. D'Arrigo, Harris Beach partner and co-leader of the firm's Immigration Law Practice Group, dives into the landscape of immigration law to inform business owners recruiting, onboarding, or securing visas for global talent or seasonal workers. Should you have questions, contact L.J. D'Arrigo at ldarrigo@harrisbeach.com. Related Links: L.J. D'Arrigo Bio - http://bit.ly/2rV8111Immigration Law Practice Group - http://bit.ly/33Q88IsEpisode Transcript

Ross Hofherr and Dawn Russell Remind You to Stay Alert for Scams Your business wouldn't fall for fraud – or would it? These days, cybercriminals are getting more personal, meaning they've gone from sending blanket emails with farfetched claims to scouring your personal data to craft highly plausible scams. In this episode, Ross Hofherr, Harris Beach partner and attorney on our Cybersecurity and Financial Institutions teams, and Dawn Russell, the firm's director of Compliance and Risk Management, explain fraud in its various forms and how organizations can protect themselves. Related Links: Ross Hofherr Bio - http://bit.ly/2Yp8On4Dawn Russell Bio - http://bit.ly/38crTgsCybersecurity and Financial Institutions - http://bit.ly/2DNCVuN Download Episode Transcript

Attorney Karl Sleight Overviews the National and Regional Gaming Scene From sports betting to mobile wagering to the potential of new downstate casinos, the national and regional gaming landscape is flush with possibilities. Karl Sleight, Harris Beach partner and leader of the firm's Racing and Gaming Industry Team offers a primer on where things stand today, and a preview of what's to come. We wager you'll enjoy this episode, and should you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out to Karl at ksleight@HarrisBeach.com. Related Links: Karl Sleight Bio - http://bit.ly/2OW2bFHRacing and Gaming - http://bit.ly/33TIylQEpisode Transcript

In this episode, Beth Wilkens recounts and reflects on her legal career at a time when few women were admitted to the practice and fewer still were earning partnership. The specialties she selected – bankruptcy, corporate law, securities, banking and finance – put her in the midst of a male-dominated client base; but Beth viewed this as an advantage rather than an obstacle. Beth has had successful long-term relationships counseling prominent organizations, and served on boards to play key leadership roles for the Rochester community. As a partner in the Corporate Practice Group and member of the Financial Institutions and Capital Markets Industry Team, Beth has received several honors this past year, including Pro Bono Hero of the Year and Dealmaker of the Year. Next month, she will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Daily Record, a newspaper serving the legal community in Western New York. Related Links:Beth Wilkens Bio - http://bit.ly/32Om1aaBeth Wilkens Honored as Pro Bono Hero of the Year - http://bit.ly/31M5B0XBeth Wilkens Nominated as Dealmaker of the Year - http://bit.ly/2MKx3Yo2019 Attorneys of the Year - http://bit.ly/beh-podcast-notes-attrny-year

Now that school is back in session, partners Ed Trevvett and Alan Winchester discuss New York state's renewed focus on strengthening data privacy through Educational Law Section 2-d. What do school districts and administrators need to know to protect their data – and protect themselves? This episode launches our Harris Beach podcast on how the law impacts our lives.