I help people through the emotional, life-changing experience of a divorce. A new chapter awaits on the other side. But first, the parties have to get through the divorce process. There is a lot of financial transparency in a divorce. The parties each have the legal right to financial disclosures from the other party. If the parties choose to go …
Mediating the Divorce Involving Livestock and Pets
I recently co-authored an article on divorce mediation with companion and farm animals along with Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton that was published in the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation‘s quarterly publication. You can find the history of The Report online here. I posted the article on my JD Supra page. I am a trained divorce mediator and am …
Survey of Cottage Food Operation Law
I recently reviewed this article from the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic titled “Cottage Food Laws in the United States.” I think the authors did a nice job summarizing the trends throughout the country. I used this article as recommended reading for the undergraduate food law class that I’m teaching at New York University (“NYU”). Cottage food operation law …
Upcoming Lawline Series on Food and Agriculture Law Topics
I’m very excited to announce that I will be putting on a three part food and agriculture law series with Lawline. These will be the first food and agriculture law presentations on Lawline. It is FREE to come to the live recording of the lecture. The recording will later be available on lawline.com, along with some other great law lectures. …
In Case You Missed It: Food Labeling Webinar
Last May, I had to pleasure to moderate a Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) webinar for the American Bar Association (“ABA”) General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s (“GP Solo”) Agriculture Law Committee on food labeling issues for farmers, food entrepreneurs and restaurants. If you missed the live webinar, you can purchase the recording here. Furthermore, don’t forget that the GP …
New York Food and Agriculture Law Book for Farmers and Food Entrepreneurs – Coming Soon!
I’m super excited to announce that I have a New York food and agriculture law book that will be published soon! I co-authored this book with the great Pat Dillon, an Iowa agriculture lawyer who wrote Field Manual: Iowa Farmer’s Guide to Legal Issues. This book is specifically designed to assist New York farmers and food entrepreneurs.
Happy Fourth Year Anniversary to this Blog (and my law practice)
I hope my readers had a great Fourth of July. I just got back from the Berkshires. You can see some of my pictures on Instagram. Back to business.. I had a great first, second, and third anniversary for this blog, but I have to say – Year 4 has been the best. Thank you for support from my blog …
Conversation Starters about Estate and Succession Planning for Farms
Don’t be afraid to have open and honest conversations with your family about estate and succession planning. “The only thing certain in life is death and taxes,” Ben Franklin famously said; so let us not make the topic taboo. In order for a farm or agri-business to successfully pass to the next generation (if that is what you want), …
CSA Agreements – Get Them In Writing
Although most CSA’s do not have a written contract, I highly suggest that farms have a simple CSA Agreement signed by the subscribers. Not only does it help secure payment terms, but the CSA Agreement should mitigate potential liability in the case of a food safety issue arising from the mishandling or misuse of the food product. It doesn’t have …
Overview of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service
I’m currently conducting a blog series where each week I give an overview of the responsibilities of a government agency regulating our food and agriculture system. I think it’s a helpful reminder for everyone on just how complex our regulatory system really is. It’s a game of Who’s Who for government players in the U.S. food and agriculture economy. The …
Listen to My Presentation on Starting an Agriculture & Environmental Law Practice
I had an opportunity to speak last month to the American Bar Association (“ABA”) Section on the Environment, Energy and Resources (“SEER”) to the Special Committees on Young Lawyers and Law Students on how I started an agriculture law practice in New York City. You can listen to the recording here. I’m again posting the slides below. The handouts from …