BUSINESS LAW


Threats made against Bush, Obama and Secret Service agents outlined in McKees Rocks case

2013-05-17 12:00:58

Jesse Almendarez faces charges of threatening a federal officer and making an interstate threat.


Ravenstahl attorney: Contractor documents for home renovation given to federal prosecutors

Ravenstahl attorney: Contractor documents for home renovation given to federal prosecutors

2013-05-14 23:16:37

Charles Porter Jr. was responding to a story the P-G reported Friday about work done by Allstate Development on the mayor's Fineview home.


Appeals court reviews Titusville child porn case

2013-05-14 11:23:03

Craig Alan Finley of Titusville, was convicted in U.S. District Court in Erie and sentenced just more than a year ago to 50 years in prison.


Retrial in 1997 Pittsburgh killing moved to July

2013-05-13 14:47:55

Taibu Grant won a new trial earlier this year after the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said his lawyer, Sumner Parker, made mistakes.


'Digital assets': the new frontier for estate planning

'Digital assets': the new frontier for estate planning

2013-05-13 05:31:52

Make a plan for work or possessions stored on a computer and the Internet, which can be "a significant part of the financial footprint."


Orie Melvin replacement may not emerge quickly

2013-05-13 00:16:29

Gov. Tom Corbett appears to be in no rush to fill the state Supreme Court vacancy.


Business Workshop: IRS expands payroll tax amnesty program

2013-05-13 00:14:03

The Internal Revenue Service has expanded a program allowing employers to pay back past payroll tax payments they have missed.


Dateline Pittsburgh: 05/12/13

2013-05-13 00:06:43

People on the move...


Lawyer says firm let her go after she took family leave

2013-05-13 00:05:36

A former attorney with Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman has sued the firm after she was let go, allegedly for taking FMLA time off.


Court documents unsealed in NASCAR chief's divorce

2013-05-13 00:05:10

NASCAR chief executive Brian France said in court documents that his former wife has spent a "staggering" amount of his fortune.


The Color of Money: Why moms are worth it

2013-05-13 00:01:37

Here's a no-brainer: Mothers and fathers have different styles of communication when it comes to talking about money.


Judge sets resentencing hearing for Joan Orie Melvin

2013-05-10 13:22:58

Judge Lester Nauhaus sentenced the former Supreme Court justice to house arrest and ordered her to apologize to 500 Pennsylvania judges.


Federal investigation of Pittsburgh police reaches Ravenstahl's office

Federal investigation of Pittsburgh police reaches Ravenstahl's office

2013-05-09 08:31:44

Sgt. Matthew Gauntner and Sgt. Dominick Sciulli as well as the Mayor Ravenstahl's personal secretary testified before the grand jury.


Owners of South Side's Hofbrauhaus settle in girl's death for $15.6 million

2013-05-07 14:47:54

The Hofbrauhaus restaurant also agreed to protocol changes to try to stop customers from getting too intoxicated.


At least one subpoena served on Pittsburgh in recent weeks sought parking variance documents

2013-05-07 13:17:50

Acting police Chief Regina McDonald said one sought "all variances as issued to public or private entities (vendors)" for parking spots.


On the Docket Pittsburgh: 5/6/13

2013-05-06 00:11:37

Houston Harbaugh said Anna Marks joined as director of marketing and communications.


The Color of Money: Prom season a good time for lessons in saving and spending

The Color of Money: Prom season a good time for lessons in saving and spending

2013-05-06 00:11:02

Proms are expensive enough as it is, so avoid the temptation to go overboard.


Locking the genome: U.S. Supreme Court weighs whether a private company can patent human DNA material

Locking the genome: U.S. Supreme Court weighs whether a private company can patent human DNA material

2013-05-06 00:07:04

Who owns the patent rights to certain genes and DNA fragments, strands of natural genetic code that are useful in medical research?


Business Workshop: Employers must use new I-9 form

2013-05-06 00:05:56

All employers have an obligation to complete form I-9 form, which verifies the identity and work eligibility of all newly hired employees.


Sticking points of judicial retirement at 70 argued

2013-05-06 00:05:02

Pennsylvania voters should revisit whether judges must retire in the year they turn 70, because the courts may not be able to fix the issue.


Client identities, legal bills can be disclosed, high court says

2013-05-06 00:00:57

Client identities do not enjoy blanket attorney-client privilege protection under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law.


Supreme Court says states may bar information requests from nonresidents

2013-04-30 00:14:00

Virginia's law "provides a service that is related to state citizenship," Justice Samuel Alito wrote for a unanimous court.


Tickets at major trials can go for $200 or more

2013-04-29 00:17:46

When the legal stakes are high, the ticket prices can get pretty high, too, from local murder trials on up to the U.S. Supreme Court.


Top court says individuals can resell their textbooks for profit without copyright infringement

Top court says individuals can resell their textbooks for profit without copyright infringement

2013-04-29 00:17:18

When Supap Kirtsaeng moved to the U.S. to study math at Cornell University, he soon realized that he could get textbooks cheaper back home.


The color of money: Pros who are cons can get you

2013-04-29 00:15:05

Who falls for email scams and online fraud? Well, lots of people -- millions in fact.


Delaware officials unveil gun bill

2013-04-29 00:11:55

Delaware officials are pulling the trigger on a new law that could punish those who don't report a stolen and missing gun.


On the Docket Pittsburgh: 4/29/13

2013-04-29 00:10:15

David B. White, founding member of Burns White LLC, was one of two people named as this year's Distinguished Alumni by Duquesne Law School.


Pa. justices: Shale, natural gas not minerals

2013-04-29 00:02:25

Is natural gas a mineral? Not in the eyes of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.


Pa. open records advocates getting mixed results

2013-04-26 00:07:13

State officials sided with the Post-Gazette, which requested a statewide roster of certified police officers in February.


Pittsburgh firefighters sue over siren hearing loss

2013-04-23 00:15:33

Four Pittsburgh firefighters filed have sued several manufacturers alleging loud sirens on the firetrucks have caused hearing loss.


Post-Gazette asks federal judge to make certain UPMC, Highmark, WPAHS documents public

2013-04-22 13:50:01

UPMC has withheld some documents because it viewed them as subject to attorney-client privilege.


9 fired employees sue Imani Christian Academy

2013-04-22 09:36:40

The ex-employees say they lost their jobs because of their association with the religious group Petra International Ministries.


On the Docket Pittsburgh: 4/22/13

2013-04-22 00:10:51

Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP said Robert J. Cindrich joined the firm's business services department in the Pittsburgh office.


Ipso facto ... Susan Dunhoff

Ipso facto ... Susan Dunhoff

2013-04-22 00:09:48

Susan Dunhoff, a matchmaker for the town's professional singles, matches attorney, too.


Class claim denied in Wendy's suit

2013-04-22 00:06:07

A federal judge in Pittsburgh has struck down a plaintiff's class-action hopes against Wendy's.


Supreme Court agonizes over adoption case

2013-04-22 00:01:04

Justices consider the fate of Baby Veronica, whose adoptive parents were ordered to return her to her Native American father.


ACLU eyes Boston bombing suspect's Miranda rights

2013-04-20 13:13:56

The American Civil Liberties Union is concerned Dzkokhar Tsarnaev, suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings, may not be read his rights.


UPMC sues city of Pittsburgh, claiming rights violated

2013-04-19 12:45:40

UPMC said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's challenge to the regional healthcare giant's nonprofit status were part of a smear campaign.


BNY Mellon computer-network security vice president charged with child pornography

2013-04-18 16:56:38

Duane Amity, 45, of Monroeville, is accused of downloading thousands of images of girls between 2 and 10 years old.


Amended lawsuit claims Pittsburgh police favor whites in hiring

2013-04-16 09:38:27

Since 2001, the Pittsburgh has hired 440 officers, of which 17 -- less than 4 percent -- were African-American, according to the complaint.


Hearing set for strip club Blush's lawsuit to allow Pittsburgh police to work off-duty

2013-04-15 09:22:50

U.S. District Judge Nora Barry Fischer set April 25 as the date to hear the plea of the owners of Blush for a preliminary injunction.


Ipso Facto ... Alysia Keating

Ipso Facto ... Alysia Keating

2013-04-15 00:15:18

Alysia Keating is the first-ever director of diversity and gender equality at the Allegheny County Bar Association.


Business Workshop: Workplace wellness works

2013-04-15 00:12:35

Workplace wellness programs have the potential to reduce healthcare costs by 18 percent -- and even more for older workers.


Attorney-expert talks weighed by high court in discovery case

2013-04-15 00:10:06

Should communications between an attorney and his "expert" be open to the discovery process in Pennsylvania?


On the Docket Pittsburgh: 4/15/13

2013-04-15 00:07:22

Margaret P. Joy, a partner in family law firm McCarthy McDonald Schulberg & Joy, was named "Woman of Distinction" by the Girl Scouts.


New patent laws enact changes on proving the ownership of an idea

New patent laws enact changes on proving the ownership of an idea

2013-04-15 00:06:21

The changes mean the race to the patent office is officially on, according to legal experts.


The Color of Money: Study up on your personal finances

2013-04-15 00:05:24

April is also the perfect month to promote financial literacy, since you've already reviewed your finances in order to do your taxes.


French employees sue Goodyear over plan to shut down tire plant

2013-04-15 00:03:23

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has been sued in Ohio by French workers because the company implemented a plan to close a plant France.


Butler man pleads guilty in loan escrow fraud

2013-04-12 10:33:25

Jeffrey Garbinski, 44, ran The Closing Co. of PA as well as Main Street Mortgage Services.


Washington County must reassess property, court says

2013-04-09 15:19:44

Washington County commissioners have run out of appeals to prevent a property revaluation.


Pittsburgh killer appeals death sentence

2013-04-09 11:29:01

A Garfield man on death row is seeking a new trial in the bludgeoning death of his wife and son.


Is it a crime to think evil thoughts?

Is it a crime to think evil thoughts?

2013-04-08 00:11:38

Thanks to New York's "cannibal cop," legal experts are weighing in on whether thinking about a crime actually constitutes one.


Professional societies join forces on end-of-life issues effort

2013-04-08 00:09:03

Lawyers and doctors endorse a campaign they hope will educate the public about living wills and health care issues.


On the Docket Pittsburgh: 4/8/13

2013-04-08 00:05:34

BGMS lawyers Robb D. Bunde, Chris F. Gillotti and Sophia P. Paul are now fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.


The Color of Money: For one heir, this cut is too deep

2013-04-08 00:05:22

Mix finances and family, and the results often leave somebody angry or hurt.


Ipso Facto ... Martha Mannix

2013-04-08 00:03:18

A Q&A with Martha Mannix of the University Pittsburgh School of Law's clinic program.


Temple looks to toss out same-sex couple's claim

2013-04-08 00:02:53

Can a same-sex couple in Pennsylvania sue for the "loss of consortium" if their marriage isn't recognized here?


Business Workshop: Small businesses favor technology

2013-04-08 00:01:32

Small businesses intend to increase their use of technology but not their workforce, according to a recent study by a payroll company.


Judge throws out all campaign finance limits in Pittsburgh mayoral race

2013-04-03 23:27:56

A hearing over Bill Peduto's request that Jack Wagner be barred from using $300,000 collected for earlier campaigns prompted the ruling.


Pittsburgh Post-Gazette seeks to unseal Highmark motion for sanctions against UPMC

2013-04-03 09:51:32

Lawyer Frederick N. Frank filed the motion a day after U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti allowed Highmark to file the motion under seal.


Judge names Long receiver of Duquesne City School District

2013-04-02 23:27:09

Paul Long has been serving as the district's chief recovery officer under the state Financial Recovery Act for school districts.


Heinz agrees to turn over documents to shareholders in lawsuit over $28 billion buyout

2013-04-02 16:11:51

The acquisition of H.J. Heinz Co. by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital sparked lawsuits from shareholders arguing the price was too low.


Man arrested in Cathedral of Learning vandalism

2013-04-02 10:42:26

Pitt police arrested Danial Mohammad Khan-Yousufzai and accused him of damaging the Oakland landmark while referencing a sweatshop dispute.


Judge: No liability for Duquesne in case of ex-basketball players shot after dance

2013-04-01 09:14:07

Shawn James sued to have the university pay for pain and loss of income caused by the shooting after a Black Student Union dance in 2006.


Business Workshop: Contractors need to be aware of law's limits

2013-04-01 00:14:48

Pennsylvania law limits the time someone has to file a claim for certain construction deficiencies against a builder to 12 years.


Ipso Facto ... Ken Gormley

2013-04-01 00:13:01

Ken Gormley, dean of Duquesne Law School, talks about declining law school enrollment and other issues in this week's Q&A.


The Color of Money: Glitch delays H&R Block tax refunds

2013-04-01 00:12:36

A lot of H&R Block customers are irate about a snafu that will delay their federal tax refunds by weeks.


On the Docket Pittsburgh: 4/1/2013

2013-04-01 00:10:52

Leech Tishman said James D. Silverman has joined its taxation and employment practice groups.


U.S. Supreme Court voids class certification in Comcast Corp. lawsuit

2013-04-01 00:10:14

The Supreme Court throws out a proposed class-action antitrust lawsuit against Comcast, the nation's largest cable TV company.


Request for private road denied by judge

2013-04-01 00:10:01

An Allegheny County man hasn't proven that the public is the "primary beneficiary" of his request to build a road on his neighbor's land.


Leadership Council on Legal Diversity promotes mission in legal community nationwide

Leadership Council on Legal Diversity promotes mission in legal community nationwide

2013-04-01 00:05:46

Minorities account for just 12.9 percent of lawyers at U.S. firms -- which is why firms are stepping up recruiting and mentoring efforts.


Thorp Reed law firm to merge with Detroit's Clark Hill

2013-03-30 10:20:32

The combined firm, which will be known as Clark Hill Thorp Reed, will have 300-plus attorneys in 12 offices.


Blush sues Pittsburgh over moonlighting ban

2013-03-27 16:38:28

The Downtown strip club says the police bureau's decision to bar officers from providing security is unfair to the industry.


Teens tweeting on Steubenville put on house arrest

2013-03-27 12:37:16

Two teenage girls accused of threatening Steubenville rape victim are under house arrest and barred from using Facebook or Twitter.


Pittsburgh, ex-police chief Nate Harper dropped from Garfield activist's lawsuit

2013-03-26 13:26:39

Adrienne R. Young alleged that she was arrested four times and held in jail for nearly a month improperly.


Obituary: Anthony Lewis / Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times legal writer

Obituary: Anthony Lewis / Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times legal writer

2013-03-26 00:02:47

Anthony Lewis, a former New York Times reporter and columnist whose work transformed American legal journalism, died Monday.


Pittsburgh city attorneys ask to question jurors in civil case about Nate Harper's indictment

2013-03-25 09:24:48

Jurors in a lawsuit filed by Jarret Fate should be asked how much they know about Mr. Harper's unrelated indictment, the attorneys said.


Business Workshop: Small business exemption is back

2013-03-25 00:14:07

When Congress avoided the "fiscal cliff," it also extended an exemption on the capital gains of certain stock in smaller corporations.


Eckert Seamans looks for N.J. growth

2013-03-25 00:12:51

For the second time this year, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott's grabs a firm from the Garden State.


Eakin: Top court won't fill Melvin's seat

2013-03-25 00:07:52

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice J. Michael Eakin says the high court has the power to appoint an interim justice -- but it won't do so.


The Color of Money: That tax refund could cost you

2013-03-25 00:06:02

The annual tax refund is the largest lump sum lots of people receive, according to the American Tax and Financial Center at TurboTax.


Jury: Kennywood injuries not caused by "King Kahuna" ride malfunction

2013-03-25 00:04:19

An Allegheny County jury found that an amusement park's negligence was not the factual cause of injuries a woman suffered.


On the Docket Pittsburgh: 3/25/13

2013-03-25 00:03:41

Colin Adair Morgan, elder law attorney with Julian Gray Associates, was elected to the board of Southwinds Inc.


Attorney: Ex-Pittsburgh police chief Nate Harper to plead guilty

Attorney: Ex-Pittsburgh police chief Nate Harper to plead guilty

2013-03-22 15:55:55

A federal grand jury indicted the former chief on one count of criminal conspiracy and four counts the judge described as "tax problems."


Injured Seton Hill lacrosse player sues bus company in fatal crash

2013-03-21 13:12:47

Amanda Michalski sued Mlaker Transportation in the crash that killed coach Kristina J. Quigley and the driver, Anthony M. Guaetta.


Pittsburgh police road-rage lawsuit goes to jury

2013-03-21 10:25:23

An eight-member jury in U.S. District Court must decide whether the city of Pittsburgh was at fault when a detective choked a man.


Ravenstahl pledges challenge to UPMC's tax-exempt status

Ravenstahl pledges challenge to UPMC's tax-exempt status

2013-03-20 16:00:18

"The reality of the situation is the taxpayers ... are currently subsidizing UPMC's non-profit status," Pittsburgh's mayor said.


Washington County judge orders Marcellus Shale development settlement records unsealed

2013-03-20 13:41:37

President Judge Debbie O'Dell-Seneca found that companies including Range Resources and MarkWest Energy Partners could not claim privacy.


Ex-police chief Harper testifies fired detective had good points, but didn't excuse use of force

2013-03-20 10:27:41

Former Pittsburgh police Chief Nate Harper testifies there was no excuse for fired Detective Bradley Walker's use of excessive force.


Washington County commissioners to pursue property reassessments -- although they oppose them

2013-03-19 16:00:32

"No matter what, I need to make it perfectly clear that we are 100 percent against reassessment," commission Chairman Larry Maggi said.


Ex-Pittsburgh police chief Harper testifies in federal trial focusing on discipline of officers

Ex-Pittsburgh police chief Harper testifies in federal trial focusing on discipline of officers

2013-03-18 16:07:53

Nate Harper, Assistant Chief George Trosky and the city are defendants in a lawsuit filed by Jarret Fate over a former detective's abuses.


Some justices guilty of voicing their inner muse

Some justices guilty of voicing their inner muse

2013-03-18 00:15:13

In order to liven up the grind, some judges craft their rulings in rhyming couplets. Few even attempt to commit acts of literature.


Pa. arbitration bill opposed by trial lawyers

2013-03-18 00:14:18

A new bill would change Pennsylvania's arbitration laws for the first time in over 30 years.


On the Docket Pittsburgh: 3/18/13

2013-03-18 00:10:12

Leech Tishman announced Brett Mankey has joined the firm's corporate practice group.


Orie Melvin judge wants removal from Pennsylvania Supreme Court addressed

2013-03-13 17:34:32

Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Lester G. Nauhaus cites two specific sections of the Pennsylvania Constitution that must be addressed.


Economy changes law firms' shape

2013-03-13 00:03:03

Firms may be leaner than before the recession, but those that hope to stay on solid footing need to operate with caution, an analyst says.


Lawsuit says overuse of solitary confinement for mentally ill Pa. inmates violates rights

2013-03-11 12:28:31

Mentally ill Pennsylvania inmates comprise one-third of all those assigned to restricted housing, according to the lawsuit.


Pa. Superior Court reverses $27.6 million personal injury verdict

2013-03-11 00:15:42

A court has reversed a $27.6 million verdict awarded to a woman who said she was injured while taking part in a promotional video.


On the Docket Pittsburgh: 3/10/2013

2013-03-11 00:14:20

Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. has promoted Tania Perez, energy and real property, and Lesley Reynolds, health care, to partners.


Pittsburgh lawyer hit with $20,000 sanction

2013-03-11 00:08:29

Failing to properly vet his client's case has landed Jason Schiffman with a $20,000 sanction from a federal judge.


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