Firm News

_{By Arthur Xanthos & Stuart Gartner}

For more than a century, New York courts have enforced non-compete agreements, which typically prohibit former employees (or sellers of a business) from competing against the former employer (or buyer of the business) for a reasonable period of time within a limited geographic area.  A bill currently awaiting Governor Hochul’s signature would make most non-compete agreements unlawful in New York State, forcing employers and sellers of businesses to consider other options in the new legal landscape. The Governor has previously expressed support for eliminating non-compete agreements for workers earning below the median wage in New York; but the bill in its current form applies to all workers in New York regardless of earnings.  

gartner + bloom PC celebrates 29 years of building success and growth all the while fostering a culture of collaboration with our incredibly talented team members and their unwavering dedication, support and loyalty to the firm. “We wouldn't be here without each of you!" Here’s to continuing the journey with compassion, continued commitment and all of you! 

Congratulations to our living legend Ken Bloom on winning West Coast Casualty’s 2023 “Legends of an Era” Award and this distinguished honor presented at this year’s West Coast Casualty's Construction Defect Seminar! 

Recognized for his dynamic leadership, Ken Bloom has been an early pioneer in helping to shape the construction defect community on the east coast and thereafter working to identify key trends and strategies nationally.

Ken, we honor and thank you for your legacy footprint! 

Partner Alexander Fisher defeated an Order to Show Cause for a Temporary Restraining Order in a contentious business dispute in Federal Court, District of New Jersey.  Gartner + Bloom’s client, a former employee of the Plaintiff, left his job and thereafter started a competing landscaping business. The Plaintiff/former employer grew angry and began a campaign of harassment against the client, defaming him repeatedly to potential customers and regulatory authorities.  Gartner + Bloom therefore filed a defamation action against the former employer in New Jersey Superior Court, which is still pending.

_{By Ron Alfaro}

An amended version of the Grieving Families Act has been introduced by New York State lawmakers in response to Governor Kathy Hochul's veto of the original bill in January. The revised bill aims to expand the state's wrongful death statute, with a few key changes:

By: Alexander D. Fisher, Esq.

For years, potential plaintiffs suing under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have been able to make claims against business owners relating to purported failures to comply with the highly technical requirements of the law, and without any intention to patronize the businesses.  That may be changing now with the United States Supreme Court’s decision to grant certiorari and accept the appeal in the case of Acheson Hotels v. Laufer.