Joan C. Lenihan, Attorney At Law

04/14/2025

Our current administration continues to flout the Rule of Law which should be of grave concern to all us irrespective of our politics. The president seems particularly determined to undermine the legal profession. Kudos to the City Bar for bringing attention to this issue by sponsoring a series of public events beginning with the presentation “Defending Justice: Mobilizing the Legal Profession to Stand Up for the Rule of Law" at 4PM on April 21st at the Bar Association. They are also publicizing the May 1st "Rally for the Rule of Law" that is going to take place at 1 PM in Foley Square. I would hope my lawyer colleagues take part in these events, especially the May 1st rally. Our judicial system is being undermined by the Administrations's intimidating and threatening law firms. We have to make this stop. No one else will. Click on the link below for more information.

https://www.magnetmail.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?ep=_lnw3Vy2fJ1JTiLGBTZqILvQ3ZPc4CrVBILehEJw7jq2jN0XuECkU4Q9yr6Vq3mP7SPx8GJ6Qk-lG9Q_EDqXgeG2Rz3YoI7665zEaL6GXmYDAlPi9zIyeaGu6k-Wnrym9MotGmnnaoW76VVTpXEnfg~~

03/23/2025

I just returned from Puerto Vallarte. It was my first time in Mexico. You might think this was a mid-winter vacation. Well, yes and know. Because besides enjoying the beautiful scenery and the fabulous food, it was a week of learning and networking. I attended the ABA's Mid-Winter Meeting of the Employee's Rights and Responsibilities Committee of the Labor and Employment Law Section. The panels were varied and excellent and there was ample opportunity to spend time with old friends and make new connections. And most importantly, in these troubled times, it presented an opportunity to build relationships with our attorney colleagues, be they employee or management side. As we have seen, lawyers are under attack and we must continue to demand that the rule of law be followed.

01/31/2025

A liitle levity in a very serious time.

03/18/2024

This past week I attended the American Bar Association Employee Rights and Responsibilities Subcommittee Meeting for the first time. It was a great experience. The other attendees were very warm and welcoming and the program was excellent. The ERR is a subcommittee of the ABA's Labor and Employment Law Committee. The meeting was held in concert with the National Symposium on Technology in Labor and Employment Law. As a result the panels were a mixture of tech and employment law (biometrics, privacy, AI and ethics, etc.) as well as traditional subject matter( employment at will, executive compensation, remote work). Looking forward to next year's meeting!

01/15/2024

THIS WEEK! The New York State Bar Association will be hosting its Annual Meeting at the Hilton Hotel. There will be Section Meetings in all practice areas. On Thursday night I will be moderating a discussion on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP) for the Labor and Employment Law Section. Looking forward to it!

11/04/2023

Hi All: I am going to be a presenter on the panel entitled "Cyber Threats: Identify the Risks and Stay Ahead of the Curve." This is a great event for new and experienced solo and small firm attorneys. Please join us on November 9th from 8:30-5 pm. A reception from 5-6:60 will follow. Register here: https://bit.ly/48wP04u

10/04/2023

Hi Everyone: The City Bar Labor and Employment Law and the Technology, Privacy and Cyber Committees are sponsoring this webinar. Even if you don't practice employment law, I would highly recommend attending if you have even one employee. And if you want to continue to expand your cybersecurity knowledge base, then this is the Webinar for you! Please register at the link below! Two CLE credits!!!

https://services.nycbar.org/EventDetail?EventKey=_WEB101123

02/23/2023

02/22/2023

Hi Everyone: Please join me and Richard Friedman, on Friday, March 3rd, when we will be co-chairing the City Bar Employment Law Institute. In addition to great panels and terrific speakers, we will be sponsoring a networking lunch and cocktail reception. This event is IN PERSON! A perfect excuse to get out of the office, earn CLE credits, and catch up with colleagues in the flesh!!! Please register ASAP!

https://services.nycbar.org/EventDetail?EventKey=INS030323&mcode=EMPSP1&utm_source=Real%20Magnet&utm_medium=email&utm_term=3%2E3%5FEMPLOYMENTLAW%5FCMTDSC%5FSENT2%2E14%2E23%5FEMPSP1&utm_content=1301312889&utm_campaign=190167725

11/08/2022

https://services.nycbar.org/EventDetail?EventKey=SYMP111022

This great event is being held on this Thursday, November 10th. Please check it out, my lawyer friends!

09/18/2022

Another man who loves a cat.

"So I’m driving down the road this morning and the cars in front of me are driving over a black thing in the road. It’s going between their tires so I’m guessing it’s a box. It’s a kitten just sitting upright shaking like a leaf. And some as***le had spread glue on its paws and stuck it to the road. I thought maybe it walked through glue somewhere but after looking at it, that was totally spread into her paws. She was wet and freezing and literally glued to the road. And NO ONE STOPPED. 😳 What the f$&k people??? I slammed on my brakes and stopped all the traffic and put my hazards on and got out and pealed her off the road. People were honking and all pissy....really??? It’s a kitten glued to the road!! So after a goo gone bath and some food and cream we have a new kitten. Luckiest kitten in the world!" Source: Chuck Hawley

08/31/2022

Allowing non-lawyers to practice law to lower costs and/or make legal services more affordable is not the solution. Paying part of the tuition for law school grads who volunteer to help people that can't afford an attorney is one possible solution. Lowering the tuition costs so lawyers can feel comfortable doing pro or lo-bono is another possibility. Potential clients do not always understand the issue involved in their matter, so these people should not solely rely on legal programs. Technology has made the practice of law more efficient but it is no substitute for consulting with an actual practitioner.

As some states consider relaxing ethical rules prohibiting nonlawyers from owning law firms, supporters and opponents of these proposals remain suspicious of one another.