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ICRH To Host NSPII Reception
The firm will host a reception for the National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators (NSPII) at its Poughkeepsie, New York, office on September 14, 2010, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. NSPII is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering investigative ideas, procedures and techniques. NSPII sponsors annual, national and regional seminars, publishes a newsletter, and conducts regular meetings to inform and develop professionals in the areas of insurance fraud recognition, prevention and investigation. The purpose of the reception is to gather fraud investigation professionals whose work centers around New York claims, with the goal of forming a New York Chapter of NSPII. For more information about NSPII please visit www.nspii.com. If you are interested in attending the reception, please contact Joshua E. Mackey, Esq. at jmackey@icrh.com.
Omer Gil graduates from the Leadership Dutchess Program
Omer Gil, an associate in the firm’s Poughkeepsie office, graduated from the Leadership Dutchess Program on May 20, 2010. Leadership Dutchess is a nine-month program dedicated to the development of participants’ leadership skills by encouraging them to build an effective network of business professionals willing to accept leadership roles within the community. The program brings together individuals who have demonstrated leadership skills and motivates those individuals to grow and learn together through a variety of experiences. For more information about Leadership Dutchess, please visit: http://www.gsdcc.org/leadership_dutchess.php
Robert Iseman selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® for 20th year
Robert H. Iseman, a founding partner of Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP, was again selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2011 in the fields of Health Care Law and Commercial Litigation (Copyright 2010 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.).
ICRH Welcomes Michelle Almeida as New Associate
The partners are pleased to announce that Michelle Almeida has joined the firm’s Poughkeepsie office as an associate attorney.
ICRH Partner Attends PDI Convocation
Partner James Lagios attended the 2010 Primerus Defense Institute Convocation which was held from April 22 through April 25 at the Boulders Resort in Carefree, Arizona. The Convocation consisted of over 50 client companies and 85 PDI member attorneys. Education seminars were held on a wide range of topics including Workers’ Compensation Claims, Employer Liability, Indemnity, and Medicare. Jim also attended the meeting of the Professional Liability Sub-Specialty Group to discuss topics relevant to the practice area. Visit www.primerus.com for more information about the International Society of Primerus Law Firms.
Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP, Joins International Society of Primerus Law Firms
Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP (ICRH), is pleased to announce that the firm is now a member of The International Society of Primerus Law Firms (Primerus).
Partner Marcia Smith was honored at The Long Island Home’s Fifth Annual Golf Classic
Partner Marcia Smith was honored at The Long Island Home’s Fifth Annual Golf Classic on June 21, 2010. Ms. Smith was recognized for her advice and guidance with respect to not-for-profit issues and health care law, as well as her personal commitment to providing legal counsel to The Long Island Home. The Long Island Home consists of South Oaks Hospital, a psychiatric hospital that serves the mental health needs of Nassau and Suffolk counties; and Broadlawn Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, a residential nursing facility. The event was attended by more than 200 people and raised $40,000 toward the funding of a new Outpatient Child and Adolescent Clinic, which will help individuals up to 18 years of age and their families. Ms. Smith has served as outside general counsel to The Long Island Home since it was converted from a for-profit shareholder corporation to a not-for-profit corporation in 1999.
ICRH Partner Chosen to Host Reception for Award Recipients
Partner Rick Mitchell and his wife, Sue, have been chosen to host the initial reunion reception for all past recipients of the "Family of the Year" award bestowed annually by Family Services, Inc. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the award. Rick and Sue, as well as Rick's parents, Dick and Wanda Mitchell, are past recipients of the award. Family Services provides numerous services to families in need throughout Dutchess and Ulster Counties. The reception will be held at the Crave Restaurant in Poughkeepsie on September 14. For more information on Family Services, Inc., please visit www.familyservicesny.org.
Partners Lagios and Queenan join PLUS
Partners James Lagios and John Queenan have joined PLUS, the Professional Liability Underwriting Society. PLUS is a non-profit organization that works to improve the professionalism of its members through education and collaboration of individuals involved in the field of professional liability. The group hosts conferences, educational events and seminars, and offers a comprehensive curriculum for the professional liability industry. For more information on PLUS, please visit https://plusweb.org.
ICRH sponsors “Touch-A-Truck” which raises money for United Way of Dutchess County
ICRH was a corporate sponsor of the "Touch-A-Truck" event organized by Young Leaders United in Dutchess County on June 6, 2010. Omer Gil, an associate in the Poughkeepsie office, is a co-chair of Young Leaders United. Touch-A-Truck is a community-wide event where children have an opportunity to see, touch, interact with and learn about dozens of different types of vehicles. There were 39 vehicles at the event, including a fire truck, cement truck, tow truck, armored car, ambulance, bus, and even a helicopter. More than 1,200 people attended the event held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, which raised money for United Way of Dutchess County. The full article on the Touch-A-Truck event is available here.
ICRH Associate Joins DRI and its Young Lawyer's Committee
Frank Izzo, an associate in our Poughkeepsie office, has joined DRI and its Young Lawyer's Committee. Frank attended the Young Lawyers Seminar in Miami Beach, Florida, in June. The educational seminars covered various aspects of defending clients in civil litigation. DRI is an international organization of attorneys defending the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation. The organization provides numerous educational and informational resources to its members and offers many opportunities for liaison among defense trial lawyers, corporations, and state and local defense organizations. For more information on DRI, please visit www.dri.org.
ICRH Partner Appointed Co-Chair of the 6th Annual Abilities First Men's Golf Tournament
Partner Joshua Mackey has been appointed co-chair of the 6th Annual Abilities First Men's Golf Tournament which will take place on August 27, 2010 at the Casperkill Golf Course in Poughkeepsie, New York. The event will provide awareness and financial support to Abilities First, a Poughkeepsie based not-for-profit organization serving people with disabilities and their families by developing and providing innovative services, advocacy and support in a culture of dignity and respect. For more information visit http://www.abilitiesfirstny.org/.
ICRH Supports Beacon Arts Awards
On June 3, 2010, Poughkeepsie associates Penny Hahn and Elliot Fruchtman attended the Beacon Art Awards presented by the Beacon Arts Community Association. ICRH was a sponor of the event, which was a fundraiser for the Clara Lou Gould Fund for the Arts. The goal of the fund is to benefit projects not generally supported by other area arts organization and draw attention to the valuable role of arts and culture in thecommunity. To learn more about BACA and the fund visit www.beaconarts.org.
ICRH Associate Re-Elected to Board of Mid-Hudson Valley Women's Bar Association
Associate Penny Hahn was elected to the board of directors of the Mid-Hudson Valley Women's Bar Association for a second term as Vice President for the 2010-2011 term. The Mid-Hudson Valley Women's Bar Association, which encompasses Dutchess and Ulster counties, is a Chapter of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York. WBASNY is the only statewide bar association dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in society and in the legal profession. WBASNY is known for addressing difficult legal issues, advocating change and promoting the fair and equal administration of justice.
ICRH Associate Appointed to Chair Strategic Planning Committee for Shaker Ridge Country Club
Rachel Ryan, an associate of the firm, was appointed to head Shaker Ridge Country Club's Strategic Planning Committee. Rachel presented the Committee's findings and action plans to the Club's members on June 28, 2010. For more information about Shaker Ridge Country Club, please visit http://www.shakerridge.com.
ICRH Associate Graduates from the Leadership Tech Valley Program.
Rachel Ryan, an associate of the firm, graduated from the Leadership Tech Valley Program on June 10, 2010. Leadership Tech Valley is a nine-month program that grew from the joint initiative of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber and the Chamber of Schenectady County, with the purpose of developing the leadership potential of participants and building a network of informed, action-oriented and productive business professionals. For more information about Leadership Tech Valley, please visit: http://www.leadershiptechvalley.org/.
ICRH Associate Attends Ribbon-Cutting for Schenectady ARC Pavilion
On May 20, 2010, Rachel Ryan, an associate of the firm and a member of the Leadership Tech Valley Class of 2010, attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Schenectady ARC Princetown Ridge Day Pavilion. The brand new, rock-solid, wood-framed pavilion is a result of months of fundraising, securing donated materials and equipment, and the volunteer labor of the Leadership Class of 2010. The pavilion replaced a temporary structure that was destroyed by heavy wind, and now serves the recreational and therapeutic needs of hundreds of developmentally disabled Schenectady ARC participants. ICRH also made a donation to support this worthy endeavor. Schenectady ARC is a nonprofit organization employing more than 600 professional and direct-care staff who provide an array of residential, vocational and clinical services to more than 1200 children and adults with developmental disabilities. For YNN's news report on this project please visit: http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/505385/outdoor-pavilion-opening-for-schenectady-arc/?ap=1&MP4
ICRH Associate Reappointed to the New York State Bar Association House of Delegates
Rachel Ryan, an associate in the firm's Albany office, was reappointed to the New York State Bar Association House of Delegates as a member representing persons of racial and ethnic diversity. Over the past year, Rachel has helped the House of Delegates consider important issues, including support for solo and small firm practitioners and a model policy to assist law firms and legal departments in dealing with impairment issues.
ICRH Supports Abilities First Gala
Partner Joshua Mackey and his wife attended the Abilities First Annual Gala at the Grandview in Poughkeepsie, New York on Friday, April 30, 2010. Abilities First's mission is to serve people with disabilities and their families by developing and providing innovative services, advocacy and support in a culture of dignity and respect. Josh is a member of the Board of Directors and serves as a member-at-large of Abilities First's Executive Committee.
Partners Attend Family Of The Year Event
Partners Rick Mitchell and Josh Mackey attended the Family Services Family of the Year dinner on April 29, 2010. Family Services is an organization that works in both Dutchess and Ulster counties, and its mission is to help families and individuals help themselves through direct services, collaboration and advocacy. Rick Mitchell spoke on behalf of honorees John and Maureen Mack and presented them with the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award. For further information on Family Services, Inc., please visit www.familyservicesny.org.
ICRH Partner Participates In Radio Show
Partner Josh Mackey appeared on the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce Coffee Break radio show which aired April 20, 2010, on 1260 AM WBNR. The program is hosted by Charles S. North and Gloria Cukar of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. During the program, Josh answered questions concerning new expedited procedures for New York State Liquor Authority applications for liquor licenses and generally discussed ICRH's law practice. Josh also appeared last month on the Weekend Chamber Sunrise Show on WRNQ 92.1 Lite FM, WBWZ Star 93.3, News Talk 1450 WKIP and News Talk 99.3 WKIP-FM, also hosted by the Chamber.
ICRH Partner Appointed to Event Committee for Cary Institute of Ecosystems Studies
Partner Josh Mackey and his wife have been appointed to the event committee for an open house at the Cary Institute of Ecosystems Studies, Millbrook, New York, on Sunday, May 23, 2010. This event will inform community members about the work performed by Cary IES. There will be hands-on educational activities for children and adults and an informal lunch.
Founded in 1983 by the eminent ecologist Dr. Gene E. Likens, the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is a world-renowned leader in applying the ecosystem approach to some of society's most pressing problems, and is one of the largest ecological programs in the world. For more information on the event and Cary IES, visit http://www.ecostudies.org/index.html.
Association of Legal Administrators Appoints Mary E. Lawson as Regional Projects Officer
Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP, is pleased to announce that the firm’s Director of Administration, Mary E. Lawson, has been selected to serve as Regional Officer for the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA).
ICRH Partner Judges Moot Court Competition
Partner John Queenan served as a volunteer judge for the high school moot court competition hosted by the Albany County Bar Association. The competition was held at the Albany County Family Court on March 11.
ICRH Partner Attends Red Cross Event
Partner Josh Mackey attended the American Red Cross Dutchess County Chapter 100th Anniversary Red Tie Event on March 18, 2010 at the Grandview Hotel in Poughkeepsie, New York where community leaders from throughout the area gathered to celebrate the occasion and honor supporters.
As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering. Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs. Each year, the more than 500,000 volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross help the victims of some 70,000 disasters. More than 4 million people give blood through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. An average of 92 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. For information on how you can help go to: www.dutchessredcross.org
ICRH Partner Serves As Panel Member For Health Law Fundamentals Program
Partner Marcia B. Smith was a panel member for a continuing legal education program sponsored by the New York State Bar Association. The topic of the program was “Health Law Fundamentals.” The program was held on Friday, April 16, 2010, at the New York State Nurses Association, 11 Cornell Road, Latham, NY 12110.
ICRH Partners to Speak at Compliance Officer Development Series
Partners Carol Hyde and Marcia Smith will speak on the topics of the federal False Claims Act and the voluntary disclosure and repayment of Medicare and Medicaid overpayments at the Rochester and Albany sessions of the Bonadio Group’s Compliance Officer Development Series. The False Claims Act imposes substantial civil penalties and treble damages on federal contractors (including health care providers that participate in Medicare or Medicaid) that knowingly submit false claims or that knowingly retain overpayments. The FCA also permits people who are not affiliated with the government to file lawsuits against federal contractors for violations of the FCA (informally known as "whistleblowing"). The Rochester seminar will be held Monday, April 26, at the Woodcliff Hotel and Spa. The Albany seminar will be held Tuesday, May 11, at the Albany Marriott. For further information on the series or to register on line, please visit http://webserv.bonadio.com/seminar/complianceseries/home.htm.
ICRH Partner moderates at the Council on Litigation annual conference
Partner Josh Mackey moderated a training session entitled, "On the Same Page: From the Quill to the Missive" at the Council on Litigation annual conference held on March 24 - 26, 2010, in Ponte Vedra, Florida. In this entertaining presentation, the modern topics of coverage determination and reservation of rights issues were addressed by using quotes from the works of William Shakespeare. Educational sessions used Shakespeare's prose to illustrate the importance of making the right coverage decisions, the method by which such decisions must be made, and the unintended results when such decisions are not made properly. Further, the presenters focused on the importance of counsel and company remaining on the same page during the coverage analysis and conveyance of the coverage decision. For additional information on the Council on Litigation Management, visit www.litmgmt.org.
ICRH Partner Earns AV Rating
Partner Richard A. Frankel was recently recognized by Martindale Hubbell as an AV-rated attorney, the highest rating available to an individual lawyer. The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings system is based on the confidential opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary, including both those who are rated and those who are not. Ratings include an assessment of legal abilities and general ethical standards. A rating of CV indicates an above average ability and very high ethics; BV indicates an exemplary reputation and well-established practice; and AV reflects that an attorney has reached the height of professional excellence and integrity.
ICRH Matches Employee Contributions to Aid Earthquake Victims
In response to the need for assistance in Haiti, the firm notified all employees that their personal contributions to charities assisting victims of the earthquake will be matched by the firm. The matching contribution will be made to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, chaired by former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. The firm has done the same for large-scale disasters in the past, including September 11 and Hurricane Katrina. For more information, please visit www.clintonbushhaitifund.org.
ICRH Partner Appointed as Planning Board Chair
At the Town of Washington town board meeting held on December 10, 2009, Josh Mackey was appointed as chair of the town's planning board.
ICRH Welcomes Mackey as Partner
Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP, a general practice law firm with offices in Albany and Poughkeepsie, has announced that Joshua Mackey of Millbrook has been named partner.
ICRH Partner Co-Chairs NYSBA Health Law section Annual Meeting Program
Partner Marcia B. Smith served as one of two co-chairs of the New York State Bar Association, Health Law Section’s Annual Meeting program. The topic of the program was "Health Care Reform: Now What?" The program was held on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the Hilton New York, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York City.
ICRH Partner Participates in Panel Discussion on Fraud and Abuse
Partner Marcia B. Smith participated in a panel discussion on health care fraud and abuse with government regulators. A transcript of the discussion will be published in the Fall 2009 NYSBA Health Law Journal. Panel participants included James Sheehan, Medicaid Inspector General, Sean Cenawood, Assistant United States Attorney, Rebecca Martin, Assistant United States Attorney, and Heidi Wendel, Special Deputy Attorney General.
ICRH Supports St. Peter's Hospital Foundation as a Gold Level Sponsor of the Foundation's Holiday Kick Off Event
Partner James Lagios and Associate Rachel Ryan and their guests attended the St. Peter's Hospital Foundation's annual Holiday Kick Off Event. ICRH is proud of its longstanding relationship as counsel to St. Peter's Hospital and was pleased to be a sponsor of the event. Advances in science and technology offer unprecedented opportunities to save lives, lessen suffering, improve quality of life, and St. Peter's Hospital is leading the way. For more information on opportunities to support St. Peter's Hospital see https://www.sphcs.org/GivingtoStPeters.
ICRH Attends Gala to Support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany
Partners Marcia Smith and James Lagios and Associate Marc Antonucci attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany's Red, White & Chocolate gala to support the Clubs and to honor this year's recipients of the Clubs' Community Impact Awards. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany has been helping kids "Be Great" by providing critical services to our city's most vulnerable population for more than 100 years. From homework help to service learning; social recreation and kung-fu; health services to cooking classes; and character development to career readiness, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany has what every kid needs - a safe place to learn and grow and ongoing relationships with caring adults. To learn more about the Clubs: www.bgcalbany.com.
ICRH Associate Appointed Co-Chair of Young Leaders United
Omer Gil, an associate in the firm's Poughkeepsie office, was appointed co-chair of the United Way of Dutchess County Young Leaders United. The mission of Young Leaders United is to support the work of United Way of Dutchess County and foster a spirit of community involvement among the next generation of leaders. For more information on United Way or Young Leaders United visit www.unitedwaydutchess.org.
ICRH Attorneys Attend NYSBA Health Law Section Meeting
Partner Marcia Smith and associates Laurie Chisolm and Linda Terner attended the fall meeting of the New York State Bar Association Health Law Section on October 24, 2009. The quality of health care, end of life decision-making, federal health care reform and its effect on New York, and the enforcement of fraud and abuse statutes were among the issues addressed.
ICRH Supports Capital District Region of Special Olympics New York
Partners Jim Lagios and John Queenan, and Marc Antonucci, an associate in the firm's Albany office, along with their families and friends, attended the "Be A Fan of Lark" event to benefit the Capital District Region of Special Olympics New York. Marc also volunteers as a basketball coach with the organization. Organized in 1969, Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It is the largest program of its type in the United States, serving nearly 47,654 athletes with the support of over 25,000 volunteers. Special Olympics New York does not charge its athletes or their families to participate. Consequently, all moneys spent for athletes, coaches, competitions and volunteers must be raised through fundraising activities. For more information, please visit http://www.nyso.org.
ICRH Supports Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York
On October 1, 2009, partner Brian M. Culnan and Marc A. Antonucci, an associate with the firm's Albany office, attended the 2009 Justice For All Campaign Kickoff for the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, Inc. ("LASNNY"), held at Dale Miller Restaurant in Albany. The annual campaign enlists law firms and individual attorneys to support the work of the LASNNY, a non-profit organization which provides free legal services to low-income people in Northeastern New York. Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP was one of a group of Capital District law firms recognized for being part of LASNNY's "Campaign Leadership" and for its commitment to the legal needs of low-income residents of our community. For more information, please visit www.lasnny.org.
ICRH attorney attends "No-Fault" seminar
Frank Izzo, an associate in the firm's insurance defense practice, attended a seminar entitled, "Strategies and Pitfalls for the No-Fault Practitioner." The seminar, held on September 30, 2009, was the first in a series of no-fault continuing legal education sessions sponsored by the Brooklyn Bar Association.
Attorneys Attend Vassar Brothers Medical Center Gala
Rick Mitchell, Josh Mackey and their spouses were four of the 820 people who attended the Vassar Brothers Medical Center Gala. The gala raised more than $400,000 for the Hospital's mission.
ICRH Partners Support Chamber's Mitchell Scholarship
Partners Bob Iseman and Rick Mitchell played in the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation's annual golf tournament. A portion (of the proceeds from this tournament) funds a scholarship named in honor of Rick's father, Richard W. Mitchell, a former president of the Chamber of Commerce. The Richard W. Mitchell Scholarship is awarded to applicants who have faced adversity in their lives. It has been awarded to single parents and people who have overcome addiction issues.
ICRH attorneys attend Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraiser
Partners Jim Lagios and John Queenan, and Marc Antonucci, an associate in the firm's Albany office, attended A Night of Exquisite Tastes on September 11, 2009. The event was a fundraiser to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York, and was held at the Albany Country Club. The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The Northeast New York chapter serves children and families in the 15 counties that comprise the 518 area code, and currently grants over 80 wishes a year. For further information, please visit neny.wish.org.
ICRH Partners Volunteer at Albany Law School
Partners Jim Lagios and John Queenan volunteered at Albany Law School's mock interview program, which is intended to assist young law students with improving their interview skills and to talk generally with the students about law practice and markets.
