Law Day 2023 Theme: "Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration"

-
Pete Weinman serves on the Richmond County Bar Association's Law Day Committee and is responsible for rounding up the students who make the yearly celebration worthwhile.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Every year on May 1st, the Richmond County Bar Association celebrates Law Day, which underscores the importance of the rule of law and its role in our democratic society. This year's theme, "Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration," is a call to action for all Americans to join forces in rebuilding trust in our institutions, fostering respect for one another, and enhancing our willingness to collaborate to address the challenges facing our nation.

As we celebrate Law Day 2023, The Richmond County Bar Association invites all the people of Staten Island (and the rest of the United States, of course) to take this opportunity to rebuild trust in our institutions, show respect for one another, and be willing to collaborate. Here are a few ways we can make a difference:
  • Get Involved by engaging in civic activities, such as voting, attending community board meetings, and staying informed about local and national issues.  
  • Encouraging respectful, tolerant, and inclusive conversations and debates, both online and offline, by sharing your views while listening to and respecting the views of others.
  • Seeking opportunities to work with others, regardless of political or religious differences, by joining local community organizations and participating in initiatives that address shared concerns, such as education, public safety, or environmental issues.
By becoming more informed citizens, practicing civility, and collaborating with one another, we can rebuild trust in our institutions and create a brighter future for our nation. Let's come together on this Law Day to embrace the cornerstones of democracy and work towards a more just, inclusive, and prosperous society.  Happy Law Day!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Things a Real Estate Attorney Doesn’t Want to Hear (Satire):

-
Image
Creative Fraud “My Loan Officer said I’m not allowed to get money back at closing, but they can write the check to you, you can put it in your escrow account, and then you can write the check to me.” “My parents are giving me the Down Payment as a gift, but after the closing I’m going to pay them back. That still counts as a gift, right?” “If I sign the Owner-Occupancy Affidavit at closing, how long do I actually have to live there?” “The Seller agreed to give me $15,000.00 after closing for repairs, but my Loan Officer said not to mention that in the Contract.” “My Mortgage Broker said that if the appraised value comes in low, we can just change the Contract price for the Bank and keep our real deal on the side.” “I know the funds need to be sourced, but if I deposit the cash in increments under $10,000.00, that should make things easier, right?” “In order to keep the price under a million, I’ll pay the Seller $100,000.00 for furniture so I can avoid the Mansion Tax.” “I am no longer ...
Read more

FinCEN's New Real Estate Reporting Rule: What Solos Need to Know

-
Image
For those of us who haven't been tracking it, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ("FinCEN") "Residential Real Estate Rule" is now live and reporting obligations begin for any closings that take place on or after March 1, 2026.  If you're handling a reportable transaction and there's no exemption, "someone" has to file a Real Estate Report with FinCEN - and that someone could be you. What triggers the reporting requirement, you ask? Any conveyance of residential real estate that's "all-cash" to an Entity.  "Residential real estate" includes 1-4 family dwellings, condos, co-ops, and even vacant land that the buyer intends to improve with any of the above.  "Entities" include LLCs, Corporations, Partnerships, and Trusts. "All-cash" includes financing by a non-bank lenders without anti money laundering obligations.  Exemptions Transfers at death (Will, Trust, Transfer on Death Deed ("TODD"...
Read more

New York State to Allow Transfer on Death Deeds (TOD Deeds) to Avoid Probate

-
Image
  Starting July 19, 2024, New Yorkers have a new way to transfer property after they die - Transfer on Death Deeds (TOD Deeds). This is great news because it lets you avoid the probate process, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Here's how TOD Deeds work: Name one or more people (beneficiaries) to inherit your property upon your death. The TOD Deed is recorded in the county where the property is located. Important: The TOD Deed doesn't take effect until you die, and you can change your mind and revoke it at any time during your lifetime. Benefits of TOD Deeds: Saves time and money by avoiding probate court. You can still sell, give away, or mortgage the property while you're alive. How to make a TOD Deed: Have the TOD Deed signed by two witnesses who see you sign it. Record the TOD Deed in the county where the property is located. Things to Keep in Mind: Beneficiaries inherit the property "as is," meaning they are responsible for any outstanding debts or ...
Read more