Solutions Letter
 An update from Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell  | Fall 2014

 FROM OUR  BLOG                                                  Solutions@Law  

NEW IRS FORM SPEEDS TAX-EXEMPTION
APPROVALS, BUT RAISES SOME ISSUES

 

By Denise Glinatsis Bayer

 

A new simplified tax form for smaller non-profit organizations seeking tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code 

shortens approval times, but could also raise some issues that put organizations at a disadvantage. These concerns include an increased likelihood of facing an IRS audit. Read the full blog post here.
CORPORATE SHIELD LAW OFFERS
PROTECTION, BUT HAS SOME EXCEPTIONS

 

By Kevin P. Murphy

The Corporate Shield Doctrine protects individual agents and employees from personal liability for acts committed in their employment capacities. That protection, however, is limited when certain conditions exist. Knowing these conditions allows employees and officers to perform their duties without fear of repercussions. Read the full blog post here.

GAMBLING NOT ALWAYS DEEMED AS 

MISCONDUCT IN DIVORCE ACTIONS 

 

By Megan M. Millich 

 

Although gambling can damage a marriage, Ohio's divorce laws do not always characterize gambling as financial misconduct that entitles the spouse to any special compensation. However, there are situations in which such conduct by a spouse can lead a judge to divide property in a way other than the normal 50-50 split. Read the full blog post here.

NONPROFIT BYLAWS COVER MUCH GROUND, REQUIRE ATTENTION TO AVOID CONFLICT

 

By Paul M. Dutton

Often, board members of nonprofit corporations pay little attention to the code of regulations and bylaws that govern their organizations. This can become a problem when there's deep conflict on the board. To avoid conflict and ensure legal protection, organizations should include important provisions within their governing documents. Read the full blog post here.

OHIO SUPREME COURT RULING COULD FREE
SOME BOSSES FROM INDIVIDUAL LIABILITY
 

 

By Neil D. Schor
 

A key Ohio Supreme Court ruling could affect the way some discrimination lawsuits are resolved in the public sector. The Court recently decided that public employees, including supervisors, may not be liable on an individual basis in such actions. As a result, public employers should review several issues related to this decision. Read the full blog post here.

6 WAYS TO MINIMIZE LIABILITY WHILE
SERVING ON NONPROFIT BOARD

 

By John L. Pogue
 

Participation on a nonprofit board is important and can certainly support worthwhile charitable causes. However, before deciding whether to join a nonprofit board, one must consider the issue of personal liability. While Ohio law does offer some protection for nonprofit directors, there are steps to consider to minimize personal liability. Read the full blog post here.

  NEWS ITEMS


HHM LAWYERS SPROUT MOVEMBER BEARDS

  

 

HHM attorneys PATRICK K. WILSON, VITO J. ABRUZZINO, ALAN D. WENGERJOHN L. POGUEMARTIN J. BOETCHER and MATTHEW M. RIES suspended their shaving routines for the month of November in order to raise awareness of important men's health issues. The effort is in support of Movember, an international movement that encourages men to grow facial hair as a talking point to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer. "Our facial hair helps us draw attention in a light way to a very important subject," Wilson said. "As men, we need to take charge of our health and get screened for prostate cancer." Read more here.

HHM HONORED BY COMMUNITY LEGAL AID

 

HHM was recently presented with the 2014 Law Firm Award by Community Legal Aid at its 62nd annual Justice For All banquet at DeYor Performing Arts Center in Youngstown. Current and former HHM attorneys VITO J. ABRUZZINO, SHIRLEY J. CHRISTIAN, SHAWNA L. L'ITALIEN, DEBORAH A. KAUFMANNKEVIN P. MURPHY, MATTHEW M. RIES, NEIL D. SCHOR and ALAN D. WENGER attended the banquet and accepted the award on the firm's behalf. Community Legal Aid is a non-profit law firm serving the legal needs of low-income individuals and families and seniors in northeast Ohio. HHM has partnered with the organization since 2012. 

BLOMSTROM, COOMBS  

MAKE SUPER LAWYERS LIST,
RIES NAMED 'RISING STAR'


JAMES L. BLOMSTROM and FREDERICK S. COOMBS III have been listed yet again on the Ohio Super Lawyers list. The distinction, based on ratings by peer lawyers, is granted to less than 5 percent of the Buckeye State's attorneys. Blomstrom, a civil litigator, has been on the list in each of its 12 years. Coombs, who practices creditors rights and bankruptcy law, was named to the list for the sixth straight year. MATTHEW M. RIES, a civil and employment litigator, has been designated as a "Rising Star." This distinction is limited to lawyers under age 40 and who have been practicing law less than 10 years. No more than 2.5 percent of Ohio lawyers earn this honor. Read more here.
MURPHY TO CHAIR OHIO STATE BAR
ASSOCIATION MARKETING COMMITTEE

KEVIN P. MURPHY will serve as chairperson of the Ohio State Bar Association's new eight-person Content Marketing Advisory Committee, which will assist OSBA publications staff in developing and identifying content for the OSBA website that contributes to the personal and professional advancement of members. Content could include the latest information about practices, trends and information about the administration of justice.

ABRUZZINO WINS YOUNG PROS AWARD    

 

VITO J. ABRUZZINO will be honored by the Mahoning Valley Young Professionals Club as one of its 25 Under 35 Award winners for 2014. The awards are given to recognize young professionals in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties who have made strides in their profession and have contributed to the Mahoning Valley through their volunteer efforts. Abruzzino and the other winners will be honored at a banquet in February.  

INPUT WELCOME FOR UPCOMING WEBSITE UPDATE

 

HHM plans to update its website in early 2015 and welcomes input from Solutions Letter readers. To manage suggestions and comments most efficiently, we've developed a brief, four-question online survey. Click here to participate.   

 

  COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

HHM BACKS COMMUNITY EVENTS, CAUSES 

 

HHM was proud to support the 23rd annual Taste of the Valley in October at Stambaugh Auditorium. Twenty one vendors provided samples of their dishes for donors. The money raised through the event will provide 250,000 meals to people in three-county area served by Second Harvest Bank of the Mahoning Valley. Other recent and upcoming activities sponsored by HHM and its lawyers and staff include the following:

  • Opera Western Reserve's production of "Don Giovanni"
  • Mahoning Valley Economic Development's 35th anniversary dinner
  • Youngstown Boys & Girls Club's Holiday Gala
  • American Red Cross/Regional Chamber's Black & White Gala

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The Solutions Letter is published by Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell.

Comments can be directed to any of our practice group chairs:

  • Alan D. Wenger, Oil & Gas, 330.744.1111 or by email.
  • William L. Hawley, Litigation, 330.392.1541 or by email.
  • Neil D. Schor, Public Sector, 330.744.1111 or by email.
  • Frederick S. Coombs III, Creditors Rights & Bankruptcy, 330.744.1111 or by email.
  • Alan D. Wenger, Business & Employment, 330.744.1111 or by email.
  • Neil H. Maxwell, Estate Planning & Probate, 330.744.1111 or by email.