Firm Newsletter | January 2025
Dear Clients and Friends:
We write to update you on recent activities at FRB.
First, we are thrilled to welcome Kyle Stefurak as Counsel (Rockville Centre, NY) and Marlena Smith as an Associate (New York City) to the firm, further expanding our Elder Law and Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Groups. Learn more about their professional experience and legal practices below.
Next, we are delighted to have been recognized with The Outstanding Marketing Firm Award at the 2025 Ames & Gough Law Firm Excellence Awards! This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team in delivering impactful and innovative marketing initiatives. Check out photos from the event here. Congratulations to all of the winners!
Also, FRB’s Digital Asset Partners Jeffrey Verdon, Moish Peltz, and Kyle Lawrence were recently featured in CoinDesk with their insightful OpEd, “Crypto’s Estate Planning Problem: A Wake-Up Call,” examining key strategies to safeguard digital assets and highlighting estate planning challenges in this rapidly evolving legal landscape. Read the full article here.
Next, join FRB's Vice Managing Partner, Matthew Rappaport, at Wealthstone Group's 2025 Real Estate Forum on Thursday, February 6 from 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM ET at Cantor Fitzgerald in NYC! Explore tax-efficient strategies for your real estate. Learn more and register here.
Further, FRB’s Andrew Cooper, Chair of the Cannabis & Psychedelics Practice Group, was quoted in a recent article by The Fresh Toast, exploring how Big Alcohol might influence changes in the cannabis industry. Read Andrew’s thoughts on this timely topic here.
Lastly, we are excited to sponsor Alliance Portfolio’s Alternative Investment Summit 2025 alongside Doss Law LLP and Beacon Economics LLC on Friday, February 7 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM PT at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Santa Ana, CA. The event will feature a special presentation on Asset Protection, Tax, and Estate Planning by FRB Partner Jeffrey Verdon. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with industry leaders. Reserve your seat today by calling 949-349-1322.
Register for Our Upcoming Webinars
Drafting and Administering Wills (CLE Credit Available)
- Join FRB's Vice Managing Partner Matthew E. Rappaport, Esq., LL.M. alongside other legal professionals on Thursday, January 23 from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET and explore cutting-edge strategies for creating comprehensive wills, covering essential provisions, tax considerations, will validity, and more. CLE credits vary by state.
- Learn more and register here.
Navigating Digital Asset Legal, Accounting, and Tax Issues: Entity Structures, Tax Planning, Valuation, and More (1.5 CPE/CLE Credits)
- Join FRB Partner Kyle M. Lawrence, Esq. on Tuesday, January 28 from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET and explore the evolving legal and tax landscape for digital assets, including recent IRS regulations, reporting requirements, and key tax planning strategies. Earn 1.5 CPE/CLE credits by attending.
- Learn more and register here.
Revenue Rulings 99-5 and 99-6: Tax Implications of Restructured Partnerships and LLCs (2.0 CPE Credits)
- Join FRB Partner Matthew E. Foreman, Esq., LL.M. and Michelle S. Kabel, Esq. on Monday, February 17 from 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM ET and explore the tax implications of Revenue Rulings 99-5 and 99-6 in partnership and LLC restructuring, including nonrecognition of gains, Section 754 elections, and real-world scenarios.
- Learn more and register here.
Check Out Our Latest Podcasts
How Tax Works - Ep. 16
Questions People Ask Tax Lawyers at Weddings
- In this episode of How Tax Works, FRB Partner Matthew E. Foreman, Esq., LL.M. discusses how to lower your taxes and why your accountant probably shouldn't let you deduct your Bugatti, as well as answering questions from Kenneth J. Falcon, Esq., Managing Partner at FRB, regarding whether property acquired via adverse possession is taxable.
- Listen to the episode here.
Block & Order #26
Ups and DAOns of DAOs with Gabriel Shapiro
- In this episode of Block and Order, hosts Kyle M. Lawrence, Esq. and Moish E. Peltz, Esq. chat with Gabriel Shapiro, CEO of MetaLex and former General Counsel of Delphi Labs, about the complexities and opportunities in DAO design. They explore key topics such as the role of legal documentation, the potential hybrid models like DUNA, and strategies for balancing automation with legal safeguards.
- Watch the episode here.
FRB Welcomes Marlena Z. Smith, Esq.
Marlena Z. Smith, Esq. joins the firm as an Associate in FRB’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group, representing clients in a variety of litigation matters, including civil rights, labor and employment, property law, and commercial law. With experience before New York agencies, state courts, and federal courts, she collaborates across practice areas to deliver effective solutions. Marlena previously worked as an associate at a labor and employment firm, served as Senior Counsel at the New York City Law Department, and clerked for the Honorable Colleen M. Flynn in New Jersey Superior Court.
FRB Welcomes Kyle R. Stefurak, Esq.
Kyle R. Stefurak, Esq. joins the firm as Counsel in FRB's Elder Law and Estate Litigation & Contested Accountings Practice Groups with a focus in Article 81 Guardianship proceedings. He represents clients in Supreme Courts across Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, New York City boroughs, and upstate counties, as well as in Surrogate’s Courts throughout New York. From initial investigations to trial preparation, Kyle handles all aspects of guardianship proceedings, including petitions, accountings, and post-judgment motions.
Check Out the Latest News from Our Blog
American Crypto Counsel: Navigating the Next Era of Digital Assets
- With the recent election and a new administration, the United States is undergoing a transformative shift in its approach to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. In their latest blog, FRB's Digital Assets Partners Kyle M. Lawrence, Esq. and Moish E. Peltz, Esq. explore these developments and how FRB can guide businesses through this evolving landscape. Read more.
WARN Update: Delaware Bankruptcy Court Issues Decision Analyzing the Application of the WARN Act in Chapter 11
- The WARN Act plays a crucial role in protecting employees during mass layoffs, particularly in bankruptcy cases. In our latest article, FRB Partner Michael L. Moskowitz, Esq. and Associate Melissa A. Guseynov, Esq. explore the recent In re Yellow Corporation decision, shedding light on statutory exceptions, compliance requirements, and key takeaways for employers and creditors. Read more.
Not So Fast, Court Tells New York City Sheriff’s Office – Court Issues Injunction Ordering Immediate STOP to “Unconstitutional” Warrantless Searches of Licensed Hemp Retailers
- FRB Partner Dana Walsh Sivak, Esq. and Terran Cooper explore a significant decision in Super Smoke N Save LLC et al. v. New York State Cannabis Control Board et al., halting warrantless searches of licensed hemp retailers. Read more.
Biden Commutes Sentences of Close to 2,500 People Convicted of Nonviolent Drug Charges
- President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, marking a significant step in his legacy of criminal justice reform. FRB's Chair of Healthcare, Andrew P. Cooper, Esq., LL.M., explores this recent decision. Read more.
Fifth Circuit Reverses CTA Decision and Reinstates Nationwide Stay
- On December 23, 2024, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed the enforcement of the CTA and its Beneficial Ownership Information Report ("BOIR") filing obligations. Read more.
Hochul Signs Law to Revive Cannabis Farmers’ Markets (Growers’ Showcases) via New Event Permit
- FRB's Chair of Cannabis & Psychedelics Andrew P. Cooper, Esq., LL.M. and Terran Cooper examine the two new cannabis bills allowing the return of the Cannabis Growers' Showcases and permitting the retail sales of certain adult-use cannabis products and merchandise. Read more.