Law Articles

By John Rafferty —  In the last four years, global sales of drones have more than quadrupled. By 2025, drones are expected to sell three times faster than they do now, and 2025 estimates peg the drone industry at $90B. But whether you’re shopping for drones this holiday season or embarking…

By Lauren Dentone (Milks) — Senate Bill 961, currently pending approval, proposes to make third and subsequent, highest-tier Driving Under the Influence charges, a felony of the third degree in Pennsylvania. Currently, the maximum penalty in Pennsylvania for a Driving Under the Influence charge is a misdemeanor of the first degree.…

“There has to be a better way to do this. If you want to leave money for your animals, you don’t want it all to go to taxes,” long-time horse owner Bonnie Ollie tells equestrian magazine USDF Connection. For insight on finding a better way, the publication turned to Gawthrop…

By Anthony T. Verwey — Governor Wolf signed into law Act 15 of 2018, which amends Act 167 known as the Stormwater Management Act. The amendment will require municipalities to modify ordinances based on the addition of an exemption regarding high tunnels used in agricultural applications. High tunnels are generally a structure that is covered…

The following article first appeared in the Legal Intelligencer's Wealth Management Supplement, featuring insight from the region's top attorneys on trusts and estate issues. By P. Kristen Bennett — Recent changes to the federal estate tax system have turned traditional estate planning on its head. Now under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,…

The following article can also be found in the Legal Intelligencer and VISTA.Today. By John Rafferty — After the price of Bitcoin hit $10,000 on November 28th and Bitcoin futures launched on December 10th, you might have asked yourself why this digital currency is getting so much attention in the…

By Carl W. Heckert -- The recently passed 2017 Tax Reform makes a significant potential tax increase for both the alimony payor and the recipient for post-2018 divorce or separation agreements. According to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, generally, for divorce and separation documents executed after December 31, 2018,…

By Carl W. Heckert – The following was first published by VISTA.Today, a daily business journal posting Chester County's top business stories. Gawthrop Greenwood partner Carl W. Heckert is a VISTA.Today author.  The benefits of hiring independent contractors are many. Besides providing more flexibility when managing fluctuations in your business, independent contractors require…

By Sandra L. Knapp - UPDATE – September 14, 2017 – The Department of Homeland Security has extended the seven-day waiver described below to run through Friday, September 22, 2017, and expanded the number of states to which it applies. This includes refined petroleum products shipped from Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas to Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Puerto…

The following was first published by The Maritime Executive, the largest business journal in the maritime industry, reaching 127 countries. Gawthrop Greenwood partner Sandy Knapp is a Maritime Executive author.  By Sandra L. Knapp - Fast on the heels of our August 17th article on vessels with foreign-built components, the…