Judge Leaves Bench to Join McCormick Law Firm

McCormick Law Firm recently announced the addition of former Lycoming County Judge, Marc F. Lovecchio, to its complement of attorneys. Lovecchio joined the Williamsport-based firm in November 2021 after serving 12 years on the bench. Lovecchio will focus his practice in the areas of medical malpractice, civil litigation, municipal law, and commercial law. He also …

Effect of Supreme Court’s Ruling on Vaccine Mandates

By now, many if not all of you, are aware that the United States Supreme Court recently issued a decision regarding vaccine mandates in the workplace. National Federation of Independent Business v. OSHA, 595 U.S.___(2022). The decision centered on the federal government’s authority via OSHA, if any, to impose such a mandate. The court decided …

COVID-19 and the New Legal Norm

Keith Wailoo is a professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton University. He has written widely about health policy. Pandemics have ravaged human society for centuries. According to Professor Wailoo, the COVID-19 pandemic will transform social behavior, reshape the economy and “without question” create a new norm involving remote work and communication. This new …

Is Evidence of a Physician’s Judgment Still Admissible in a Medical Malpractice Trial in Pennsylvania?

For more than four decades, the attorneys at McCormick Law Firm have represented medical professionals, hospitals, and health systems in the defense of medical malpractice claims. Almost by definition, most medical malpractice claims present highly complex medical and legal issues for experts, lawyers, judges, and ultimately, juries, to resolve. Anyone who has worked in health …

Fiber optic internet coming to Central Pennsylvania?

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) recently released its anticipated Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) for the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (“BEAD”) Program. The NOFO provides guidance to states in terms of funding, and will (eventually) award contracts for broadband to be extended into unserved and underserved communities. The NOFO places …

Restoration of Firearms Rights – Is it Possible?

Unfortunately, restoration of firearm rights is extremely difficult in Pennsylvania but not impossible. Bans apply through both the state and federal laws. Under Pennsylvania and federal laws, certain individuals are precluded from possessing firearms. 18 Pa. C.S.A. 6105. Presently, except for very few exceptions, there is no effective mechanism through the courts. While a petition …

IRS Extends Time to Make Portability Election

Effective July 8, 2022, the IRS now allows an estate to request a portability election up to five (5) years after a Decedent’s death (through Revenue Procedure 2022-32). Portability elections allow a surviving spouse the ability to file a Federal Estate Tax return (Form 706) to preserve their spouse’s unused federal estate tax exemption (In …

August is National “Make a Will” Month and a Great Reminder to Look at a Holistic Estate Plan

August is National “Make a Will” Month. This annual event reminds individuals to review their already existing will or create a new will. A will serves as one important document in an individual’s estate plan. However, although a will is a significant document to complete, an estate plan is comprehensive, and often involves discussions and …

IRS announces record increases in contribution limits for 401(k) and IRA for 2023

The IRS announced last week that it has increased the contribution limits for 401(k) and IRA accounts for 2023. Beginning next year, you will be able to contribute up to $22,500 to your 401(k) for 2023. IRA contribution amounts were also increased to $6,500 for 2023. These numbers are adjusted for inflation and represent an …

PSA Internal Investigation Documentation

On December 21, 2022, the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority (PSA) issued a “Program Memorandum which announced that beginning January 2023, health care facilities such as hospitals will be required, upon request by the PSA, to provide documentation of “internal investigations” related to incidents and events that have been reported to the PSA. The “Program Memorandum” …

Chamber Connection Spotlight

McCormick Law Firm has been a Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce member since 1956. The Firm was recently featured as a Legacy Member in the Chamber Connection portion of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette newspaper for its deep roots in the community. Click on the image below to read the article.

Most Recent Version of Build Back Better Bill Removes Certain Previously Proposed Tax Provisions

Clients with high-net-worth estates and their attorneys have been carefully monitoring the ever-changing Build Back Better Bill in an attempt to anticipate any estate and trust planning that may be recommended based on the proposed changes. There was some concern amongst clients and their advisors, particularly in the last few months, of potential legislative tax …