UB Greensfelder

On Friday, November 1, UB Greensfelder Partner Frederick Widen was among a group of distinguished alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and community leaders who were inducted into the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame for their outstanding contributions to the success and prestige of the law school.    Fred earned his JD from CSU|LAW, magna cum laude, in 1981 and has been actively involved with CSU|LAW since graduating. He was a board member and past president of the CSU|LAW Alumni Association. He currently serves on the law school’s advisory board and is an honorary board member of the Alumni Association. Since 2015, Fred has volunteered as a guest lecturer for a Tax 1 course at the law school.    Congratulations, Fred, on this well-deserved recognition.

UB Greensfelder Employment & Labor Partner Katie Fechte recently spoke at the 138th Annual Convention for the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association (ILBA). Katie provided relevant updates regarding changes in employment law for 2025. ILBA is the oldest business trade association in the country dedicated to promoting and protecting retail businesses that sell or serve alcoholic beverages. Katie is pictured with Paul Petruska, general counsel of FRA Trust Advisors and owner of Family Fortress Law Firm, LLC. #EmploymentLaw

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) introduced its updated Negative Option Rule on October 16, 2024 (the “New Rule”). The New Rule targets deceptive practices associated with subscription-based services through which companies continue charging consumers for products or services unless the consumer actively cancels. The New Rule is designed to make it easier for consumers to opt out of such services and aims to improve transparency regarding the terms of such arrangements.  To read the full alert from UB Greensfelder Partner Paul Woody, CFE click here: https://lnkd.in/gR8mYaQw

UB Greensfelder proudly supported the Twelfth Annual Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation's Sequins, Suits & Sneakers Gala on October 25 at the Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis. Donald Schoemaker, Shonda Justice, Kevin Vick, Kara Vick, Karrie Werner, Tim Werner and Jarard P. Williams, Esq. were among the attendees at this sold out event to help the children of St. Louis win in life.

UB Greensfelder Co-Managing Partner Kevin McLaughlin recently spoke to Emma Cueto of Law360 Pulse to discuss the firm's February merger and how we successfully integrated while keeping the focus on elevating the service we provide to our clients. You may read the article in its entirety here: https://lnkd.in/g8YRJHH7 (subscription required) or here: https://lnkd.in/gYsQ-tME.

Deadline Approaching Under the Corporate Transparency Act   Has your company filed its BOI report? As announced in December 2023, under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), certain legal entities formed before January 1, 2024 have to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by January 1, 2025, providing certain information about its “beneficial owners.” That means that every legal entity formed by filing paperwork with a Secretary of State (or its equivalent) must determine whether it is required to file a BOI report or if it is exempt from filing. Has your company undertaken this review yet? UB Greensfelder attorneys are here to assist. We can answer questions you may have about the CTA to determine if your company is required to file or if falls within one of the 23 exemptions for filing.  

Clients and referral sources joined UB Greensfelder’s 9th Annual Private Client Symposium on October 23, presented by the Trusts & Estates Practice Group. Jennifer Davis kicked off the event, followed by Jeff Shelley’s insights on the Connelly case’s impact on estate valuations for closely held businesses, and Erica Carducci presented on Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts. Patrick Connaghan, Jody Forsee (Bucher), and Betty Schaefer led a panel discussion, addressing questions on trust and estate administration. Attendees appreciated the focus on delivering actionable insights for protecting, growing, and transferring wealth.

UB Greensfelder sponsored the St. Louis Business Journal's Family Business Awards on October 24. Congratulations to our nominee Jim Probstein, owner of Sportsman’s Park Restaurant, and all of the honorees.

UB Greensfelder is pleased to welcome three attorneys who recently joined the firm as associates: Amy Randazzo Allen in the Trusts & Estates Practice Group and Doug Engle, PE in the Construction Practice Group, both in our St. Louis office; and Jaylan D. Williams, Esq., MBA in the Real Estate Practice Group in our Chicago office. We're proud to have you on our team.

Congratulations to UB Greensfelder attorneys who have been inaugurated into The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s new honor societies. The Community Commitment Honor Society, and the Time Well Spent Honor Society recognize volunteers who have reached milestones of hourly pro bono work and participation in clinics. The following have been recognized for their dedication and time: Jennifer Adams, John Alten, Joseph Brennan, Michael Charlillo, Anastasia A. Elder, Dolores Garcia, Lori Pittman Haas, Katherine Poldneff, Halden Schwallie, Michael Tucker, Michael Ungar, and Robin Wilson. We are very proud to have attorneys who recognize the value of giving back to those who may not otherwise be able to obtain legal counsel.