Manchester by the Sea Provides Planning Lessons
I finally watched Manchester by the Sea last night. I will spare you my poor attempt to play Roger Ebert. It is not exactly uplifting but it is definitely worth watching and I thought it was very well done. Casey Affleck (playing Lee Chander) in particular was very good. So was Kyle Chandler (Coach Taylor […]
Tenant’s Compensation in Ohio Eminent Domain Cases
The use of eminent domain to acquire commercial property impacts tenants as well as the owner/landlord of the property. Ohio uses the undivided-fee rule, which first values the property as a whole and then apportions the award to each property interest. This procedure can create tension between landlords and tenants as both parties typically want […]
Estate Planning Process
My estate planning process is typically a 3-step process. I meet with clients to assess their unique situation to create an individualized plan to specifically address their personal wants and needs. STEP 1: CONSULTATION AND SIGN-UP The first step is about information gathering, understanding your goals, explaining the various documents and answering your questions. I […]
McCarthy named a Super Lawyer Rising Star for 2016
It is always nice to be recognized by one’s peers. I was once again named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for 2016. This is in the third year in a row I have received this recognition. Super Lawyers uses an in-depth selection process that starts with nominations and evaluations from other attorneys in the […]
Decisions for Parents with Young Children
As we move into the Holiday season, it is a good time to to draft or reassess estate planning documents. Parents with minor children have important decisions to make. People generally never want to think about worst case situation of a simultaneous death of both parents, but having the discussion and drafting detailed documents is […]
CBA Hosts Local Government CLE on 10-16-15
I am the Chair of the Cincinnati Bar Association Local Government Law Committee. The Committee meets once a month and consists of lawyers who work with city, county, and other local government bodies. We discuss topics relevant to local governments, such as eminent domain, zoning, local taxes, public records law, and public employment law. We […]
Estate Planning Considerations for Families
Who needs a will? In short, anyone with either property or kids. I have talked to many people who have the best of intentions of finally drafting a will. But it is very easy to put off drafting a will until tomorrow. Tomorrow becomes next week, which becomes next month, which becomes next year. A proper […]
Presentation at Gamma Phi Beta Conference
I want to thank Laurie Veldhuizen and the women of Gamma Phi Beta. I recently presented at Gamma Phi Beta’s REAL Leadership Institute in Frisco, Texas. My topic was “Liability: Protecting Gamma Phi Beta.” I was joined by Laurie Velduizen, the organization’s Executive Director, and Mary Knaup, the sorority’s Collegiate Vice President. We spoke […]
2nd Article for the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association Newsletter
I am writing a series of articles for the GCNKAA Newsletter on chronic nuisance premises ordinances. My second article, which appears in the April issue, is available on their webpage here: http://gcnkaa.org/newsletter/ The Legal Case Against Cincinnati’s Chronic Nuisance Premises Ordinance In my previous article, I gave a quick primer on general chronic nuisance property ordinances. […]
An Introduction to Chronic Nuisance Ordinances
More and more cities are enacting chronic nuisance property ordinances. Along with Tim Burke, I represented a large property owner in a federal court challenge to Cincinnati’s ordinance. That case ultimately settled, but only after the City agreed to amend the ordinance and pay a large sum of attorneys’ fees. I have also helped property owners comply with chronic nuisance […]