MCCM News

As we write this update, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Rochester continues to soar.  Instead of preparing for a return to normal, the coming months may see a return to some of the conditions that existed during the first wave of cases. 

One thing that has not changed, however, is the fact that our clients continue to have legal needs—many of which cannot wait for the pandemic to be over.  And we have never stopped serving our clients. 

Due to the nature of our work, much of what we do is considered “essential” work, and we have remained “open” throughout the pandemic.  Our long-standing commitment to technology has enabled us to serve our clients from just about anywhere, and we assure you that we are committed to serving you, no matter what obstacles the pandemic may present.

One surprising statistic appearing in legal trade publications recently is the high percentage of people who think that law firms are closed because the courts are closed.  While the physical doors to the courthouse may have been closed, our litigation attorneys have continued to commence, prosecute and defend a wide array of cases.  Our attorneys have argued motions and appeals—sometimes in the courthouse, and sometimes using videoconferencing technology.  We have conducted depositions—again sometimes in person, and sometimes using videoconferencing technology.  We have also been able to file motions and pleadings because both state and federal courts already utilize electronic-filing.

Our labor and employment attorneys have been busy counseling businesses and individuals as they navigate the complex web of legal requirements that now include pandemic-related questions.

Estate planning is another area that cannot be placed on hold during the pandemic.  Our estate planning and elder law attorneys have continued to meet with clients and execute Wills, trusts, POAs, health care proxies, and other documents that may be necessary to ensure that our clients’ wishes are carried out.  While nearly all of our meetings and document execution have been carried out using remote technology, there have also been instances when masked, physically distant meetings can take place.

As the end of the year approaches, our business/transactional attorneys are busy working with clients to close deals before the end of the year, as is typical for this time of year.  Throughout the pandemic, our attorneys have continued to provide ongoing advice and counsel to all of our clients.  Our attorneys have also worked with clients to address data security issues in light of New York’s SHIELD Act as more people migrate to “work from home” platforms.

In spite of what you may have heard about the commercial real estate market, our commercial and residential real estate attorneys have remained as busy as ever, closing deals both large and small.  

The need for legal services has not abated just because we are in the middle of a historic pandemic.  While we continue to restrict access to our offices, and maintain a reduced in-office census, we remain ready to serve you.   

All of our attorneys can be reached by dialing our direct number: 585.546.2500.  When you dial that number during business hours, you will reach one of our assistants who can help you reach the right attorney.  If you already know which attorney you need to contact, you can contact them directly.  All of us have our email and direct dial phone numbers listed on our individual pages, which you can find from here. 

Contact us today.  We would be happy to serve you. 

This publication is intended as an information source for clients, prospective clients, and colleagues and constitutes attorney advertising. The content should not be considered legal advice and readers should not act upon information in this publication without individualized professional counsel.

About MCCM

McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, P.C. is a full-service law firm based in Rochester, New York, providing high-quality legal services to businesses and individuals since 1979.  With over a dozen attorneys and a full paralegal support staff, the firm is well-positioned to right-size services tailored to each client. We are large enough to provide expertise in a broad range of practice areas, yet small enough to devote prompt, personal attention to our clients.

We represent a diverse range of clients located throughout New York State and New England.  They include individuals, numerous manufacturing and service industry businesses, local governments, and health care professionals, provider groups, facilities and associations. We also serve as local counsel to out-of-state clients and their attorneys who have litigation pending in Western New York courts.  For more information, please contact us at 585.546.2500.