Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP

Our Women’s Forum had another successful holiday initiative this year in support of Sunhee’s Community Place. We had the privledge of coming together to support the families they serve by collecting toys for their children. Sunhee’s Community Place is an organization that provides immigrants and refugees access to education, employment and resources throughout the community. It’s amazing to see how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of those in our community. Thank you to our WOH family for contributing to this wonderful initiative, and special thanks to Sunhee’s Community Place for the incredible work they do in the Capital Region. Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with joy, kindness, and giving!

Proudly reflecting on the incredible energy and joy our team shared last week while celebrating being named one of the Best Places to Work for the third year in a row! The event was a wonderful reminder of the amazing businesses that make the Capital Region thrive, and we’re honored to be among them. As we approach our 50th year in 2025, we’re more committed than ever to fostering an exceptional workplace culture that inspires success and collaboration. #BestPlacestoWork #50YearsofWOH

Update from our Immigration Practice Group: Good news for certain J-1 visa holders from China, India and 32 other countries. On December 9, 2024, the Department of State removed India, China, and 32 other countries from the J-1 skills list, meaning that J-1 holders from these countries are no longer subject to the two year foreign residency requirement on this ground. Since the inception of the skills list, J-1 nationals of these countries were subject to the mandatory two-year foreign residency requirement under 212(e). This means that these nationals could not change their status or seek most visa statuses in the United States until they returned to their home country for two years or sought a “No Objection” waiver.  Depending on the country, such a waiver could be burdensome and time-consuming.  Now, nationals of the 34 countries in this announcement no longer need to go through this extra step before seeking a new immigration status such as H1B or a lawful permanent residence/Green card process. The United States, Department of State lists countries that continue to be subject to the skills list which can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eTyxJmkf Please keep in mind that this rule change only applies to J-1 holders from certain countries who are subject to the two-year foreign residency requirement based on skills list. It does not impact J-1s who are subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement based on other grounds. https://lnkd.in/eaBtpFkb

We are thrilled to announce that, effective January 1, 2025, the talented attorneys and staff from Nolan Heller Kauffman LLP (NHK) will be joining the WOH team! As we approach our 50th anniversary, we are excited to welcome the NHK team into our firm of top-tier professionals. Their preeminent expertise in banking, creditors' rights, and bankruptcy will strengthen our capabilities and enhance the services we offer to clients. In turn, our established team will provide NHK's clients with expanded legal services and even greater depth. We look forward to this exciting new chapter of collaboration and growth! Read our full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/ea-QyefE #WOH #50Years #BestPlacestoWork

Seth Leech, a partner in our Immigration practice group will be heading to Bangladesh in the New Year to discuss immigration pathways for entrepreneurs, those in business, and investors. Learn more below! https://lnkd.in/eeteuavp #ImmigrationPathways #Visas

At WOH, tradition is at the heart of everything we do! This morning, we had our cherished annual Thanksgiving breakfast, bringing together our team to celebrate the season of gratitude. As we look forward to spending tomorrow with our loved ones, we want to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation to our incredible clients and dedicated staff who make WOH so special. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment - we’re grateful for each and every one of you! Here’s to many more traditions, milestones, and successes together. #Thanksgiving #BestPlacestoWork

As the Corporate Transparency Act filing deadline of December 31, 2024 approaches for the vast majority of reporting companies, our CTA Team has prepared an overview of the required information to complete a Beneficial Ownership Information Report. Please see additional details in our recent blog post by Keenan Loder. https://lnkd.in/eyA5GA5J

We are pleased to announce that John Cannie has joined the Firm as Of Counsel in our Environmental, Land Use & Development, and Real Estate Practice Groups. To learn more about John and the Firm, click here: https://lnkd.in/eUV5RfbF #WelcometoWOH

Continuum Commercial Realty, alongside MSW PROPERTIES LLC and Redemption Church, had the pleasure of hosting the CIREB Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Brokers November Networking Session this afternoon! We were thrilled to have guest speaker Terresa Bakner from Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP share her insights on the upcoming changes to NYS wetland regulations effective in 2025. This event took place at 21st Century Park in Clifton Park (1315 Route 146, Rexford, NY). A huge thank you to everyone who helped out with this event and to all who attended—your presence made it a record-breaking success!  #networking #education #newdevelopment #upstateny #commercialrealestate

Only 3 days to go until the Breakthrough T1D Capital Region Gala! 💙 We'd like to thank all our Bronze, Research & Progress Partners of the Gala who have helped make Friday's event possible: Bronze Partners: Matthew & Kristen Esler, Glen Sanders Mansion, Kneller Insurance Agency, Angelo & Marry Mazzone, Nolan Heller Kauffman LLP, Ostroff Associates Inc., Sanofi, Troy's Landscape Supply Co., United Group of Companies Research & Progress Partners: Architectural Glass and Metal, Capital Bank (Chemung Canal Trust Company), DeCrescente Dist. Co., Inc., Gordon Companies, Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Constructors, Inc., Lia Auto Group, M&T Bank, University at Albany Foundation, Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP