New York Paralegal Blog

The story of Roger Ver, the early crypto evangelist known as "Bitcoin Jesus," paying nearly $50 million to the IRS has sent a clear message across the digital asset world: the tax man is watching, even if you renounce your citizenship. This massive payment—covering back taxes, steep penalties, and interest—is the result of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with the Department of Justice. But to understand the severity of the consequences, we have to look at the specific, powerful law he violated: the U.S. Exit Tax. The Law: Expatriation and the "Constructive Sale" This case revolves around a critical piece of U.S. tax code that targets wealthy individuals who give up their citizenship: the Exit Tax. 1. The Trigger: Expatriation In 2014, Roger Ver renounced his U.S. citizenship. For high-net-worth individuals (specifically, those whose net worth exceeds a certain threshold, or who fail to certify compliance with all past tax obligations), this act tr...

Yesterday, October 14, 2025, marked a monumental step in the fight against a new breed of sophisticated global crime. The U.S. Department of Justice unsealed an indictment against Chen Zhi, the chairman of Cambodia's Prince Holding Group, exposing a terrifying convergence of cryptocurrency fraud and horrific human trafficking. This action isn't just about money; it's about justice for countless victims. The Law: What is "Pig Butchering" and Why is it Illegal? At the heart of this case are federal charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. These serious crimes address the systematic deception and illicit movement of stolen funds. The "pig butchering" scam (known as Sha Zhu Pan) is a particularly insidious form of wire fraud. Here's how it generally works, and why the alleged actions are illegal: Deception (Wire Fraud): Scammers cultivate relationships with victims online, often on dating apps or social media, buildin...

Ever wonder why you're not supposed to share your salary with co-workers? Or felt uncomfortable being asked about your past pay in a job interview? Good news: New York State is changing the game! Our state has rolled out some powerful new laws designed to bring more fairness and transparency to the workplace, helping you earn what you deserve. Let's break down these exciting updates: 1. Know Your Worth: Salary Ranges in Job Ads! Beginning September 17, 2023, most New York employers (those with four or more employees) must include a salary range in nearly all job advertisements. This includes postings for new jobs, promotions, and transfers. What does this mean for you? No more guessing games! You'll know upfront if a job's pay aligns with your expectations, saving you time and giving you a stronger hand in negotiations. This also helps close pay gaps by making compensation more consistent and visible. 2. Talk About It: Your Right to Discuss Pay T...

The recent return of $3 million in Greek antiquities by the Manhattan District Attorney's office isn't just a win for history—it's a perfect example of how global and local laws work together to stop a sophisticated criminal underworld. If you read about "trafficking networks" and "false provenances," you might wonder: How is this a crime, and how can the U.S. government seize something from a famous museum? Here is a simple breakdown of the legal principles at play. 1. The Core Crime: Theft by National Law The first and most crucial legal concept is called cultural patrimony. What it means: Most nations, especially those with rich ancient history like Greece, have laws that essentially say: "Any ancient artifact found in our soil belongs to the state, and removing it without permission is theft." How it applies: The US system, using laws like the National Stolen Property Act (NSPA), recognizes these foreign patrimony laws. If an ar...

In a law firm, the most valuable commodity is not paper—it's analytical ability. While many assume a great paralegal simply needs to be organized and punctual, their greatest value to a legal team is their capacity for complex critical thought. The paralegal’s job is to be the primary strategic partner, applying high-level analytical skills to the facts and the law. Without this ability, their contribution is severely limited. The Three Pillars of Paralegal Analysis A paralegal's role is defined by logical interpretation and precision: Deconstructing the Law (Interpretation): A paralegal analyzes dense statutes and court precedent, breaking them into their essential, logical elements. They determine precisely what must be proven to win the case and where the legal risks lie. Building the Case Narrative (Evidence Management): They use logic to connect fragmented pieces of evidence—emails, records, deposition statements—into a coherent, persuasive case timeline. They ...

In modern leadership, success hinges on the ability to think critically about complex, interdependent systems. This analytical mindset requires leaders to move past simplistic, individualistic narratives and recognize the profound role of support structures and systemic realities. The statement, often heard from successful figures, which suggests "if I can make it, all others can," is an extension of the deeply flawed "bootstraps" myth. This narrative fails the crucial test of logic by ignoring the vast systemic support that facilitates success—support which is unevenly distributed based on factors like race, class, and social connections. The Role of Systemic Support To truly analyze success, we must account for these resources. Consider the example of a professional student (in law or medicine) whose achievement is often heavily dependent on a partner—such as a wife—who steps in to absorb all external burdens. This is not passive support; it is a tangi...

Part 2: Historical Labor Barriers Proving White Systemic Power In Part 1, we established that systemic racism is defined by prejudice plus power, and that today's economic realities prove Black Americans lack the institutional control necessary to wield this power against white people. In this post, we will examine the historical record to show how white systemic power was deployed to create and enforce racial hierarchies, using the labor market as a prime example of institutional discrimination. A History of Deliberate Exclusion from Opportunity The history of Black labor is not one of equal competition, but of forced exclusion from the best opportunities and permanent relegation to the worst. 1. Denied Access Until National Crisis (The WWII Shift) For decades prior to World War II, white systemic power ensured Black workers were shut out of entire sectors of the modern economy: Exclusion from Skilled Trades: Black workers were systematically barred from desirable, ski...

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, a significant step towards justice was taken in New York as Carlos Ramirez, a leader in the violent Sunset Trinitarios street gang, was sentenced to life in prison. This outcome highlights the serious legal consequences for those involved in organized crime and violent acts. Understanding the Charges: Racketeering and Murder Carlos Ramirez was found guilty of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of murder. But what do these terms mean in the context of the law? Racketeering Conspiracy (RICO): This charge means that Ramirez was part of an ongoing criminal enterprise (the Sunset Trinitarios gang) that engaged in a pattern of illegal activities. The law targets not just individual crimes, but the group's sustained criminal operations, which in this case included drug trafficking, robberies, and murder. The goal is to dismantle the entire criminal organization. Murder: Ramirez was directly involved in the brutal murders of 17-year-old Micha...

Part 1: Defining Systemic Power and Why Black People Cannot Wield It It’s one of the most common—and contentious—questions in discussions about race: "Can Black people be racist against white people?" To answer it accurately, we must look beyond individual actions and consider the systems of power that shape our society. This post will define the crucial difference between simple prejudice and entrenched systemic power, demonstrating why the concept of "reverse racism" fundamentally misunderstands how power operates in America. Prejudice vs. Power: Defining Discrimination Yes, a Black person can hold prejudices or biases against a white person. They can say hurtful things, treat someone unfairly based on their race, or even make biased decisions in a one-on-one interaction. This is individual discrimination or prejudice. It is harmful and wrong, and it hurts individuals. However, this is where the conversation often stops, missing a vital piece of the pu...