New York Paralegal Blog

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From Apprentices to Academics: The Untold Story of How Law Schools Kept People Out

Ever wondered how lawyers became "lawyers"? Today, we picture grand universities with ivy-covered buildings. But legal education wasn't always like that. In fact, the way law schools developed in America reveals a less-than-rosy history, one where the push for "professionalism" was often a thinly veiled excuse to keep out Black people and other minorities. The Old Way: Learning on the Job For centuries, if you wanted to become a lawyer, you'd apprentice with an experienced attorney. Think of it like a hands-on internship. You'd learn the ropes by working in their office, reading law books, and observing court cases. There were also a few early law schools, but they weren't the norm. This "learn-by-doing" approach, while imperfect, allowed for a more diverse group of people to enter the legal field, regardless of their wealth or background. The "Professional" Shift: Raising the Bar (and Barriers) As the 19th century tur...

Jaden Clarke Charged In Time Square Shooting

In New York, the legal charges against Jayden Clarke in the Times Square shooting case break down into several different types of felonies, each with specific requirements for conviction and potential penalties. They include charges for the act of shooting the victims and charges for possessing the weapon used in the crime. The Charges Explained Here's a look at the charges in a way that's easy to understand, along with the potential prison time. Attempted Murder in the Second Degree This is one of the most serious charges. To be charged with attempted murder, you don't have to successfully kill someone. Instead, the prosecution must prove two things: you intended to cause someone's death and you took a significant step towards doing it. In this case, allegedly firing a gun at a person with the intent to kill them, even if you miss or they survive, is enough to support this charge. The law also includes the concept of "transferred intent"—so even i...

The Case: When "Help" Becomes "Fraud"

A D.C. consultant, Jennifer May, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, to wire fraud for scamming the government out of $1.5 million from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This isn't just a simple mistake; it's a criminal offense with major consequences. But what exactly did she do? The EIDL program was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer low-interest loans to small business owners to help them with operating expenses like payroll and rent. May, the founder and owner of a consulting firm called Next Level Partners LLC, applied for and received a $1.5 million loan. The problem? She didn't use the money for her business. Instead, she used the funds to buy cryptocurrency and pay for personal expenses and other ventures that had nothing to do with her business. 🤦‍♀️ What is Wire Fraud? This is where the law comes in. Wire fraud is a federal crime that involves using electronic communications—like emails, phone calls, or the interne...

Kimberly-Clark to Pay $40M Fine for Selling Dangerous Surgical Gowns: What You Need to Know

A big company just got hit with a huge fine for lying about the safety of its surgical gowns. Kimberly-Clark, a major player in personal care products, has agreed to pay up to $40.4 million to the U.S. government. But what exactly did they do wrong, and why does it matter to all of us? Let's break down the law behind this case. What is an "Adulterated" Medical Device? In simple terms, a product is considered adulterated if it's defective, unsafe, or made under unsanitary conditions. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) is the main law that the FDA uses to regulate products like food, drugs, and medical devices. This law is in place to protect the public from dangerous or fraudulent items. In Kimberly-Clark's case, their surgical gowns were considered adulterated because the company had changed the product's design, but then lied about its safety testing to avoid a necessary step with the FDA. They sold the gowns, knowing they didn...

Tragedy In Minneapolis

In tragic events like the shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, the immediate focus is on the victims, their families, and the community's healing. While law enforcement investigates the incident, many people have questions about the legal aspects that come into play. Here's a simple explanation of some of the key legal considerations surrounding such an event. On behalf of the New York paralegal community, we extend our most heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts are with the entire Minneapolis community as they navigate this profound tragedy. We are all united in our sorrow and hope for peace and healing. Criminal Investigation The first and most immediate legal action is the criminal investigation. Because the suspect in this case died at the scene, the criminal case against them is closed. However, the police and other law enforcement agencies, like the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), will continue to invest...

What Do Lil Nas X's Charges Actually Mean?

You've likely seen the headlines about rapper Lil Nas X, a.k.a. Montero Hill, and his recent felony charges in Van Nuys, California. But what do those legal terms actually mean for his case? Let's break down the law so you can understand what's happening. What Is a Felony, and Why Is It So Serious? First, it's important to know the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor. In simple terms, a felony is a more serious crime that carries a potential sentence of more than one year in state prison. A misdemeanor, like a traffic violation or petty theft, usually results in less than a year in county jail and/or a fine. The charges filed against Montero Hill—three counts of felony battery with injury on a police officer and one count of felony resisting an executive officer—are serious because they are all felonies. So, what do these specific charges mean? Battery with Injury on a Police Officer: In California, "battery" is defined as any willful and...

Echoes of Authority: Are Trump's Tactics Mirroring Saddam's in a Faltering Democracy?

In recent discussions about domestic security and executive power, the specter of authoritarianism has been raised, with some critics drawing parallels between the actions of President Donald Trump and the dictatorial rule of Saddam Hussein. These comparisons become even more salient against a backdrop where many feel the democratic process itself is faltering, as evidenced by concerns over limitations on free speech, civil rights, and voting rights allegedly enacted through executive orders. One of the most striking parallels remains the use of military-style forces for domestic order. Just as Saddam Hussein's military patrolled the streets of Iraq as a visible symbol of the regime's power and a tool to suppress dissent, we've seen President Trump deploy the National Guard in U.S. cities. His recent executive order to create specialized National Guard units specifically trained for "public order issues" further emphasizes this reliance on military-tra...