Archive for the ‘Summer Associate’ Category

All throughout Pennsylvania, an increasingly common sight is emerging: backyard beekeepers tending to personal hives and enjoying fresh honey. As interest in sustainable living, organic foods, and environmental stewardship grows, so too does the fascination with beekeeping. This ancient practice is experiencing a modern resurgence across the Keystone State, where enthusiasts are not only drawn to the sweet rewards of honey but also to the critical role bees play in pollinating crops and preserving biodiversity. However, behind the scenes of this burgeoning hobby lies a complex regulatory framework designed to ensure the health and safety of both bees and communities…. read more »

Dogs are one of the most common and beloved pets across the United States and the entire world. Many couples decide to purchase a furry friend together while their relationship progresses. Though it may seem that nothing could go wrong, that isn’t always the case. If the couple splits up, where does the dog go? Though many people view their dog as their child, the courts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania do not. In Pennsylvania, dogs are regarded as personal property[1], not something that a couple has a right to share equally. Though we sometimes believe our pets to be… read more »

The recent SECURE 2.0 Act enacted by Congress has introduced a series of new strategies to help reduce burdens on taxpayers. CGA Law Firm has previously reviewed the SECURE 2.0 Act in general and highlighted some of its advantages to taxpayers. Today we will highlight a beneficial move that can help you and your college-bound children or grandchildren benefit more from their dollars.  Utilizing a 529 Plan – a tax-advantaged college savings plan under IRC Section 529 – has long been a solid strategy for tax avoidance. A donor can set up a plan for college-bound family members, usually depositing… read more »

When it comes to parking enforcement and restriction in local municipalities, decisions fall on the shoulders of the municipality’s leaders. Under the U.S. Constitution, it is within a municipality’s police powers to enact new ordinances to enforce parking and safety measures. When determining whether a new ordinance is lawful, the ordinance must pass the rational basis test [1]. To pass this rational basis test, there must be both 1) a legitimate governmental interest; and 2) the ordinance must achieve the governmental interest in a reasonable manner. In addition to the use of parking meters in company with signs providing notice… read more »

Spending the summer at CGA provided a unique learning experience that can’t be replicated in a classroom. This summer, I learned how to interact with clients, work as a team, and experience different areas of law under the guidance of experienced attorneys. Working through different practice areas allowed me to have hands-on experience and learn about areas of law that I never imagined myself doing, let alone liking. I never thought I would enjoy doing estate work or real estate, but after sitting through and observing estate document signings and real estate settlements, I saw how happy it made the… read more »

Mackenzie is inspired by civil rights and litigation and her desire to continue learning Nicole is inspired by her four family members who are also attorneys and her interest in debate The Summer Associate program at CGA offers a comprehensive, substantive and rewarding opportunity to law students. The program is designed to expose participants to the many practice areas available at CGA, to enhance research and writing skills, and to aid in professional development. Summer Associates complete research projects, write articles, sit in on meetings, complete various assignments, attend CGA Law Firm events and socials, and receive mentorship from CGA… read more »

Welcome back to CGA, Aurora! Aurora Lynd received the prestigious 2022 President’s Award! The Widener University Delaware Law School awards one President’s Award each year to the second-year student who contributed most to the school in terms of exceptional scholarship and extracurricular activities. This year, Aurora was the law school student who stood out from her peers for special recognition. Achieving top marks in law school is challenging enough, but Aurora also holds leadership positions in several prominent organizations and has an externship at the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. She is Editor-in-Chief of the… read more »

Introducing CGA Summer Associate, Courtney Buechler! Courtney Buechler is a U.S. Army officer whose job is focused on protecting other service-members against threats of biological and chemical weapons, “dirty bombs,” and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). As a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer, Courtney is frequently called upon to share her scientific expertise with every type of unit in the Army. Courtney’s interest in law school was sparked while teaching Military Science at Texas Tech University. During her time there, The Judge Advocate of the United States Army (TJAG) was hosted for a campus visit and he discussed… read more »

Whether it’s a case of an incessantly barking dog or an over-enthusiastic DIY warrior running power tools at midnight, most municipalities could use a carefully constructed noise ordinance from time to time. A well-written ordinance is clear, targeted, and most importantly, enforceable. An effective noise ordinance should be clear and understandable to the average person. A municipality is well within its authority to adopt a noise ordinance. Under Pennsylvania law, municipalities have the authority  “[t]o make regulations as may be necessary for the health, safety, morals, general welfare and cleanliness and beauty, convenience, comfort and safety of the borough.” (8… read more »