The Erie Institute of Law lecture titled "New York State's Efforts to Increase Sales Tax Compliance" is scheduled for Tuesday, June 22 from 1-2 p.m. at the Bar Association of Erie County headquarters, 438 Main St., Buffalo. It's geared toward attorneys and CPAs who represent small-business owners. Speakers will include William Comisky, deputy commissioner for enforcement, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; and Michael Kelly, a former prosecutor now in private practice. Comisky supervises the tax department's audit, collection and criminal investigation divisions. Kelly served as chief of the organized crime section and the felony trial section in the Erie County District Attorney's office. Cost is $20 for pre-registration or $25 at the door. The lecture qualifies for one credit hour under law practice management. To register, call Mary Kohlbacher at 852-8687.

Kotaska presents at benefits summit

Phillips Lytle attorney Gary Kotaska, a partner who focuses on corporate counseling, participated in the Mid-Market Corporate Benefits Summit at Amelia Island, Fla. He presented a case study titled "Guaranteeing Lifetime Income From a 401(k) Plan, Protecting Against the Next 2008 and Fiduciary Best Practices." The summit is the podium for benefits executives to discuss key industry issues and offer best practices.

FJC receives funds for pilot program

The Verizon Foundation awarded $20,000 to the Family Justice Center of Erie County at the center's Voices Ending Violence fundraising breakfast at Temple Beth Zion. The money will be used to fund the FJC Ambassadors Program, a viral marketing campaign to spread the word about the center and its programs. Volunteers will cover a specific municipality or group and the funds will cover the cost of training, presentation equipment, printing of collateral materials and program oversight.

Court of Appeals seeks feedback on e-filing

The State of New York Court of Appeals announced that it is considering changing rules and procedures to require the filing of electronic copies, in addition to a number of paper copies to be determined, of all briefs and record materials on appeal. The court is soliciting the views of the Bar and other interested parties on how such a system should be implemented, as well as what elements of the system would be desirable or objectionable. Feedback may be sent before Sept. 7 to coafile@courts.state.ny.us.

Chelus attorneys discuss developments in P.I. litigation

Thomas Kawalec and Michael Chmiel, attorneys with Chelus Herdzik Speyer & Monte PC, presented a seminar for the Erie Institute of Law titled "New Developments in Personal Injury Litigation - Health-Care Insurers' Right of Subrogation and Medicare Repayment Issues." Kawalec, a partner in the firm, focuses his practice on personal injury litigation, including trials and appeals. Chmiel, an associate with the firm, practices in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, matrimonial and family law matters.

Reinoso offers advice for the elderly

Magavern Magavern & Grimm LLP partner Bruce Reinoso attended a recent New York State Bar Association program and discussed the topic of drafting legal documents for the elderly and their families. He also was featured speaker at the Erie County Elder Law Day program, where he spoke on estate planning for families that include a person with a disability. Reinoso is a past chair of the Erie County Bar Association's Elder Law Committee.

- Compiled by Matt Chandler