Innovative Successful Solutions Crafted at the Intersection of Business and Public Policy
Client Insight Matters
Innovative Successful Solutions Crafted at the Intersection of Business and Public Policy
Relations
Since our founding, RYP has recognized the significance of the interaction between business and government, as well as the relationships between regulators and those industries that are regulated. Our professionals, many of whom have state and federal government experience, understand these complexities and how to balance regulatory concerns and policy considerations with fundamental business practices. Our success comes from the recognition of these key principles and our ability to fashion outcomes for our clients that acknowledge the importance of this balance.
Advocacy
Our professionals have the depth of experience with the court system, governmental agencies and the legislature to advocate for our clients. We evaluate carefully each client matter to determine the most suitable branch of government in which to advocate for our client’s needs in the most efficient manner. When litigation is necessary, RYP’s trial attorneys have brought thousands of disputes to successful resolution in the state and federal courts in New England covering a diverse range of matters for businesses and individuals.
Policy
Representation of our clients includes our understanding of, and participation in, the development of sound legal policy. Our professionals often work collaboratively with government agencies, the legislature, trade associations, and various commissions and working groups to formulate favorable legislation, regulations, and administrative practices to balance the needs of the business community with the effective functioning of state government. This key component of our firm’s history adds depth to our legal representation of our clients and maintains our valued position in the legal field.
Client Insight Matters
Why Insight Matters
Rath, Young and Pignatelli Obtains Landmark Free Speech & Press Ruling from NH Supreme Court in Richards v. Azzi
Attorney Michael S. Lewis obtained a landmark ruling from the NH Supreme Court bolstering free speech and free press rights, today, in the matter of Richards v. Azzi. Representing Robert Azzi, an award-winning columnist, as part of the firm’s pro bono practice, Lewis obtained a ruling from the NH Supreme Court protecting Azzi from liability for the content of an opinion column he published in the New Hampshire Union Leader. In the same decision, the Court resolved the open question of whether New Hampshire recognizes an independent cause of action known as “False Light – Invasion of Privacy” in Azzi’s favor. Grounding its decision in scholarship Azzi brought before the Court in his briefing, the Court declined to expand the risks of engaging in free speech and press by recognizing a new cause of action that threatens those interests. Generally, the decision strengthens protections for public commentary that are long recognized in New Hampshire and ensure. These protections, in turn, that New Hampshire will remain a forum for robust public debate, consistent with its standing as a jurisdiction whose citizens embrace and welcome such debate as part of their First-in-the-Nation political identity.
Rath, Young and Pignatelli’s Senior Litigation Shareholder, Michael Lewis, in NH Bar News
Former NH DOJ prosecutor and Rath Young senior litigation shareholder Mike Lewis published the following piece in the NH Bar News highlighting ethical issues arising for NH DOJ, as it defends DHHS and other public entities in civil litigation involving YDC abuse, while also prosecuting criminals for conduct the State of New Hampshire claims is indictment-worthy, based on the same, or nearly the same, subject matter.
New Hampshire Has a Better Approach to DAOs
Bill Ardinger has published an article at CoinDesk.com on New Hampshire legislation to clarify the legal status of “Decentralized Autonomous Organizations.” DAOs are potentially revolutionary enterprises that use blockchain technology to allow widely-distributed groups of participants to conduct governance and other transactions over the Internet. The legal status of DAOs under current laws is highly uncertain. The New Hampshire legislation (HB 645) would clarify this legal status by treating a DAO as an enterprise distinct from its participants and administrators, and providing limited liability to its members. Bill served as the Chair of Governor’s Commission on Cryptocurrencies and Digital Assets, which issued its final report in December 2022. The lead
Rath, Young and Pignatelli Obtains Landmark Free Speech & Press Ruling from NH Supreme Court in Richards v. Azzi
Attorney Michael S. Lewis obtained a landmark ruling from the NH Supreme Court bolstering free speech and free press rights, today, in the matter of Richards v. Azzi. Representing Robert Azzi, an award-winning columnist, as part of the firm’s pro bono practice, Lewis obtained a ruling from the NH Supreme Court protecting Azzi from liability for the content of an opinion column he published in the New Hampshire Union Leader. In the same decision, the Court resolved the open question of whether New Hampshire recognizes an independent cause of action known as “False Light – Invasion of Privacy” in Azzi’s favor. Grounding its decision in scholarship Azzi brought before the Court in his briefing, the Court declined to expand the risks of engaging in free speech and press by recognizing a new cause of action that threatens those interests. Generally, the decision strengthens protections for public commentary that are long recognized in New Hampshire and ensure. These protections, in turn, that New Hampshire will remain a forum for robust public debate, consistent with its standing as a jurisdiction whose citizens embrace and welcome such debate as part of their First-in-the-Nation political identity.
Rath, Young and Pignatelli’s Senior Litigation Shareholder, Michael Lewis, in NH Bar News
Former NH DOJ prosecutor and Rath Young senior litigation shareholder Mike Lewis published the following piece in the NH Bar News highlighting ethical issues arising for NH DOJ, as it defends DHHS and other public entities in civil litigation involving YDC abuse, while also prosecuting criminals for conduct the State of New Hampshire claims is indictment-worthy, based on the same, or nearly the same, subject matter.
New Hampshire Has a Better Approach to DAOs
Bill Ardinger has published an article at CoinDesk.com on New Hampshire legislation to clarify the legal status of “Decentralized Autonomous Organizations.” DAOs are potentially revolutionary
FTC Issues Final Rule to Ban Non-Compete Clauses
On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued a final rule that includes broad and sweeping bans on non-compete clauses throughout the United States with only very limited exceptions (the “Final Rule”). The FTC has announced the use of non-compete clauses in most circumstances will constitute an unfair and deceptive business practice giving rise to an array of civil penalties the FTC may seek in federal enforcement actions. The rule will go into effect 120 days after publication in the Federal Register. The Final Rule faces legal challenges in Court that may stay or delay its implementation.
Jamie N. Hage and Michael A. Pignatelli Named New Hampshire’s Top 200 Most Influential Business Leaders in the 2024 New Hampshire Business Review’s 200 List
Rath, Young and Pignatelli is proud to announce Jamie N. Hage and Michael A. Pignatelli as two of New Hampshire’s top 200 most influential business leaders on the 2024 New Hampshire 200 List by the New Hampshire Business Review.
Are Tailwinds Ahead for Offshore Wind in Gulf of Maine?
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management takes another key step towards approving the development of offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine.