Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria is proud to announce that Michael Schiavone has been named to the 2026 edition of Buffalo Business First’s Power 250.
Power 250 is an annual list of Western New York’s most influential business and community leaders. Business First states that every year, they compile a list of “business leaders whose guidance and influence shape Western New York.”
When creating the Power 250 list, Business First focuses on individuals who lead organizations, make key decisions, and possess the authority to effect change in the region. Candidates are evaluated on their impact on Western New York’s business environment and community development. Assessment includes the scope of their role, company size, and tenure, alongside personal involvement in civic activities.
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The New York State DMV Updates Point System and Increases Penalties for Driving Offenses
On February 16, 2026, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles implemented a new point system, which will result in steeper penalties for traffic violations.
The DMV’s new point system:
- increases the number of points assessed to a driver’s license for various traffic violations;
- introduces points as a penalty for traffic violations that previous carried none;
- lowers the total number of accumulated points that will lead to a license suspension hearing; and
- extends the period of time that points can be accumulated, leading to the suspension of a driver’s license.
Attorney Barry Covert recently spoke with WGRF-FM 97 Rock’s morning show hosts, Shredd and Ragan, to discuss details on the New York State DMV’s new penalties for driving offenses.
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New Rule for Virtual Workers’ Compensation Hearings in New York State
Effective February 2, 2026, all injured workers and witnesses testifying in virtual hearings before the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board will be required to appear by video, with their faces fully visible on screen. Injured workers will be allowed to testify via video from home or from the office of their attorney during virtual hearings.
Background on Workers’ Compensation Virtual Hearings
The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board introduced virtual hearings in 2018, which allowed participants to attend workers’ compensation proceeding from their home or office. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Workers Compensation Board conducted all hearings virtually. Today, workers’ compensation proceedings continue to be virtual, with a vast majority of appearances occurring via telephone.
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