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NYC Employment Attorney Calls Starbucks’ Nearly $39M Settlement a “Watershed Moment” for Fast-Food Workers

NEW YORK, NY — December 3, 2025 — As Starbucks baristas in New York City escalate their “Red Cup Rebellion” labor actions, the coffee giant has agreed to pay nearly $38.9 million to settle sweeping allegations that it repeatedly violated the city’s Fair Workweek Law.

Prominent employment attorney Steven Mitchell Sack, known as “The Employee’s Lawyer^Ⓡ,” says the settlement is “a watershed moment” for fast-food workers nationwide.

The agreement, announced December 1 by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), Mayor Eric Adams, and DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga, resolves claims that Starbucks committed more than 500,000 scheduling violations since 2021. Regulators say the company “arbitrarily cut schedules,” restricted opportunities for extra hours, and “illegally prioritized profits over workers’ rights.”

Under the Fair Workweek Law, fast-food workers must receive regular schedules 14 days in advance, premium pay for last-minute changes, the right to decline additional hours, and first access to newly available shifts before new hires are brought in.

Of the nearly $39 million settlement, $35.5 million will be paid directly to more than 15,000 affected employees who worked at Starbucks between July 2021 and July 2024. The remainder will go toward penalties and enforcement costs.

“This settlement is a huge win for workers,” Sack said. “The scope of these violations — more than half a million — is staggering. Starbucks must not only compensate every employee harmed but demonstrate it is fully committed to fair scheduling going forward.”

The settlement comes as labor tensions at Starbucks continue to draw national attention, with New York City serving as a key battleground for organizing efforts.

For more information, call (917) 371-8000 or visit www.theemployeeslawyer.com.

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About Steven Mitchell Sack

Steven Mitchell Sack, “The Employee’s Lawyer^®,” has been enforcing the workplace rights of employees, executives, and sales representatives for more than 45 years. He is a practicing labor and employment attorney, author of 20 books, a lecturer, syndicated radio talk show host, and host of the podcast “Know Your Job Rights with Attorney Steven Sack.” With attorney Scott A. Lucas, he obtained a $6.2 million jury verdict in 2015 on behalf of three pregnant employees and a favorable New York Court of Appeals decision for a group of waiters who were denied their fair share of tips that a caterer withheld. For more information, visit www.theemployeeslawyer.com.

Aviation Safety Attorney Applauds Airbus for Rapid Global Response to Fuselage Panel Software Defect

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Airbus’ swift decision to ground and inspect thousands of A320-series aircraft following the discovery of a software-related fuselage panel defect is drawing praise from a leading U.S. aviation safety attorney.

Airbus last week ordered “immediate precautionary action” across its A320 Family fleet after determining that a software issue — traced to a system provided by French aerospace and defense supplier Thales — could compromise certain fuselage panels. The company said the majority of the roughly 6,000 affected aircraft have already received corrective updates, and fewer than 100 planes remain in the modification process.

Aviation attorney Keith Williams, founder of the Keith Williams Law Group and a longtime advocate for stronger commercial aviation safety standards, said Airbus’ aggressive response reflects the type of industry leadership that prevents disasters before they occur.

“Airbus made the hard call quickly, and that matters,” Williams said. “Grounding aircraft is never convenient for airlines or passengers, but it’s the right choice when safety is on the line. This kind of proactive action is how catastrophic failures are avoided.”

Williams added that the recall underscores the critical role of software integrity in modern aircraft. “Today’s airplanes are flying computers. When a system raises even a hint of structural risk, immediate transparency and rapid corrective action are essential.”

Airbus said it is working directly with airline customers to return the remaining aircraft to service as soon as their modifications are complete.

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

Ohio’s Move to Allow High School NIL Deals Marks Major Shift, Says New York Sports Law Attorney

Policy Change Could Help Families Bridge College Cost Gap, Ease Financial Pressure on Recruits

GARDEN CITY, NY — Ohio’s vote to allow high school athletes to profit from their names, images and likenesses (NIL) positions the state as the latest to embrace a rapidly expanding national trend — and could immediately affect how families plan for college expenses, according to sports law attorney Andrew Sack.

Ohio became the 45th state to permit high school athletes to earn NIL income after the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) approved the change in a Nov. 21 emergency vote. The measure passed 447–121, with 247 schools abstaining.

Sack, a Long Island–based attorney who advises athletes and their families on NIL issues, says the decision reflects “how quickly the NIL landscape is evolving — and how high the financial stakes have become for student-athletes.”

Lawsuit, Six-Figure NIL Claims Pushed Issue to the Fore

The vote came just weeks after a lawsuit filed by Jasmine Brown, who argued that her son — Jamier Brown, a Wayne High School wide receiver verbally committed to Ohio State — lost out on more than $100,000 in potential NIL deals under the previous ban. A judge later issued a temporary restraining order preventing OHSAA from enforcing that ban, increasing pressure on the association to act.

Attorney: New Rule Could “Change College Trajectories”

Sack says the new policy could dramatically ease financial strain on families, especially when athletic scholarships aren’t guaranteed.

“This decision isn’t just about endorsements — it’s about access to higher education,” Sack said. “If a student-athlete doesn’t land a Division I scholarship, NIL income earned in high school can be the difference between attending their dream school or being priced out. Ohio’s move acknowledges that reality.”

He adds that as states modernize NIL policies, athletes are gaining more control over their financial futures at a younger age.

“For many families, this is real money that can offset tuition, housing, and other college costs. Ohio’s decision is a recognition that the old model wasn’t keeping up with today’s marketplace.”

For more information, call Mr. Sack at (516) 526-3319 or The Law Offices of Steven Mitchell Sack at (917) 371-8000.

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*Photo of Mr. Sack is attached.

Aviation Attorney: Aging UPS Cargo Plane Involved in Fatal Crash Needed More Frequent Inspections

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A leading aviation attorney says the UPS cargo jet that crashed in Louisville earlier this month — killing 14 people and injuring more than 20 — should have been subject to far more frequent safety inspections because of its age.

Keith Williams, an attorney who has represented families in major aviation disasters, says the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary findings raise urgent questions about whether current inspection schedules adequately protect crews and communities.

The NTSB’s November 20 preliminary report found a crack in the aircraft’s left engine mount, a failure that caused the engine to detach from the wing during flight. The November 4 crash also destroyed several nearby businesses.

According to the NTSB, UPS performs general and detailed visual inspections of engine mounts every 72 months. The aircraft’s last such inspection occurred in October 2021. While lubrications required every 24 months or 4,800 hours were completed, deeper-cycle inspections of mount lugs and wing supports were not yet due because the aircraft had recorded 21,043 cycles—below the required thresholds of 29,200 and 28,000 cycles, respectively.

Williams says relying solely on long-cycle inspections for an older aircraft leaves too much room for catastrophic failure.

“Waiting two to six years to reinspect a plane of this age is far too long,” Williams said. “Inspection schedules should evolve as aircraft age. A more proactive approach could prevent tragedies like this.”

He also questioned how the aircraft could have passed routine maintenance without the crack being discovered.

“How could such a serious defect go undetected during scheduled lubrication?” Williams said. “When even small structural issues are missed, the consequences can be devastating.”

Williams urged regulators and cargo carriers to reassess inspection protocols for aging fleets as the NTSB continues its investigation.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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About Keith Williams Law Group

Aviation Attorney Says FAA Grounding of McDonnell Douglas Fleet Is “Necessary and Overdue” after Fatal UPS Crash

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Aviation attorney Keith Williams is publicly backing the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to immediately ground all McDonnell Douglas MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft following last week’s catastrophic crash at the UPS air hub in Louisville, Kentucky.

On November 4, a 1991 MD-11 lost its left engine during takeoff, sparking a wing fire and crashing near the runway. Fourteen people — including all three crew members — were killed, and several nearby businesses were destroyed. In response, both UPS and FedEx voluntarily grounded the remaining MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft in their fleets while federal investigators began examining potential structural or age-related issues.

Williams, who has represented victims in major aviation disasters for more than 30 years, says the FAA’s action is not only appropriate but essential to restoring public confidence.

“The FAA made the right call,” Williams said. “Until we know whether aging components or maintenance gaps contributed to this tragedy, these aircraft should not be in the air. Every operator and regulator should be laser-focused on preventing another preventable loss of life.”

Williams said investigators will be scrutinizing inspection logs, maintenance records, and possible fatigue in aging aircraft parts — factors that historically play significant roles in cargo-aircraft incidents.

“Grounding the fleet is the only responsible choice while we wait for answers,” he added. “No package delivery schedule is worth risking another disaster.”

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

Aviation Attorney Calls for NTSB Probe into UPS Plane Crash Maintenance Logs

Says Age of Aircraft Raises Questions About Safety Oversight

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Aviation attorney Keith Williams of The Keith Williams Law Group is urging federal investigators to review maintenance and inspection records following last Monday’s fiery crash of a UPS cargo plane shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, bound for Honolulu, reportedly carried 26,000 gallons of fuel when it went down just after 5 p.m. local time. As it took off, the left wing caught fire and the left engine fell off. Fourteen people – including the three crew members – were killed and another 12 were hospitalized. The crash caused an explosion that leveled nearby businesses, including a recycling facility, where three employees were killed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that, two months ago, the plane had a crack and evidence of corrosion while it was at a facility in San Antonio, Texas. Once those were fixed, the plane resumed flying on an almost daily basis.

UPS said, out of an abundance of caution, they grounded all MD-11 aircraft. McDonnell-Douglas, meanwhile, announced it will phase out the MD-11.

“This accident raises serious questions about whether proper maintenance protocols were followed and if those repairs were satisfactorily made,” said Mr. Williams. “These aircraft are aging workhorses of the cargo fleet. The NTSB needs to determine whether mechanical or oversight issues played a role before tragedy strikes again.”

Mr. Williams, who has represented victims and families in major aviation disasters nationwide, added that the age of the MD-11F model should be a central focus of the investigation. The plane type first entered service in the early 1990s and remains a mainstay in cargo transport fleets worldwide.

“The public has a right to know whether this was an isolated failure or a symptom of a larger maintenance problem,” Mr. Williams said.

The NTSB has not yet released details on the possible cause of the crash.

In addition to his practice, Mr. Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

Aviation Attorney Said He Will Wait for Results from Fatal Medical Helicopter Crash

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Aviation attorney Keith Williams said it is wise to reserve judgment until the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) can determine what caused a medical helicopter to crash.

On November 8, 2025, a LifeFlight helicopter carrying three people left from a helipad near the Music City Executive Airport in Gallatin, Tennessee, when it crashed in a field in the 7100 block of Cairo Bend Road between Gallatin and Lebanon, Tennessee in Wilson County. One person died and two people were hospitalized. Thankfully, there were no patients on the helicopter at the time of the crash.

The helicopter was owned and operated by Air Methods LLC for the benefit of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The aircraft was a 2015 Eurocopter EC 130T2 (Airbus Helicopters H130). The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation.

Preliminary ADS-B radar data shows that the helicopter proceeded south to an inflight altitude of 4,100 feet. About five minutes into the flight, the helicopter entered a 180-degree turn back towards the airport. Two minutes later, the helicopter was 1.90 miles south of the airport when it entered a descending right-hand turn towards an open field. The helicopter struck the top of a tree and impacted terrain. There was no post-crash fire.

“Since there are very few details right now, it’s difficult to determine how the crash occurred,” Mr. Williams says. “I suggest that we should hold off on making any unfounded assumptions about what happened.”

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

Local Dog Bite Attorney Available to Speak on Police-Involved Shooting of Dog in Queens

PATCHOGUE, NEW YORK — Mack Press, also known as “The New York Dog Bite Lawyer,” is available to comment on the fatal shooting of a dog by a New York City police officer, who was attacked by that dog.

On November 6, NYPD officers responded to an incident in South Jamaica in which two dogs — both pit bulls — were reportedly chasing residents down the street. Both were off their leashes. The officers attempted to bring the two animals under control when a third pit bull came from behind and attacked one of the officers, biting him in the leg. That officer shot and killed the dog. Police are trying to determine who owns these dogs.

Mr. Press was the victim of a dog attack himself. He and his chocolate lab, Lucky, were attacked by a loose dog earlier this year. The dog charged at Mr. Press — unprovoked — knocking him down and viciously biting Lucky near the jugular vein. For several minutes, Mr. Press shielded Lucky from the vicious dog’s attacks, suffering more than 20 bites to his face, head, arms, legs, losing a front tooth and exacerbating an earlier back injury. Lucky underwent emergency surgery and recovered from his injuries.

In addition to his practice, Mr. Press is involved in animal advocacy. He is a dog lover and a supporter of many animal rescue organizations. His practice recently sponsored Dog Fest 2025, an organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained service dogs and ongoing support, free of charge. As part of his animal advocacy, Mr. Press seeks to include “no kill” clauses in settlements and require training for aggressive dogs rather than euthanasia.

“This is certainly an unfortunate incident and one that could have been avoided,” Mr. Press says. “The owners should not have let their dogs run loose like this if they knew they posed a threat to other people in the neighborhood. Now, one of them is dead and a police officer is injured, all because of the owner’s irresponsibility.”

For more information, call 1 (833) 8-DOGBITE (833-836-4248) or visit www.NYDogBite.com.

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About The New York Dog Bite Lawyer^SM

Mack Press founded his own practice, The New York Dog Bite Lawyer ^SM, after being viciously attacked by a loose dog. His practice concentrates solely on New York State dog bite law. In addition, he isn’t just another lawyer — he’s a dog lover and a dog bite survivor. Mr. Press has over 30 years of litigation experience. In 2012, he launched The Mack Firm, where he litigated nationwide class-actions and represented countless plaintiffs, including in high-profile cases against Samsung and Lance Armstrong. For more information, call 1 (833) 8-DOGBITE (833-836-4248) or visit www.NYDogBite.com.

NY Legionnaires’ Attorney Commends Ohio Hospital’s Swift Action after Disease Discovery

NEW YORK, NY — Ronald J. Katter, a New York attorney who specializes in Legionnaires’ disease litigation, is praising Cincinnati’s Christ Hospital for its prompt and thorough response after two patients were diagnosed with the disease.

The hospital reported on November 3 that two individuals had contracted Legionnaires’ disease within the past six weeks. Although the source of the bacteria has not yet been identified, Christ Hospital has initiated environmental testing, installed filters on faucets and shower heads, and is collaborating with local and state health officials to test its water system.

Officials say the risk to patients, visitors, and staff remains low, and current tests indicate that the hospital’s water system does not appear to be contaminated.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water vapor containing Legionella bacteria, which often thrive in building water systems such as HVAC cooling towers. The CDC emphasizes that most outbreaks are preventable through proper maintenance.

“I commend the staff at Christ Hospital for its proactive stance in acting to get this situation under control,” said Katter. “Although there were only two people who were sickened by the disease, the hospital took no chances and acted promptly to slow its spread to other people.”

Although the hospital protected the faucets and shower heads, Katter said, “If the hospital’s HVAC system includes water cooling towers, those cooling towers should be tested for the presence of Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks frequently originate in contaminated cooling towers.”

Katter, who first gained national attention in 2015 after representing victims of the deadly Opera House Hotel outbreak in the Bronx, says the latest cases underscore that Legionnaires’ disease is a recurring, national public health risk.

Katter is available for interviews on this matter. For more information, call (212) 809-4293 or visit www.katterlaw.com.

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About Katter Law Firm

The Katter Law Firm represents clients throughout New York City in personal injury cases including those who have suffered injuries in automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, truck accidents, slip/trip and falls, hotel accidents, assaults, workplace accidents, construction accidents, professional malpractice, nursing home negligence, hospital mistreatment, police abuse, accidental deaths and pet attacks. The firm aggressively represents injured victims through the five boroughs, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens as well as Westchester County. For more information, call (212) 809-4293 or visit www.katterlaw.com.

Super Lawyers Recognizes Eighteen Sahn Ward Lawyers

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK — Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano PLLC is proud to announce that eighteen attorneys from the Firm were recognized by Super Lawyers for 2025. Super Lawyers is an exclusive list, with no more than 5% of the attorneys in the state being chosen. This is the twelfth consecutive year that a majority of the Firm’s attorneys were recognized by Super Lawyers.

All four Equity Members of the Firm were selected, including both Co-Managing Members:

Michael H. Sahn, Co-Managing Member — Land Use & Zoning
Jon A. Ward, Co-Managing Member — Business Litigation
Daniel H. Braff — Land Use & Zoning
Elisabetta T. Coschignano — Land Use & Zoning

Six Partners were named to Super Lawyers:

Ralph Branciforte — Business Litigation
Joshua D. Brookstein — Land Use & Zoning
Wayne G. Edwards — Land Use & Zoning
John C. Farrell — Land Use & Zoning
John L. Parker — Environmental Law
Andrew M. Roth — Business Litigation

Three Counsel Attorneys received recognition:

Thomas McKevitt — Land Use & Zoning
Robert N. Cohen — Business Litigation, Business & Corporate, Estate & Trust Litigation
Miriam E. Villani — Environmental Law, Environmental Litigation

In addition, five Associate Attorneys were named to Rising Stars. This is an even more exclusive list, with only 2.5% of attorneys in the State being selected:

Samuel L. Bifulco — Land Use & Zoning
Julianne Bonomo — Real Estate
Christopher R. DeNicola — Land Use & Zoning
Meaghan Hassan — Land Use & Zoning
Hillary K. Massey — Employment & Labor

“It is an honor to be named personally, but much more important is the credit and honor to the Firm to have Super Lawyers recognize so many of our attorneys,” said Michael Sahn, the Firm’s Co-Managing Member. “We are pleased and gratified. This recognition reflects the outstanding and talented lawyers who serve our clients.”

The Super Lawyers list is issued by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology can be found online. No aspect of this article has been approved by the Courts of the State of New York.

For more information, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.sahnward.com.

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Photos of Mr. Sahn, Mr. Ward, Mr. Braff, Ms. Coschignano, Mr. Branciforte, Mr. Brookstein, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Farrell, Mr. Parker, Mr. Roth, Mr. McKevitt, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Villani, Mr. Bifulco, Ms. Bonomo, Mr. DeNicola, Ms. Hassan and Ms. Massey can be found here.

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Archives: News

NYC Employment Attorney Calls Starbucks’ Nearly $39M Settlement a “Watershed Moment” for Fast-Food Workers

Aviation Safety Attorney Applauds Airbus for Rapid Global Response to Fuselage Panel Software Defect

Ohio’s Move to Allow High School NIL Deals Marks Major Shift, Says New York Sports Law Attorney

Aviation Attorney: Aging UPS Cargo Plane Involved in Fatal Crash Needed More Frequent Inspections

Aviation Attorney Says FAA Grounding of McDonnell Douglas Fleet Is “Necessary and Overdue” after Fatal UPS Crash

Aviation Attorney Calls for NTSB Probe into UPS Plane Crash Maintenance Logs

Aviation Attorney Said He Will Wait for Results from Fatal Medical Helicopter Crash

Local Dog Bite Attorney Available to Speak on Police-Involved Shooting of Dog in Queens

NY Legionnaires’ Attorney Commends Ohio Hospital’s Swift Action after Disease Discovery

Super Lawyers Recognizes Eighteen Sahn Ward Lawyers

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