Latest Legal Insights

Week of Jan. 12–19, 2026 Energy Pulse 1) Executive Snapshot Permits (Utica/Ohio):  Ohio issued ~2 new shale well permits during the Jan. 5–11 reporting window, with Marcellus/Utica regional totals at ~21 permits across PA‑OH‑WV. Rigs:  The Marcellus/Utica rig count remains at ~39 rigs (with Ohio contributing ~14 rigs), holding stable week‑to‑week; the broader U.S. rig count is slightly lower than recent peaks. M&A / Corporate:  Ascent Resources remains a focal corporate narra

Week of Jan. 5–12, 2026 1) Executive Snapshot Permits (Utica/Ohio):  Regional permit issuance continues at a moderate pace , Ohio contributed to roughly 6 of ~26 new Marcellus/Utica shale permits in the week ending Dec. 28, 2025, indicating continued drilling authorization activity. Rigs:  The Marcellus/Utica rig count holds at ~39 rigs, the highest in over a year, with ~14 rigs in Ohio and the broader count steady week‑to‑week. M&A / Corporate:  Ascent Resources leadership s

Ohio is an at-will employment state. Most employers know the phrase by heart. Fewer understand its limits. At-will employment generally means that either the employer or the employee may end the employment relationship at any time, for any lawful reason, or for no reason at all. But in practice, “at-will” is not a magic shield, and courts in Ohio have made that clear. The Default Rule and Its Exceptions At-will employment is the default rule in Ohio. If there is no employment

Thomas D. White, Esq. When people compare mediation to litigation, they usually start with legal fees. But the biggest costs of litigation often don’t appear on invoices. Litigation consumes time and attention. Leaders sit for depositions. Employees gather documents. Families relive painful events through declarations and testimony. The conflict becomes a second job, and the distraction can quietly eclipse the dispute’s original value. Even a “successful” lawsuit can leave bo

The Practical Record You Need—Before the Internet Changes It Defamation disputes are rarely won by vibes. They are won (or lost) on the record: the exact words, their context, when they appeared, who saw them, and what happened next. Digital evidence is uniquely fragile. Posts are edited. Threads collapse. Accounts disappear. Platforms rewrite how content displays. If you wait, you don’t just lose evidence—you lose credibility. This guide covers what to preserve, how to prese

The fastest way to lose leverage in a defamation case is to “explain yourself” the wrong way. When someone is sued for defamation, the instinct is predictable: respond, clarify, defend your reputation, and “fix” whatever sparked the dispute. That instinct is also how defendants convert manageable cases into expensive ones. Defamation cases turn on a narrow set of issues—what was said, in what context, to whom, and with what impact. The three mistakes below don’t just irritate

Week of Dec. 29, 2025 1) Executive Snapshot Permits:  Ohio’s Utica permitting remained light but ongoing; 4 new shale permits were issued for Ohio in the week ending Dec. 21. Rigs:  The Marcellus/Utica rig count stayed at 39 rigs for a third consecutive report, with Ohio holding about 14 rigs. M&A / Corporate:  No major new confirmed transactions were reported this week; corporate continues to influence outlook from existing discussions and activity. Regulatory:  No fresh sta

Most people assume their will is the master document, the final word on who gets what after they’re gone. It isn’t. In fact, some of the most valuable assets people own never pass through a will at all . Instead, they transfer automatically based on beneficiary designations that often sit forgotten in a drawer, an HR file, or an online account created years ago. Understanding this distinction, and acting on it, can prevent family disputes, unintended windfalls, and outcomes t

When it comes to protecting your business or personal interests, terms and conditions drafting is a critical step. These legal agreements set the rules for using your services or products, helping to prevent misunderstandings and disputes. Yet, many overlook their importance or treat them as mere formalities. I want to share insights on how to create effective terms and conditions that serve your needs clearly and confidently. The Importance of Terms and Conditions Drafting

Most business owners don’t lose sleep over contract language. They sign agreements to get deals done, relationships moving, and revenue flowing. The contract is often viewed as a formality, something that documents what everyone already “understands.” That assumption is where the trouble begins. In business contracts, the biggest risks rarely hide in bold headlines or dollar figures. They live in the small clauses, the words most people skim, gloss over, or assume are “standa

Estate planning is essential to ensure your wishes are carried out and protect your assets from lengthy disputes among your loved ones. However, common mistakes can undermine even the best intentions. Here are the top five estate planning mistakes to avoid in Ohio: 1)        Failing to Create an Estate Plan: Many people delay estate planning, assuming its unnecessary or too complicated. Without a plan, Ohio’s intestacy laws, and a probate court, will determine how your assets

Estate planning is a critical step in ensuring your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are protected. In Ohio, a comprehensive estate plan typically includes five essential documents:   1)     Last Will and Testament This document outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death, who’s in charge of implementing that distribution (your Executor) and allows you to name guardians for minor children. Without a will, Ohio’s intestacy laws will determine how your

If you’ve recently moved, you probably don’t need to re-do your estate plan. unless the move was part of some other major event, like a marriage or divorce, a death, or moving across state lines. BUT: if you purchased a home – whether a new residence, a vacation place, or investment real estate , then you need to record a Transfer on Death Designation Affidavit (TODDA). If your married and you bought the property in both your names, chances are the title agency already set th

Probate is the legal procedure (lawsuit) through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed under court supervision. Probate is usually a time-consuming and costly process for your loved ones after your passing. While probate serves an important purpose, it can often be avoided with proper planning.   The probate process starts by either obtaining waivers from all relevant family members or serving them with a formal court notice. Giving them notice in the beginning of

Life is full of changes, and some can have a significant impact on your estate. It’s important that your estate plan reflects your current situation and wishes to avoid unintended consequences that come from changing circumstances. Some of the major life events that should prompt a review and potential update to your estate plan are: Marriage or Divorce : When a marriage is solemnized, your new spouse automatically has rights that stem from your obligation to support them (ye

If you own a company, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Partnership, it is crucial to ensure that your ownership interests are properly coordinated with your estate plan. Without proper planning, your business could face unintended consequences for your business and your heirs, like unnecessary delays, tax burdens, or even dissolution.   To avoid these issues, consider the following steps: Review Your Operating Agreement or Partnership Agreement : Ensure that the

A thorough review ensures that your plans reflect your current wishes and family circumstances. Here are some key areas to focus on during your review:   1)     Review Your Estate Planning Documents Start by revisiting your will, trust, and any other estate planning instruments. These documents should align with your current goals and family dynamics. For example, if you got married or finalized a divorce, someone you named as an executor or beneficiary died or you’ve had a f

January offers the perfect opportunity to review your assets and your estate plan. Whether it’s the calm after all the holiday hustle and bustle, or the cold weather that keeps most of us hunkered down and dreaming of summer vacations, there’s many reasons why you should take a comprehensive look this month: Whether it’s the seats around the holiday table or all the cards and family pictures, you’ve just gone through the annual refresher on those who mean the most to you. Per

Protecting Your Interests After Sale Lessons from Momentum Freight Logistics Corp. v. Benie Logistics, Inc.  on Asset Purchase Agreements and Seller Protection One of the hardest moments in a business sale comes after  the closing. The seller has transferred control.The buyer now runs the operations.And any remaining value the seller is entitled to receive exists only on paper. That is precisely where contract drafting and interpretation stop being academic exercises and star

Navigating the legal landscape can be complex and overwhelming. Whether you are an individual facing a personal legal issue or a business managing regulatory compliance, understanding how legal professionals assist you is crucial. This attorney services guide aims to clarify the ways legal experts provide support, ensuring you can make informed decisions when seeking help. Understanding the Attorney Services Guide Legal matters often require specialized knowledge and experien