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Showing posts from June, 2010

Litigation-I Win, You Lose vs. Mediation-Win/Win

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  Litigation is a zero-sum game.  It destroys relationships and fosters enmity between the parties.  Parties rarely walk away happy.  Even if they win, the expense of litigation is enormous, and collecting on judgments is difficult. Disputes ultimately resolve, but the focus on winning at any cost can lead to prolonged legal battles.  Living with a lawsuit causes ongoing stress, which can distract you from your business and even have an effect on your health. In a courtroom, the final decision lies with a judge or jury who may not fully grasp the complexities of the case. Parties relinquish control over the outcome, potentially leaving them dissatisfied with the final judgment. Mediation has the opposite effect.   Rather than polarizing people, it enables the parties to attack the issues and not each other.     The process promotes open communication, collaboration and problem-solving, which enables parties to actively participate in crafting ...
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Massachusetts Takes Final Steps to Enact Its Own Deleading and Lead-Safe Renovation Law

It has finally happened! Massachusetts has taken the final steps to enact its own lead-based paint law for contractors who perform home renovation.  They will be moving to self-certify with the EPA to take over enforcement of the law shortly.  The MA law will take effect on July 9, 2010.  The goal is for MA to be authorized to enforce the  law on that date as well.  What does that mean for home improvement contractors? I will be reading the final version of the law this weekend and will blog about it shortly.  My job is to understand the law and explain it to you, the public, in order to protect you.  More to come...
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Lead-Based Paint RRP Rule-Update-EPA Delays Fine

Word came from the Environmental Protection Agency that the EPA will not be enforcing the certification requirement until October 1, 2010.  What does this mean for contractors?  You still need to follow the lead-safe practices, hand out the Lead-Safe booklet, etc.  Contractors will have to be enrolled in a certified renovator class by September 30, 2010, and must have completed the training by December 31, 2010. Here is the link to the memorandum: http://www.dealer.org/files/EPA_Delay_Announcement_6_18_10.pdf This memorandum was sent in recognition of the fact that contractors have had difficulty finding open slots in the training classes.  That said, contractor still need to be familiar with the rule and continue to follow the correct procedures when disturbing lead paint in pre-1978 homes.
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Seminar: How to Work As a Home Contractor and Stay Out of Trouble

 Seminar:  How To Work As A Home Contractor And Stay Out Of Trouble     Thursday, June 24, 2010 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.   305 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor, Newton, MA   (inside the Citizens Bank building)   $15.00 per person As a building industry professional, I am offering a seminar to inform contractors and construction companies about changes to the Renovation Repair & Painting Program Rule and how to stay in compliance with the Home Improvement Contractor Law.  The seminar will take place at my office at 305 Walnut Street in Newton on Thursday, June 24, 2010 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.  Light refreshments will be served.    I will discuss:   * What You Need To Know About Changes to the Lead Paint Law  * Compliance with the  Home Improvement Contractor Law  * How to Protect Your Company  Please RSVP to ajg@andreagoldmanlaw.com to let me know if you will be attending.  Payment will be $15.00 at the door. ...
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Seminar on the RRP Rule from the Lead and Environmental Hazards Association

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LEHA is offering the following workshop on June 22 for $85.00.  Go to www.rrprule.com to register.  I will be there in the afternoon.  I am holding a seminar at my office on June 24 called , "How to Work as a Home Contractor and Stay Out of Trouble" that will cover the RRP Rule as well. H Rule the Rule! Don't Let "it" Rule You! A Series of One-Day Regional Workshops on the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule for Local and State Public Agencies, Lead Industry Companies, RRP Training Organizations, Community Organizations and RRP Certified Contractors. Sponsored by the  Lead and Environmental Hazards Association  (LEHA), the workshops will provide you with the opportunity to hear from experts in the lead poisoning prevention and hazard control fields; to network and share information with colleagues from throughout the region; to resolve operating problems; and, to clarify confusing elements of the Rule. The EPA RRP Rule represents the most significa...
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