News & Events

Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. is pleased to announce that it was recently highlighted as one of the original eight Meritas firms. UKS’ motto, "Globally Capable. Distinctively Connecticut," reflects its strong Meritas roots and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional legal services. Meritas is a global alliance of leading independent law firms. Meritas is dedicated to helping clients access top-tier legal expertise from anywhere in the world. Each of its member firms holds itself to t ...

UKS Shareholder, Jennifer DiBella was appointed to the Meritas Law Firms US Leadership Committee.  Such Committee helps drive initiatives for the US Region of Meritas and works to build relationships throughout the organization and further its mission.  Meritas is a global alliance of qualified, independent, full-service law firms with the highest quality standards for membership in the industry.  Firms become members by invitation and must agree to perform against Meritas’ comprehensive Qualit ...

On February 14, 2024, Christopher L. Brigham, along with special agents from the FBI, presented to Heads of School for the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools on the very real threat of virtual kidnapping scams largely targeting international students both at the higher education and secondary school level. The goal of the conversation was to increase awareness in order to support international students in the United States. Christopher L. Brigham, a Shareholder with Updike, Kelly &a ...

Overview The Corporate Transparency Act (the “CTA”) was enacted by the United States Congress in 2021 in order to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption, tax fraud and other illegal activities by legal entities established and/or doing business in the United States. Effective as of January 1, 2024, all such entities not otherwise exempt from the CTA must comply with the beneficial ownership information (“BOI”) reporting requirements promulgated by the United States Treasury De ...

A New DOL Independent Contractor Rule (Just Like The Old Rule). By Andrew Houlding, Esq.             The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) recently issued a “new” set of rules to determine independent contractor vs. employee status under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that reverts to the “totality of the circumstances” test that was in effect until three years ago.              The “new” rule takes effect March 8, 2024, and replaces the “final” rule that was adopted March 8, 2021. ...

On January 1, 2024, South Shore Bancorp, MHC and South Shore Bancorp, Inc., of South Weymouth, Massachusetts, the holding companies for South Shore Bank, completed its merger of equals transaction with 1831 Bancorp, MHC and 1831 Bancorp, Inc., of Dedham, Massachusetts, the holding companies for Dedham Institution for Savings. Following the merger, South Shore Bank and Dedham Institution for Savings will remain separate savings banks in the multi-bank mutual holding company structure. The transa ...

UKS Principal Richard Dighello and UKS Construction Law Practice selected as Connecticut’s law firm in The Construction Attorneys Guide for 2024. As noted on its website, “The Construction Attorneys is the premier guide to recommended construction lawyers, practice area news and legal insights:  Construction law covers a wide range of legal issues including contracts, negligence, disputes between the parties involved in the construction process, bonds and bonding, guarantees and sureties, liens ...

Members of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy’s Creditor’s Rights Practice Group recently contributed to the Financial Literacy Program, organized and sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Association’s Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section. The M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy Program was originally designed and produced by the Boston Bar Association and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts and has now been “imported” to Connecticut. Working through its Public Outreach Subco ...

UKS attorney, Kaydeen Maitland, was appointed a Connecticut Bar Association Presidential Fellow for the 2023-2025 cycle. As a Fellow, Ms. Maitland will serve as an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee of the Business Law Section of the CBA. The Presidential Fellows is a prestigious program designed to enhance knowledge of and involvement in the substantive work of the Connecticut Bar Association’s sections and provide additional training for future leaders of the CBA. Ms. Maitland was se ...