In an important step towards the recognition of LGBTQ+ rights in the financial sector, Minnesota has broadened the scope of its fair lending statute. The amendment, which took place recently, has made it unlawful for lending institutions to discriminate against individuals seeking credit extension or meeting credit requisites based on gender identity. Prior to this,…
Forecasts suggest that more than 1 billion travelers headed to Europe will be impacted by the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), anticipated to launch in 2024. This system, which requires non-European travelers, including those from the United States, to seek approval before proceeding with their travels, marks a significant change in policy for…
In the realm of operating in multiple jurisdictions, businesses grapple with the challenge of complying with pay equity regulations. Central to our discussion today are the similarities between the EU Pay Transparency Directive and a spectrum of state-level regulations and federal laws in the United States. The EU’s endeavor to ensure wage transparency seeks to…
The recent legislative focus on mental health has been receiving substantial attention in the legal community, as federal regulators increase scrutiny for corporate compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). The act aims to prevent health insurance providers from imposing less favorable benefit limitations on mental health and substance…
In a significant shift, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has outlined a new standard for the analysis and review of employer workplace rules, an action likely to lead to increasing complexities for anyone responsible for composing such policies. This adjustment was characterized by the board’s decision in Stericycle, Inc., 372 NLRB No. 113 (2023),…
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Cybersecurity Risk Management Strategy, Governance, and Incident Disclosure Rules have been officially recorded in the Federal Register. As per the official publication, these rules were published on August 4, 2023 and will become effective from September 5, 2023. These regulations provide the guiding principles and norms for cybersecurity…
In a move signalling the growing domestic concern over the illegal export of sensitive U.S. technology to what it refers to as “nation-state adversaries”, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced in February 2023 the establishment of the Disruptive Technology Strike Force (strike force). The novel initiative is a joint effort with the Department of Commerce…
In today’s digital age, the exponential increase in electronically stored information (ESI) has given birth to more opportunities for discovery disputes, especially when parties fall short of striving collaboratively towards solutions. A case in focus from the District of North Dakota underscores the necessity of collaboration between parties in managing discovery disputes and the advantages…
Legal professionals, particularly those in large corporations and law firms, should be aware of the upcoming sunset of a Temporary Final Rule that extends the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) by up to 540 days. This rule is set to expire on October 26, 2023. This information is especially important for employers and…
In a recent development within the scope of employment law, another federal appeals court has made a ruling reinforcing that employers are obliged to accommodate an employee’s commute in certain circumstances. Based on the tenets of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this mandate reiterates the act’s requirement for employers to provide reasonable accommodations which assist…
As July 2023 draws to a close, it becomes clear that important developments in the domain of ESG and sustainable finance regulation continue to unfold despite the onset of legislative and regulatory summer recesses. Among the recent developments generating considerable interest within legal circles is the European Commission’s formal adoption of the European Sustainability Reporting…
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has overturned a lower court’s ruling this week that had temporarily blocked enforcement of Guam’s in-person, informed consent law for abortion access. The law had previously allowed Hawaii physicians to remotely administer prescriptions for medicinal abortions via telemedicine. The Ninth Circuit vacated the lower court’s…
In a significant turn of events that could impact corporations and law firms, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued an opinion letter on February 9, 2023, asserting that employees are entitled to use the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to reduce their work hours indefinitely. The DOL issued this letter in response…
On August 1, 2023, the Connecticut Social Equity Council approved an update to the Disproportionately Impacted Area map. This new 2023 map introduces several new census tracts as the council continues to strive for more comprehensive representation within its framework. Key among the changes is the policy alteration that will affect wellbeing cultivators who operate…
LinkedIn has emerged as a major tool for business development and professional networking for many legal professionals worldwide. Yet, a considerable number of attorneys confess that they aren’t making optimal use of this valuable resource. This can be attributed to various factors, including their method of setting up their LinkedIn profile, often mimicking the content…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently finalized updates to its Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (Guides). The revisions come as part of the FTC’s ongoing effort to provide accurate and clear direction on how truth-in-advertising standards, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, apply to endorsement and review-related issues. This…
Operating as a trustee brings with it an array of responsibilities and potential hazards. One unexpected area of risk, often overlooked, lies in the realm of trustee liability insurance. Recently, one client shared a conversation with an institutional co-trustee who was resisting the approval of a trustee liability policy. The institutional co-trustee’s argument? Most of…
According to recent reports, William Hochul has announced his decision to step down from his position as the general counsel of Delaware North, a private food service and hospitality firm based in Western New York. His departure will become effective on August 15, as stated by the company. Hochul, married to New York Governor Kathy…
On August 3, 2023, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) announced the release of the much-anticipated Pre-enforcement Notice and Conciliation Procedures Final Rule, perhaps better known within the industry as the “PDN Rule”. The news of the rule’s release carries particular significance for legal professionals with clients or interests in the areas of…
In a recent ruling, the Fourth Circuit has stated that negligence alone is not a valid grounds for the awarding of an additional year of overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For employers who fail to pay the required minimum wage or overtime as mandated by the FLSA, the penalties can be…
Sadness has rippled through the legal profession after the announcement that the historic Philadelphia law firm, Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, will be closing its doors permanently. The nearly 100-year-old firm recently revealed that it is currently in the process of planning for dissolution, marking an end to its well-esteemed operations in the industry. Through…
The US’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has announced the final procedures for identifying and remedying discrimination in federal contracting, also known as the PDN rule, according to a recent report by Jackson Lewis P.C. The announcement was previewed by OFCCP Interim Director Michelle Hodge during her keynote remarks at the NILG 2023…
The legal community in Georgia is raising the alarm bell, warning of potential wide-ranging effects if the U.S. Supreme Court’s “Chevron doctrine” gets overturned. It is widely believed that such a move could have repercussions on virtually every sector across the economic spectrum. This concern is particularly pertinent to industries within Georgia; given recent developments…
A consumer class action suit was filed against Prime Hydration LLC, a sports drinks company founded by YouTube celebrities Logan Paul and OIajide William Olatunji, also known as KSI. This lawsuit was first surfaced by Law.com Radar. The complaint was brought to U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on August 2 by…
In recent news, prominent lawyer, writer, and founding partner of BKW Family Law, Margaret Klaw, shared her insights on working as a family law attorney on an episode of The Jabot podcast. Klaw, who has been named a Preeminent Woman Lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell, owns a stellar recognition by Best Lawyers in America, and carries an…