On June 21, 2023, the New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL) implemented changes to its Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act (NY WARN) regulations. These laws, like their federal equivalents, mandate businesses to preemptively notify the Commissioner of Labor and relevant employees about impending closures and layoffs. Full details can be found here. It’s…
Divorce is often a challenging life event, not only for the emotional toll it takes but also for the significant impact it can have on various aspects of an individual’s life. In a recent examination of the issue published by Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson PLLC, it is highlighted that stress and anxiety are common…
According to a recent report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW), Zimbabwe authorities have come under fire for their inability to guarantee a free and fair electoral process in the impending general election on August 23. The report emerged from a two-week-long investigation, involving interviews with representatives from the main opposition party, election observer groups,…
It’s a scenario that’s becoming all too common in the corporate world. A class action lawsuit gets filed, in this case, against Anheuser-Busch, accusing the company of a host of violations against California’s wage and hour laws. This begs the question, “Why is this garnering attention given that countless such lawsuits are filed on an…
On August 4, 2023, SCOTUSblog published its usual weekday selection of noteworthy news articles, commentary, and links related to the Supreme Court. The Friday morning’s read included a range of topics from the congressional power over the Supreme Court to former President Trump’s call for intervention. The list features the participation of Justice Elena Kagan…
In a recent case that has sent ripples across the legal fraternity, U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe of the Southern District of New York sentenced an attorney to four years in prison for filing fake lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act, terming it a severe abuse of the justice system. This decision significantly underscores…
In a significant development that shores up competition in the electronic prescription marketplace, Surescripts entered into a settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The health information technology company was facing allegations of monopolistic conduct in violation of the FTC Act. Charges pressed against Surescripts revolved around purported actions that constrained customer choice, sabotaged…
The legal landscape for business owners in Pennsylvania has seen a change as of recently with Mortimer V. McCool, altering the potential exposure for sister companies when piercing-the-corporate-veil claims are made. This case aids in shedding light on the essential question that concerns many clients: Can they be held personally liable for a company in…
For both local and multinational corporations, nuanced legal regulations surrounding business practices and stock market behaviors can be challenging to navigate. A prime example of such a regulation surrounds the complexities of reverse stock splits in California, a subject that has garnered renewed attention in the market lately. In a recent blog post, legal commentator…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly producing an increasing number of generative AI products that are becoming commercialized on the market. These offerings demand a balance between swift implementation, technical competencies, and significant financial and legal deliberations for corporates seeking to integrate these solutions into their existing systems. Technology providers are concurrently pushing the boundaries of…
In a notable legal development, the district court in Maine partially sustained a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by artist Ellen Okolita against eBay. Okolita claimed that eBay facilitated foreign counterfeiters to trade replicas of her designs and use her copyrighted photos on their marketplace. These photos included her children modelling the products. Okolita,…
A recent report by the Conflict Observatory flushed light upon a grievous issue. It exposed that Russia has instituted a series of laws to speed up the application process for Russian citizenship, while harshly penalizing individuals who did not apply for citizenship in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. The report was made public on Wednesday and…
On June 22, 2023, Canada’s Bill C-47 received royal assent, marking the advent of significant amendments to the Income Tax Act (ITA) and its regulations (ITA Regulations) that were tabled as part of the 2023 Federal Budget. Among the key changes incorporated are measures that permit retroactive contributions to defined contribution (DC) registered pension plans…
On August 2, 2023, a significant shift in labor regulation occurred as the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued an anticipated ruling in the Stericycle, Inc. case. This new decision effectively reverses the Trump-era Boeing decision, altering how workplace rules balance with employees’ legal rights to engage in “protected concerted activity.” This refers to section…
In a tactical legislative attempt to address plastic pollution, the two major political parties within the United States have presented diverging viewpoints. The Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) public request for commentary on its draft strategy to mitigate plastic pollution sparked diverse responses from a group of 14 Democratic Attorneys General (AGs) and another of 16…
In an ecosystem where creditors often find themselves at the tail end of priority during bankruptcy filings, a particular provision in the Bankruptcy Code can potentially offer a silver lining. Amid the gambit of general unsecured claims, Section 503(b)(9) of the Bankruptcy Code functions like an ace in the pack, potentially tilting the scales towards…
The second day of the NILG (National Industry Liaison Group) 2023 National Conference continued the event’s momentum with treats of in-depth discussions and keynote addresses. This year’s conference held true to its reputation as the beacon of information for legal professionals in large corporations and top-notch law firms. First on the schedule was an interactive…
Recent developments have seen the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), an institution pivotal in regulating labor practices in the US, reignite the ‘Biggest Idiot’ standard. This resurfacing could have significant implications for employers and their respective handbooks. Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) bestows on employees the robust right to unionize, participate…
Earlier this summer, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance for those researching the use of psychedelics to treat certain serious medical conditions including major depressive disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorders. This initiative marks the first time the FDA has provided guidance to the numerous entities conducting research on these controlled substances…
In a high-profile case concluded in July 2023, the Court of Québec ruled against the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (the Quebec Health Insurance Board, RAMQ), citing “serious” and “systemic” violations of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As a result of the ruling, evidence against medical specialists was excluded due their rights…
The toll of counterfeiting on the economy and businesses has traditionally been a problem plaguing the high fashion industry. Recognizable high-end brands like Prada, Gucci, and Versace have regularly been victimized. These high-priced luxury items, including Rolex watches, Hermes handbags and Dior fragrances, are particularly attractive targets for counterfeiters, as the resale value of seemingly…
On July 31, 2023, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) proposed the Bipartisan Permitting Reform Implementation Rule, better known as Phase 2 of the Biden Administration’s revisions to the regulations that implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This proposal carries significant implications with a potential transformation of existing structures and practices surrounding environmental policy….
In one of the recent judgments, the Supreme Court decided on the issue of affirmative action in two cases, namely the SFFA v. Harvard/UNC. This has raised many questions among private employers, who are keen to understand the implications of this decision on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This article aims to provide…
German authorities announced the arrest of a Syrian national on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, connected to a series of alleged offenses committed between 2012 and 2015. The suspect, known as ‘Ahmad H.,’ reportedly partook in extreme cases of torture, killings, and enslavement while operating as a member of a pro-government militia…
In an insightful discussion, Troutman Pepper White Collar and Legal Partner Cal Stein recently touched upon the role of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) with regards to enforcing and collecting foreign arbitration awards. This conversation unfolds amidst a backdrop of increasing relevance and complexity in cross-border business and legal matters, warranting an…