Germany’s “Kurzarbeit” Initiative: Adapting Short-Time Work Allowance for a Shifting Economic Landscape

One of the most instrumental measures employed by companies to weather economic downturns is the short-time work allowance, known as “Kurzarbeit” in Germany. This approach was extensively utilized in the spring of 2020 when nearly six million employees in Germany were placed on short-time work. The degree to which the German government invested in this…

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Hong Kong’s Cautious Approach to Securities and Futures Enforcement Reform

With a careful and judicious approach to enforcement reform afoot in Hong Kong, legal professionals across the globe would do well to keep a close eye on developments. On 8 August 2023, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong published its much-anticipated consultation conclusions on proposed amendments to enforcement-related provisions of the Securities…

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Navigating Evidentiary Standards in Summary Judgment Motions: A Deeper Look at Competency and Admissibility

Following our previous coverage on affidavit or declaration requirements imposed by many jurisdictions for motions for summary judgment, we will delve deeper into the rule’s application beyond affidavits, as discussed by Carlton Fields on JD Supra. One of the core requirements is that the affidavits or declarations need to be grounded in personal knowledge. This…

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Legal Coaching Copyright Dispute: Exploring the Boundaries of Proprietary Content

NLBM, a popular legal coaching company, has alleged infringement of copyright against its competitor, 2-Hour Lifestyle Lawyer. The accusation is based on what NLBM claims is copied course content that was subsequently resold. NLBM’s complaints centered around generic coaching content, with areas such as estate planning and pricing being highlighted as topics being unceremoniously replicated….

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AI-Generated Works Denied Copyright Protection: Unraveling the Complexities of Human Authorship

In a development that will undoubtedly prompt further conversation around AI and legal frameworks, a U.S. court has found that works generated by artificial intelligence do not qualify for copyright protection for failing to meet the “human authorship” requirement. It’s a decision that raises as many questions as it hopes to answer. The background is…

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Navigating Macroeconomic Trends: In-House Lawyers Tackle Risk Management and Litigation Strategies

In an era when companies are dealing with risk management amidst economic uncertainties, the legal department is often viewed as part of the ongoing solution that fuels business growth. To pinpoint precisely how macroeconomic trends can shape the perspectives of senior in-house lawyers in terms of litigation and risk management, Burford, a leading global finance…

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Expanding Overtime Eligibility: How DOL’s Proposed Rule Could Impact Businesses Nationwide

On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposal aimed at increasing the number of employees eligible for overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This update signifies a shift in labor law, potentially impacting businesses around the country. The proposed rule targets the classification of exempt executive,…

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Tennessee General Assembly’s Special Session Tackles Public Safety Concerns

The 113th Tennessee General Assembly held its first extraordinary or “special” session on August 21, called upon by Governor Bill Lee in response to growing public safety concerns. The assembly, which attracts a huge crowd, had increased security arrangements at the capitol and legislative offices, as predicted protests and media events were anticipated. The special…

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DOL’s Proposed Rule Change: Impact on White Collar Exemptions and Overtime Pay

On August 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a proposed rule that stands to greatly modify the requirements for “white collar” exemptions under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This rule mainly pertains to the Executive, Administrative and Professional (EAP) exemptions, as well as the exemption for Highly-Compensated Employees (HCEs). The…

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Proposed Legislation Unveils Investment Tax Credits for Renewable Energy Sector

On August 4, 2023, the Department of Finance released the draft of a significant piece of legislation containing several previously announced investment tax credits. The focus of these credits is primarily the renewable and clean energy sectors. The document, which has been coined as the ‘Proposed Legislation’, features comprehensive regulations and changes pertaining to green…

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Tackling Career Burnout in Corporate Law: Strategies for Workload Management and Mental Health

In the challenging world of corporate law, executives and attorneys often face varying stages of job-related stress; some experience career fatigue, while others hit a metaphorical ceiling at their current roles, prompting them to seek a change. Chronic career burnout is often accompanied by stress induced symptoms, such as depleted energy, decreased motivation, as well…

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Standard Insurance Suffers Major Data Breach Affecting Over 300,000 Customers

In a disturbing turn of events, late last month, over 300,000 customers of Standard Insurance Company were impacted by a data breach. The breach, centered on the MOVEit data healthcare transfer service, was revealed by Pension Benefit Information, LLC (“PBI”). The extent of information accessed by unauthorized parties is believed to include sensitive details such…

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Impact of Marijuana Reclassification, Women-Owned Business Ruling, and Changes in Legal Landscape

An intriguing legal development in the realm of drug regulation is unfolding as the U.S Department of Health and Human Services recommends the reclassification of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. Attorney Jon Purow commented on the significance of this move, stating, “This equates to the largest possible shot in the arm of profitability when…

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Delaware Corporate Law Shift: The Decline of Mootness Fees and Its Impact on Litigation

The world of corporate litigation is witnessing a significant shift, with the potential for dramatic changes unfolding in Delaware, a hub for corporate law. Changes surrounding the use of mootness fees are impacting the ways Delaware-incorporated companies operate, particularly affecting plaintiffs’ firms’ practices, which have often depended on these fees. In a nutshell, mootness fees…

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Miller-Grisham Libel Lawsuit Settled: High-Profile Domestic Violence Accusations Dismissed with Prejudice

US Representative Max Miller (R-Ohio) and Stephanie Grisham, former White House Press Secretary under President Donald Trump’s administration, have settled a libel lawsuit instigated by Miller. The allegations at the heart of the lawsuit involved accusations of domestic violence, with Grisham having accused Miller of physical abuse during the period when they were romantically involved….

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Addressing the Unyielding Culture of Hazing on College Campuses

Hazing practices continue to persist in college campuses across the United States, despite the prevalence of anti-hazing laws and school policies. These instances of hazing occur not only within Greek organizations or athletic teams, but across multiple facets of collegiate life, highlighting the broader social issue at hand. The recent hazing allegations at Northwestern University,…

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