The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has made a significant adjustment to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affordability percentage for 2024, lowering it to 8.39%. This considerable change means the minimum set percentage used to determine whether an applicable large employer’s (ALE) lowest-premium health plan is in line with the ACA affordability mandate has been reduced….
In an age of fast-paced developments and swift entrepreneurial endeavors, the importance of drafting meticulous organizational documents is often glossed over by entrepreneurs and future IPO aspirants. Taking a situation analogous to this, one might consider this similar to purchasing a house without heeding to the exact name on the title or the details enshrined…
In the realm of bankruptcy law, the Subchapter V of Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, having celebrated its third anniversary earlier this year, lightens the burden for struggling small business debtors. It offers a more efficient and cost-friendly Chapter 11 reorganization route with an added attraction of a newly introduced position – the Subchapter…
A Montana judge has temporarily blocked the state’s Senate Bill 99, known as the “Youth Health Protection Act”, which bars certain gender-affirming medical treatments for minors. District Court Judge Jason Marks found that Senate Bill 99 (SB 99) would likely have an adverse impact rather than protecting minors and considered the stated purpose to be…
The law sector is presently undergoing substantial shifts. With the consistent metamorphosis included in this change, it is vital for legal professionals to stay apprised of the transformations. The weekly Law.com Barometer newsletter, fueled by ALM Global Newsroom and Legalweek, offers discerning insights into these shifts. It highlights the vital trends, disruptions, as well as…
Ashley E. Breakfield, a partner at Farella Braun + Martel, has shared her insights on attaining professional success. Breakfield strongly emphasizes the need for taking initiative rather than waiting for opportunities to present themselves. By showing a proactive approach towards one’s career, rather than relying on external events or circumstances, one can avoid potential disappointment…
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against National Telecommuting Institute, Inc. (NTI), alleging that the staffing firm violated federal law by refusing to place or refer blind and low-vision applicants for telephone-based customer service positions. This action spotlights the ongoing concern over disability discrimination in hiring practices, especially within industries…
In an intriguing development in asbestos litigation, the Supreme Court of New York, New York County (NYCAL) denied a summary judgment motion filed by defendant SPX Cooling Technologies Inc. The company, also viewed as a successor to Marley Cooling Technologies Inc., is involved in an ongoing asbestos-related suit and had sought summary judgment on the…
Any legal professional who has advised a client in litigation proceedings understands that winning a court case doesn’t necessarily correlate to a tangible cash recovery. Collection of judgment often presents its own unique challenges, even after all avenues of appeal have been exhausted. The enthusiasm a client harbors in pursuing what they view as a…
In a recent ruling, a New York federal judge has found that the decision of Levi & Korsinsky LLP to sue a previous partner, who had accused the firm of sex discrimination, was an act of illegal retaliation. It was underlined by the judge that there was an absence of proof indicating the firm had…
The legal profession is an arena known for its rigorous standards and a driving push towards perfectionism, often leaving little space for errors. However, it’s human nature to make mistakes, and lawyers are no exceptions. What’s more, errors, whether they pertain to case management or client interactions, can serve as invaluable learning opportunities for improvements….
Following the announcement of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision – hailed as one of the world’s most valuable gaming companies – the tech giant finds itself one step closer to actualizing this deal. The announcement made on January 18, 2022, was initially met with regulatory hurdles, highlighting the close scrutiny such significant mergers often face. In…
During the pandemic, the legal industry, much like the rest of the workforce, was rocked by immense change. In particular, the demands of maintaining a work-life balance drove many women out of the profession, opting to focus their energy on household duties and childcare. According to a report by CNBC, burnout was a significant factor…
All radio and television broadcast stations, both commercial and noncommercial, have a significant obligation approaching next year. By October 10, 2023, these stations must prepare and lodge key documentation to comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements. These must include a detailed list of critical issues affecting their communities of license, alongside programs aired in…
Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, two titans of the legal world, are prepared to come together to establish a new Biglaw powerhouse, A&O Shearman, pending approval of their proposed merger by the partnership of both firms (Above the Law). This merger would unite nearly 4,000 lawyers, comprised of roughly 800 partners, across 49…
Significant apprehension exists within the legal community over an emerging challenge to diversity-focused programs amongst major law firms. Spearheaded by conservative activist Edward Blum, the American Alliance for Equal Rights recently lodged federal lawsuits towards two renowned law firms, Perkins Coie and Morrison & Foerster. The litigation, filed on August 22nd, alleges discriminatory recruitment practices…
In the world of multinational corporations, understanding international legal landscapes is critical. At the axis of this landscape lies U.S antitrust law, specifically The Foreign Trade Antitrust Improvements Act (FTAIA). This often undervalued and misunderstood statute has profound implications on businesses operating on a global scale. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is a…
A New Jersey broker-dealer is facing accusations over its alleged failure to stop a fraudulent impostor website which ultimately led to a theft exceeding $180,000 from a Swedish woman, according to a federal lawsuit filed in New Jersey. The plaintiff is seeking compensation from the broker-dealer, citing its inaction in shutting down the fraudulent site…
Monsanto’s series of defense victories in Roundup trials continues without interruption. The most recent trial, overseen by a Missouri judge, concluded unexpectedly when he decided to grant Monsanto’s motion for a directed verdict after plaintiff Mark McCostlin presented his evidence, but prior to the defense team making their case. The judge’s decision was based on…
Yesterday, on September 26, 2023, an assembly of leading Congressional Democrats, among whom was Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), dispatched a formal letter to SEC Chairman Gensler, voicing their concerns regarding the SEC’s proposed climate disclosures. The proposition is fierce, involving demands for a well-maintained and stringent structure of climate disclosures. The letter thereby acts as…
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (the “SFC”) recently proposed a comprehensive range of amendments to the existing Codes on Takeovers and Mergers and Share Buybacks (“the Codes”). This move comes in response to the confusion noticed among companies and relevant stakeholders trying to comply with certain aspects of the current Codes. Additionally, it…
The complexities and mechanics of building damage assessments, particularly with regard to heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and equipment have always remained central to the discourse of property loss claims or forensic property assessments. This prominence is especially noticeable with focus on residential and light commercial properties, where these system components are frequently installed…
In response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the Biden administration has initiated a series of incremental sanctions. These sanctions, aimed primarily at various sectors of the Russian economy, are designed to curb Russia’s ability to wage war against Ukraine. This strategy follows a global sentiment that has emerged due to Russia’s unprovoked actions against…
In a recent announcement, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reported that the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (“NWALT”) has designated a conservation easement in Crawford County, Arkansas, to encompass 580 acres. This information was made public as part of a news release, which detailed that the easement had been established in partnership with landowners Philip…
Attorneys General (AGs) across the United States are persistently advocating for cannabis banking reform, highlighting the need for measures that encourage public safety and health in lawful cannabis markets. This movement gained increased attention on Wednesday as a bipartisan collection of 22 state AGs addressed a letter to Congress, earnestly urging the swift passage of…