In an unprecedented move, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) have successfully reached a tentative consensus with Hollywood studios regarding a new three-year agreement. Ratification of the agreement, set to occur next week, promises to introduce a new wave of protections for writers. The discussions emerged out of the necessity to address the growing concerns…
Under the common law “functional equivalent” doctrine, corporations may be able to claim privilege protection for communications relayed to or from a non-employee, provided they bear the “functional equivalent” of an employee. This offers a crucial legal expansion in times when corporations are reducing employee headcount and outsourcing significant tasks. This tool can be efficaciously…
Legal professionals should consider recent changes impacting the field of maritime arbitration in the United States. Although these modifications do not solely regard maritime cases, they serve as a significant reminder that U.S. maritime arbitration is a subset of a widespread, mature body of law that corresponds broadly to international and commercial arbitration. Blank Rome…
In a recent development, the Green Technical Advisory Group (GTAG), an expert group established in 2021, has issued two significant reports pertaining to the regulation of green financial products and taxonomy reporting. This information was made public through an announcement in early September 2023. The GTAG was conceived to offer independent counsel in relation to…
In a time where artificial intelligence (AI) and intricate credit models are streamlining decision-making for lending institutions, it’s crucial to keep abreast of regulatory changes. This is especially true as these lending innovations elicit more scrutiny from regulatory bodies. Recently, on September 20, 2023, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released Circular 2023-03. The circular…
Earlier this week, the Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) revealed plans to revisit the legislation surrounding net neutrality. These plans were long-anticipated; it marks a new chapter in the enduring debate over the regulation of broadband providers’ networks and business practices. The net neutrality issue has been brought back into the limelight by…
Privacy policies aren’t just a formality anymore; in today’s age of growing data-conscious consumers and tightening privacy regulations, they’ve become a must-have for every digital entity, especially business websites. So, if you thought it was just a link sitting idle in the footer of your website, it’s time to revisit your understanding of the issue….
Law firms across Asia are increasingly feeling pressure to seek out mergers, motivated by competitiveness against both foreign and domestic players. One particular Malaysian firm, Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership (RDS), is actively looking for a local partner that could elevate the combined firm as among the largest in Malaysia, according to senior law firm partners…
The traditionally male-dominated construction industry has encountered significant challenges in attracting women to its workforce, according to a recent article published on JD Supra. Despite the high labor demands and lucrative benefits associated with the construction sector, there are significant gender barriers in place that deter female participation. The national construction industry trade association, Associated…
In a significant move for business owners in the state of Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers signed 2023 Act 12 (“Act 12”) into law on June 20, 2023, effectively eliminating the state’s personal property tax. This law is slated to take effect on January 1, 2024, according to JD Supra. The repeal will expunge the exhaustive…
Anticipating the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) final climate disclosure rules, expected to be released in late 2023, California has set the pace in climate data accountability. The California State Senate passed the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253) – “CCDAA”, on September 12, 2023. This may have significant consequences for many corporations based…
The New York Department of Labor (NYDOL) has recently issued proposed regulations related to New York’s Pay Transparency Law. These proposed regulations are currently open for comment until November 12, 2023. This crucial effort forms part of a larger movement towards increased equality in pay not only in New York, but across the United States….
In a unique intersection of digital currency and fossil fuel industries, the very recently filed Hobe Minerals Limited Liability Company v. Bonanza Creek Energy Operating Company, LLC, et al lawsuit in a Colorado trial court has sparked a debate surrounding the question: Can cryptocurrency mining maintain an oil and gas lease beyond its primary term?…
As of September 1, 2023, California employers need to amend their procedures in regard to non-compete agreements for their employees. In an important development, Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted SB 699, a piece of legislation designed to strengthen the state’s approach to non-compete agreements and their enforcement.[1] California has a history of being averse to…
In a case that captured the close attention of corporate legal teams and HR departments across the country, a federal district court in Texas upheld the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)’s authority to impose a mandatory minimum salary requirement for the “white-collar” exemption from overtime pay. Under the rules of the Fair Labor Standards Act…
In a development carrying considerable implications for New Jersey’s state politics, Governor Phil Murphy has named Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti as his coming Chief of Staff. The announcement comes from the offices of McCarter & English, LLP, signaling a notable shift in Murphy’s administration. Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti steps into the role with a strong background in transportation, having…
In a recent development, The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, commonly known as 3M, was reported to have paid the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) $9.6 million as part of a settlement deal over alleged violations of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations. This news follows hot on the heels of the conglomerate’s settlement…
In the fast-paced corporate world, disputes are inevitable. However, dealing with these disputes through international arbitration can often be a lengthy process – a trait that has led many companies to seek out speedier methods of resolution, such as expedited arbitration. This alternative, incorporated in many arbitration rules, could serve as a powerful tool. Yet,…
The end of the federal fiscal year brings with it potential challenges, particularly for federal contractors and subcontractors. If Congress doesn’t pass a budget for the 2024 federal fiscal year by October 1, 2023, a government shutdown becomes a valid concern. This uncertainty causes concerns for various parties, including the Office of Federal Contract Compliance…
Virgin Pulse, a leading navigation company, and HealthComp, a benefits and analytics platform, have publicized their intentions to merge, aiming to create a comprehensive platform for employer-sponsored benefits. The Wall Street Journal initially reported this $3 billion deal. Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Virgin Pulse collaborates with employers, health plans, and health systems, offering a…
As office attendance mandates spread across Biglaw firms nationwide, some are taking a more consequential approach by affecting billable hours, one of the most crucial metrics for legal professionals. There’s a particular focus on this at the Am Law 100 firm, Cozen O’Connor, which suggested that attorneys spend three days in the office and indicated…
In recent years, an ever-growing number of consumer privacy laws have been enacted in states throughout the U.S. The dynamic state of these laws present ongoing challenges for companies, particularly those operating across multiple states.As this continuously evolving landscape presents seemingly ceaseless updates and modifications, it becomes vital for in-house legal teams within multinational corporations…
In light of the recent Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co. case, an intriguing question has arisen: Can foreign corporate defendants be classified as “found within the district” for the purposes of Rule B through the act of registering to do business in New York and appointing an agent for service of process? This legal…
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly prevalent in modern workplaces, corporates and law firms are facing both exciting opportunities and important legal considerations. A recent article from Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP on JDSupra highlights how AI’s capacity to enhance productivity, automate routine tasks, and potentially improve employee performance is creating a promising frontier for…
In a recent ruling, a West Virginia Supreme Court has affirmed a circuit court’s order that dismissed a legal malpractice complaint. The plaintiff claimed their lawyer, Ryan J. Flanigan of Flanigan Law Office, failed to have the blood test results from a DUI stop admitted as evidence. The decision was a split one, demonstrating a…