On October 23, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) indicating its intent to amend the H-1B regulations overseeing the hiring foreign workers in specialized occupations within the United States. Details about the proposed changes remain under wraps, however, it has been hinted that they will fundamentally…
In a growing trend across the energy sector, corporations and legal teams are investing significant thought into their risk management framework. This issue is particularly pertinent when planning operational strategy for gas production and trade, where the mindset of an organisation can deeply impact its chosen direction. Discussing these trends in a recent piece, the…
Managing risks, especially those associated with third parties, is akin to walking a tightrope – you’re making calculated, deliberate moves with high stakes looming around. The topic features as part three of an insightful series on managing risks, further underlined by the symbolism of the tightrope walker, as brought to the fore by NAVEX. In…
Beginning January 1, 2024, a new law will be in effect in Illinois that requires covered employers to provide their covered employees with the opportunity to pay for commuter passes on a pre-tax basis. This is according to the recently legislated Transportation Benefits Program Act (the Act). Employers that will be affected by this statutory…
The Secretary of Energy in Mexico, better known as Secretaría de Energía en México or SENER, recently published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (Diario Oficial de la Federación or DOF) a decree that introduces measures to combat the illicit fuel market, specifically in relation to the importation of goods regulated by the Ministry…
The UK legal landscape has recently seen a shake up with the passing of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which was granted Royal Assent on October 26, 2023. The legislation introduces a ‘failure to prevent fraud’ corporate criminal offence, placing significant accountability on large companies for fraudulent activities perpetrated by their associates….
The North Carolina General Assembly wrapped up its latest session on October 25, enacting a two-year biennial budget and deliberating on a wide range of legislative bills. Their return is slated for April 24 of the coming year, although certain circumstances outlined in the adjournment resolution could necessitate earlier reassembly. These include the potential veto…
In a significant move aimed at bolstering food safety, California Governor Gavin Newson recently signed into law AB-418, also known as the California Food Safety Act. The legislation endeavors to completely ban the use of four food additives, perceived as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The ban is set to come…
In a judgment that would provide much-needed clarity for United States taxpayers living abroad, a court recently ruled that a taxpayer can offset their Foreign Tax Credits with their Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) liability under a tax treaty. As many American expats might be well aware, uncertainty over this matter has been a prevalent…
In a potentially precedent-setting scenario, a judge in Florida is facing a 30-day suspension over ethics violations. The issue centers around the judge’s ex parte communication with a prosecutor, which court filings indicate was inappropriate and suggested a bias toward law enforcement. The key element of the case rests on the nature of the judge’s…
In a shift towards digital communication, corporations and law firms now face new challenges around eDiscovery and the collection of chat data. During an investigation, for instance, the collection of this data becomes imperative. Legal professionals need to be versed in extracting the chat data from its original format and making it available for processing…
Consider this scenario: your corporation is named in a new lawsuit, or receives an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charge. As part of the review process, you delve into whether the filing complainant or plaintiff has an ongoing bankruptcy action. To your surprise, such an action exists. Furthermore, the claimant has not disclosed their lawsuit…
Law firm Lax & Neville LLP is known for its notable specialization in securities arbitration/litigation, financial services regulatory defense, and more. The firm’s dedication to exceptional legal work has led it to become an indispensable asset among clients in various corporate sectors. Understanding the dynamic demands of the industry, Lax & Neville LLP continuously looks…
The European Commission’s third annual report on EU foreign direct investment (FDI) screening has disclosed a marked uptick in formal screenings in the year 2022. The report, along with a Commission Staff Working Document, provides detailed statistics about the operation of the screening mechanism and legislative developments at both the EU and national level. This…
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, a renowned law firm with its roots in New York, is implementing significant changes in its leadership structure. The firm has recently chosen Karen Dunn and Kannon K. Shanmugam, both based in Washington D.C., to co-chair its eminent litigation practice. These newly appointed co-chairs join the ranks of pre-existing…
On October 19, 2023, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), issued its awaited public comment on “Required Rulemaking on Personal Financial Data Rights” (Proposed Rule). This was brought forth under Section 1033 of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 (CFPA). The primary objective of this Proposed Rule is to create a consumer financial data…
Several Am Law 200 firms have recently established new leadership roles or announced new leaders with the responsibility of overseeing recruitment and talent management, adapting amid a busy period in the legal industry that has been marked by a high volume of lawyer lateral moves. Firms such as Squire, Sidley Austin and Hogan Lovells are…
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recently rolled out extensive new safety and labeling requisites affecting consumer products with button cell and coin batteries (or those intended for them). This sweeping policy modification significantly impacts the operational machinery for both manufacturers and importers of such products. Notably, these new rules demand substantial surveillance and…
In March 2023, the Department of Justice (DOJ) implemented updated guidelines for victim and witness assistance. These updated guidelines represent the first revision in a decade, expanding previous policies in several ways, and have received relatively little notice despite their potential impact. They direct prosecutors to enact rights for victims as early as possible in…
The trial of FTX founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, is garnering international attention with the revelation that the entrepreneur opted to take the witness stand in his own fraud trial. According to legal professionals, this high-risk strategy could have substantial repercussions. Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler partner and former assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of…
Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gary Gensler, has issued a cautionary statement to corporate America on the topic of the agency’s climate change proposal. Gensler’s argument that businesses should not be so quick to challenge the proposal in court, centers on the potential aftermath of operations having to comply with possibly…
In a recent development, the Canadian Trademarks Office has announced changes in their extension policies with reference to Oppositions and Section 45 (non-use cancellation) proceedings. The time available for these extensions will be significantly minimized, with the changes coming into effect as of December 1st. Those practicing in the field should be prepared for these…
The University of Michigan Law School has recently shared that they have chosen Kyle D. Logue, the Douglas A. Kahn Collegiate Professor of Law, as the interim dean for the institution. Logue’s term is set to commence on Jan. 1, following the conclusion of the term of current Dean Mark West on Dec. 31. Logue…
Nonprofit organizations often work under intricate legal frameworks defined by expenditure responsibility or ER grants. These are a set of legal strings that a private grant-making foundation must adhere to in order to avoid hefty penalty taxes on grants or transactions that could otherwise be perceived as taxable expenditure. On EO Radio Show – a…
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently addressed Ultium Cells LLC (UC), a battery cell manufacturing plant based in Warren, Ohio. According to an October 12 news release, OSHA has issued the company with a proposed penalty assessment. UC, known for its production of battery cells, has been the subject of increased scrutiny due…