SEC Adopts New Cybersecurity Disclosure Rules for Public Companies: Bolstering Risk Management and Transparency

On July 26, 2023, the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted new final rules concerning cybersecurity risk management, strategy, governance, and incident reporting by public companies, as reported by Foley & Lardner LLP on JD Supra. The primary features of these newly established rules are stipulated in two main points. Firstly, public companies are obliged…

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Books with Benefits: The Impact of Reading on Attorneys’ Cognitive Function and Well-being

In an era of digital domination, the tactile pleasure of leafing through a physical book remains a distinctive experience. Despite the wealth of e-books, audiobooks, and other digital reading tools at our disposal, there’s no better time to pick up an old-fashioned paperback than National Book Lover’s Day on August 9. This sentiment rings especially…

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Bridging the Cybersecurity and Compliance Divide: Lessons from a NAVEX Webinar

The field of corporate and cyber law is continuously evolving, and it has become increasingly crucial for legal professionals to familiarize themselves with risk and process management frameworks. In a recent webinar titled “Risk and Process Management Framework: Lessons Learned in Getting Started”, hosted by NAVEX and featuring Forrester’s Cody Scott, pertinent insights were offered…

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Biden Administration Modernizes SBA Loan Programs to Increase Small Business Capital Access

In an effort to expand access to capital for small businesses, the Biden Administration has announced a series of policy adjustments and modernizations to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 7(a) and 504 loan programs. According to an announcement shared by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP on August 1, the adjustments are aimed at simplifying…

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UK REITs Attract Property Investors Seeking Tax-Advantaged Real Estate Opportunities

As an avenue for property investment, United Kingdom Real Estate Investment Trusts (UK REITs) are increasingly becoming a significant mechanism in the market. In particular, UK REITs provide the advantage of tax exemptions which, in effect, place their shareholders in a tax position almost identical to that of a direct investor in UK real estate….

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Financial Consequences of Poor Hiring Decisions: Minimizing Compliance Risk and Losses

Investing in a competent employee selection process isn’t just about getting the best people on board; it has far-reaching financial implications for a company. As revealed by a survey conducted across 2500 firms, one incorrect hiring decision can lead to an astounding loss of more than $25,000, owing to decreased productivity, low morale, and other…

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Navigating New I-9 Compliance Rules: Steps to Ensure Adequate Preparation and Minimize Risks

As many legal professionals are undoubtedly aware, the COVID-era policy permitting employers to remotely inspect documentation for completing form I-9 concluded on July 31, 2023. Following this deadline, a recently implemented policy requires all employers to physically examine the I-9 documents, which employees were previously authorized to present remotely. These changes are broadly applicable, and…

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Zillow Loses Second Round in Prolonged Real Estate Copyright Battle

The Ninth Circuit, a pertinent figure in the US court jurisdiction, has recently passed a judgment that affirms Zillow, the popular real estate marketplace, as guilty of infringing copyrights owned by a well-known real estate photography studio. With the given background information, it’s apparent that this case’s decision marks the second round of a prolonged…

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SEC Final Rules Demand Transparent Cybersecurity Disclosures from Public Companies

In a move aimed at bolstering the transparency around cybersecurity risks, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enacted final rules requiring public companies to disclose pertinent cybersecurity incidents and strategies. The directive came into effect on July 26, 2023, generally obligating public organizations to shed light upon (i) the materiality of cybersecurity incidents within…

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Supreme Court Order Streamlines Energy Pipeline Construction, Impacts Environmental and Property Law

In a move that is vital for legal professionals working in large corporations and law firms, particularly those concentrating in environmental and property law, the U.S. Supreme Court released an order that directly impacts the construction of energy pipelines across the country. The order, issued on July 27, nullified the U.S. Court of Appeals for…

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