Last week, the legal scene in London was abuzz with several noteworthy cases. These included a dispute between Hugh James law firm and Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP, a patent claim by Panasonic against Chinese companies Xiaomi and Oppo, and collapsed law firm Carillion’s lawsuit against the U.K. government and three partners from PwC. Hugh James,…
The topic of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Management Directive 715 (MD-715) is both important and complex. Government agencies must rigorously prepare their annual filings for the EEOC MD-715, in conjunction with their regular self-assessments to locate and remove any potential barriers obstructing equal employment opportunity. This process has taken on even greater significance following…
On July 3, 2023, the Office of Inspector General (OIG), a part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, put into motion a final rule outlining the use of Civil Monetary Penalties (CMP) against unlawful acts of information blocking. Implemented under the OIG’s jurisdiction, this rule authorizes CMPs of up to $1 million…
In the continually evolving world of digital finance, Non-Fungible Tokens or NFTs have become a hot topic for debate – particularly in tax law. Many legal professionals, especially those associated with significant corporations and law firms, are grappling with the complex and uncharted tax issues surrounding these unique cryptocurrency assets. For those unacquainted, NFTs are…
Welcome to the August 2023 edition of The BR Privacy & Security Download, the digital newsletter dedicated to serving legal professionals with interest in privacy, security and data protection practices. This edition comes from the leading law firm, Blank Rome LLP. The detailed newsletter was expected to host an enlightening array of discussion points, legislative…
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) recently launched a new model to enhance and service the specific needs of individuals living with Dementia. Known as the GUIDE Model, it is slated to span eight years and plans to introduce an alternative payment system targeting providers that render crucial services to individuals with dementia….
There is a delicate balance between the protective nature of child abuse reports and the potential for misuse in the throes of relationship retributions. This issue recently made headlines in legal circles with an intriguing case that explored whether a vindictive report to DCPP (the agency that investigates child abuse) can be constituted as harassment…
Southwest Airlines, a major U.S. airline, has recently been embroiled in a racial discrimination lawsuit. A white passenger claims to have been unjustly targeted by an airline employee who allegedly reported her to police for suspected child trafficking. The incident in question took place while she was travelling with her Black daughter. The customer asserts…
In a significant legal motion, 21 Democratic Attorneys General (AGs) have intervened in the conversation surrounding the degree of free communication permissible between the U.S. government and social media platforms. These AGs have filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, asking the Court to overturn a preliminary injunction…
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”), which took effect on June 27, 2023, has significant implications for covered employers, including law firms and corporations. The legislation mandates that employers provide “reasonable accommodations” for the clearly defined restrictions of an employee with regards to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless such accommodation causes “undue hardship”…
As legal professionals around the globe reflect on the first year of the Biden Administration, they must take into account the changes implemented in enforcement guidance and policy. These changes pertain not only to criminal self-disclosures but also the deference to state regulators. In a published report found on JD Supra , it becomes clear…
In a recent ruling by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), staking rewards from certain cryptocurrencies are to be considered taxable income. This extends to taxpayers using a cash method of accounting who receive additional units of a cryptocurrency because of their staking activities. Under the new guidelines, these taxpayers must now include the fair market…
On July 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) granted a further extension for U.S. persons’ right to pursue action against collateral backing the Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., more commonly known as PdVSA’s defaulted 2020 8.5% bonds. This decision was facilitated through General License (GL) 5L, a part…
In the unsettling aftermath of a truck accident, victims often find themselves questioning their next steps. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many reach out to legal counsel. What may not be as apparent, however, is that the quality of this counsel can greatly impact the handling of the case. An attorney with specific experience in truck accidents can…
In a recent turn of events, the Supreme Court of the United States has decided to once again explore the boundaries of free speech and private business branding. The case in question, Vidal v. Elster, Case 22-704, is an appeal from the Federal Circuit centering around the application to register the trademark “TRUMP TOO SMALL”…
In the latest issue of Decoded – Technology Law Insights, an intriguing argument has been presented, positing that everyone should receive financial compensation for the data they share, which is then utilized in Generative AI platforms. This proposal confronts the traditional business model of AI companies, challenging the notion of freely available data being leveraged…
The OCC, FDIC, NCUA, and Fed (Federal Reserve) recently issued an addendum to the Interagency Policy Statement on Funding and Liquidity Risk Management established ten years earlier, in 2010. In this document, the regulatory bodies updated their guidance on liquidity risks and the importance of contingent planning for depository institutions. The move is an indication…
Amid a debate about the true commitment of top law firms to correcting performance issues among younger members of their teams, CEO Bryan Parker of Legal Innovators suggests timing couldn’t be better for an enlightened approach. The Legal Innovators, a diversity-oriented talent startup launched four years ago, is focusing on bolstering the performance of Big…
On July 13, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit handed down a key decision, reversing the dismissal of a putative class action against a poultry producer and several of its officers under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This case, titled Hogan v. Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., was…
The Canadian federal government has officially published a template to guide employers in the preparation of mandatory employment statement. This follows changes to the Canada Labour Code and its regulations that were implemented on July 9, 2023. These amendments necessitate federal Crown corporations and federally-regulated employers operating within the private sector to provide a written…
In a development that merits significant attention amongst corporate legal professionals, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has altered federal labor law in a move that favors employees. Notably, this recent reversal pertains to the NLRB’s method for executing the legality of neutral workplace rules under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). This decision, as…
The US Department of the Treasury-led Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) recently released its annual report for calendar year 2022, providing valuable insights into CFIUS’ review process. It also offers detailed statistics relating to covered foreign transactions that were filed in the preceding year. The full report can be accessed here….
A recent survey conducted by Pontera reveals a marked inclination among financial advisors towards 401(k)s in contrast to Individual Retirement Account (IRA) rollovers – a preference that ought to be considered against the backdrop of corporate financial decision-making practices. The survey’s findings are elucidated in an article written by Ary Rosenbaum from The Rosenbaum Law…
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has initiated a lawsuit against a home care provider on grounds of alleged race and national origin discrimination. The lawsuit revolves around allegations that the provider unlawfully adjusted work assignments to satisfy its clients’ preferences. According to the brief, the home care provider allegedly fell in line with…
Colorado is set to witness a shift in employment law dynamics with the implementation of the Protecting Opportunities and Workers’ Rights (POWR) Act on August 7, 2023. Known for setting progressive employment policies, the state’s new regulation is expected to tip the balance further in favor of employees. According to documents published by Bryan Cave…